17th Special Tactics Squadron explained

Unit Name:17th Special Tactics Squadron
Dates:1994–present
Role:Special Operations
Command Structure:Air Force Special Operations Command
Garrison:Fort Moore, Georgia
Motto:Ex Id Aer Pro Id Terra (Latin: "Of the Air for the Ground")
Decorations:Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device
Gallant Unit Citation
Air Force Meritorious Unit Award
Air Force Outstanding unit Award[1]
Identification Symbol Label:17th Special Tactics Squadron emblem (approved 6 June 1996)

The 17th Special Tactics Squadron is one of the ten Special Tactics Squadrons of United States Air Force Special Operations Command. It is garrisoned at Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), Georgia.

Overview

Special Tactics operators with the 17th STS, 24th Special Operations Wing, Air Force Special Operations Command, deploy with special operations forces to provide joint terminal attack control and maximize the impacts of air power by controlling and directing precise strikes to destroy the enemy. The squadron's primary mission is to provide special tactics Tactical Air Control Party Specialists (TACP) to the Army's 75th Ranger Regiment for unconventional operations.[2] [3]

Organization

The 17th STS is made up of a headquarters unit and two operational detachments. The headquarters unit is stationed at Fort Moore, Georgia. Detachment 1 (Red Team) is stationed at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia and is attached to 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.[4] Detachment 2 (Silver Team) is stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington and is attached to the 2d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.[5]

The squadron is primarily made up of TACP airmen. In addition to the TACPs in the unit, there are special reconnaissance airmen, combat controllers, special tactics officers, and combat mission support airmen.[6]

Each detachment consists of 13 TACPs and one Tactical Air Control Party officer (TACP-O).

They have access to weaponry such as the MK46, M4, MK18, MK17, MK20, and sidearms such as the M9, Glock 19, and M17.[7] [8]

Lineage

Activated on 1 July 1994

Assignments

Stations

See also

References

Bibliography

Further reading

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Factsheet 17 Special Tactics Squadron (AFSOC). Bailey. Carl E.. 24 April 2018. Air Force Historical Research Agency. live . 3 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180504155031/http://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1501829/17-special-tactics-squadron-afsoc/ . 4 May 2018 .
  2. Web site: 24th SOW re-designates 17th ASOS. Savage. Craig. 28 August 2013. 24th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs. live. 11 April 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20170924184157/http://www.afsoc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/495171/24th-sow-re-designates-17th-asos/ . 24 September 2017 .
  3. Web site: 24th Special Operations Wing. 20 February 2015. 24th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs Office. live. 9 March 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20170511172405/http://www.afsoc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/877959/24th-special-operations-wing/ . 11 May 2017 .
  4. Web site: 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment | Lineage and Honors | U.S. Army Center of Military History.
  5. Web site: 2d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment | Lineage and Honors | U.S. Army Center of Military History.
  6. Web site: Skovlund . Joshua . September 2, 2020 . Air Force’s 17th Special Tactics Squadron Surpasses 6,900 Days of Combat Alongside Rangers . 2024-06-04 . Coffee or Die Magazine . en.
  7. Air Force Special Operations Night Jump – Static & HALO Jumps Out Of C-130H . 2017-04-18 . MiliSource . 2024-06-04 . YouTube.
  8. Web site: Soldiers fire SCAR heavy weapons . 2024-06-04 . DVIDS . en.
  9. Web site: 24th SOW transitions responsibility of the 17th STS. 2021-12-30. United States Air Force Academy. en-US.