Photo By Senior Airman Malcolm Mayfield | Combat Controllers from the U.S. Air Force 321st Special Tactics Squadron, based out...... read more read more
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RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom – Members from the 321st Special Tactics Squadron, assigned to the 352nd Special Operations Wing, based at RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, hosted a special tactics brief and demonstration Feb. 13-14, 2019 in order to educate current Airmen from surrounding bases, on what it takes to become an operator.
“It started because I had several calls in a matter of a month from Airmen that were interested in finding out more about special tactics. After the fifth person called, the leadership decided we should put something together for the Airmen wishing to cross-train into special operations,” said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt., senior enlisted leader for the 321st STS.
The 321st STS provides a rapidly deployable SOF to execute the full spectrum of SOF missions specializing in global access precision strike and personnel recovery. Unit combat controllers and pararescuemen conduct reconnaissance, surveillance, assessment and establishment of assault-zone sites and provide air traffic control and long-range secure command and control communications.
The recruiting event consisted of a Special Tactics brief, a Special Tactics scenario and a physical fitness event. During the demonstration, operators conducted a personnel recovery scenario so that members could get a taste for what it’s like to be in a special tactics squadron.
“The scenario we put together simulated a local embassy being attacked, and two of our Airmen had escaped. There were safely on their way to our recovery site, where our recovery team was on there way to pick them up,” said the 321st STS SEL. “But on their way, they got captured by a hostile element."
By conducting a full Special Tactics scenario, members were able to get up close and understand the precision and skill that goes into being an operator. Afterwards, the floor opened up for questions.
"We opened it up for all the observers to ask questions and talk one-on-one,” said the 321st STS SEL. “We ended up staying there for about an hour and a half afterwards, it was question after question and they were able to get their answers straight from the operators on what it’s like to be on a team like that.”
The second-day featured an NFL-style physical fitness event, put on by the Emmanual Ashamu, the human performance specialist for the 321st STS. His goal was to provide Airmen the opportunity to challenge themselves personally and to self-assess their physical and mental readiness to perform in high-stress situations.
“The purpose was for Airmen seeking to become operators, or Combat Controllers, to experience a physical stress similar to what they might do during selection,” said Ashamu.
Key leaders know the physical and mental demands it takes to be an operator. During the physical fitness event they implemented strenuous measures to help simulate what an Airman would do during selection, such as a mile-long run, sled drag, 20-meter low-crawl, jerry-can-carry, followed by a cognitive and conditioning test.
“One of the unique events is the jerry-can-run, was a test for grip strength and endurance. At this point in the event they are worn out and may be under pressure," said Ashumu. "Can you carry a load and move quickly under stress? Battle field operators sometimes have to carry upwards of 150 lbs. on their frame. This was the safest way to apply that.”
The events were a direct correlation to the skills needed on the battlefield, specifically being able to work collectively with people they may be unfamiliar with.
“It throws you off when they throw you into groups, because you are forced to think about your team versus just yourself,” said a U.S. Air Force Senior Airman, who participated in the event. “But it’s definitely something needed, because you are going into a team, and in the end we are all supposed to be number one together.”
Being physically and mentally fit is a foundation to being an operator. It is important this is accomplished in order to effectively conduct operations.
“You need to be able to check that box and say, ‘physical fitness is a non-factor, we have that covered,’ so now you can focus on the intricate details of the mission,” said Ashamu.
Combat Controllers from the 321st STS are uniquely trained special operations forces and are among the most highly trained personnel in the U.S. military.
“The importance of finding the right people to do this job, and really putting them to the test, is critical, it comes proven on the backs of folks who have been doing this job for years,” said Unger.
To find out more about joining the team, contact 321sts.css@us.af.mil
| Date Taken: | 02.15.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 03.09.2019 12:12 |
| Story ID: | 313645 |
| Location: | RAF MILDENHALL, SUFFOLK, GB |
| Web Views: | 515 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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