Special Tactics Squadrons are organized, trained and equipped specifically for various special operations missions facilitating air operations on the battlefield. They conduct combat search and rescue missions, perform battlefield surgery,[5] collect intelligence, as well as call in close air support or airstrikes against enemy combatants and are often partnered with other U.S. special operations forces overseas.
Subordinate units
The 720th Special Tactics Group is assigned four special tactics squadrons and a support squadron.[4]
Prior to May 2014, special operations weather technicians were assigned to the 10th Combat Weather Squadron. The decision was made to integrate these technicians with the other special operators serving in the special tactics squadrons and the squadron was inactivated upon their transfer.[6]
CHIEF Master Sergeant Aaron deployed from the group's 22d Special Tactics Squadron to Kandahar Province Afghanistan, was awarded the Air Force Cross for his actions on 10 December 2013. CMSgt Aaron and two Army Special Forces teammates had become separated from the main friendly body of troops while infiltrating enemy territory. The three were trapped in a courtyard by intense enemy fire that wounded CMSgt Aaron's two companions. CMSgt Aaron sprinted from his position to the exposed position of the two wounded teammates to defend them. Aaron continued to fight the enemy alone until reinforcements arrived. Once they did, he dragged his teammates to a nearby position of concealment and administered life-saving trauma care.[7]
Lineage
Designated as the 1720th Special Tactics Group and activated on 1 October 1987
Redesignated 720th Special Tactics Group on 31 March 1992.[2]
^See"Factsheet 24th Special Operations Wing". 24th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs. 4 September 2014. Retrieved 20 May 2015. (list of groups and squadrons assigned to 24th Wing)
^Research Division, Air Force Historical Research Agency, Air Force Organizational Status Change Report, June 2008
^Norrad, Wayne G. (July 2010). "CCA President's Corner"(PDF). CCA News (20). Combat Controller Association: 13. Archived from the original(PDF) on 27 November 2016.