How To Become an Air Force Combat Controller (CCT)

The journey to become an Air Force Combat Controller is a long and arduous one. In this article, I will outline everything you need to know including what an Air Force CCT is, does, how to become one, and then walk you through the training pipeline.

What Is An Air Force Combat Controller?

Air Force Combat Controllers (CCTs) are highly skilled and versatile members of the Air Force under U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command. They specialize in air traffic control, direct action, and forward air control in hostile and remote environments.

Air Force CCT Job Responsibilities

• Air Traffic Control: CCTs set up and manage air traffic in combat zones, ensuring safe and effective aircraft operations.
• Fire Support and Airstrike Coordination: They are responsible for calling in and directing air strikes, and providing crucial support for ground operations.
• Reconnaissance: CCTs conduct reconnaissance missions to gather essential intelligence in preparation for military actions.
• Communication and Coordination: CCTs serve as the link between air assets and ground forces, managing communications and operational coordination.

Combat Controllers are trained for a variety of terrains and conditions including deserts, arctic, urban, and maritime environments. In these environments, they are trained and qualified for:

• Scuba Diving: For underwater operations in maritime environments.
• Parachuting: Skilled in both static-line and military free-fall parachuting, allowing for various infiltration methods into operational areas.
• Snowmobiling: Trained in overland mobility, including snowmobiling for operations in cold-weather environments.
• Combat Skills: While their primary role is not direct combat, CCTs maintain a high level of combat readiness and can engage in direct action if required.

What Does a Combat Controller Do?

CCTs play a crucial role in modern warfare. Their ability to establish and manage air traffic control in hostile areas provides a strategic advantage, ensuring the success of air and ground operations. They are vital in coordinating precise air support, reducing the risk of collateral damage, and increasing the effectiveness of military operations.

CCTs often attach to and work alongside other special operations units including US Army Special Forces, Navy SEALs, and Army 75th Ranger Regiment.

Air Force Combat Controller (CCT) Team Structure

Many are surprised to learn that the US Air Force has a special operations division.

Combat Controller Teams (CCTs) are organized into squadrons within United States Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). These special tactics squadrons are the primary operational units, housing various CCT teams trained for specific missions and environments.

What Is a Special Tactics Squadron

Special Tactics Squadrons include CCTs and other Air Force special operations personnel including Pararescuemen (PJs), Tactical Air Control Party Specialists (TACPs), and Special Reconnaissance Airmen (SRs). These squadrons are tasked with a wide range of special operations missions, including air traffic control in austere environments, direct action, reconnaissance, and personnel recovery.

AFSOC has 10 Special Tactics Squadrons across the globe including England and Japan. The elite 24th Special Tactics Squadron, a Special Missions is the US Air Force’s component under Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).

Special Tactics Squadron Team Members:

1. Combat Controller (CCT)
   • Function: Specialize in air traffic control and coordinate air-ground operations and direct action missions.
2. Function: Provide personnel recovery and medical care in combat and humanitarian missions.
3. Pararescue Jumpers (PJs)
   • Function: Provide personnel recovery and medical care in combat and humanitarian missions.
4. Special Reconnaissance (SR)
   • Function: Conduct reconnaissance and surveillance in hostile environments.
5. Tactical Air Control Party (TACP)
   • Function: Coordinate air support for ground forces and manage close air support.
6. Support and Logistics Personnel
   • Function: Provide essential support in logistics, communications, and equipment maintenance.
7. Command Element
   • Function: Command and control the squadron’s operational elements.

How To Become an Air Force CCT

1. Civilian to Active Duty or National Guard Enlisted

Civilians can become an Air Force CCT through Active Duty or the National Guard. Check out here for more details on contacting Air National Guard units.

• Eligibility: Civilians can enlist directly into the Air Force for Active Duty or directly contact their nearest Special Tactics Squadron Guard unit to see if there is a CCT opening.
• Age Requirements: Typically between 17-39 years old.
• Educational Requirements: A high school diploma or GED is required. GED holders may need a waiver.
• ASVAB: Must pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.
• Physical Fitness: Candidates must pass the Initial Fitness Test (IFT). This includes a timed 1.5 mile 500m swim, push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, and 25m underwaters.
• Active Duty Contract: Enlist under the Special Warfare Open Enlistment (SWOE) program, which includes CCT as a potential career path.
• National Guard Contract: Enlist directly as a CCT after passing the National Guard selection and being chosen by the National Guard unit.

2. Civilian to Active Duty or National Guard Special Tactics Officer

• Commissioning Programs: Civilians can become Special Tactics officers through the Air Force Academy, ROTC, or Officer Training School (OTS).
• Age and Education: Age limits and educational requirements vary by commissioning source, but all officer candidates must have a 4-year degree

3. Active Duty Crosstraining to CCT

Any Airmen that meets cross-training and eligibility requirements can crosstrain into Special Warfare operator or support career fields.

The memo also states that First Term Airmen may retrain as early as the 24th month of their current enlistment.

1. MyPERS: Visit MyPERS and select ‘Apply for Retraining’. Check the ‘Online myPers Retraining Advisory and Retraining Advisory Notes’ for available slots. Be aware that Special Warfare slot listings may not always be up-to-date.
2. Enlisted Classification Directory (ECD): Review retraining requirements for your desired career field in the ECD and ECD Attachment 4. Pay attention to ASVAB scores, Time In Service, Rank limits, etc. Access the ECD through a search on the AF portal.
3. Required Documents:
   • Recommendation letter from Commanding Officer (CC)
   • Special Warfare Medical Physical
   • Completed PAST Test
   • Form 125a, if previously attended Indoc or A&S and did not complete. Request Form 125a via email from [email protected]

4. Prior Service to Air National Guard CCT

Combat Controller positions are only available with Special Tactics Squadrons and there are only two Air National Guard Special Tactics Squadrons

Contact Information for Air National Guard:

I have included links, so you can contact them. Keep in mind, that competitive scores are required and you will have to take an enhanced version of the IFT and pass a selection with the unit prior to earning a contract. Slots may not be available.

Medical Standards for Combat Controllers

To join the Air Force, you must pass a rigorous medical screening through MEPs.

Common disqualifications include asthma, poor vision, anti depressants or ADHD medication. While in prior years enlistees could “forget” their prior medical history and still join, the new MHS Genesis system scans private medical records.

You can read a common list of disqualifications here.

• Initial Screening: Candidates undergo a detailed medical examination as part of the enlistment process.
• Vision Requirements: Vision standards for CCT candidates are stringent. While corrective surgery may be permissible, there are specific guidelines regarding visual acuity and post-surgical outcomes.
• Hearing Standards: Candidates must have no significant hearing loss. Hearing ability is critical for air traffic control communication and operational effectiveness.
• Overall Health: General health is thoroughly assessed, including cardiovascular fitness, pulmonary function, and neurological health. Chronic or severe medical conditions can be disqualifying.

Physical Fitness Requirements For Combat Controllers

As you clear the medical process, you must be training hard. To earn a SWOE-V contract to become a CCT, you must pass the Initial Fitness Test (IFT).

While the IFT’s standards are low, Air Force and Assessment & Selection is very hard. You not only need to be just as fast and strong as Army Special Forces candidates, but you also need to be a great swimmer and treader and be confident in the water.

For this reason, I generally recommend my clients join the Army over the Air Force, unless they’re already proficient in swimming.

Initial Fitness Test (IFT) Requirements

• Pull Up – 8 reps
• Sit Up – 50 reps
• Push Up – 50 reps
• 1.5-mile Run in 10:30 or less
• 25-meter Underwater Swim for 2 rounds (Pass/Fail)
• 500-meter Swim in 12:30 or less

Competitive IFT Scores

To increase their chances of success at Air Force Assessment and Selection, candidates should aim to far exceed the minimum IFT requirements.

Competitive IFT Scores:

• Pull Up – 15 reps
• Sit Up – 70 reps
• Push Up – 70 reps
• 1.5-mile Run in 9:15 or less
• 25-meter Underwater Swim for 2 rounds (Pass/Fail)
• 500-meter Swim in 9:30 or less

One of the most overlooked aspects of training for special operations is strength training. Even though it is not tested on the IFT, I recommend my candidates hit the following strength standards prior to enlisting

Strength Standards:

• Back Squat – 275lbs
• Deadlift – 335lbs
• Standing OHP – 135lbs

How Hard is Air Force Assessment & Selection?

Research comparing various special operations forces pipelines showed that Air Force Special Warfare (PJ, CCT, SR) candidates often have higher physical fitness levels in swimming and running compared to their counterparts in other branches. This debunks one of the many myths about Air Force special operations.

Air Force CCT Attrition Rate

The attrition rates for CCTs vary from class to class, but historically the attrition rates have been around 20%. While this chart only goes until 2014, attrition rates have been even lower in recent years, spurring studies from the RAND corporation which resulted in the creation of the new Air Force Special Warfare Prep School.

CCT Training Pipeline

In total, it will be well over 2 years of training to become a qualified Combat Controller

1. Basic Military Training (BMT): 7.5 weeks at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. It introduces recruits to military life and basic protocols.
2. Special Warfare Candidate Course (SWCC): 7 weeks at the same base, preparing candidates for the Special Warfare Training.
3. Special Warfare Assessment and Selection: 4 weeks of physical fitness and determination assessment.
4. Combat Control Operator Course: 15.5 weeks focusing on air traffic control fundamentals and basic CCT skills.
5. Air Traffic Control School: 15 weeks of FAA-certified training in air traffic control.
6. Combat Control School: 13 weeks of advanced tactical training specific to CCT operations.
7. Military Freefall Parachutist Course: 5 weeks specializing in high-altitude, low-opening (HALO) parachuting techniques.
8. Combat Diver Course: 5 weeks covering scuba diving skills for underwater operations.
9. Special Tactics Advanced Skills Training: The final and comprehensive phase, lasting approximately 12 months, integrates all previously learned skills

Conclusion

Becoming an Air Force Combat Controller is a challenging but rewarding path. Best of luck on your journey.

If you enjoyed this article, check out this article on the TRUTH about Air Forces Assessment and Selection.