720th Special Tactics Group

720th Special Tactics Group
720th Special Tactics Group airmen jump from a C-130J Hercules
ActiveOctober 1, 1987 – present
Country United States of America
Branch United States Air Force
TypeSpecial Operations Forces
RoleOrganize, train and equip ST forces worldwide to integrate, synchronize, and/or control air power during operations.
Size800[1]
Part of U.S. Special Operations Command
Air Force Special Operations Command
24th Special Operations Wing
Garrison/HQHurlburt Field
EngagementsPersian Gulf War
War in Afghanistan
Iraq War
DecorationsGallant Unit Citation
Meritorious Unit Award
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with "V" Device
Insignia
720th Special Tactics Group emblem (Approved 9 June 1988)[2]

The 720th Special Tactics Group is one of the special operations ground components of the 24th Special Operations Wing, assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) of the United States Air Force.[3] The group is headquartered at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The group is composed of geographically separated squadrons in four separate states; Florida, New Mexico, North Carolina and Washington.

Overview

The Group's Special Tactics Squadrons are made up of Special Tactics Officers, Combat Controllers, Combat Rescue Officers, Pararescuemen, Special Reconnaissance, Air Liaison Officers, Tactical Air Control Party personnel, and a number of combat support airmen which comprise 58 Air Force specialties.[4]

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

720th STG airmen during the transition ceremony of the 17th ASOS from Air Combat Command to Air Force Special Operations Command.

The 720th Special Tactics Group is assigned four special tactics squadrons and a support squadron.[4]

Other missions

The 720th STG also serves as the functional manager for two Special Tactics squadrons stationed outside the United States, the 320th Special Tactics Squadron under the 353d Special Operations Group at Kadena Air Base, Japan, and the 321st Special Tactics Squadron under the 352d Special Operations Wing at RAF Mildenhall, England.[1]

There are two Air National Guard units that augments the 720th STG for training and deployments, the Kentucky Air National Guard's 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, based at Standiford Field,[1] and the Oregon Air National Guard's 125th Special Tactics Squadron, based at Portland International Airport.

History

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]

Assignments

Components

Ft. Benning, Georgia[9]
Pope Air Force Base (later Pope Field, North Carolina[10]
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, (McChord Air Force Base), Washington[11]
Pope Air Force Base (later Pope Field), North Carolina[12]
Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico[13]
  • 720th Operations Support Squadron: 29 November 2004 – Present
  • Special Tactics Training Squadron, 1 June 2008 – 1 October 2008[9][14]

Stations

Awards

Award streamer Award Dates Notes
Gallant Unit Citation 1 January 2008–30 September 2009 [2]
Air Force Meritorious Unit Award 1 January 2008–30 September 2009
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award w/Combat "V" Device 1 September 2001–31 August 2003 [2]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 1 August 1991-31 July 1993 [2]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 1 August 1993-31 July 1995 [2]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 1 August 1995-31 July 1997 [2]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 1 September 1999-31 August 2001 [2]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 1 August 1997-31 July 1999 [2]

Commanders

  • October 1987 – May 1991, Col. John T. Carney[15]
  • May 1991 – 1995, Col. Robert W. Neumann[15]
  • 1995 – 1997, Col. Craig F. Brotchie[15]
  • 1997 – July 1999, Col. James L. Oeser[16]
  • July 1999 – July 2001, Col. Jeffrey Buckmelter[15]
  • July 2001 – July 2002, Col. Robert H. Holmes[17]
  • July 2002 – July 2004, Col. Craig D. Rith[15][18]
  • July 2004 – August 2006, Col. Kenneth F. Rodriguez[19][20][21]
  • August 2006 – July 2008, Col. Marc F. Stratton[22][23]
  • July 2008 – June 2010, Col. Bradley P. Thompson[23][24]
  • June 2010 – June 2012, Col. Robert G. Armfield[25]
  • June 2012 – July 2014, Col. Kurt Buller[26]

References

Notes
  1. ^ a b c "Factsheet: 720th Special Tactics Group". 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs. 25 January 2007. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Haulman, Daniel L. (15 July 2010). "Factsheet 720 Special Tactics Group (AFSOC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 13 July 2015.
  3. ^ "24th Special Operations Wing". Air Force Special Operations Command. Archived from the original on 13 August 2020. Retrieved 13 December 2018.
  4. ^ a b "Factsheet:24th Special Operations Wing". Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  5. ^ "Battlefield Surgery".
  6. ^ a b Parkinson, A1C Jeff (14 May 2014). "Hurlburt deactivates [sic] squadron". nwfdailynews.com. Retrieved 13 July 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ Savage, Maj Craig (17 December 2014). "PJ's extraordinary heroism earns an Air Force Cross". Air Force News Service. Retrieved 12 July 2015.
  8. ^ Unless indicated, group components are stationed with the group headquarters.
  9. ^ a b Research Division, Air Force Historical Research Agency, Air Force Organizational Status Change Report, October 2008
  10. ^ "Factsheets : 21 Special Tactics Squadron (AFSOC)". Afhra.af.mil. Retrieved 28 April 2013.
  11. ^ Dollman, David (15 May 2017). "22 Special Tactics Squadron (AFSOC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 24 September 2017.
  12. ^ 24 Special Tactics Squadron (AFSOC) > Air Force Historical Research Agency > Display
  13. ^ 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)
  14. ^ Research Division, Air Force Historical Research Agency, Air Force Organizational Status Change Report, June 2008
  15. ^ a b c d e Marion, Forrest (2018). Brothers in Berets: The Evolution of Air Force Special Tactics, 1953-2003 (PDF). Maxwell AFB, AL: Air University Press. pp. 162, 180, 243, 300, 315, 336. ISBN 978-1585662784.
  16. ^ "Photochart of USAF Leadership (As of Sept. 1 1998)" (PDF). AIR FORCE Magazine. September 1998: 74.
  17. ^ "Brigadier General Robert H. Holmes". United States Air Force. June 2009. Retrieved 27 November 2016.
  18. ^ "Craig Rith". www.linkedin.com. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
  19. ^ "Photochart of USAF Leadership (As of Sept. 1, 2004)" (PDF). AIR FORCE Magazine. September 2004: 91.
  20. ^ "Photochart of USAF Leadership (As of Sept. 1, 2005)" (PDF). AIR FORCE Magazine. September 2005: 90.
  21. ^ Dick, Erin (18 August 2006). "720th STG under new leadership". AFSOC Public Affairs. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
  22. ^ "Colonel Marc F. Stratton". 37th Training Wing. July 2011. Archived from the original on 24 February 2013. Retrieved 27 November 2016.
  23. ^ a b Cooper, Amy (1 July 2008). "720th Special Tactics Group welcomes new commander". Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs. Retrieved 27 November 2016.
  24. ^ 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.
  25. ^ "Colonel Robert G. Armfeld". Air Force Special Operations Command. May 2013. Retrieved 27 November 2016.
  26. ^ "Kurt Buller". www.linkedin.com. Archived from the original on 27 November 2016. Retrieved 27 November 2016.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to 720th Special Tactics Group.

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency

Read other articles:

Pierre Mauroy

Pierre MauroyPierre Mauroy nel 2006 Primo ministro della FranciaDurata mandato21 maggio 1981 –17 luglio 1984 PresidenteFrançois Mitterrand PredecessoreRaymond Barre SuccessoreLaurent Fabius Presidente dell'Internazionale SocialistaDurata mandato17 settembre 1992 –10 novembre 1999 PredecessoreWilly Brandt SuccessoreAntónio Guterres Primo segretario del Partito SocialistaDurata mandato14 maggio 1988 –9 gennaio 1992 PredecessoreLionel Jospin Succ...

 

Ähtäri

Lambang Ähtäri Ähtäri Ähtäri (Etseri dalam bahasa Swedia) ialah kota di Finlandia. Terletak di provinsi Finlandia Barat dan merupakan bagian dari kawasan Ostrobothnia Selatan. Kotamadya ini berpenduduk 7.000 (2003) dan meliputi wilayah 908,70 km² dan 103,33 km² darinya perairan. Kepadatan penduduknya 8,7 jiwa per km². Bahasa resmi di kota ini ialah Finlandia. Ähtäri terkenal karena kebun binatangnya. Pranala luar Ähtäri Artikel bertopik geografi atau tempat Finlandia in...

 

Free Yourself (Fantasia song)

2005 single by Fantasia featuring Missy ElliottFree YourselfSingle by Fantasia featuring Missy Elliottfrom the album Free Yourself ReleasedJune 1, 2005GenreR&BsoulLength4:18LabelJSongwriter(s)Missy ElliottCraig BrockmanNisan StewartProducer(s)Missy ElliottFantasia singles chronology Baby Mama (2004) Free Yourself (2005) Ain't Gon' Beg You (2005) Missy Elliott singles chronology Lose Control(2005) Free Yourself(2005) Teary Eyed(2005) For the 2022 single by Jessie Ware, see Free You...

Photosynthetic pigment

Type of molecule This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.Find sources: Photosynthetic pigment – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (December 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) Electromagnetic spectrum – wavelengths in metres A photosynthetic pigment (accessory pigment; chloroplas...

 

Science fiction convention

Science fiction fan gatherings This article's lead section may be too short to adequately summarize the key points. Please consider expanding the lead to provide an accessible overview of all important aspects of the article. (September 2017) Hugo Award winners at Worldcon 2005 in Glasgow, August 2005. Speculative fiction Alternate history List of alternate history fiction Retrofuturism Sidewise Award Writers Fantasy fiction Anime Fandom Fantasy art Fiction magazines Films Genres History Lege...

 

1954 Arizona gubernatorial election

Review of the election For related races, see 1954 United States gubernatorial elections. 1954 Arizona gubernatorial election ← 1952 November 2, 1954 1956 →   Nominee Ernest McFarland John Howard Pyle Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 128,104 115,866 Percentage 52.5% 47.5% County resultsMcFarland:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Pyle:      50–6...

Rumah Bolon Pamatang Purba

Rumah Bolon Pamatang Purba Rumah Bolon Pamatang Purba merupakan salah satu rumah bolon (rumah tradisional) Batak Simalungun yang pernah menjadi kediaman keluarga penguasa Partuanan Purba di daerah Simalungun, Sumatera Utara. Ciri khas Rumah Adat Batak Simalungun memiliki arsitektur yang unik, berbentuk rumah panggung dan dibangun menggunakan bahan-bahan bangunan yang terdiri dari kayu dengan tiang-tiang yang besar dan kokoh. Dindingnya dari papan atau tepas.Lantainya juga dari papan, sedangka...

 

Karlsson-on-the-Roof

Fictional character This article is about the fictional character. For the rally driver nicknamed Carlsson-on-the-Roof, see Erik Carlsson. Karlsson-on-the-RoofKarlsson with Svante Lillebror (little brother) Svanteson on a Russian stamp (1992).Karlsson-on-the-RoofKarlsson Flies AgainKarlsson-on-the-Roof is Sneaking Around AgainAuthorAstrid LindgrenOriginal titleKarlsson på taketCountrySwedenLanguageSwedishMedia typePrint (hardcover and paperback) Karlsson-on-the-Roof (Swedish: Karlsson på ta...

 

Subversion

SubversionTipecentralized version control system, Apache Software Foundation project, perangkat lunak bebas dan perangkat lunak sumber terbuka Versi pertama20 Oktober 2000; 23 tahun lalu (2000-10-20)Versi stabil 1.14.3 (28 Desember 2023) GenreKendali versiLisensiApache-2.0Karakteristik teknisSistem operasiGNU/Linux, Microsoft Windows, macOS, BSD, mirip Unix, AIX, HP-UX, Oracle Solaris, BeOS dan IBM OS/2 Bahasa pemrogramanC, Python, C++, Java, Ruby dan Perl Format kodeDaftarSVN dump forma...

1999 UEFA Super Cup

Football match1999 UEFA Super CupMatch programme cover Manchester United Lazio 0 1 Date27 August 1999VenueStade Louis II, MonacoMan of the MatchJuan Sebastián Verón (Lazio)[1]RefereeRyszard Wójcik (Poland)Attendance14,461← 1998 2000 → The 1999 UEFA Super Cup was a football match played on 27 August 1999 between the 1998–99 UEFA Champions League winners, Manchester United, and Lazio, winners of the 1998–99 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. Against the odds, Lazio won the match...

 

Rubén García Santos

Questa voce sull'argomento calciatori spagnoli è solo un abbozzo. Contribuisci a migliorarla secondo le convenzioni di Wikipedia. Segui i suggerimenti del progetto di riferimento. Rubén García Santos Nazionalità  Spagna Altezza 171 cm Peso 72 kg Calcio Ruolo Attaccante Squadra  Osasuna CarrieraGiovanili 200?-2010 Valencia2010-2011 LevanteSquadre di club1 2010-2012 Levante B20 (3)2012-2017 Levante129 (8)2017-2018→  Sporting Gijón43 (8)2018- ...

 

Insane Love

Insane LoveAlbum mini karya SistarDirilis21 Juni 2016Direkam2016GenreK-pop, Dance-pop, R&B, BaladaDurasi24:02BahasaKoreaLabelStarship EntertainmentKronologi Sistar Shake It(2015)Shake It2015 Insane Love(2016) Singel dalam album Insane Love I Like ThatDirilis: 21 Juni 2016 String (끈)Dirilis: 26 Juni 2016 Promotional Singles Say I Love YouDirilis: 23 Juni 2016 Insane Love (Hangul: 몰아애; Hanja: 沒我愛; RR: Mora-ae) adalah album mini keempat da...

Голубянки

Голубянки Самец голубянки икар Научная классификация Домен:ЭукариотыЦарство:ЖивотныеПодцарство:ЭуметазоиБез ранга:Двусторонне-симметричныеБез ранга:ПервичноротыеБез ранга:ЛиняющиеБез ранга:PanarthropodaТип:ЧленистоногиеПодтип:ТрахейнодышащиеНадкласс:ШестиногиеКласс...

 

أتراك

هذه المقالة عن المجموعة العرقية الأتراك وليس عن من يحملون جنسية الجمهورية التركية أتراكTürkler (بالتركية) التعداد الكليالتعداد 70~83 مليون نسمةمناطق الوجود المميزةالبلد  القائمة ... تركياألمانياسورياالعراقبلغارياالولايات المتحدةفرنساالمملكة المتحدةهولنداالنمساأسترالي�...

 

Повітряні сили Збройних сил України

Ця стаття потребує додаткових посилань на джерела для поліпшення її перевірності. Будь ласка, допоможіть удосконалити цю статтю, додавши посилання на надійні (авторитетні) джерела. Зверніться на сторінку обговорення за поясненнями та допоможіть виправити недоліки. Мат...

Rich Girl (Gwen Stefani song)

2004 single by Gwen Stefani Rich GirlSingle by Gwen Stefani featuring Evefrom the album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. ReleasedDecember 14, 2004 (2004-12-14)Studio Encore, Burbank Record One, Los Angeles Henson Recording, Hollywood GenreReggaeraggaLength3:56LabelInterscopeSongwriter(s)Mark BatsonJerry BockKara DioGuardiMike ElizondoEveSheldon HarnickChantal KreviazukGwen StefaniAndre YoungProducer(s)Dr. DreGwen Stefani singles chronology What You Waiting For? (2004) Rich Girl (2...

 

Propaganda in Iran

Propaganda in Iran originates from the Iranian government and private entities, which are usually state controlled.Qasem Soleimani killing a crocodile (USA) with Iran's flag Propaganda can be disseminated through any medium, including television, film, newspaper, posters, murals, political actions, rallies, violence, and websites. Propaganda in The Islamic Republic of Iran also includes censorship. According to Garth Jowett and Victoria O'Donnell, Propaganda is the deliberate, systematic atte...

 

Jacob Hamblin

American diplomat (1819–1886) For the science historian, see Jacob Darwin Hamblin. This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these template messages) This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.Find sources: Jacob Hamblin – news · newspapers �...

وسام نجمة الشرف (فلسطين)

وسام نجمة الشرف الفلسطينية شعار دولة فلسطين مؤسس دولة فلسطين البلد دولة فلسطين يُمنح من طرف رئيس دولة فلسطين نوع الوسام وسام دولة العاهِل محمود عباس منحت لـ الملوك والرؤساء وكبار السياسيين إحصاءات تاريخ الإنشاء 2007 أول وسام 2007 صورة شريط الوسام تعديل مصدري - تعديل   وسام �...

 

WBZ-TV

WBZ-TVBoston, MassachusettsSaluranDigital: 30 (UHF)Virtual: 4 (PSIP)BrandingWBZ-TV (general)CBS News Boston/WBZ News (newscasts)PemrogramanSubkanal4.1 CBSAfiliasiCBSKepemilikanPemilikCBS Corporation (CBS Television Licenses LLC)Stasiun seindukWBZ, WBZ-FM, WBMX, WODS, WZLX, WSBK-TVRiwayatSiaran perdana9 Juni 1948; 76 tahun lalu (1948-06-09)Bekas nomor kanalAnalog:4 (VHF, 1948–2009)Bekas afiliasiNBC (1948–1995)Makna tanda panggilnamed after radio station WBZInformasi teknisOtoritas per...