Unlocking the Secrets of Air National Guard Special Warfare
The Air National Guard (ANG) is a reserve component of the United States Air Force, and one of its most elite and secretive units is the Special Warfare (SW) section. This blog post will delve into the world of ANG Special Warfare, exploring the history, mission, and requirements of this unique and specialized group.
A Brief History of ANG Special Warfare
The Air National Guard has a long history of supporting special operations, dating back to the 1960s. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that the ANG began to develop its own Special Warfare capability. In the aftermath of the 9⁄11 attacks, the ANG recognized the need for a specialized unit that could conduct unconventional warfare, counterterrorism, and direct action missions.
In 2005, the ANG established its first Special Warfare unit, the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron (STS), which was activated at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base. Since then, the ANG has expanded its Special Warfare capability, with multiple units activated across the country.
Mission and Responsibilities
The primary mission of ANG Special Warfare is to provide trained and equipped personnel to support joint special operations forces. Their responsibilities include:
- Unconventional Warfare: Conducting guerrilla warfare, sabotage, and intelligence gathering behind enemy lines.
- Counterterrorism: Conducting counterterrorist operations, including hostage rescue and high-risk arrests.
- Direct Action: Conducting direct action missions, including raids, ambushes, and reconnaissance.
- Special Reconnaissance: Conducting special reconnaissance, including surveillance and intelligence gathering.
ANG Special Warfare operators work closely with other special operations forces, including the US Army Special Forces (Green Berets), the US Navy’s Special Warfare Command (SEALs), and the US Air Force’s Special Operations Command (AFSOC).
Requirements and Training
To become an ANG Special Warfare operator, one must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Be between 20 and 39 years old.
- Citizenship: Be a US citizen.
- Education: Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Physical Fitness: Meet the Air Force’s physical fitness standards.
- Security Clearance: Hold a top-secret security clearance.
ANG Special Warfare operators undergo rigorous training, which includes:
- Basic Military Training: Completing basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
- Special Warfare Training: Completing special warfare training at the US Air Force’s Special Operations Training Center, Florida.
- Advanced Training: Completing advanced training in specialized skills, such as parachuting, combat diving, and survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE).
Organizational Structure
ANG Special Warfare units are organized into several different components, including:
- Special Tactics Squadrons: These squadrons are the core units of ANG Special Warfare, and they provide trained and equipped personnel to support joint special operations forces.
- Special Operations Weather Teams: These teams provide specialized weather support to special operations forces.
- Combat Control Teams: These teams provide airfield seizure and control, and they conduct special reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.
| Unit | Location |
|---|---|
| 123rd Special Tactics Squadron | Kentucky Air National Guard Base |
| 125th Special Tactics Squadron | Oklahoma Air National Guard Base |
| 137th Special Tactics Squadron | New York Air National Guard Base |
👉 Note: The above table is not exhaustive and is intended to provide a general idea of the organizational structure of ANG Special Warfare units.
Conclusion
Air National Guard Special Warfare is an elite and secretive unit that plays a critical role in supporting joint special operations forces. With its rich history, specialized training, and rigorous requirements, ANG Special Warfare operators are among the most highly trained and skilled personnel in the US military.
In the next section, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about ANG Special Warfare.
What is the difference between ANG Special Warfare and US Army Special Forces?
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ANG Special Warfare is a reserve component of the US Air Force, while US Army Special Forces is an active-duty component of the US Army. While both units conduct special operations, ANG Special Warfare focuses on air-based operations, while US Army Special Forces focuses on ground-based operations.
How do I become an ANG Special Warfare operator?
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To become an ANG Special Warfare operator, you must meet the requirements listed above and complete the training pipeline. You can start by contacting an ANG recruiter or visiting the US Air Force’s website.
Is ANG Special Warfare a full-time job?
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No, ANG Special Warfare is a part-time job. ANG Special Warfare operators typically drill one weekend a month and attend an annual training exercise.
