AFSOC | News

April 9, 2024
Dedication Ceremony Honors SrA Daniel Sanchez

Members of the Special Tactics community past and present, and the family of Senior Airman Danny Sanchez gathered for a dedication ceremony of the Special Tactics Training Squadron Schroeder Building auditorium, Apr. 8.
Feb. 16, 2022
Three AFSOC wings participate in combat control training at WRANGB

A Special Tactics combat controller with the 125th Special Tactics Squadron (STS), Oregon Air National Guard, is seen through night vision goggles measuring the distance to a target during a training exercise in Oklahoma City, Jan. 12, 2022. The 125th STS trained with the help of members with the
Nov. 15, 2019
Special Tactics Chief awarded Silver Star for countering overwhelming Afghan ambush

What began as a typical reconnaissance patrol during a brisk November in Afghanistan quickly took a devastating turn for the worst. U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Chris Grove, a Special Tactics combat controller assigned as the 720th Special Tactics Group superintendent, delivered thousands of
Aug. 1, 2019
Special Tactics partners with conventional forces and allies in USAFE-led Operation Rapid Forge

Over 400 Airmen, including two Special Tactics troops from different units, joined forces with partner nations for Operation Rapid Forge, from July 8 to July 26, across the European theater. Operation Rapid Forge is a United States Air Forces in Europe-led mission to enhance readiness and tests the
March 4, 2019
Special Tactics Airmen culminate 830-mile ruck march to honor fallen brethren

Aches, blisters, exhaustion, pain…830 miles, five states, 11 days…are a minute price to pay to honor the fallen. The push to continue on for these Air Commandos come from their communities’ legacy of never forgetting a fallen comrade, from the pride instilled within themselves, and from reaching
Jan. 24, 2019
‘Til Valhalla’: Special Tactics combat controller laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery

Known for his grit, loyalty, unwavering character, and the author of quick-witted military cadences, often referred to as “jodies,” Staff Sgt. Dylan Elchin was tough, dedicated, and easy going—often making light of difficult situations.He was a good teammate, a selfless friend and a true patriot who
Dec. 6, 2018
Fallen Special Tactics operator remembered during hometown memorial

Hundreds of Special Tactics Airmen, family and friends gathered to commemorate a fallen teammate, son, fiancé, and warrior during a memorial service, Dec. 6, 2018, in Moon Township, Pennsylvania. The memorial honored the life and legacy of U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Elchin, a Special Tactics
Nov. 28, 2018
Special Tactics Airman killed in action in Afghanistan

A Special Tactics Airman was killed when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, Nov. 27, 2018. Staff Sgt. Dylan Elchin, 25, a Special Tactics combat controller with the 26th Special Tactics Squadron, was deployed in support of OPERATION Freedom’s Sentinel.
Aug. 14, 2017
Air Commandos land A-10s on Estonian highway

Air Commandos landed U.S. Air Force aircraft on austere landing zones -- a.k.a. closed-off highways in Estonia -- during drills with the Maryland Air National Guard.
Oct. 26, 2016
Air Commandos, South Koreans exercise interoperability

The 353rd Special Operations Group conducted a joint, combined exchange at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea from Oct. 13-26, 2016. Also known as JCET, these exercises are designed to build partnerships and interoperability among special operations forces.