Air Force Special Tactics

Marine Force Recon Missions

Special Tactics is the U.S. Air Force's Special Operations ground combat force that executes a myriad of Special Operations missions to enhance air operations deep in enemy territory.

Operating with Navy SEALs, Army Special Forces, and Rangers, Special Tactics personnel are specially trained to seize enemy airfields and recover distressed personnel in hostile territory.

As a member of a Special Tactics team, getting to work can be an adventure. For example on any given day you may freefall from a high altitude, then maneuver your parachute to land behind enemy lines in time to save injured personnel; use inflatable boats and scuba gear to sneak in from the sea to guide in military aircraft; or use cross-country skis and rock climbing gear to traverse steep alpine passes to direct a precision bomber attack. This is just all in a day's work for the men of the Air Force Special Tactics Group.

Are you up to the challenge?
Air Force STG candidates endure the military's toughest training to become part of this elite special ops force. If you think you have what it takes, check out the requirements for becoming a member of the Air Force's Special Tactics Group.

Marine Force Recon History

Like the Army's Special Forces, the U.S. Air Force Special Operation's origins lie in the early days of WWII and the Office of Special Services. At that time the Air Force was a component of the Army. The first Army Air Force special operations involved the Special Flight Section of the 12th Air Force's 5th Bombardment Wing in North Africa.

In addition the Air Force Special Operations was involved prior to and during Operation OVERLORD, were AAF units dropped specially trained three-man Jedburgh teams — the original Green Berets — behind enemy lines in France. Once in place, the Jedburgh teams coordinated Free French and partisan "Maquis" operations.

In the last 60 years since WWII the Air Force's Special Operations Force has participated in special operations in Europe, Africa, South East Asia, Central America, and the Middle East in support of U.S. and allied interests. In fact, today's Special Tactics operators were instrumental in the rescue of two Air Force pilots shot down during Operation Allied Force in Kosovo and most recently in securing airfields and calling air strikes in Afghanistan.

Learn more about becoming part of the Air Force Special Tactics team.