USAF Combat Control Teams
From setting up landing strips to rescuing GIs, their motto: First There!
USAF’s Combat Control Teams (CCTs) are among the least known of US Special Operations Forces, yet they play a vital role in the War on Terror. In fact, to give a good illustration of the value placed upon their skills, as I was sitting down to write this column, I checked my e-mail and found one from Blackwater about a job opening. Qualifications were at least one-year service in Iraq as a SEAL, Special Forces, Ranger, Marine Recon, or Air Force Combat Controller or PJ (Para-Jumper/Pararescueman). Combat Controllers are inserted with SEALs, Rangers, and Special Forces and must be able to jump, hump, or swim with them, as well as fight alongside other operators during their missions. Throughout the entire Air Force, however, there are only a few hundred CCTs, around 400 from what I recall, though the goal has been to reach 500 through bonuses for re-upping and recruitment.
First There
In Operation Anaconda, a CCT sergeant was awarded a posthumous Air Force Cross (second highest award to the Congressional Medal of Honor) for a mission where a SEAL fell from the insertion helicopter, which had been hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. After the helicopter made an emergency landing, the CCT, Tech Sgt. John Chapman, called in an AC-130 gunship for air support and to search for the fallen SEAL. Chapman then called in an evacuation helicopter prior to attempting to rescue the downed SEAL. In the process, Chapman engaged an enemy machine gun emplacement, killing two. He continued to give covering fire to the rescue attempt until he was killed.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:26 am
im currently in the airforce and have thought of nothing els other than being an Air Force Combat Controller for the past year. im currently attached to an army unit in germany and theyre helping me to get to where i want to be but i was wondering if you would have any recomendations or info for me i would greatly apritiate your help. thank you
April 26th, 2009 at 8:06 am
CCT@The Eye of the Storm is the first ever history of Air Force Combat Control Teams. The teams were first formed in 1944 by the US Army Air Force, for Operation Varsity. Since then CCTs have proudly served at the eye of the storm for approximately 65 years.
The new book is scheduled for release in September 2009. Be the first on your block to get a copy.
See website for details. Mail check or use Pay Pal. Hardcover book is approximately 450 pages, 8.5″ x 11″ and has scores of photographs. Prepublication price is $49.00.
Gene Adcock, CMSgt, USAF (CCT) Retired
Chairman, The Combat Control School Association and The Benini Heritage Center.
See 2008 Grand Opening photos of the Combat Control School at the link below.
http://www.sgtmacsbar.com/CCTPhotos/Gallery50/Gallery50.html