How to Become an Air Force Combat Controller: A Step-by-Step Guide
As one of the most elite and challenging careers in the US Air Force, the combat control team (CCT) is a group of Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel trained to coordinate and control military air traffic, including close-air-support missions, parachute and special operations insertions and exfiltrations, and to conduct command, control, communications, and computers (C4) and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) tasks.
Requirements
Before applying to become an air force combat controller, it’s essential to meet the basic requirements. Citizens of the United States can apply if:
- They are at least 17 years old, but less than 35 years old to join with a high school diploma (waiverable for the age limit to a maximum of 39 years old)
- Have a bachelor’s degree (in some cases, enlisted members without a degree may be selected for training, but these are highly competitive and exceptional cases)
- Possess a minimum overall aptitude score of 80-85 (GT-113-119)
Educational Requirements
The first step to becoming a combat controller is to gain a suitable educational background. Here are the educational paths that lead to the coveted combat control career:
| Educational Path | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | * Any field (math-intensive, physics-intensive, and computer science are advantageous) |
| Commissioning Degree | * Math-intensive majors (e.g., Mathematics, Physics, or Engineering) |
ASVAB Scores
In order to qualify for combat controller training, a high level of aptitude in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is required. Here’s a breakdown of the relevant ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) scores:
| ASVAB Test | Minimum Scores |
|---|---|
| General Technical (GT) | 113-119 |
| Math Knowledge (MK) | 116-126 |
| Electronic Information (EI) | 112-116 |
| Auto & Shop (AS) | 117-122 |
| Physics (PS) | 116-125 |
| Mechanical Comprehension (MC) | 121-130 |
| Technical Services (TSC) | 104-118 |
Fitness Standards
Combat controllers require excellent physical fitness, so candidates should be prepared for a comprehensive physical assessment test. To pass the Physical Abilities and Stamina Test (PAST), candidates should aim for the following minimum standards:
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 2-Mile Run | Complete within 14 minutes, 14 seconds |
| Body Massage | Complete within 150 seconds |
| Vertical Jump | Achieve 38 inches |
| Bench Press | Perform 37 bench press |
| Sledge Hammer Throw | Throw a 25-foot long steel sledgehammer (4.4 lbs) the distance of 28.5 feet in two trials |
AFCCC Program
The AFCombat Control, and the Aerial Evasion, AFCCC (AF Air Mobility Command) course at Hurlburt Field, Florida, is a highly competitive and rigorous program, lasting approximately 9 weeks. It involves training in:
| Area of Instruction | Training Objective |
|---|---|
| Basic Parachute Jump | Demonstrate correct jumping procedures and perform basic aerodynamics |
| Jump Control | Operate parachuting equipment and lead parajumpers on air and ground operations |
| Surveillance and Targeting | Analyze intelligence information and designate targets |
| Battlefield Information | Manage combat and ground operations using surveillance assets |
Aircrew Certification
After completing AFCCC, combat controllers become eligible to attend aircrew certification schools, such as:
- T-44, a two-week, military-style course introducing new student pilots to aerobatics, stalls, and maneuvers
- TC-7, a comprehensive aeromedical course training flight medic skills
- Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training to enhance mental and physical resilience in challenging situations
- Free-fall and static line training, emphasizing precision airdrops and aerial infiltration skills
- Close-quarters Battle (CQB) to develop tactics, strategies, and marksmanship proficiency
In-Flight Training
To further their skills, combat controllers go through extensive in-flight training, which may involve flying in:
| Aircraft Type | Primary Missions |
|---|---|
| U-26 Unmanned Aircraft Systems | Reconnaissance and surveillance operations |
| UC-27, UC-12 | Special operations support, surveillance, and logistics transportation |
Operational Support
As an Air Force Combat Controller, operational duties can include:
| Operations Support | Description |
|---|---|
| Reconnaissance | Covert missions, aerial photography, and surveillance |
| Infiltration and Extraction | Night vision and sensor-enabled pararescue |
| Strike Coordination | Control Air Support and Special Operations insertion/extraction |
Deployment and Security Clearances
Combat controllers, due to their high-security roles, require high-clearance authorizations, often resulting in frequent deployments in combat and austere environments.
In conclusion, becoming an air force combat controller is a challenging and highly rewarding experience. It demands strong STEM skills, a robust physique, and mental agility to excel in diverse operations support roles. As part of the US Air Force, combat controllers face some of the most dangerous and unorthodox assignments worldwide.
