Combat Control Foundation

July 13, 2017 | Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland, Australia

On this day nine years ago, U.S. Air Force combat controllers from the 320th Special Tactics Squadron and operators from the U.S. Marine Corps 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion successfully exited two U.S. Navy HH-60H Sea Hawk helicopters, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron-85 (HSC-85), following their extraction from the Shoalwater Bay Training Area. Having tactically infilled two days prior, the combined team was tasked with establishing and securing a tactical drop zone. Their stealthy ground footprint and precise coordination served as the vital first stage for the massive tactical (MASS TAC) airborne operation that followed, enabling the safe airdrop of 500 paratroopers during Exercise Talisman Saber 2017.

This highly complex joint operation highlights the unique global access capabilities that Special Tactics units bring to the battlefield. Air Force Combat Controllers operate as elite special operations forces. Trained to rapidly infiltrate denied, hostile, or austere environments by air, land, or sea, they are uniquely equipped to seize terrain and establish control of the surrounding airspace. By integrating seamlessly with Navy helicopter squadrons and Marine reconnaissance units during Talisman Saber, the 320th STS validated critical joint interoperability, ensuring the U.S. military can swiftly project overwhelming airpower and maintain regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.

July 16, 2013 | Fort McCoy, Wisconsin

On this day thirteen years ago, a SSgt combat controller from the 125th Special Tactics Squadron, Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, established and maintained air traffic control on an unpaved landing zone during Global Medic 2013. This annual joint-reserve field-training exercise is designed to replicate high-stress combat theater aeromedical evacuation operations. The insertion of a special tactics asset ensured seamless airfield operations and secure runways for incoming transport aircraft under simulated combat conditions.

Air Force Combat Controllers are FAA-certified air traffic controllers who operate as elite special operations forces. They specialize in deploying undetected into hostile, austere, or denied environments to survey and secure assault zones, including soft-field and dirt landing strips. By providing critical terminal air traffic control and commanding precision air-to-ground fires, these operators act as the vital link between joint airpower and ground forces during complex personnel recovery and medical evacuation missions.

Do you want to learn more about combat controllers Visit this link: https://www.combatcontrolfoundation.org/what-is-a-combat-controller

At this year’s Brotherhood Cup on 5 August 2026, Brand X will raffle off an Extortion 17 Flag. This Flag was made by Alex Johns who owns and operates Grey Beard Flag Company and is a retired USAF CCT. This Flag displays the names of all 31 Heroes and remembers their ultimate sacrifice.

All proceeds from the raffle will be sent to the Combat Control and Pararescue Foundations.

If you would like to purchase a raffle ticket, they are $20 each and can be purchased through Venmo . Please list your first and last name, a phone number so you can be contacted for delivery of the Flag, and how many tickets you are purchasing.

Tickets will be available for purchase until 4 August 2026.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Daniel Jones at 843-826-5309.