An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Air Force Special Operations Command opens new training site on Eglin's range

  • Published
  • By Jeremy Webster
  • Air Force Special Operations Command
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Air Force Special Operations Command hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Integrated Urban Joint Close Air Support training site on the Eglin range June 8.

In order to develop new tactics, techniques and procedures servicemembers need in today's asymmetric battlefield, AFSOC has developed a new readiness training capability at Eglin. 

"Since our enemies have chosen an asymmetrical and irregular approach to combat American power, we are forced to conduct many operations in urban areas," said Ken Taylor, training transformation branch chief. "The urban environment forces us to adapt and develop our tactics techniques and procedures for the urban environment." 

Three IU-JCAS training sites and a Survival Evasion Resistance Escape training site were developed to support the Special Operations Command Joint National Training Capability exercise program. 

The IU-JCAS site is the only special operations AC-130 urban live-fire training facility. The IU-JCAS site has sub sites that contain special features to help Airmen with their training. Site A has a five-story tower "boots on" facility. Site B is an "eyes on" urban live fire village that integrates air and ground call-for-fire training in an urban "canyon" setting. 

The urban SERE training site teaches urban evasion skills in a realistic environment.  Scenarios are presented to provide a multi-purpose urban environment, and designed to incorporate the use of aircraft, ground vehicles and ground forces. 

Similar to other training sites the SERE site has its own unique features. The roads are surrounded by one, two and three story buildings. Adjacent to the buildings are various fences, walls culverts and debris piles. 

"This site will help us develop our training capabilities in an urban setting," said Mr. Taylor. "Our joint forces must be allowed to train with these TTPs."