Special Tactics MissionsSpecial Tactics squadrons combine Pararescue, Combat Control,Combat Weather, and Support personnel into an integrated Special Tactics Squadron (STS). While most missions include both Pararescue and Combat Control personnel, the numbers/personnel will vary. I have broken down the STS missions based on Pararescue core tasks and Combat Control core tasks. Those listed under Pararescue will have a Pararescue Team Leader, those listed under Combat Control will have a Combat Control Team Leader.Detailed information on Pararescue, Combat Control, and Combat Weather can be found on these pages: Pararescue Core MissionsPararescue forces provide a capability forworldwide rescue and recovery of Air Force isolatedpersonnel and materiel. They furnish the surface-to-air link for the positive control necessary between a recovery vehicle and the objective. To effect this link, they serve as integral elements (one or two personnel) of recovery aircrews to: - Provide guidance to the aircraft commander for on-scene operations.
- Render on-scene triage, emergency medical treatment, and continuing en-route field medical care.
- Handle survivors.
- Provide SERE expertise.
With special mission training, pararescue aircrew elements conduct defensive systems operations, scanning, and augmentation of other aircrew activities when needed.When aircraft limitations, higher priority missions, geographic conditions, threat, or intelligence considerations preclude aerial access to an isolated person, pararescue forces employ as surface teams for overland operations or open water operations. The teams operate autonomously from the delivery aircraft. These teams provide: - Personnel Recovery (PR) (short or long term)
- Surface search and recovery.
- On-scene authentication, security, and survival assistance.
- Emergency and continuing field medical care.
- Evasion assistance and surface movement to areas suitable for recovery.
- Reception for the recovery vehicle.
- On-load and off-load assistance.
Pararescue forces employ using a wide range ofinsertion and extraction techniques, that is,parachute, hoist, scuba, small boat, all-terrainvehicle, et cetera, or combinations of these. Designatedforces are capable of high-altitude mountainoperations and NASA recovery support.When operating on Airfield operations, (Combat Control Team Leader), Pararescuemen provide the following: - Establish/operate Casualty Collection Points (CCP)
- Provide medical care, recovery and evacuation
- Provide combat emergency medical and trauma care
- Operate specialized personnel locator systems
- Operate combat medical evacuation vehicles
- Conduct casualty transload and evacuation operations
- Condut aircraft marshalling
Combat Control Core Missions- Provide terminal guidance and air traffic control for assault zones (AZ). An AZ may be an established airfield, landing strip or unimproved site.
- Establish ground-to-air communications
- Coordinate AZ activities with the ground force commander
- Perform weather observations
- Provide positive control of personnel and equipmentwithin the airhead area to include control of Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARRP) operations
- Select, evaluate, survey and establish AZs
- Clear, mark and operate the AZ
- Establish enroute and terminal navigation aids and beacons
- Support selected regional survey team (RST) missions
- Remove obstacles to flight for follow-on operations
- Conduct, coordinate, and plan fire support operations.
- Control CAS aircraft
- Control naval gunfire
- Spot for artillery fire
- Operate laser targeting equipment
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