Special Tactics Officers (STO) can become career officers of Group Command level and beyond and have the honor to lead and manage some of the most dedicated professionals in the challenging Air Force Special Operations Community:
Special Tactics Officers are designated combat forces who work directly for Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). STO’s specialize in controlling combat search and rescue/personnel recovery, battlefield trauma care, fire support air assets for special operations and tactical weather observations and forecasting. STO’s are not PJs or CCTs, but they lead the Special Operations Squadrons and Groups and thoroughly understand how to conduct, manage, and provide these Special Operations missions to both conventional and joint special operations missions needed within Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) and Special Operations Command (SOCOM).
Duties of the Special Tactics Officer:
Special Tactics Officers plans and directs personnel rescue, SERE, and combat air control missions and supports joint and combined air, ground, and military conventional and special operations.
Coordinates, plans, and conducts assault zone reconnaissance and aerospace interface control in objective areas.
Conducts reconnaissance, surveillance, and assess potential objective airfields and assault zones.
STO’s provides air traffic control (ATC) services for joint and combined operations.
STO’s ensure safe air traffic flow at ground terminal area by removing obstacles or unexploded ordnance with demolitions and providing an operational interface between air and ground assets and troops. ST forces provide a unique capability and deploy with air, ground, and maritime forces in the execution of the following Special Operations Missions:
Direct Action
Combating Terrorism
Foreign Internal Defense
Unconventional Warfare
Humanitarian Assistance
Coalition Support
Counter-Drug
Combat Search and Rescue
Special Reconnaissance missions.
STO’s and PT personnel operate in all climates, day or night, and maintain the highest standards of physical fitness, and proficiency in the use of light weapons.
The STO PAST: (the AFSOC PAST)
You must complete the minimum number of exercises, and run and swim within the times specified below. STO selection is extremely competitive; you should give your very best effort, which should be well beyond the minimums.
CALISTHENICS: The following exercises for full time limit or until muscle failure
Minimums:
Chin/pull-ups in 1 minute (12)
Sit-ups in 2 minutes (75)
Push-ups in 2 minutes (64)
RUN: 3 miles non-stop completed within 22:00 minutes
UNDERWATER SWIM: swim and remain underwater for 25 meters
SWIM: 1500 meters non-stop -- any stroke except backstroke (no fins) within 32 minutes
See Air Force PAST Prep Guide for more information - This guide for for the AFPJ / CCT PAST but will prepare you for the AFSOC PAST with the extended swim and longer run for the officer test.
Special Tactics Officer Training Pipeline:
STOs receive the same initial training as enlisted combat controllers, a process that takes approximately 8-10 months, followed by 12 months of Advanced Skills Training (AST). The entire training program includes eight schools. Training consists of the following schools
Combat Control Orientation Course
Combat Control Operator / Air Traffic Control Officer Course
Air Force Basic Combat Survival School
U.S. Army Airborne School
Combat Control School
Advanced Skills Training
Combat Diver Course
Military freefall parachutist qualification course
Those Eligible for Special Tactics Officer must be current active duty officer, cadet, or enlisted personnel with OTS and positive STO selection. There are no civilian to STO recruiting programs at this time. You must become an Air Force Officer then request a release from chosen career field to initiate a valid selection package.
Security clearance: Able to obtain a top secret clearance.
Volunteer: Must be a male volunteer for hazardous military duties to consist of parachuting (static line and freefall), marine diving (surface and underwater operations), and mission aircrew with retention time of six years.
Background: Outstanding resume and no negative personal history
Medical: USAF Class III Flight Physical
The Selection Process:
The selection program is a two-phase process, consisting of Phase I: board review of the application, and Phase II: one-week field evaluation. The selection process screens an applicant for mental fortitude and physical capabilities, while preparing officers for future duties as a STO. This program reduces the training attrition rate by ensuring that officers selected are equipped to succeed in the specific mental and physical challenges of the STO training pipeline.
