Air Force Special Tactics

Air Force Special Tactics brings airpower to the ground fight, opening landing areas, directing precision strikes and recovering isolated personnel.

About the Organization

Special Tactics Airmen work alongside special operations teams to get aircraft into difficult places, direct strikes and bring people home. Their heritage includes combat control and pararescue, with John “Coach” Carney’s Brand X team helping shape the modern force beginning in 1977. Across multiple squadrons, these Airmen combine reconnaissance, air traffic control, rescue and medical skills to connect aircraft overhead with the mission on the ground.

Core missions

Access, precision strike and recovery

Early modern chapter

Brand X team formed in 1977

Pioneering leader

Col. John “Coach” Carney

Command affiliation

Air Force Special Operations Command