RECRUITING

GENE ADCOCK

COMBAT CONTROL - AIR FORCE SPECIALTY CODE (AFSC) - 1C2X1

GENE ADCOCK

A Combat Controller is Awesome

Warrior School

A Combat Controller: You Can Do It

GENE ADCOCK

USAF COMBAT CONTROL TEAM RECRUITING INFORMATION

Combat Control is one of the most exciting, challenging and physically demanding jobs in the Air Force.  As members of a Special Tactics Team, combat controllers are organized, trained and equipped for rapid insertion into hostile areas by whatever means necessary - parachute, scuba or vehicle - to establish communications and control airlift and air strike assets in the target area. Combat controllers are also certified FAA air traffic controllers.

Some of the duties combat controllers perform include: assault zone assessment and establishment, air traffic control, command and control communications, special operations terminal attack control and demolitions.

Combat controllers provide a unique capability and typically train and deploy with joint air and ground forces such as Army Rangers, Special Forces and Navy SEALs in the execution of direct action, counter-terrorism, foreign internal defense, humanitarian assistance, reconnaissance and combat search and rescue operations. These elite special tactics teams are typically the first military units deployed to international “hot” spots.

Their motto, “First There,” reaffirms the combat controller’s commitment to undertaking the most dangerous missions behind enemy lines by leading the way for other forces to follow.

GENE ADCOCK

QUALIFICATIONS: Those interested in becoming a combat controller must meet certain eligibility criteria. According to current Department of Defense policies, all candidates must be male and a U.S. citizen. A candidate must also be a high school graduate or equivalent, earn a score of at least 43 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test, be able to obtain a Secret security clearance and be a proficient swimmer. Applicants must have normal color vision and the vision of their best eye must be at least 20/70 and their worst eye, 20/100, with each correctable to 20/20. Each applicant must also successfully complete the Physical Ability and Stamina Test (PAST), where individuals must show they can perform a 500-meter swim in 15 minutes or less, six pull ups in one minute or less, 50 sit ups in two minutes or less, 42 push ups in two minutes or less and a one and a half mile run in less then 11 minutes, 30 seconds. All applicants must also pass an Initial flying class III physical qualification of aircrew, parachute and maritime diving duty.

GENE ADCOCK

TRAINING: Combat controllers are among the most highly trained personnel in the U.S. military. They maintain air traffic control qualification skills throughout their careers. Their 35-week training and unique mission skills earn them the right to wear the scarlet beret. 

GENE ADCOCK

· Combat Control Orientation Course, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
This two-week orientation course focuses on sports physiology, nutrition, basic exercises, combat controller history and fundamentals.

· Combat Control Operator Course, Keesler AFB, Miss.
This 15 ½ -week course teaches aircraft recognition and performance, air navigation aids, weather, airport traffic control, flight assistance service, communication procedures, conventional approach control, radar procedures and air traffic rules. This is the same course that all Air Force air traffic controllers attend and is the heart of a combat controller’s job.

· U.S. Army Airborne School, Fort Benning, Ga.
This three-week course teaches basic parachuting skills required to infiltrate an objective area by static line airdrop.

· U.S. Air Force Basic Survival School, Fairchild AFB, Wash.
This two-and-a-half-week course teaches basic survival techniques for remote areas. Instruction includes principles, procedures, equipment and techniques, which enables individuals to survive, regardless of climatic conditions or unfriendly environments and return home.

· Combat Control School, Pope AFB, N.C.
This 13-week course provides final combat controller qualifications. Training includes physical training, small unit tactics, land navigation, communications, assault zones, demolitions, fire support and field operations including parachuting. At the completion of this course, each graduate is awarded the 3-skill level (journeymen), scarlet beret and combat controller flash.

· Special Tactics Advanced Skills Training, Hurlburt Field, Fla.
Advanced Skills Training (AST) is a 12-to-15-month program for newly assigned combat controller operators. AST produces mission-ready operators for the Air Force and United States Special Operations Command. The AST schedule is broken down into four phases: water, ground, employment, and full mission profile. The course tests the trainee’s personal limits through demanding mental and physical training. Combat controllers also attend the following schools during AST:

· U.S. Army Military Free Fall Parachutist School, Fort Bragg, N.C., and Yuma Proving Grounds, Ariz.
This course instructs trainees in free fall parachuting procedures. The five-week course provides wind tunnel training, in-air instruction focusing on student stability, aerial maneuvers, air sense, parachute opening procedures and parachute canopy control.

· U.S. Air Force Combat Divers School, Panama City, Fla.
Trainees become combat divers, learning to use scuba and closed circuit diving equipment to covertly infiltrate denied areas. The four-week course provides training to depths of 130 feet, stressing development of maximum underwater mobility under various operating conditions.

· U.S. Navy Underwater Egress Training, Pensacola Naval Air Station, Fla.
This course teaches how to safely escape from an aircraft that has ditched in the water. The one-day instruction includes principles, procedures and techniques necessary to get out of a sinking aircraft.

GENE ADCOCK

AIR NATIONAL GUARD RECRUITING

GENE ADCOCK

Alternate Titles:

Duties and Responsibilities:

Establishes and operates tactical communications systems. Gathers current battlefield information and Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) data in forward airhead areas. Coordinates with medical personnel on casualty and patient staging points. Provides airlift operations support that cannot be provided by combat communications groups or other agencies. Operates GPS (Global Positioning Systems) equipment to navigate for infiltration/exfilitration and locate assault zones.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Normal color vision, normal hearing and a clear speaking voice are required to enter this occupation. Controllers must pass a special physical exam.

HELPFUL ATTRIBUTES

Helpful school subjects include English, general mathematics, and typing. Helpful attributes include:

Ability to work under stress

Skill in math computation

Ability to make quick, decisive judgments

Ability to remain alert while performing repetitive tasks

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) normally must be obtained during training.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Air traffic controllers work in forward areas and forward operating locations.

TRAINING PROVIDED

Job training consists of 7 to 13 weeks of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty. Course content typically includes:

Air traffic control fundamentals

Visual and instrument flight procedures

Radar and other landing approach procedures

Communication procedures

Additional training occurs on the job.

CIVILIAN COUNTERPARTS

Civilian air traffic controllers work for the FAA in airports and control centers around the country. They perform duties similar to military air traffic controllers. They may specialize in specific areas, such as aircraft arrivals, departures, ground control, or en route flights.

CCT QUALIFICATIONS, 

STANDARDS AND REQUREMENTS FACT SHEET

GENE GENE ADCOCKADCOCK

Updated: October 2006

• Must be at least 20/70 or better in both eyes and both correctable to 20/20 with glasses. Waiver possibilities: Waiver may be possible if one eye is 20/70 or better and other no worse than 20/200, or if both eyes are no worse than 20/100)

• PRK laser surgery is only laser surgery approved by AF, must wait 1-year after procedure, some pre and post conditions must be met.

• Must have normal color vision and depth perception.

•  Flight Physical: Must be able to pass a Flying Class III

•     Age: Must join Air Force before 28th birthday. If person has any military time, it is subtracted from his actual age, if result is less than 28 he can still join. For example, person is 31, but had 4-years active duty. Subtract 4 from 31 = 2

•   Prior/Sister Service: Must have less than 12-years military service.

•  No inter-service transfer program into Combat Control or Pararescue career fields, person must get discharged from other service first. 

•  Process starts with the local Air Force recruiter. If the local recruiter is not aware of this procedure, call or email one of the points of contact listed in this document.

• ATTENTION: Prior service accessions are very limited. See attached Prior Service Selection Chart to see if the person qualifies. 

• No requirement to complete Air Force Basic Training

• Sister-service applicants will attend a 1-week “Blue-ing” Course at Lackland AFB TX prior to starting the CCT Orientation Course (Uniform issue, AF History taught,)

• Rank reduction may apply, must have 2-years total active service to keep E-4, 5 ½ years to keep E-5, 10-years to keep E-6, 15-years to keep E-7.

• Time-in-grade (TIG) may be applied depending on time out of service. If out less than 2-years, subtract your time out of service. From 2-4 years you get ½ of your TIG. Out more than 4-years, no TIG applied

• Prior service CCT may return to active duty if out less than 6 years.

• NOTE: The above rank information is subject to change without prior notice. Make sure the enlistment contract stipulates the grade/TIG

• First Term Cross-Trainees: 4-year enlistees can begin retraining application process at 24 months, 6-year enlistees at 36 months. This is submitted as an exception to policy, normal cross-training window is 36-months/60 months.

• CMSgt Humphrey/HQ AETC/A3TC/487-4103/hy/4 May 06 

1. 􀂃 Career Retrainees: Air Force policy permits retraining up to 16-years service. CCT retraining advisory normally will not show any openings for TSgt or MSgt positions – however, special exceptions may be possible.
2. 􀂃 Height: Min. height 4’10″ up to 6’8″
3. 􀂃 Weight: Maximum weight (In compliance with AF standards table, however, maximum weight for jump school is 250 lbs.)
4. 􀂃 Physical Fitness: Must pass the Physical Abilities and Stamina Test (PAST):
   1. o 20 meter underwater (pass/fail) – 5 to 10 minute break
   2. o 500 meter swim (freestyle, breaststroke, sidestroke) - 30 minute break
   3. o 1.5 mile run – 10 minute break
   4. o Chin ups in 1 minute - 3 min break
   5. o Sit ups in 2 min - 3 min break
   6. o Push ups in 2 min - 3 min break
   7. o Flutter Kicks in 2 min - end
   8. o PAST test results are based on a point scale, minimum required is 270. The results are good for an unspecified time, but member must be able to pass it again on the first day of training at the Orientation Course.
   9. o Note: Air Traffic Control cross-trainees have a 3-mile rucksack march carrying a 50-lb. load in addition to the above test events.
   GENE ADCOCK

CMSgt Humphrey/HQ AETC/A3TC/487-4103/hy/4 May 06

1. 􀂃 Security Clearance: Able to obtain a Secret security clearance.
2. 􀂃 Citizenship: Must be a US citizen upon start of training.
3. 􀂃 ASVAB Score: Must have a score of at least 44 in the General category.
4. 􀂃 Application Process via VMPF:
   1. o Enter VMPF (will need CAC); go to new self service application, and request retraining button
   2. o Will now be on the retraining site; fill out the Personnel Processing Application (PPA) (the PPA replaces form 4032); PPA is submitted to the AFPC Contact Center (CC) for processing.
   3. o Once you have submitted your PPA you will get an auto reply with an incident number for future reference; you can go under “my stuff” to check status of retraining and ask questions.
   4. o The CC is the consolidated MPF/MAJCOM retraining section. Their contact number is DSN 665-5000
   5. o The CC will now determine your eligibility status
   6. o If approved the CC will reply to member with what documentation is needed, (I.e. medical flight physical, PAST, etc.)
   7. o The member will scan the appropriate documents and send back to the CC
   8. o When CC approves the retraining package its loaded in MILPDS and now AFPC retraining can assign the course of initial entry, usually the Combat Control Orientation Course (CCOC)
   9. o Note: Effective 6 June 2006, the restriction preventing candidates from applying to cross-train from overseas (OCONUS) was lifted.
5. 􀂃 Recycled Retrainees: Successfully completed CCOC but not entire pipeline
   1. o If you have successfully completed CCOC but did not graduate the Combat Control Apprentice course and your training record (125A) does not restrict your return to CCT retraining then you may be able to reenter without going through VMPF retraining application process
   2. o Contact the AETC CCT Training Pipeline Manager if you fall in this category
6. 􀂃 Pipeline Schools:
   1. o Combat Control Orientation Course (CCOC): Lackland AFB, TX (2 weeks, will go to 4-weeks in the near future)
   2. 􀂃 Additional information and reporting instructions can be found at: https://etca.randolph.af.mil Click on the AETC Command patch (second patch top row), then type “Combat Control Orientation Course” in the Title Key Word area.

CMSgt Humphrey/HQ AETC/A3TC/487-4103/hy/4 May 06  

1. 1. o NOTE: Prior service students report two weeks prior to class start in order to complete the Air Force Prior Service Sister Service Orientation Course, (1 week course at Lackland AFB) prior to starting to the CCOC. The second week involves in-processing to 342d Training Squadron.
   2. o Air Traffic Control Course: Keesler AFB MS (72 training days/14.4 weeks)
   3. o Basic Army Airborne School: Ft. Benning GA (15 training days/3 weeks)
   4. o Basic Survival: Fairchild AFB WA (17 days/2.5 weeks)
   5. o Combat Control Apprentice Course: Pope AFB NC (61 training days/12.2 weeks)

1. 􀂃 Notes: All non-prior service (NPS) Airmen who sign an enlistment contract upon entering the Air Force for the Guaranteed Training Enlistment Program (GTEP) for 1C2X1, Combat Controller, are eligible to receive a bonus after attaining the 3-skill level – after Combat Control School (CCS) graduation. Larger bonuses are given to 6-year enlistees. These amounts change periodically, ask your local Air Force recruiter for the latest bonus amount.
2. 􀂃 Advanced Skills Training (AST): Conducted in 3-phases (11-12 months)
   1. o Phase I Water: In processing, physical training, pre-scuba water confidence and academics. Attend AF Combat Diver Course (Scuba) at Panama City, FL. (3 months)
   2. o Phase II Ground: Communications, survey, demolitions, Air Traffic Control, Forward Area Refueling /Rearming Point (FAARP) and fire support operations with helicopter and fixed wing aircraft. (3 months)
   3. o Phase III Operational Readiness Training: Attend Military Freefall Course at Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona. Note: Individual class quotas vary and could come at a different time during AST training. Tactical vehicles, weapons, small unit tactics, advanced navigation, amphibious ops, static line jump week, HALO week, helicopter infiltration/extraction, Rigging Alternate Method Zodiac (RAMZ) airdrops. Introduction to Special Tactics, mission planning, reconnaissance, Combat Search and Rescue operations, high angle rescue training, amphibious operations, urban calls-for-fire, airfield seizure operations, special ops unique training and completion of the CCT Career Development Course. (11 weeks)

   Note: All CCT School graduates move PCS to Hurlburt Fld, FL. Dependants are allowed to move here. (Recommend waiting until Phase I training is completed.)

3. 􀂃 Initial Assignment Locations after AST:
   1. o Pope AFB, (Fayetteville) NC (21st Special Tactics Squadron)
   2. ^{o McChord AFB, (Tacoma) WA (22nd Special Tactics Squadron)}
   3. ^{o Hurlburt Field, (Ft. Walton Beach) FL (23rd Special Tactics Squadron)}
   4. ^{o Kadena AB, (Okinawa) JA (320th Special Tactics Squadron)}
   5. ^{o Mildenhall AB, (England) UK (321st Special Tactics Squadron)}

CMSgt Humphrey/HQ AETC/A3TC/487-4103/hy/4 May 06 4

1.  GENE ADCOCK
   1. o NOTE: Under current Special Operations Forces realignment plan, the 320/321 STS’ will probably be deactivated and moved to Cannon AFB, (Clovis) NM in 2008 and activated as a new squadron (26 STS).
   2. o Assignment to 24 STS (Pope AFB) is possible after serving 2-years in an operational squadron.
   3. 􀂃 Special selection process applies before assignment.

1. 􀂃 Special Pays (If pay qualifications maintained for each): Total: $900
   1. o Combat Diver (SCUBA): $150/month
   2. o Military Free Fall (HALO): $225/month
   3. o Demolition: $150/month
   4. o Special Duty Assignment Pay (SDAP): up to $375 month
   5. o Note: Other special reenlistment bonuses and special duty incentive pays may apply to qualified personnel in certain year-groups or assignment location.
2. 􀂃 SrA, SSgt, and TSgt in this AFSC receive a promotion advantage (1.2 times the normal select rate).
3. 􀂃 Internet Web Site: See www.specialtactics.com for additional information. Note: Some information may not be current, contact POCs below for current data.
4. 􀂃 For Combat Control Orientation Course information call 1-800-831-4634 and ask for a member of the cadre.
5. 􀂃 Special Tactics Recruiting Liaison: Mr. Wayne Norrad, Commercial 850-884-4246 (DSN 579) or e-mail: wayne.norrad.ctr@hurlburt.af.mil or SSgt Aaron Switzer, ST Recruiter at 1-800-831-8723, or DSN 579-4661, Commercial 850-884-4661, email Aaron.Switzer@hurlburt.af.mil .
6. 􀂃 Air National Guard: CMSgt Carl Brooks, 703-607-2917, DSN 327-2926 or email Carl.Brooks@ngb.ang.af.mil

NOTE: This Fact Sheet is a guideline. Rules, procedures, etc. change from time to time without our knowledge. For active duty Air Force members, please contact your local Military Personnel Flight for up to date information. For non-prior service or prior service, please contact your local Air Force recruiter for enlistment procedures.

CMSgt Humphrey/HQ AETC/A3TC/487-4103/hy/4 May 06 5

GE HERITAGE     50s       60s      70s      80s     90s      00s      DIST GRADS     LINKS     RECRUITING    TEST   SPONSOR

NE ADCOCK

PRIOR SERVICE SCREENING FOR CCT CANDIDATES

The following point chart is used to assist in pre-qualifying Prior Service (PS) candidates for Combat Control - CCT (AFSC J1C2X1) duty. Start with the individual’s Military Specialty score, add additional qualification points and combat bonus points to get a final score. Recruiter’s will make copies of applicable diplomas, DD Form 214, resume, Prior Service Physical Ability Stamina Test (PAST), other supporting documents and a completed point chart and forward to the CCT career field functional manager via mail service or e-mail.

CCT Functional Manager: AF/A3OS (Attn: CMSgt Cantwell)

1480 AF Pentagon, Washington DC 20330-1480

Donald.Cantwell@pentagon.af.mil

(703) 695-5180

The career field manager or other designated individual will evaluate the record and conduct a telephonic or personal interview with the candidate. After completion of the interview, the career field manager will notify AFRS of selection/non-selection. If selected, AFRS will instruct the local recruiting squadron to schedule the individual for a Class III Flight Physical. If the applicant passes, the squadron informs AFRS/RSO, who in turn, requests an accession quota from AF/A1P. PRIOR SERVICE

CMSgt Humphrey/HQ AETC/A3TC/487-4103/hy/4 May 06 6

Note: Only military schools/qualifications count. EMT points count for PJ candidates only, and are not cumulative.

ATC = Air Traffic Controller AST = Aviation Survival Tech. EMT = Emergency Medical Tech. HALO = Military Freefall J/M = Jumpmaster LRRC = Long Range Recon Course

Marine Safety & Security Team SF “Q” = Special Forces Qualification SAR = Search and Rescue

S/L = Static Line Parachutist TAC = Terminal Attack Control WIC = Waterborne Infiltration Course

SERE = Survival Evade Resist Escape

GENE ADCOCK

 For more details about CCT training visit the links below.

http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/airforce/a/combatcontrol.htm

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=27602

GENE ADCOCK

FINALLY!

If you think you are tough enough to meet these training challenges and becoming a member of a Combat Control Team print this information and take it to your local Air Force Recruiting Station.  If the recruiter needs assistance, ask him/her to call the Commandant of the Combat Control School, Pope AFB, NC at (910)394-1394 for guidance.   

 GENE ADCOCK

But keep one thing in mind!

QUALIFICATION TRAINING IS THE EASY PART!

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