Military reference books and manuals (2009-2023, Volume 2)

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Normal special operations mission planning-

to-execution cycle covers 72 hours, but may be

shortened due to specific mission constraints.

Normal tactical mission planning-to-execu-

tion cycle is approximately 24 hours.

AC-130 performance is marginal at altitudes

above 15,000 feet MSL due to high gross

weights and performance limitations.

AC-130 operations from forward operating

bases with high field elevations and/or high-

density altitudes require analysis by gunship

planners for mission limitations.

Limited number of aircraft and single home

operating location make concealed deploy-

ment difficult.

Large crews and extensive support package

contribute to significant mission signature.

Unimproved airfields are not acceptable due to

high gross weights, performance limitations,

and sensitive avionics.

Gunship weapons have no hard kill capability

against heavy or reactive armor, reinforced

bunkers, etc.

Aircrew

Mission crew size on both gunship models is 13 per-

sonnel. The augmented crew size is 18 (17 AC-130U)

personnel. Basic mission crew consists of the pilot,

copilot, navigator, fire control officer , electronic

warfare officer , engineer, loadmaster, TV sensor

operator, infrared sensor operator, and four gun-

ners. Selected crews are qualified in NVG low-level

missions.

Crew rest: 12 hours

Tactical crew duty day: 12 hours (16 hours

total). Augmented crew: 16 hours (18 hours

total).

Crew complement may vary depending on the

mission type and duty day. Crew requirements

for ferrying are less.

Minimum tactical crew: 13

Maximum crew: 21.

Time on Station

Unless continuous surveillance is required,

the AC-130 holds outside the target area to

limit exposure of the aircraft and the ground

party.

Vulnerability increases with time spent

over target, as the element of surprise is lost

and chance for acquisition by the enemy

increases.

Normal mission profile planning times: take-

off/sensor alignment: 0.5 hr; en route time

and time over target (TOT), including RTB:

4.0 hrs; descent and landing: 0.5 hr.

Weather Capability

Gunships have a limited capability to deliver fire-

power under conditions of low ceilings and/or poor

visibility. The APQ-180 strike radar gives the AC-

130U a good capability against radar significant

targets, including those marked by beacon. This

enables the AC-130U to have the capability to shoot

through clouds. For beacon offsets with either air-

craft, a ground controller must be present to cor-

rect the gunship’s ordnance for target, range, and

magnetic bearing from the location of the beacon.

The systems tend to be more accurate with shorter

offset distances.

Mission Briefing Requirements

Friendly Location.

Universal Transverse Merca-

tor (UTM), range in meters, magnetic bearing

from reference point, etc. Include all friendly

locations.

Friendly Mark.

Beacons, IR strobes, flares, etc.

Target Locations.

UTM coordinates, range

and bearing from observer, Target Reference

Point (TRP), etc.

AC-130H

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Chapter 5. U.S. Air Force Special Operations Forces

Target Descriptions.

Number and type.

Target Marking.

Sparkle (i.e., LPL-30), tracer,

etc.

Additional Information

AFTTP 3-1.AC-130 (S), contains additional/classi-

fied information.

MC-130P Combat Shadow

AFSOC MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft (referred

to as the HC-130 prior to 1996) were deployed to

Saudi Arabia and Turkey in support of Desert

Storm. They operated from main bases and remote

locations. Their missions included air refueling of

SOF helicopters over friendly and hostile territory,

PSYOP, and leaflet drops.

The Combat Shadow also played a significant role

in both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation

Iraqi Freedom. The mission set was the same as in

Desert Storm plus personnel and equipment airdrop

and airland resupply/insertion/extraction.

Mission

The Combat Shadow mission is clandestine forma-

tion/single-ship intrusion of hostile territory to

provide air refueling to special operations vertical-

lift aircraft, infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply

of special operations forces by airdrop or airland

operations. The primary emphasis is on NVG opera-

tions, but they can be accomplished during the day.

The Combat Shadow primarily flies missions at

night to reduce probability of visual acquisition and

intercept by airborne threats. Secondary mission

capabilities may include airdrop of small special

operations teams, small bundles, and combat rubber

raiding craft; as well as NVG takeoff and landing

procedures, tactical airborne radar approaches, and

inflight refueling as a receiver. The MC 130P can be

employed in a low-to-medium threat environment

as defined in AFTTP 3-1.

The aircraft was originally modified for combat

search and rescue (CSAR) and maintains most of its

rescue capability. High-intensity parachute flares,

various smoke-producing pyrotechnics, and sea dye

can still carried aboard this aircraft for helicopter

overwater escort and rescue.

Equipment

General Specifications

Builder: Lockheed

Power Plant: Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop

engines

Thrust: 4,910 shaft horsepower each engine

Length: 98’ 9” (30.09 meters)

Height: 38’ 6” (11.7 meters)

Wingspan: 132’ 7” (40.4 meters)

Speed: 289 miles per hour (at sea level)

Ceiling: 33,000’

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 155,000 lbs

Range: Beyond 4,000 miles

Crew: Four officers (pilot, copilot, primary

navigator, secondary navigator); four enlisted

men (flight engineer, communications systems

operator, two loadmasters)

Air Force Inventory: Active Component 24/

Reserve Component 4

Some aircraft are modified with the Univer-

sal Air Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation

(UARRSI) system for inflight refueling as a receiver,

and all aircraft are modified with the self-contained

navigation systems (SCNS) and GPS. These modifi-

cations greatly increase the range and navigational

accuracy of the MC-130P. The Special Operations

Forces Improvement (SOFI) modification will give

the aircraft an NVG HUD, a modified radar, and an

Infrared Detection System (IDS).

Mission Equipment

Air refueling system for vertical lift aircraft

Inflight refueling, receiver operations

(UARRSI) (majority of assigned aircraft)

Internal fuel tanks (Benson tanks)

Airborne radar (APN-59E)

Self-Contained Navigation System (SCNS)

Radar warning receiver (ALR-69)

Chaff and flare dispensers (ALE-40) (to be

replaced by ALE-47)

Missile Warning Receiver (AAR-44A)

Secure Speech (KY-58/75) UHF, VHF,

VHF-FM, HF, and SATCOM

Have Quick II radios

Digital Data Burst

NVG (ANVIS-VI and 4949)

NVG Heads-Up Display

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Employment

Low Level.

The MC-130P employs night

tactical operations (NTO) procedures.

NTO missions are flown in VMC using

NVG. The profile is flown at 300 to 500 feet

above ground level using terrain masking.

If necessary, the mission can be flown with

minimal visual and electronic emissions.

The range of the mission depends on sev-

eral factors: length of the low-level route,

en route weather and winds, and the air

refueling offload requirements. Portions of

the profile may be flown at high altitude to

minimize fuel consumption. NTO proce-

dures are used to avoid enemy detection in

a non-permissive environment to reach the

objective area.

Formation.

The MC-130P normally flies a formation

of aircraft to provide multiple simultaneous refuel-

ing of large helicopter formations. An airborne spare

tanker is also a part of the formation. Aircraft are

flown with 200’ to 500’ separation.

Air Refueling.

This is the primary mission of the Combat

Shadow. To significantly decrease the amount of time

required to refuel receivers, the Combat Shadow can

simultaneously refuel two helicopters/CV-22s. Mini-

mum refueling altitude is 1,000’ AGL for training. For

operational missions, lower altitudes may be used.

Refueling is accomplished on NVGs.

Airdrops.

The Combat Shadow can airdrop personnel

or equipment. The drop zone point of impact (PI)

must be marked. The location, size, and marking of

drop zones must conform to AFI 13-217. Normally the

navigator determines the release point using manual

Computed Air Release Point (CARP) procedures,

parachute ballistic data, and wind effects. He visually

directs the pilot to the release point. Alternate meth-

ods of deployment include Visual Ground Marked

Release System (GMRS), Verbally Initiated Release

System (VIRS), jumpmaster directed airdrops, and

parabundle and free fall drop procedures for door

bundles.

Personnel Drops.

The Combat Shadow can be

used for both static line and free-fall jumps.

Static line low altitude airdrops are con-

•

ducted at 130 KIAS and a minimum of

800’ AGL (for training). The number of

jumpers per pass depends on the static line

configuration. When using the Combat

Shadow as a drop platform, the user must

coordinate the number of jumpers so that

the aircraft are properly configured.

High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) air-

•

drops are made above 3000’ AGL where

a free fall is planned prior to parachute

opening. The navigator will determine the

High Altitude Release Point (HARP). High

Altitude High Opening (HAHO) airdrops

are normally made above 10,000’ AGL, with

no free fall to provide long travel distances.

Both are flown at 130 KIAS.

Equipment Drops

Container Delivery System (CDS). CDS

•

bundles are rigged in A-22 and A-23 con-

tainers. They are used to deliver supplies,

disassembled equipment, or small items

of ready-to-use equipment. The maximum

container weight is 2,200 lbs without the

weight of the parachute. Height will vary,

but will not exceed 83” with the parachute

unless authorized by specific rigging pro-

cedures. CDS are low-level, low-speed (130

knots) gravity drops.

MC-130P Refuels CV-22

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Chapter 5. U.S. Air Force Special Operations Forces

Table 5-13. Combat Shadow Aircraft Performance Characteristics

Table 5-12. Combat Shadow Aircrew Composition

Crew Type

Number

Positions

Combat Crew

Pilot, Copilot, 2 Navigators,

Flight Engineer, Comm Special-

ist, Loadmaster

Basic Crew

Pilot, Copilot, Navigator, Flight

Engineer, Comm Specialist,

2 Loadmasters

Characteristic

Criteria

Max Gross Weight

175,000 lbs (waiver required above 155,000 lbs)

Empty Weight

89,000 to 93,000 lbs depending on model and configuration

Usabale Fuel

79,000 lbs available offload with a 6-hour mission (15,000 to 20,000 lbs

per tanker without waiver) – At 175,000 AGW / 155,000 lbs AGW max

fuel 57,226

Number of Troops

24 with equipment (airland)

Air Refueling Transfer Rate

1,000 lbs per minute

Combat Range

12.5 hours (4,277 nm) without refueling

12,5 hours (2,875 nm) low-lever

Max AR Speed

120 KIAS

Normal Cruise

250 KIAS

Low-Level Airspeed

210–220 KIAS, 200–250 kts ground speed

Max Speed

290 KIAS

Personnel Drops

130 KIAS, 800 ft min AGL (for training)

Parabundles

120 KIAS, 300 ft min AGL

Bundles (free fall)

130 KIAS, 150 ft min AGL

Type Fuel

JP-8

Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC).

•

Single or stacked CRRC may be dropped

from the MC 130P aircraft. The CRRC may

be followed by up to 19 static line para-

troopers (20 when rigged breakaway). Prior

coordination is necessary to ensure the

aircraft is properly configured.

Door Bundles. Door bundles are rigged

•

in A-7A or A-21 containers, weighing a

maximum of 500 pounds excluding the

weight of the parachute. The dimensions,

including the parachute, must not exceed

48” by 30” by 66” with the largest dimension

placed upright. Loads weighing more than

350 lbs require three trained designated

pushers to push the load from the aircraft.

Door bundles are normally dropped prior to

the paratroopers and rigged with breakaway

static lines.

Ramp Bundles. Ramp bundles are rigged

•

and dropped from the aircraft cargo ramp.

These bundles are rigged in “A” series con-

tainers on a skid board a minimum of 42”

wide. The maximum height of a container

must not exceed 83”. Loads followed by

parachutists must be rigged breakaway,

unless specifically authorized in a specific

rigging manual.

Airland.

Infil and exfil may be conducted to visible

or IR marked landing zones. The SOFI modified

aircraft are capable of blacked out (unmarked) NVG

landings. Landing zones and lighting must conform

to AFI 13-217.

Planning Factors and Considerations

Crew.

The aircraft normally carries eight crewmem-

bers. Depending on mission profile and duration,

additional crewmembers are carried. All crewmem-

bers are NVG/formation and helicopter air refueling

qualified. Special qualifications include high altitude

low opening (HALO) airdrop, NVG airland, for-

mation lead, inflight refueling (IFR), and Rigging

Alternate Method Zodiac (RAMZ).

Crew Composition. See Table 5-12.

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Crew Duty Day

12 hours training

•

16 hours operational

•

22 hours augmented:

•

equires one addi-

tional Aircraft Commander, Navigator,

Flight Engineer, and Communications

Specialist for overwater flights in excess

of 16 hours.

Other Considerations.

12 hours of crew rest prior to flight is required

once all planning is completed.

Three hours are required prior to takeoff for

briefings, final planning, aircraft preflight

checks, engine start, taxi, and takeoff.

Most missions are 5 to 6 hrs in duration, to

include 3 to 4 hrs of low-level.

Load capabilities are dependent on aircraft

configuration and fuel load.

Paratroop capabilities:

12 (6 per door) with 2 Benson tanks

•

installed.

26 (20 Right Door/6 Left door) with 1

•

Benson.

30 without Benson tanks.

•

Equipment and door bundle capabilities:

Max size: 48”x 30”x 66” or less.

•

Max weight: 500 lbs suspended.

•

Max bundles per pass: 2.

•

Door bundles and paratroops are limited to

1 bundle per door and 6 troops per pass with

Benson tanks installed and 30 (20 right door,

10 left door) without Benson tanks.

CDS bundle capability is dependent on the

type of container used.

CRRC, RAMZ, or Inflated Assault capability

is one boat and 19 paratroops (limited to 20

static lines per pass)

Drop zone and landing zone requirements.

For assault zone (DZ/LZ) requirements, see

AFI 13 217.

Performance Characteristics

See Table 5-13.

Additional Information

AFTTP 3-1, Vol 33 (S), contains additional/classified

information.

MC-130W Combat Spear

The MC-130W, flown by the 73rd Special Operations

Squadron, conducts infiltration, exfiltration and

resupply of U.S. and allied special operations forces

in direct support USSOCOM and theater special

operations command taskings. Collateral missions

include refueling of special operations vertical lift

assets, forward arming and refueling, specialized

ordnance delivery, airdrops in support of psycho-

logical operations, and limited command and con-

trol capabilities. Its world-wide mission is performed

primarily at night to reduce operational risk. This

aircraft is the result of a program to modify twelve

MC-130 aircraft from the 1987 to 1990 year group to

replace Talon combat losses experienced over time

and to provide additional vertical lift inflight refuel-

ing capability.

The aircraft is a highly modified C-130H with

improved navigation, threat detection and counter-

measures, and communication suites. The navigation

suite is a fully integrated Global Positioning System/

Inertial Navigation System that interfaces with the

AN/APN-241 Low Power Color Radar and AN/

AAQ-17 Infrared Detection System. The improved

threat detection and countermeasures systems

include advanced radar and missile warning receiv-

ers, chaff and flare dispensers and active infrared

countermeasures, protecting the aircraft from both

radar and infrared-guided threats. The communica-

tion systems upgrades include dual SATCOM suite

with data burst capability. The aircraft has both

interior and exterior night vision goggle compatible

lighting.

Structural improvements to the basic C-130H

include the addition of the Universal Aerial Refuel-

ing Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI), and

a strengthened tail. The UARRSI allows the aircraft

to conduct inflight refueling as a receiver, and

strengthening of the tail will allow High Speed Low

Level Aerial Delivery System airdrop operations. The

MC-130W is equipped with MK32B-902E refueling

pods. These pods are part of the most technologically

advanced refueling system available, and provide the

ability to refuel special operations helicopters and

the CV-22.

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Chapter 5. U.S. Air Force Special Operations Forces

General Characteristics

Primary Function: Infiltration,

exfiltration, and resupply of SOF;

also provides inflight refueling

of special operations vertical lift

assets

Builder: Lockheed

Power Plant: Four Allison T56-

A-15 turboprop engines

Thrust: 4,910 shaft horsepower

each engine

Length: 98 feet, 9 inches (30.09

meters)

Height: 38 feet, 6 inches (11.7

meters)

Wingspan: 132 feet, 7 inches

(40.4 meters)

Speed: 300 mph

Ceiling: 33,000 feet (10,000 meters)

Maximum Takeoff Weight:155,000 pounds

(69,750 kilograms)

Maximum Normal Payload: 33,000 pounds

Maximum Range with Maximum Normal

Payload: 1,208 miles (1,050 NM) Inflight refu-

eling extends this to unlimited range

Crew: Seven (pilot, copilot, two navigators,

flight engineer and two loadmasters)

Inventory: 12 projected

EC-130J Commando Solo III

In 1990 the EC-130 joined the newly formed Air

Force Special Operations Command and has since

been designated Commando Solo. This unique

aircraft is continually improving its capabilities.

The only operator continues to be the 193d Special

Operations Wing of the Pennsylvania Air National

Guard, based at Harrisburg International Airport.

In 2006, the 193 SOW completed its conversion

from EC-130E to EC-130J aircraft. Commando

Solo has been employed in every major contingency

since 1970, to include Operation Desert Shield/

Storm, Operation Sea Signal/Uphold Democracy,

Operation Joint Guard, Operation Southern Watch/

Desert Thunder, Operation Allied Force, Operation

Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom (2) and

Operation Secure Tomorrow.

Mission

Commando Solo conducts Information Operations

in support of combatant commanders’ objectives

during all phases of war, military operations other

than war, and civil operations. EC-130J aircraft are

primarily employed for Influence Operations and

secondarily for Electronic Warfare. Tertiary mis-

sions include collection and Command and Control

Radio Relay. Solo can also be employed by civil

authorities to support strategic communications and

humanitarian or disaster relief operations.

Equipment

General Specifications

Builder: Lockheed Aircraft Co.

Power Plant: Four Rolls-Royce AE2100D3

turboprops

Length: 97.75 feet (29.7 meters)

Height: 38.8 feet (11.8 meters)

Wingspan: 132.6 feet (40.3 meters)

Cruise speed: 310 mph

Ceiling: 28,000 feet (8,534 meters)

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 164,000 pounds

(69,750 kilograms)

Range: 2,300 nautical miles unrefueled

Crew: pilot, copilot, flight systems officer, mis-

sion systems officer, loadmaster (2 loadmasters

MC-130W

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Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

on combat missions), five electronic com-

munications systems operators

Inventory: Active force, 0; Reserve, 0;

ANG, 3

Transmitters.

Eight special mission transmitters are

installed in each EC-130J. They are capable of high

power (1000 Watts to 10,000 Watts) transmissions in

the frequency range from 0.450 MHz to 1000 MHz.

Seven full-power transmissions can be performed

simultaneously. Broadcast frequencies can be discrete,

which ensures transmissions will not interfere with

adjacent frequencies or channels. Transmissions can

be adjusted to coincide with established world-wide

telecommunication standards. Modes of operation

include AM, FM, CW, SSB, ISB and color analog

television in any standard worldwide.

MF Transmitter. One 10-kW output power

transmitter, frequency band 450 kHz to 1.999

MHz, modes of operation CW, AM, SSB, and

ISB. Mainly used for commercial AM band

transmissions. Used for electronic attack

against same.

HF Transmitter. One 10-kW output power

transmitter, frequency band 2.000 to 29.9999

MHz, modes of operation CW, AM, SSB, and

ISB. Mainly used for short-wave transmis-

sions, (BBC, VOA, et al). Used for electronic

attack against short-wave, military comms,

data links.

VHF Low Transmitters. Two 1-kW output

power transmitters, frequency band 30.000 to

230.000 MHz, modes of operation CW, AM,

FM, Wide Band, Sweep, Step. Mainly used

for commercial FM transmissions, military

comm nets, civilian nets, world-wide color

TV channels 2–3. Used for electronic attack

against same.

VHF High Transmitters. Two 1-kW output

power transmitters, frequency band 100.000

to 500.000 MHz, modes of operation CW, AM,

FM, Wide Band, Sweep, Step. Mainly used for

commercial FM transmissions, military comm

nets, civilian nets. Used for electronic attack

against same and A-band radars.

UHF Transmitters. One 1-kW output power

transmitter, frequency band 470.000 MHz

to 1.000 GHz, modes of operation CW, AM,

FM, Wide Band, Sweep, Step. Mainly used

for commercial FM transmissions, military

comm nets, civilian nets, world-wide color

TV channels 14–79. Used for electronic attack

against same and A/B/C-band radars.

TV-80 Transmitter. One, 3-cavity, 10-kW

output power transmitter, frequency bands

47.000 to 88.000, 170.000 to 230.000, and

470.000 to 860.000 MHz, modes of operation

monochrome standards B/G/H, M/N, D/K/

K1 and color standards NTSC, PAL, SECAM.

TV channels 2–79 in the U.S. and 2–69 world-

wide. Used for electronic attack against same

and wide-band applications.

Antennas

. Thirteen antennas are dedicated to spe-

cial mission transmissions. They include high gain,

directional VHF and UHF antennas as well as omni-

directional stubs. Two length-adjustable trailing wire

antennas are available for MF and HF operations.

An additional four antennas are dedicated to special

mission receivers.

Receivers.

Five special mission receivers provide

signal reception in the frequency range of 0.250 MHz

through 1100 MHz. Received signals can also be

retransmitted or recorded. Two spectrum analyzers

with a frequency range of 9 kHz to 26.5 GHz are

installed to provide analysis of both received and

transmitted signals. The spectrum analyzers also pro-

vide a receive capability. This suite of equipment can

also be used in intelligence gathering functions.

EC-130J

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Chapter 5. U.S. Air Force Special Operations Forces

Command and Control Communications

. Standard

C-130J radios include two each HF, VHF, and UHF

systems, capable of secure and anti-jam communica-

tions. EC-130J aircraft also have three each ARC-210

SATCOM/LOS radios capable of secure voice and

data communications. All radios can be used by

both flight and mission crew. In addition, Blue force

tracker (MTX) is installed on each aircraft.

Defensive Systems.

Defensive equipment includes

AN/ALR-56M Radar Warning Receiver, AN/ALE-47

Countermeasures Dispensing System, AN/AAR-47

Missile Warning System, and AN/ALQ-157 Infrared

Countermeasure System. Countermeasures dispensers

deploy chaff and decoy flares. In addition, Tactical

Information Broadcast System is employed as a clip-

in capability.

Employment.

Commando Solo performs missions

during daylight and nighttime hours. It is air refuel-

able from KC-135 or KC-10 tankers. In general, higher

altitudes result in greater range for electronic trans-

missions. Aircraft orbits are offset from target areas.

Crews are trained in NVG airland operations.

War.

For contingency operations Commando Solo

is typically OPCON to a Joint Special Operations

Task Force (JSOTF) and TACON, per mission basis,

for Influence Operations to the Joint PSYOP Task

Force (JPOTF). Additional Information Operations

taskings, including EW, are TACON through the

Joint Force Air Component Commander (JFACC), in

coordination with the Electronic Warfare Coordina-

tion Cell (EWCC).

MOOTW.

Commando Solo supports the Joint Task

Force Commander in operations such as combat-

ant/noncombatant evacuations and humanitarian

assistance.

Civil Affairs.

Commando Solo can be employed for

civil relief operations to replace damaged, destroyed,

or unusable broadcast stations or expand their areas

of coverage. Commando Solo can also relay commu-

nications for disaster response agencies. Taskings can

be made through USSOCOM or NGB.

Additional Information

For detailed information see the following

documents:

AFTTP 3-1, Vol 32, EC-130J Combat Aircraft

Fundamentals (S)

AFTTP 3-3, Vol 32, EC-130J Tactical Employ-

ment

AFTTP 3-1, Vol 36, Information Operations

(S)

Electronic Warfare Planning and Integration

Guide (EPIG) (S).

MH-53J/M PAVE LOW III

The MH-53J/MH-53M Pave Low helicopter is a night,

all-weather, special operations weapons system. The

MH-53J/MH-53M is modified with an enhanced

navigation system (ENS) and defensive systems.

The aircraft is equipped with armor plating, dual

flight controls, and redundant systems for increased

survivability. With these modifications, crews can

accomplish missions in a hostile environment at

low altitude during total darkness and/or adverse

weather over all types of terrain with pinpoint navi-

gational accuracy. The current MH-53J aircraft are

undergoing extensive modifications. The upgraded

aircraft have been designated MH-53M Integrated

Defensive Avionics System/Multi-mission Advanced

Tactical Terminal (IDAS/MATT) aircraft.

Mission

The primary mission of the MH-53J/MH-53M is to

conduct clandestine infiltration, exfiltration, resup-

ply, airdrop, and heavy-lift sling operations over a

wide range of environmental conditions. The aircraft

can perform a variety of other missions, including

shipboard operations, radar vectoring, and search

and rescue. The Pave Low can be employed in low to

medium threat environments as defined by AFTTP 3-1,

Vol 34.

Equipment

Under the Air Force’s Pave Low IIIE program, all

Air Force H-53s were modified and designated MH-

53Js. Their modifications include improved Pave

Low avionics, satellite communications, shipboard

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modifications, and structural improvements. All

MH-53Js are modified for shipboard operations

and feature automatic main rotor blade and tail

rotor pylon fold. The MH-53J is also equipped with

armor plating and a combination of three guns,

7.62mm miniguns or .50 caliber machine guns. It

can be equipped with 27 troop seats or 14 litters.

An external cargo hook has a 20,000 lb (9,000 kg)

capacity. This highly modified aircraft is equipped

with a rack of navigation, communication, special/

auxiliary equipment defensive systems to include

the following:

General Specifications

Builder: Sikorsky

Power Plant: 2 General Electric T64-GE/-100

engines

Thrust: 4,330 shaft horsepower per engine

Length: 88’ (28 meters)

Height: 25’ (7.6 meters)

Rotary Diameter: 72’ (21.9 meters)

Speed: 130 knots (110 knots for flight planning

purposes)

Ceiling: 16,000’

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 50,000 lbs (waiver

required above 46,000 lbs)

Range: 600 NM (unlimited with aerial refuel-

ing)

Armament: Combination of three 7.62 mini-

guns or .50 caliber machine guns

Crew: Two officers (pilots) and four enlisted

(two flight engineers and two aerial gun-

ners)

Enhanced Navigation System (ENS).

ENS provides a

precise navigational capability that is essential for low-

level, night, adverse weather operations. The MH-53J

ENS consists of the following subsystems:

Control Display Unit (CDU)

Mission Computer (MC)

Inertial Navigation Unit (INU)

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Video Symbology Display System (VSDS)

Bus Interface Unit (BIU)

Data Transfer Set (DTS)

MH-53M IDAS/MATT.

IDAS/MATT provides the fol-

lowing additional/modified equipment:

Upgraded Mission Computer

MATT

Integrated Electronic Warfare Processor

(IEWP)

Digital Map System (DMS)

Digital Map Computer (DMC)

Digital Memory Unit (DMU)

Color Multi-Functional Display (CMFD)

Flight Engineer’s Function Key Unit

(FEFKU)

Upgraded VSDS

Horizontal Situational Indicators (HSIs)

Data Transfer Set (DTS)

Other Navigation Systems.

The ENS interfaces with

other systems that enhance the navigational capabili-

ties of the helicopter. They consist of the following:

The Doppler navigation system (AN/APN-

221B) provides continuous Doppler-derived

measurements of the helicopter’s velocity

vector, continuous computation of present

position, and worldwide navigational guid-

ance.

The MH-53J projected map display (PMD,

AN/ASN-99A) provides a moving map display

showing a continuous, pictorial representation

of the helicopter’s horizontal position and

movement relative to the terrain. The MH-53M

has a colored digital map to provide the flight

crew with information to aid in navigation

and awareness of tactical situations. The map

includes preplanned EOB, EOB updates,

MH-53J/M PAVE LOW III

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Chapter 5. U.S. Air Force Special Operations Forces

translucent threat intervisibility,

elevation color banding, imagery,

cautions/advisories and aircraft

present position.

The forward-looking terrain-

following/terrain-avoidance

(TF/TA) radar, AN/APQ-158, is

a multimode, J-band radar that

provides the operators with radar

video imagery of terrain features,

other radar-reflective targets, and

air-to-ground range data.

The forward-looking infrared

(FLIR, AN/AA-18), is a controllable

infrared surveillance system that

provides a TV video-type infrared

image of terrain features and ground or air-

borne objects of interest. The FLIR is a passive

system and detects long wavelength, radiant

IR energy emitted (naturally or artificially)

by any object in daylight or darkness.

TACAN Navigation Set (AN/ARN-118)

VOR/ILS Localizer (VOR-IOI/AN/ARN-147)

C-12 Compass System

Special Equipment.

Rescue hoist - 600 lbs capacity with approxi-

mately 240’ of usable cable

External cargo hook - maximum capacity

20,000 lbs

Hover coupler

Three IR illuminators

Communications.

Communication capabilities consist

of secure UHF, VHF, FM, HF, and SATCOM radios.

The UHF radio is Have Quick II capable.

Defensive Systems

AN/ALR-69, radar warning receiver (RWR)

system, provides audio and video alerts to the

flight crew when the system detects threat

radar systems. The MH-53M integrated elec-

tronic warfare system prioritizes the threats

and determines the appropriate countermea-

sures.

AN/ALQ-157, infrared countermeasures

(IRCM) system, is an airborne infrared

countermeasures system designed to protect

the helicopter from specific types of heat-

seeking missiles.

AN/ALQ-162, electronic countermeasures

(ECM) system, is a continuous-wave radar

receiver/transmitter system that provides

protection by means of electronic counter-

measures against unfriendly fire control radar.

The MH-53M integrated electronic warfare

system prioritizes the threats and determines

the appropriate countermeasures.

AN/ALE-40 countermeasures dispenser

system is a chaff and flare dispenser system

designed to deceive radar and infrared (IR)

guidance systems used with certain types of

missiles. The MH-53M IEWP interfaces with

the AN/ALE-40. The interface provides system

status and control over the countermeasure

dispensing. This provides the crew with three

selectable levels of response (Automatic, Semi-

Automatic, and Manual).

AAR-47 missile warning system provides a

visual indication and direction of a missile

plume. The MH-53M system will automati-

cally dispense or prompt the crews to dispense

countermeasures.

Weapons Employment

The MH-53J Pave Low III has three weapons sta-

tions: left window, right door, and ramp. Each station

MH-53J Ropeladder Exfiltration

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can mount an XM-218 .50 caliber machine gun or

GAU-2 B/A 7.62mm minigun. A crewmember at

each station manually operates the weapons.

The weapons are used primarily for self-defense

and enemy suppression. The helicopter was not

designed for use as an attack gunship platform.

However, the helicopter weapons are capable of

providing suppressive fire support for teams on the

ground. Crewmembers are trained to fly L attack,

dog bone, racetrack, figure 8, and spooky gun pat-

terns as per AFTTP 3-3.34 for fire support missions.

Day and night weapons training are conducted

routinely with an average of two missions per week

per crewmember.

The typical gun configuration is a GAU-2 B/A

7.62 minigun at the left and right station with a

GAU 18 .50 cal on the tail. The minigun is normally

used for soft targets and troop suppression, which

requires a high rate of fire (2,000-4,000 rounds per

minute). The .50-cal allows the helicopter to engage

light armor and reinforced positions at greater

ranges. Each weapon system is capable of mounting

an Infrared Aiming Device (IRAD) which enhances

target acquisition. The type of threat and mission re-

quirements will dictate the weapons configuration.

7.62 Miniguns

. The 7.62mm miniguns are air-cooled,

link-belt fed, and have a maximum effective range

of 1,500 meters with tracer burnout at 750 meters.

The weapon has an adjustable rate of fire of 2,000

or 4,000 RPM. Crewmembers currently use NATO

7.62 ball ammunition. It is used for light unarmored

targets and anti-personnel. The ammo complement

per gun is 3,000 rounds for training and 4,500 rounds

for combat missions. WRM stocks include a limited

amount of 7.62 Dim Tracer.

.50cal Machine Gun.

The .50cal machine gun is air-

cooled, link-belt fed, mechanically operated and fired,

and is capable of firing 750 to 850 RPM. The machine

gun has a maximum effective range of 3,000 meters

with a tracer burnout of 1,500 meters. For train-

ing purposes, a ball ammunition mix of 4:1 is used.

For actual employment, this changes to four armor-

piercing incendiary and one armor piercing incen-

diary tracer (APIT). Ammunition is fed to the gun

from an 800-round capacity Ammunition Container

and Feed System. The ammunition complement is

500 rounds per gun for training and 800 rounds for

combat missions.

Planning Considerations

Once the initial planning is complete, crews go into

12 hrs of crew rest prior to flight. After crew rest, the

crew needs approximately 3 hrs for final planning,

crew briefing, and run-up time prior to takeoff. Most

training missions are approximately 4 hrs long.

Two Pave Lows can be airlifted in a C-5 and one

in a C-17. The preparation of the helicopter takes 12

hrs, and the buildup and functional flight test can

take up to 72 hrs.

Weather Minimums

Air refueling weather minimums for VMC

rendezvous is 5 NM visibility, and for radar

rendezvous 1 NM.

Operational weather minimums. The MH-53J,

with its unique systems configuration, is

capable of operating in total IMC and/or total

darkness. However, at a remote site, risk is

reduced greatly if operations are conducted in

VMC conditions with a minimum of 200-foot

ceiling and 1/2-mile visibility, and 5 to 20

percent illumination. For air refueling opera-

tions, a minimum of 500-foot ceilings and 1

mile visibility also reduces risk. If the hover

coupler is required for letdown from IMC,

the maximum winds for this operation is

30 knots. The hover coupler is not required

if weather is greater than 100-ft ceiling and

¼-mile visibility.

Altitude Restrictions

Minimum refueling altitude is 1000’ AGL.

For operational missions, refueling can be

accomplished as low as 300’ above the mini-

mum helicopter enroute AGL altitude.

Minimum enroute altitude for approved low-

level areas is 50 ft. Outside low-level areas,

300 ft is the minimum enroute altitude, for

noise abatement.

Landing areas must be surveyed, and there

must be a minimum of two rotor diameters

(approximately 150’) in size for training

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Chapter 5. U.S. Air Force Special Operations Forces

and exercise. Operational missions

require a landing area large enough

for the MH-53 to land. If unable to

land, the MH-53 can insert and ex-

filtrate by alternate methods.

Wind Restrictions

Training missions have a maximum

of 30 knots steady state or a 20 knots

gust spread with a normal crew. With

an instructor in command, wind

limits are 40 knots steady state or

20 knots gust spread.

Operational and support missions

have no minimums specified; how-

ever, 45 knots is the maximum wind for start-

ing and stopping the rotor. Surface winds in

excess of 45 knots should be avoided.

Additional Planning Factors

Maximum aircraft gross weight: 50,000 lbs

(waiver required above 46,000 lbs)

Cargo area (unobstructed: Height-77”,

Width-90”, Length-200”)

Troop capacity: 23 troop seats or 14 litters.

Additional troops and litters can be carried

if floor loaded.

Normal cruise: 130 knots (40,750 lbs or less),

120 knots (more than 40,750 lbs)

Normal planning TF/TA cruise speed: 110

knots

Normal fuel burn rate: 2,500 lbs per hour

Crew Composition

Six crewmembers are required for most training,

exercise, or operational/contingency missions.

Crewmembers include a pilot, a copilot, two flight

engineers, and two aerial gunners. One of the flight

engineers occupies the center cockpit seat. The

center cockpit flight engineer runs the checklist

and performs other cockpit duties. The other flight

engineer is stationed at the right cargo door. This

flight engineer scans, operates the hoist, operates

the minigun or .50-cal machine gun, and performs

cargo sling hookups. One aerial gunner is stationed

at the left cargo window. This aerial gunner scans

and operates the minigun or .50-cal machine gun.

The other aerial gunner is stationed on the ramp and

scans and operates a minigun or .50-cal machine

gun. When the MH-53J/M employs the Silent Shield

system, a direct support operator (DSO) supple-

ments the crew.

Crew Qualifications

Not all crewmembers are qualified for all types of

missions. Specialized crew qualifications include

shipboard operations, formation live fire with a team

on the ground, Aircrew Eye and Repertory Protec-

tion System (AERPS), night water operations, and

night water low-and-slow deployment operations.

Crew Duty Day

Training or exercises: normal crew duty day

is 12 hours; maximum crew duty day is 14

hours.

Operational/contingency missions: basic

crew duty day is 14 hours, augmented crew

(additional aircraft commander and flight

engineer) is 18 hours.

Typical Combat Load and Weight

ITEM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WEIGHT
Basic aircraft (heaviest aircraft) . . . . . . . 31,000
Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Crewmembers (6 x 250 lbs) . . . . . . . . . . . 1,500
Emergency equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Other equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Operating weight (less fuel). . . . . . . . . . . 32,824

A MH-53J is uploaded to a C-5

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Right and left miniguns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413
6000 rounds 7.62mm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
.50-cal tail gun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
500 rounds of .50-cal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Flares and chaff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Operating weight with weapons,

flares, and chaff (less fuel) . . . . . . . . . . . . 34,028
Internal 600-gallon auxiliary

tank (On J/M) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Operating weight with weapons,

flares, chaff, and internal auxiliary

tank (less fuel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34,315

Typical Mission Compositions

The MH-53J/M can be employed using a variety of

mission scenarios. A typical mission profile for a

low-to-medium threat infil/exfil sortie could take the

following form:

Night single-ship IMC departure from a for-

ward operating location (FOL) with 350 NM

cruise to air refueling.

Air refuel at medium altitude clear of clouds

with not less than 1 mile visibility.

Descend to terrain-following altitude of 200’

IMC, crossing the border of a denied area,

and fly for 200 miles to the landing site either

VMC or IMC.

Navigate to initial point using the best option

of three navigational modes available. Update

at the IP using the best of four options available

for precision guidance to the landing site.

Table 5-14.
Examples of Fuel
Endurance and
Performance

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Max Gross Weight

42,000

50,000

Minus combat operating weight

32,328

32,615

Payload and/or fuel

9,672

`17,672

17,385

Payload on takeoff

5,346

1,159

Fuel JP-8

9,672

12,672

17,385

Minus run-up and taxi fuel

300

Usable fuel

9,372

12,026

16,226

Minus reserve fuel

900

Fuel available (endurance)

8,472

11,126

15,026

Endurance time

3 hrs 30 min

4 hrs 38 min

6 hrs 15 min

Cruise speed

110 KIAS

Distance

385 nm

510 nm

686 nm

Combat Radius

192 nm

255 nm

343 nm

Example 1: MH-53J/M with typical combat load (one ODA and two 650-gallon external tanks), max gross

weight = 42,000 lbs, fuel burn rate = 2,400 lbs/hr
Example 2: MH-53J/M with typical combat load (one ODA and two 650-gallon external tanks), max gross

weight = 50,000 lbs, fuel burn rate = 2,400 lbs/hr
Example 3: MH-53J/M with typical combat load (one ODA, two 650-gallon external tanks, and one inter-

nal 600-gallon tank), max gross weight = 50,000 lbs, fuel burn rate = 2,450 lbs/hr

MH-53 Conducting

an NEO Evacuation

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Chapter 5. U.S. Air Force Special Operations Forces

long-range infiltration, exfiltration, personnel recov-

ery, and resupply missions during night operations.

The CV-22 takes off vertically and, once air-

borne, the nacelles (engine and prop-rotor group)

on each wing can rotate into a forward position. This

versatile, self-deployable aircraft offers increased

speed and range over other rotary-wing aircraft,

and can perform missions that normally would

require both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.

The Osprey can cruise at over 230–240 mph, and

has a range three times greater than the MH-53J. It

is also much quieter, thereby reducing exposure to

enemy threats.

The CV-22 has an advanced electronic warfare

suite, a multi-mode radar which permits flight at

very low altitude in zero visibility, a retractable aerial

refueling probe, and four secure radios.

General Characteristics

Primary function: SOF long-range infiltration,

exfiltration, and resupply

Builders: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., and

Boeing Company, Defense and Space Group

Power Plant: Two Rolls Royce-Allison AE1107C

turboshaft engines

Thrust: 6,200 shaft horsepower per engine

Length: 57 feet, 4 inches (17.4 meters)

Height: 22 feet, 1 inch (6.73 meters)

Wingspan: 84 feet, 7 inches (25.8 meters)

Rotary Diameter: 38 feet (11.6 meters)

Speed: 277 mph (241 knots) (cruising speed)

Ceiling: 25,000 feet (7,620 meters)

CV-22

Using the guidance cues, follow the navigation

steering to the landing site and accomplish

the approach and landing to the remote site

of not less than 150’ diameter. Depending on

conditions, the system has the capability to

accomplish a night IMC remote landing with

less than 200’ of visibility (single ship).

On-load an exfiltration party of up to 4,236 lbs

of passengers/cargo from conditions not worse

than 50 degrees C at 500’ pressure altitude.

Reverse route and recovery to a recovery base/

location in friendly territory.

Low en route altitudes (down to 50’) are pos-

sible given favorable combinations of ambient

light infrared illuminators with night vision

goggles. Night all-weather terrain following

is possible down to 100’.

Fuel Endurance and Performance

See Table 5-14.

Additional Information

AFTTP 3-1, Vol 34 (S), contains additional/classified

information.

CV-22 Osprey

The CV-22, flown by the 8th Special Operations

Squadron, is an Air Force-modified version of the

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22. Developmental testing

at Edwards Air Force Base began September 2002.

The first production representative aircraft arrived

at Edwards AFB in September 2005 for operational

testing and aircrew training. Combat aircraft were

delivered to Hurlburt Field’s 1st Special Operations

Wing in fiscal 2007 with an initial operational capa-

bility of six aircraft programmed for fiscal 2009.

Mission

The CV-22 Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft that com-

bines the vertical takeoff, hover, and vertical landing

qualities of a helicopter with the long-range, fuel

efficiency and speed characteristics of a turboprop

aircraft. The Osprey adds new capability and fills a

long-standing USSOCOM requirement to conduct

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Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

Maximum Vertical Takeoff Weight: 52,870

pounds (23,982 kilograms)

Maximum Rolling Takeoff Weight: 60,500

pounds (27,443 kilograms)

Range: 1,500 nautical miles with internal

auxiliary fuel tanks and no refueling. More

than 2,500 nautical miles is possible with one

aerial refueling and auxiliary tanks.

Crew: Four (pilot, copilot and two enlisted

flight engineers)

U-28A

The U-28A utility aircraft, flown by the 319th Spe-

cial Operations Squadron, provides intra-theater

support for special operations forces. The U-28A is

the Air Force variant of the Pilatus PC-12 and was

selected for its versatile performance characteristics

and ability to operate from short and unimproved

runway surfaces. The U-28A is also certified to land

on dirt and grass strips. The aircraft is equipped with

weather radar and a suite of advanced communica-

tions and navigation gear. This single-engine utility

aircraft has a crew of two, but can be flown by one

pilot.

The turboprop U-28A can operate from shorter

runways than a C-130, and can carry a payload of up

to nearly 3,000 pounds. Due to it’s efficient design

and the use of a single engine, the U-28A’s direct

operating cost is about a third less than a comparable

multi-engine aircraft and nearly half that of the

nearest comparable jet.

General Characteristics

Primary Function: Intra-theater support for

special operations forces

Builder: Pilatus

Power Plant: One Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67B

turboprop

Thrust: 1605 shaft horsepower flat-rated to

1200 shp.

Length: 47 feet, 3 inches

Height: 14 feet

Wingspan: 53 feet, 3 inches

Max Cruise Speed: 270 knots true airspeed

Max Payload: 2,973 lbs.

Ceiling: 30,000 feet

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 9,920 lbs.

Ground Roll: 1,475 ft. at max takeoff weight

Range: 1,513 nautical miles

Crew: Two pilots.

CV-22s in formation over Edwards AFB

U-28A

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5-41

Chapter 5. U.S. Air Force Special Operations Forces

MQ-1 Predator

The MQ-1 Predator, flown by the 3rd Special Opera-

tions Squadron, is a medium-altitude, long-endur-

ance, remotely piloted aircraft with associated

personnel and equipment. The MQ-1’s primary

mission is interdiction and armed reconnaissance

against critical, perishable targets. The Predator

can operate from a 5,000 by 75 feet (1,524 meters by

23 meters), hard surface runway with clear line-of-

sight.

The MQ-1 Predator carries the Multi-spectral

Targeting System with inherent AGM-114 Hellfire

missile targeting capability, and integrates electro-

optical, infrared, laser designator and laser illumi-

nator into a single sensor package. The aircraft can

employ two laser-guided Hellfire anti-tank missiles

with the MTS ball.

The Predator is a system, not just an aircraft.

A fully operational system consists of four aircraft

(with sensors), a ground control station, a Predator

Primary Satellite Link (PPSL), and approximately

55 personnel for deployed 24-hour operations. The

major components can be deployed for worldwide

operations on relatively short notice. Predator air-

craft are disassembled and loaded into “coffins.” The

ground control system is transportable in a C-130 (or

larger) transport aircraft.

The basic crew for the Predator is one pilot and

two sensor operators. They fly the aircraft from inside

the ground control station via a C-Band line-of-sight

data link or a Ku-Band satellite data link for beyond

line-of-sight flight. The aircraft is equipped with a

color nose camera (generally used by the pilot for

flight control), a day variable-aperture TV camera,

a variable-aperture infrared camera (for low light/

night), and a synthetic aperture radar for looking

through smoke, clouds or haze. The cameras produce

full motion video while the SAR produces still frame

radar images. The ground data terminal antenna

provides line-of-sight communications for takeoff

and landing. The PPSL provides over-the-horizon

communications for the aircraft.

An alternate method of employment, Remote

Split Operations, employs a smaller version of the

GCS called the Launch and Recovery GCS. The

LRGCS conducts takeoff and landing operations at

the forward deployed location while the CONUS

based GCS conducts the mission via extended com-

munications links.

The aircraft also includes an ARC-210 radio, an

APX-100 IFF/SIF with Mode 4, an upgraded turbo-

charged engine and glycol-weeping “wet wings”

for ice mitigation. The latest upgrade includes fuel

injection, longer wings, dual alternators and other

improvements.

General Characteristics

Primary Function: Armed reconnaissance,

airborne surveillance and target acquisition

Contractor: General Atomics Aeronautical

Systems Incorporated

Power Plant: Rotax 914 four cylinder engine

producing 101 horsepower

Length: 27 feet (8.22 meters)

Height: 6.9 feet (2.1 meters)

Wingspan: 48.7 feet (14.8 meters)

Weight: 1,130 pounds ( 512 kilograms) empty;

max takeoff weight 2,250 pounds (1,020 kg)

Speed: Cruise speed around 84 mph (70 knots),

up to 135 mph

Range: up to 400 nautical miles (454 miles)

Ceiling: up to 25,000 feet (7,620 meters)

Fuel Capacity: 665 pounds (100 gallons)

Payload: 450 pounds (204 kilograms)

Armament: 2 x Hellfire AT Missiles

MQ-1 Predator

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Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

MQ-9 REAPER

The MQ-9 Reaper is a medium-to-high altitude,

long endurance remotely piloted aircraft system. The

MQ-9’s primary mission is as a persistent hunter-

killer against emerging targets to achieve joint

force commander objectives. The MQ-9’s alternate

mission is to act as an intelligence, surveillance and

reconnaissance asset, employing sensors to provide

real-time data to commanders and intelligence spe-

cialists at all levels.

The typical system consists of several aircraft, a

ground control station, communication equipment

and links, spares, and personnel who can be a mix

of active duty and contractor personnel. The crew

for the MQ-9 is a pilot and a sensor operator, who

operate the aircraft from a remotely located GCS.

To meet combatant commanders’ requirements, the

MQ-9 delivers tailored capabilities using mission

kits that may contain various weapons and sensor

payload combinations.

The MQ-9 baseline system has a robust sensor

suite for targeting. Imagery is provided by an infra-

red sensor, a color/monochrome daylight TV and

an image-intensified TV. The video from each of

the imaging sensors can be viewed as separate video

streams or fused with the IR sensor video. The laser

rangefinder/designator provides the capability to

precisely designate targets for laser-guided muni-

tions. Synthetic aperture radar will enable Joint

Direct Attack Munitions targeting. The aircraft is

also equipped with a color nose camera, generally

used by the pilot for flight control.

Each MQ-9 aircraft can be disassembled into

main components and loaded into a container for

air deployment worldwide in Air Force airlift assets

such as the C-130. The MQ-9 air vehicle operates

from standard U.S. airfields.

General Characteristics

Primary Function: Unmanned hunter/killer

weapon system

Contractor: General Atomics Aeronautical

Systems, Inc.

Power Plant: Honeywell TPE331-10GD tur-

boprop engine

Thrust: 900 shaft horsepower maximum

Wingspan: 66 feet (20.1 meters)

Length: 36 feet (11 meters)

Height: 12.5 feet (3.8 meters)

Weight: 4,900 pounds (2,223 kilograms)

empty

Maximum takeoff weight: 10,500 pounds

(4,760 kilograms)

Fuel Capacity: 4,000 pounds (602 gallons)

Payload: 3,750 pounds (1,701 kilograms)

Speed: cruise speed around 230 miles per

hour, (200 knots)

Range: 3,682 miles (3,200 nautical miles)

Ceiling: up to 50,000 feet (15,240 meters)

Armament: Combination of AGM-114 Hellfire

missiles, GBU-12 Paveway II and GBU-38 Joint

Direct Attack Munitions.

Crew (remote): Two (pilot and sensor opera-

tor)

Unit Cost: $53.5 million (includes four aircraft

with sensors) (fiscal 2006 dollars)

Initial operating capability: expected in fiscal

2008

An MQ-9 Reaper takes off from Joint Base Balad, Iraq.

August 2008

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5-43

Chapter 5. U.S. Air Force Special Operations Forces

Special Tactics Squadrons (STS)

pecial Tactics Squadrons are fast-reaction,

rapidly deployable Air Force units comprising

Combat Control Team (CCT), Pararescue (PJ), and

Special Operations Weather Team (SOWT) opera-

tors and specialized mission support personnel. STSs

are organized, trained, and equipped to conduct

SO core tasks during high-risk combat operations

where the effective integrations of airpower and/or

recovery of personnel and equipment are imperative

to mission success. STSs support SOF commanders

as well as enable the air component commander’s

global strike, global mobility, and global response

operations by providing unique capabilities. These

capabilities include the coordination, integration,

and synchronization of air and space power as a

tactical enabling force (assault zone survey, assess-

ment, establishment, and control; terminal attack

control; direct action; environmental and special

reconnaissance; and austere weather operations) as

well as personnel recovery, battlefield trauma care,

and hardware destruction or recovery. Teams are

capable of operating independently in permissive

or non-permissive environments, or as augmenta-

tion to other special operations elements in hostile

environments.

Mission

The Special Tactics mission is to provide the Joint

Force Commander with austere air traffic control;

assault zone (landing zone/drop zone) survey, assess-

ment, establishment, and control; close air support

using strike aircraft and gunship missions; weather

observations; environmental reconnaissance; per-

sonnel recovery; and advanced trauma care.

Specific Employment

Special Tactics Teams (STTs) operate worldwide, in a

ground role with joint and combined special opera-

tions task forces. SOWTs conduct environmental

reconnaissance; collecting critical meteorological,

oceanographic, geographic and hydrologic infor-

mation and conduct austere weather operations;

generating mission tailored forecasts and assessing

environmental impacts on current and planned

special operations.

STTs can be employed in support of the full

range of special operations core tasks to include

direct action, special reconnaissance, unconven-

tional warfare, foreign internal defense, combat

search and rescue, personnel/equipment recovery,

humanitarian assistance, and civil affairs. Combat

Controllers can establish landing zones at unpre-

pared sites, semi-prepared sites, and even interna-

tional airports; once in place, CCT provide FAA-

certified air traffic control services for all aircraft

within their designated airspace. When attached to

USAF Contingency Response Groups, these teams

deliver air traffic capability to the Air Force’s “Open

the Airbase” concept of operation.

Special Tactics Rescue All Terrain Vehicle (RATTV)

Deployment

STTs can be deployed by airlift, sealift, or overland

means. STT manpower and personnel are tailored to

the mission. To airlift a capable 18-man STT to a for-

ward base requires one C-17. However, the force also

has smaller, modular force packages that can be air-

lifted to the objective area on a C-130 or helicopter,

mission dependent. Deployment can be worldwide

to a main base or forward operating location. Teams

will require host support at the deployed location.

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Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

ST has two core combat modular

packages differing slightly in mission ca-

pability and mix of personnel and equip-

ment. One is composed of 18 Combat

Controllers, designed to conduct the full

range of Combat Control missions. The

other, comprising 12 Combat Control-

lers and 6 Pararescuemen, has limited

Combat Control mission capability, and

good personnel recovery capability. Once

deployed, the team leader can tailor

exact team composition and equipment

to meet specific employment mission

requirements. SOWT deploy with their

respective Army Special Operations

units (typically, four SOWTs per Special

Forces Group).

Employment

STTs may be tactically employed directly from their

home station or from deployed locations. ST forces

can be employed as stand-alone units or combined

with other special operations/conventional forces

into a joint team. STTs may be employed using a

variety of tactical methods including:

Static line or military freefall parachute

SCUBA, small boat, or amphibious means

Overland using mounted or dismounted

techniques

Airland via fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft

Airmobile procedures, including fastrope,

rope ladder, rappel.

An STT is the basic tactical element for ST

forces, but its size depends on mission require-

ments. A CSAR team typically comprises two or

three Pararescuemen and one Combat Controller.

When attached to a U.S. Army Special Forces ODA

or SEAL platoon to provide fire support expertise, a

single Combat Controller can perform the mission

if he has a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC)

certification. ST Survey teams consist of one to four

Combat Controllers, and conduct surveys as tasked,

with security typically arranged by the unit request-

ing the assault zone survey. For austere airfield

establishment and control, four to eight Combat

Controllers can conduct the mission, depending

on complexity. SOWTs operate as single operators

attached to Army Special Operations units or STTs

to conduct environmental reconnaissance or austere

weather operations. Teams tasked for recovery

missions will comprise a mix of Pararescuemen

and Combat Controllers, the total number being

mission-dependent.

Mission Tasks

Provide terminal guidance and air traffic con-

trol for assault zones (AZ). An AZ may be an

established airfield, landing strip, unimproved

site, helicopter landing zone, or drop zone.

The team can:

Establish ground-to-air communications

•

Coordinate AZ activities with the ground

•

force commander

Perform weather observations

•

Provide positive control of personnel and

•

equipment within the airhead area to

include control of Forward Arming and

Refueling Point (FARP) operations

Select, evaluate, survey, and establish AZs.

The Special Tactics Team can:

Clear, mark, and operate the AZ

•

Establish enroute and terminal navigation

•

aids and beacons

Motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles provide STS personnel rapid

mobility throughout the airfield environment.

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Chapter 5. U.S. Air Force Special Operations Forces

Conduct reconnaissance and surveillance

•

missions

Support selected regional survey team

•

(RST) missions

Remove obstacles to flight for follow-on

•

operations

Provide medical care, recovery, and evacua-

tion. The STT can:

Provide combat emergency medical and

•

trauma care

Operate specialized personal locator sys-

•

tems

Operate combat medical evacuation

•

vehicles

Lead search-and-rescue (SAR) security

•

team operations

Conduct casualty transload and evacuation

•

operations

Conduct sensitive recovery operations

•

Conduct, coordinate, and plan fire support

operations. The STT can:

Control CAS aircraft

•

Control naval gunfire

•

Control artillery and mortar fires

•

Operate laser targeting equipment

•

Report battlefield damage assessment

•

Conduct UW and FID activities. The team can

advise, train, and assist allied or indigenous

personnel in:

Assault zone, communications, and other

•

special operations

Combat medical and related casualty treat-

•

ment procedures

Combat search and rescue operations

•

Other Special Tactics/operations related

•

procedures

Collecting and reporting limited weather

•

observations

Conduct environmental reconnaissance; col-

lect and report meteorological, oceanographic,

geographic and hydrologic information to

assess threats and suitability.

Collect and report surface weather condi-

•

tions

Collect and report coastal or near-littoral

•

conditions

Collect and report snowpack and assess

•

avalanche threat

Collect and report on riverine systems and

•

assess flood threat

Collect and report on terrain conditions

•

Collect and report upper air soundings

•

Conduct austere weather operations.

Generate mission execution forecasts

•

Generate nowcasts

•

Generate environmental impact analysis

•

Establish and manage limited observation

•

networks

Basic Planning Considerations

STTs deploy with the minimum equipment

and supplies needed to complete the mission.

They are normally equipped to operate for up

to 72 hours without resupply. Operations in

excess of 72 hours require resupply of con-

sumables, including additional equipment,

batteries, fuel, water, and rations.

Operations in excess of 72 hours or multiple

ST taskings are considered sustained opera-

tions, and Special Tactics Operations Center

(STOC) and Logistics force module must be

deployed along with the employing teams to

support their command/control, planning,

and mission support requirements. The STOC

should be deployed to the nearest available

staging or operations base with access to the

tactical teams area of operations.

Mission effectiveness is highly dependent upon

accurate, complete, real-time intelligence. ST

planners must have access to all intelligence

sources.

The time required for STTs to prepare for a

mission varies with the complexity and length

of the mission. As a rule of thumb, a tactical

team requires at least 12 hours to provide

adequate pre-mission time to conduct final

planning, brief team members and decision-

makers, and ready equipment. Any prelimi-

nary mission planning or preparation time

must be added to this 12-hour figure.

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Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

Combat Aviation Advisors

Mission

The 6th Special Operations Squadron (6 SOS) is a

Combat Aviation Advisory (CAA) unit with a mis-

sion to assess, train, advise, and assist foreign avia-

tion forces in airpower employment, sustainment,

and force integration. The squadron performs this

mission across the operational continuum, but has

specialized applications in three operating arenas:

FID, UW, and coalition support.

The 6 SOS mission includes advising combatant

commanders, civilian agencies, and foreign aviation

units on planning and integrating foreign air opera-

tions into theater campaign plans, contingencies, and

other joint and multinational activities. The mission

set addresses airpower tactical employment, aircraft

maintenance, air base supply, munitions, ground

safety, life support, personal survival, airbase ground

defense, command, control, communications, and

computers (C4), and other sustainment functions

supporting combat air operations.

Operating Rationale

6 SOS training and advisory capabilities are primar-

ily relevant to the Joint Force Special Operations

Component Commander/Joint Special Operations

Task Force Commander and to the Joint Force Air

Component Commander for purposes of integrat-

ing foreign aviation forces into combined theater

air operations during contingencies and larger-scale

theater campaigns. In this respect, combat aviation

advisors function as “coalition airpower enablers.”

During war and certain contingency opera-

tions, CAA capabilities that promote safety

and interoperability within the coalition

extend the flexibility and range of options

available to the JFC. These capabilities are

particularly relevant when the total air effort

requires foreign air support augmentation or

when unilateral U.S. combat air actions are

infeasible or inappropriate.

Strengthening the airpower capabilities of

friendly and allied nations through training

and advisory assistance can reduce foreign

dependence on the United States for certain

forms of air support, such as airlift, tactical

insertion/extraction, resupply, and CSAR.

Combat aviation advisors offer the JFC and

Combat Air Forces (CAF) a practical means

of maintaining contact over extended periods

of time with foreign air force leadership and

government authorities to open and maintain

channels of communication and coordination

for future contingencies. Close contact with

foreign air force commanders, for instance,

is crucial in obtaining or coordinating sup-

port and cooperation for U.S. conventional or

special operations activities conducted abroad.

6 SOS advisors can assist the CAF in pursuing

military-to-military contacts with foreign

aviation forces in such areas as capabilities

assessments, bilateral exercise planning and

execution, information exchanges, and unit

exchange training events.

Small unit deployments by training and advi-

sory personnel supporting the Combatant

Commander’s engagement strategy offer a

politically and economically feasible means

to show commitment, lend credibility to our

alliances and U.S. overseas interests, enhance

regional stability, and at the same time provide

an immediate response capability.

Combat aviation advisors support various

military commands and civilian agencies in

such areas as airpower assessments, site sur-

veys, technical advisory services, and certain

forms of training and instruction.

Concept Of Operations

6 SOS operations are inherently and predominantly

joint in nature. All own-unit training is conducted

in accordance with the unit’s mission-essential task

list. In selecting training events, the squadron seeks

to maximize opportunities to train in a joint envi-

ronment and to acquire competency in the tasks the

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Chapter 5. U.S. Air Force Special Operations Forces

squadron must be able to perform to meet the needs

of regional combatant commanders.

When tasked, 6 SOS personnel deploy, collo-

cate with HN aviation elements at a squadron,

wing, or headquarters level, and train and/

or advise counterpart personnel in airpower

employment and sustainment. Training and

advisory assistance is conducted at both the

operational and tactical levels.

6 SOS combat aviation advisors do not employ

with aircraft. Aircrews fly with foreign coun-

terparts at the deployment location, using HN

aircraft, to assess capabilities and determine

current levels of proficiency and safety. 6 SOS

instructors may then train HN aviation per-

sonnel in required tactics, techniques, and

procedures—again, using HN aircraft—for

joint and combined warfare.

All training and advisory efforts involving

flying are preceded by an assessment of the

airworthiness and safety of the HN unit’s

aircraft and crews. The assessment is required

for familiarization with HN aviation capabili-

ties and procedures prior to commencement

of combined operations. It is also required as

a basis for conducting risk analysis and risk

management procedures, and for estimating

the potential of combined interoperability.

6 SOS tactical flying training will, in some

cases, be required to bring HN aviation forces

to the point where they can be advised in

airpower applications supporting theater and/

or air campaign objectives. The basic steps

in this process are sequential—assess, train,

advise, assist, and integrate.

6 SOS tactical aircrews may be required to fly

with HN counterparts on certain missions

to provide the needed margin of safety and

reliability, especially when supporting U.S. or

U.S.-advised forces.

Employment

The 6 SOS supports the Geographic Combatant

Commander, Joint Force Commander (JFC), and

subordinate component commands throughout

the range of military operations, from military

operations other than war and contingency opera-

tions to major regional conflict. 6 SOS advisory and

training operations are primarily aimed at helping

foreign friends and allies employ and sustain their

own aviation resources, not to conduct operations

for them. The principal tactical objective of 6 SOS

combat aviation advisory operations is to facilitate

the availability, reliability, safety, and interoperabil-

ity of foreign aviation forces. Operations, in both

the conventional and special operations arenas,

primarily focus on hands-on, adaptive training and

advisory support geared to practical applications

in host countries. Squadron advisory capabilities

primarily focus on fixed- and rotary-wing special

operations oriented airlift for CSAR; tactical assault;

and aerial insertion, extraction, and resupply. The

squadron also maintains the capability to function

in a direct-execution role if required. The following

describes each element of the mission set.

Aviation assessments are carried out primarily

in support of Geographic Combatant Com-

manders and subordinate commands and

for other key agencies and departments of

the U.S. Government. Assessments focus on

foreign aviation capabilities and limitations,

specifically aircrew capability and safety,

aircraft airworthiness, and critical resource

availability, resource sustainability, and opera-

tional potential.

Aviation training enables foreign aviation

units to accomplish a variety of missions,

technical functions, and skills. Training covers

a variety of product sub-sets, including opera-

tional tactics, techniques, and procedures in

such areas as search and rescue, air-ground

interface, aircraft maintenance, survival, and

air base defense. Training, as a key task, is

neither time nor situation specific. However,

appropriately funded training can be used to

close specific gaps in foreign aviation skills

and bring them up to levels of competency

where they can be advised on how to employ

their acquired capabilities. Combat aviation

advisors do not train foreign personnel in

basic military skills.

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Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

Aviation advisory support enables foreign

aviation forces to employ and sustain their

own resources within the context of specific

times, places, and operational situations.

Advising includes such product sub-sets as

real-world mission planning, tactical employ-

ment, sustainment methods, basing concepts,

C4 systems, and uses of airpower (how to

employ airpower as opposed to how to operate

airplanes).

As with U.S. Army Special Forces, combat

aviation advisors can assist foreign aviation

forces in executing specific tasks, operations,

and missions through direct participation

in tactical operations and events, as well as

through technical and operational means,

including training, advising, and logistics

support. With appropriate direction and

authority, 6 SOS combat aviation advisors

can also furnish Joint Force Commanders

direct aviation support employing a variety

of USAF and non-USAF aircraft.

6 SOS advisors facilitate force integration

by bringing all other key tasks (assessing,

training, advising, and assisting) together in

a coordinated effort to draw foreign aviation

forces into joint and combined multinational

operations supporting theater campaigns and

contingencies. The object is to create joint and

combined battlefields for theater operations

and contingencies.

Specialized Training Characteristics

The 6 SOS trains, plans, and conducts operations so

as to maximize the effectiveness of advisory skills,

which include several specialized features of the

organization—foreign language capability, political

and cultural sensitivity, area orientation, tailored

force packaging, mission-specific training, and

competency in nonstandard aircraft and aviation

support programs.

Most squadron personnel are volunteers who

come into the unit as qualified instructors in a

particular Air Force Specialty Code. Approxi-

mately 6 months of advisor-related, individual,

and team-oriented training equips these

individuals with area orientation, field craft,

and “move, shoot, and communicate” ground

operating skills that prepare them to function

successfully in the joint, multinational, and

interagency arenas. Achieving and maintain-

ing mission-ready status in the 6 SOS entails

extensive training in such areas as advanced

weapons, personal survival, political-military

affairs, combat aviation advisory doctrine,

security assistance law, academic instruc-

tor methods, area/theater orientation, and a

foreign language.

The seasoned combat aviation advisor is

distinguished by such attributes as cultural

and political astuteness, adaptability to field

conditions, and an in-depth knowledge of U.S.

and foreign military command and control

structures. The professional advisor can plan,

execute, and recover in a variety of mission

scenarios with little assistance, and do it all

within the spirit and intent of current operat-

ing instructions and public laws governing

operations with foreign military forces.

Squadron personnel undergo extensive train-

ing prior to being certified as “mission ready.”

This includes training and education in a vari-

ety of individual skills such as cross-cultural

communications, regional area orientation,

battle space command and control, and con-

flict analysis. Additionally, Integrated Skills

Training (IST) is administered to all squadron

personnel prior to achieving mission-ready

status.

Organization

The 6 SOS is assigned to the 1st Special Operations

Group, which in turn reports to the 1st Special

Operations Wing (1 SOW). The 1 SOW reports to

HQ AFSOC. These organizations are located at

Hurlburt Field, Florida.

The 6 SOS is organized in garrison as regionally-

oriented flights aligned under an operations

officer and a squadron commander. For over-

seas deployment, the squadron is organized

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Chapter 5. U.S. Air Force Special Operations Forces

around Operational Aviation Detachments

“A” and “B” (OAD-A and OAD-B).

The OAD-A, or A team, is the basic 6 SOS tac-

tical deployment module for combat aviation

advisory operations. It is structured around

a (notional) 13-person, multidisciplined,

language-qualified team focused on assess-

ing, training, advising, and assisting foreign

aviation units.

The OAD-B, or B team, is the basic infrastruc-

ture support element for deployed operations.

It is organized around a (notional) 10-person

support team focused on providing C3, logis-

tics, administrative, and medical support to

one or more deployed OAD-A teams.

The OAD-A and OAD-B teams are specially

tailored in both size and composition to meet

specific mission needs.

Operating Arenas

Although 6 SOS capabilities can be employed

throughout the range of military operations, CAA

teams have specialized applications in three princi-

pal operating arenas where employment of foreign

aviation forces is of direct interest to Combatant

Commanders—foreign internal defense, unconven-

tional warfare, and coalition support.

Forieign Internal Defense (FID)

FID is the total political, economic, informational,

and military assistance the United Sates provides to

a friend or ally to help them deal with the internal

problems of subversion, lawlessness, and insurgency.

The aviation aspect of FID is essentially one of train-

ing and advising host-nation aviation forces in the

sustained use of airpower to help their governments

deal with these internal threats. Host Nation pro-

grams in the arena are often referred to as internal

defense and development plans or strategies. The key

term here is internal

FID, by nature a joint interagency activity, is

established under U.S. public law as a prin-

cipal USSOCOM task. Advisory assistance

and training are major components of FID.

Although the term FID is widely understood

throughout the U.S. government, its use is

largely restricted to DoD organizations.

Commander, USSOCOM, has designated

AFSOC as the proponent for the aviation por-

tion of FID, with functions and responsibilities

described in Appendix C-3, USSOCOM Direc-

tive 10-1. AFSOC/CC has in turn, designated

the 6 SOS as the primary organization to

plan, coordinate, and manage aviation-FID

activities.

Operations associated with aviation-FID pri-

marily include support to host nation counter-

insurgency and counternarcotics programs.

Aviation FID is intended to function as a

complement to other special operations forces

involving ground, maritime, and riverine

advisory assistance.

Table 5-16. Aviation FID

OAD-B Composition

Table 5-15. Aviation FID OAD-A Composition

OAD-A Typical

Functional Areas

Pilots
Aircrew, non-pilot
Maintenance
Special Tactics
Communications
Logistics
Intelligence
Civil Affairs or PSYOP

OAD-A

Notional Load

3 Pilots
3 Maintenance
2 Special Tactics
2 Aircrew
1 Logistics
1 Security Police
1 Medic (augmented

resource)
12 Total (13 with

Medic)

OAD-B Composition

Team Leader / Mission Commander
Operations Officer
Flight Surgeon (augmented resource)
Medic (augmented resource)
Communications (augmented resource)
Administrative Specialist
Maintenance Officer
Logistics Officer
Plans Officer
Intelligence Officer

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Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

Unconventional Warfare (UW)

As defined in Joint Pub 1-02, UW is a broad spec-

trum of military and paramilitary operations, nor-

mally of long duration, predominantly conducted by

indigenous or surrogate forces that are organized,

trained, equipped, supported, and directed in vary-

ing degrees by an external source. It includes guerilla

warfare and other direct offensive, low-visibility,

clandestine, or covert operations, as well as the indi-

rect activities of subversion, sabotage, intelligence

activities, and evasion and escape.

There are several major aspects to UW. One

aspect involves support to insurgency, i.e.

guerrilla warfare. Another aspect includes

actions aimed at preparing the engagement

arena prior to, or in conjunction with, the

introductions of main battle forces. These are

“direct, offensive actions,” undertaken to dis-

rupt and isolate enemy resources and nodes,

and to build friendly command, control, com-

munication, and computer intelligence and

escape and evasion nets supporting theater

campaign objectives.

6 SOS UW support includes training and

advising foreign aviation forces support-

ing friendly indigenous assets located in

the engagement arena (partisan forces, for

example) through aerial insertion, extraction,

and resupply, possibly from a third-country

sanctuary.

Coalition Support

Other than quick, one-time contingencies, any

significant and sustained U.S. military action over-

seas is likely to be conducted under some type of

coalition arrangement. Coalition support may be

conducted in different conflict arenas, including FID

contingency actions and regional warfare. Special-

ized tasks are involved. Whereas conventional forces

conduct coalition warfare, the 6 SOS is organized

and trained to operate along the seams of contact

between U.S. and coalition forces—to keep the coali-

tions connected at the tactical level. This requires 6

SOS combat aviation advisors to engage coalition

aviation forces with training and advisory assis-

tance at the tactical level, in counterpart aircraft, in

tactical environments.

Coalition support activities of the 6 SOS

encompasses actions to facilitate integration

and/or coordination of foreign aviation forces

into combined operations supporting mutual

campaign objectives. As a logical extension

of these actions, squadron personnel may

be required to assist foreign coalition part-

ners in operational-level planning and force

integration. 6 SOS personnel can also assist

U.S. combatant commanders, component

forces and civilian agencies in planning and

integrating foreign air support into theater

campaign plans, contingencies, and other

joint multinational activities.

Coalition support includes advisory liaison

functions to promote and test safety and

interoperability; facilitate area defense coor-

dination and airspace deconfliction; help

integrate foreign aviation efforts into com-

bined air campaign planning; increase tactical

effectiveness of foreign aviation resources; and

maintain vital coordination links between

foreign aviation units and joint, combined

air tasking authorities.

Tasking

Formal requests for 6 SOS support should be chan-

neled through the Combatant Commander in whose

areas of responsibility the support would take place.

These requests are forwarded, in turn, through the

theater Special Operations Command to USSOCOM

and HQ AFSOC.

Inquiries regarding 6 SOS capabilities and avail-

ability should be directed through USSOCOM to

HQ AFSOC. Formal requests for 6 SOS support of

security assistance-funded mobile training teams

are handled in accordance with current directives

and regulations governing security assistance. These

requests are channeled through USSOCOM to HQ

AFSOC. A Joint Chiefs of Staff deployment order

(JCS tasking) is usually required for deployments

involving contact with foreign military forces.

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Chapter 5. U.S. Air Force Special Operations Forces

Air Mobility Command (AMC) C-17 SOLL II

Mission

The C-17 SOLL II forces from the Air Mobility Com-

mand (AMC) conduct clandestine formation or

single-ship intrusion of hostile territory to provide

highly reliable, self-contained, precision airdrop/

airland of personnel and equipment. The assumed

mission concept will be day/night, low level, adverse

weather, without the use of external aids. Minimum

lighting, minimum communications, deceptive

course changes, and preplanned avoidance of enemy

radar/air defenses and populated areas enhance mis-

sion success. The C-17 is well suited for many special

operations applications due to its load carrying capa-

bility, ability to operate into short runway operations

(5,000’), and its worldwide signature. The aircraft

operates in a low-threat environment as defined by

AFTTP 3-1.

Employment

Due to OPSEC considerations, rapid response require-

ments, and/or lack of suitable forward operating

bases, many C-17 SOLL II missions will require

long-range employment flights. Secure SATCOM

and line-of-sight radios provide necessary command

and control communications. Landfall points are

selected to minimize detection by hostile forces.

Precise navigation positioning after extended

overwater flights is required. On these long missions,

it is imperative both the aircrew and user fatigue

are minimized so human errors are reduced during

critical phases of the mission, such as the low-level

portion and objective area operations.

SOLL II Capabilities

Crew consists of three pilots, two navigators,

two loadmasters, and two flight engineers.

Minimum Flight Altitudes. Night VMC

routes, legs, or segments will be flown at 500’

above the highest obstruction within 3 NM

of route centerline.

Airland Operations. Landing zones

may be marked with a minimum of

NO LIGHTS or a Box In One. Weather

minimums are VFR.

Planning Considerations

The nature of the missions listed above

results in the C-17 SOLL II mission

being highly dependent upon accu-

rate, complete, all-source, real-time

intelligence. Table 5-17 provides more

detail.

Iraqi Truck Ready for Upload to a C-17

C-17 Airdrop

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Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

Table 5-17. C-17 SOLL II Planning Considerations

Crew Duty Day

Basic Crew. Crew duty day varies for basic

crews and augmented crews. Crew duty day for

a basic crew is 16 hours, providing no tactical

events and no air refueling is accomplished

after 14 hours.

Augmented Crew. Crew duty day for an aug-

mented crew is 24 hours, providing no tactical

events and no air refueling is accomplished

after 18 hours.

Mission

Criteria

Low-level Infil/Exfil

C-17 SOLL II forces are required to penetrate hostile or sensitive airspace under blacked out

conditions either single-ship or in formation. Low-level routes are constructed to minimize detection. Strict naviga-

tional tolerances and terrain avoidance capabilities are critical factors for mission

success. SOLL II forces will fly low-level route at as high an altitude as the threat and other detection factors will

allow.

Airdrop

SOLL II forces will be utilized to conduct clandestine airdrops of personnel, supplies, and equipment into very small,

unmarked water and land DZs at night during blacked out conditions. These airdrops may be conducted either single

ship, in formation, or in concert with other aircraft. Drops may be conducted at low altitudes (e.g., 300-1,500’ AGL)

or from the aircraft. Medium altitudes up to FL 250 SOLL II airdrops are typically conducted in a non-permissive

ground threat environment and are required to be able to navigate to a precision airborne release point without the

assistance of external aids. Due to ground threats and various OPSEC considerations, multiple passes on a DZ are

not desirable due to adverse impact on mission success. Airdrops may be on unmarked drop zones or configured with

IR markings. These airdrops may be conducted with or without NVGs, depending on the ground tactical situation.

During visual airdrops, and while operating on NVGs, the pilots must be capable of independently determining air-

craft altitude, airspeed, heading, and course deviations, as well as visual formation position. SOLL II crews are also

required to conduct clandestine, single pass, low altitude combination airdrops of boats and personnel.

Airland

SOLL II forces are required to conduct self-contained precision approaches to minimum covert light conditions and

prepared or unprepared landing zones. While on approach, SOLL II aircrews must be capable of independently

determining if the landing zone is clear of obstructions, which may be emplaced by hostile forces. Throughout the

approach, and especially during the critical final phase, both pilots must be capable of independently determining the

aircraft barometric and radar altitude, indicated airspeed, ground speed, aircraft descent rate, heading, and course

deviations while operating on NVGs. The entire approach and landing must be accomplished without displaying any

overt external lights.

Ground Operations

SOLL II forces must be capable of safe, rapid clandestine off-/on-loads of personnel, equipment, vehicles and other

cargo without displaying any overt lights. Mission scenario may require the SOLL II forces to conduct blacked out hot

refueling operations with other aircraft.

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6-1

Chapter 6.

U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Forces

Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC)

stablished February 24, 2006, U.S. Marine

Corps Forces Special Operations Command

is the Marine Corps component of USSOCOM.

MARSOC is headquartered at Camp Leje-

une, N.C., and will include approximately

2,500 marines, sailors and civilian

employees.

Mission

The mission of the Marine Corps Forces

Special Operations Command is to train,

organize, and equip; and when directed by CDRUS-

SOCOM, deploy task-organized, scalable, and

responsive Marine Corps SOF worldwide in support

of combatant commanders and other agencies.

MARSOC performs the Title 10 functions of

manning, organizing, training, and equipping

Marine special operations forces (MARSOF) to ac-

complish their mission. MARSOC headquarters is

responsible for identifying Marine special operations-

Figure 6-1. MARSOC Organization

MARSOC

MSOAG

2nd MSOB

MSOS

Supt Det

West

1st MSOB

MSOC (x4)

1st MSOB

MSOC (x4)

1st MSOB

MSOC (x5)

1st MSOB

MSOC (x5)

MSOSG

Supt Co

3rd MSOB

4th MSOB

Intel Co

Analysis

Comm Plt

SIGINT

Sec Plt (K-9)

CI/HUMINT

Fires Cont

Log Co

unique requirements; developing MARSOF tactics,

techniques, procedures, and doctrine; and executing

assigned missions in accordance with designated

conditions and standards.

Organization

A Marine Corps Major General com-

mands MARSOC with a supporting staff

designed to be compatible in all functional

areas with both USSOCOM and HQMC.

Although the MARSOC Headquarters is a

non-deployable unit, the MARSOC commander

and members of his staff may augment as needed

to deploy in support of USSOCOM tasks to form,

deploy, and employ a Joint Special Operations Task

Force.

The MARSOC structure includes a headquar-

ters and five subordinate units: the Marine Special

Operations Advisor Group (MSOAG), two Marine

Special Operations Battalions (1st MSOB at Camp

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Force Reconnaissance.

After the Korean War, the

Marine Corps began a modernization and restruc-

turing of Amphibious Reconnaissance. In 1954 the

concept of Force Reconnaissance was developed at

Camp Pendleton, California, and an experimental

reconnaissance team was formed. Three years later

that team merged with the existing ARC to form the

1st Force Reconnaissance Company. Then in June

1958, the 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company was

activated. The two Force Reconnaissance Companies

first distinguished themselves during the Vietnam

conflict and then again in the Gulf War, Afghanistan,

and Iraq.

Merging with USSOCOM.

At the time of the creation

of the joint U.S. Special Operations Command in

1986, the Marine Corps retained its Force Reconnais-

sance Companies within its Air Ground Task Force

command structure and did not contribute forces

to USSOCOM. It was not until June 2003 that the

Marine Corps stood up Special Operations Command

Detachment One , at Camp Pendleton, as a pilot pro-

gram to assess the value of Marine special operations

forces permanently attached to USSOCOM.

Detachment 1 deployed in support of Opera-

tion Iraqi Freedom in March 2004 and operated

under Naval Special Warfare Group One to execute

direct action, coalition support, and battlefield

shaping operations. A study by the Joint Special

Operations University found that, “The trial deploy-

ment demonstrated the MCSOCOM Detachment

could effectively conduct direct action and special

reconnaissance... it is reasonable to suggest that the

Detachment could also conduct or support foreign

internal defense, counter terrorism, special activities,

selected Theater Security Cooperation Plans, and

other tasks as required.”

On 24 February 2006, MARSOC was acti-

vated during a ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North

Carolina. That date marked the official entry of the

Marine Corps into U.S. special operations forces

and was a particularly important milestone because,

in the words then Secretary of Defense Donald

Rumsfeld offered during the ceremony, “...it pairs

two of history’s most dedicated groups of warriors:

the men and women of the U.S. Special Operations

Command with the United States Marine Corps.”

Pendleton, California, and 2d MSOB at Camp Leje-

une, North Carolina), the Marine Special Operations

Support Group (MSOSG), and the Marine Special

Operations School (MSOS).

Heritage, History, and Milestones

The spirit of MARSOC can be traced back to the

“Shores of Tripoli” where, on 27 April 1805, Marine

Lt. Presley N. O’Bannon led a force of marines and

mercenaries across 600 miles of Libyan Desert to

attack the fortress at Derna, Tripoli.

WWII Origins.

During WWII, two units were created

that would serve as more direct forbearers of what

is now MARSOC: Marine Raider Battalions and

Amphibious Reconnaissance.

The first Marine Raiders were elite units estab-

lished to conduct amphibious light infantry

warfare and operate behind the lines. The

Raiders were created by an order from Presi-

dent Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Amphibious Reconnaissance began as a small

group of two officers and twenty enlisted men.

Formed as the Observation Group of the 1st

Marine Division to support the invasion of

North Africa, the group was expanded to 98

marines in 1943, was renamed the Amphibi-

ous Reconnaissance Company (ARC), and

deployed to the Pacific Theatre. The ARC

eventually grew to more than 300 personnel

and participated in amphibious landings until

the end of the WWII and throughout the

Korean War.

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Chapter 6. U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Forces

Each of which, he continued, “… has become legend-

ary for their agility, creativity and willingness to take

on some of the most difficult assignments America

can ask of our military.”

MARSOC Core Activities

MARSOC currently operates in three of United

States Special Operations Command’s eleven core

activities. They include:

Foreign Internal Defense (FID)

Special Reconnaissance (SR)

Direct Action (DA)

As MARSOC grows the command is devel-

oping capabilities in three additional core

activities:

Unconventional Warfare (UW)

Counterterrorism (CT)

Information Operations (IO)

Marine Special Operations Advisor Group (MSOAG)

The Marine Special Operations Advisor Group pro-

vides tailored military

combat-skills training

and advisor support for

identified foreign forces

in order to enhance

their tactical capabili-

ties and to prepare the

environment as directed

by USSOCOM. Marines

and Sailors of the

MSOAG train, advise, and

assist friendly host-nation forces—including naval

and maritime military and paramilitary forces—to

enable them to support their governments’ internal

security and stability, to counter subversion, and to

reduce the risk of violence from internal and exter-

nal threats. Coordinated by MARSOC, through

USSOCOM, MSOAG deployments are in accordance

with engagement priorities within the Global War

on Terrorism.

The MSOAG, headquartered in Camp Lejeune,

North Carolina, has two Marine Special Opera-

tions Companies. Currently they are the A and B

Companies but will become the 3rd and 4th MSOBs

late 2008.

Each MSOB will consist of three companies

(commanded by a Major) consisting of five Marine

Special Operations Teams of 14-men each. The

Team Leader is a Captain and the Team Sergeant is

an infantry Gunnery Sergeant. The Marine Special

Operation Teams deploy under the operational

control of the Geographic Combatant Commander.

OPCON is exercised through the Theater Special

Operations Commands. The teams conduct future-

focused persistent engagement operations.

The MSOAG plans and conducts special op-

erations separately or as part of a larger force. The

Teams can conduct operations in remote areas and

austere environments for extended periods with

minimal external direction and support. The Teams

will develop, organize, equip, train, and advise or

direct indigenous forces. Each team has one of four

core languages and completes immersion language

training prior to each deployment. The MSOAG will

provide training in Infantry Skills, Fire Support,

Communications, Weapons Employment, Land

Navigation, First Aid, and other special operations

training as directed.

1st and 2nd Marine Special
Operations Battalions (MSOBs)

The mission of the 1st and

2nd Marine Special Opera-

tions Battalions (MSOBs)

is to train, organize, equip

and provide specially qualified

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Marine forces for worldwide special operations mis-

sions as directed by MARSOC. The MSOBs provide

command and control and basic staff functions for

Marine Special Operations Companies (MSOCs).

The MSOB Headquarters can augment a JSOTF and

are deployable commands.

Each MSOB consists of a headquarters element

and four MSOCs. Companies A through D are

subordinate to 1st MSOB and are stationed on Camp

Pendleton, California. Companies E through H are

subordinate to 2d MSOB and are stationed on Camp

Lejeune, North Carolina.

The Marine Special Operations Companies are

the primary deployable units from the 1st and 2d

MSOB, but as with the MSOAG, the companies are

scalable. The MSOCs provide operational command-

ers with forward deployed and potentially sea based

MARSOF.

The MSOCs deploy under OPCON of the as-

signed Geographic Combatant Commander and

OPCON can be passed, as necessary, to and exer-

cised by the Theater Special Operations Command

(TSOC). The MSOC can deploy with the Marine

Special Operations Battalion, a Marine Expedition-

ary Unit, or independently under a SOF command.

Forward deployed, the MSOC will rely on either a

Marine Expeditionary Unit or SOF commands for

sustainment and enhanced support. The MSOC is

commanded by a Major and consists of a HQ element

and 3 MSOTs of 14 Marines and Sailors identical to

the MSOAG.

When preparing to deploy the MSOC will

receive a number of organic support personnel from

within the MSOB, known as enablers. These enablers

provide vital support capabilities for the MSOC.

Current standing enablers are Direct Support Intel-

ligence Teams comprised of a Signal Support Team,

Counter Intelligence/Human Intelligence Team,

an Intelligence Analyst, a Fire Support Team, an

Explosive Ordinance Technicians, and a special-

ized insertion support team (parachute riggers,

boat mechanics). These key enablers provide a base

MSOC with enhanced capabilities in the areas of

Intelligence, Fires, and Logistics. While planning,

additional enablers may be identified as being critical

to an upcoming deployment. Additional enablers are

drawn from the MSOSG and attached to the MSOC

for that deployment. These MSOCs are capable of

conducting the following Core Activities: direct

action—both on land and in a maritime environ-

ment, special reconnaissance, and foreign internal

defense.

Marine Special Operations Support Group (MSOSG)

The Marine Special Operations

Support Group provides

scalable and deploy-

able support capabilities

for worldwide special

operations missions as

directed by MARSOC.

Headquartered in Camp

Lejeune, North Carolina

it includes a tailored sub-

ordinate Support Detachment,

located at Camp Pendleton, Califor-

nia. The MSOSG contains three subordinate compa-

nies: a Logistics Company, an Intelligence Company,

and a Support Company. The Logistics Company

provides support across MARSOC with Vehicle,

Weapon, Communication and Optic Maintenance,

Utility Engineering Functions, Motor Transporta-

tion, Medical, Supply, and Contracting. The Sup-

port Company provides Communication Assets,

Combined Arms Planning and Coordination, and

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has a limited K-9 support service. The Intelligence

Company includes all-source intelligence fusion

capabilities to include CI, SIGINT, HUMINT, TSCM

and CNO.

Marine Special Operations School (MSOS)

The Marine Special Oper-

ations School (MSOS) is

the training and education

arm of MARSOC and acts

as the conduit between

MARSOC, USSOCOM,

the SOF Component

Schools, and the Marine

Corps Training and Educa-

tion Command. Headquartered

in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. MSOS edu-

cates, trains, and certifies all MARSOF to be fully

interoperable with all other forces within USSO-

COM. MSOS is also responsible for Exercise Control

Groups and they develop and standardize doctrine

and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).

MSOS initially included two subordinate Special

Missions Training Branches (SMTBs), one at Camp

Pendleton, California and the second at Camp

Lejeune. These two branches are being deactivated

and will move their assets to MSOS.

MSOS’s main function is to recruit, screen, assess,

select and provide SOF-related individual training

to designated marines and sailors for duty with

MARSOC. In the future, MARSOC intends to draw

from across the spectrum of military occupational

specialties with in the active duty Marine Forces, but

currently focuses primarily on combat arms and se-

lected combat support specialties. MSOS supervises

the final selection of uniquely qualified candidates to

ensure MARSOC has the right Marines and Sailors

for operations conducted with minimal oversight

and the mental and physical capabilities to operate

in austere environments, under adverse conditions

and continue to make sound decisions. As a result of

this responsibility, MARSOC has established and is

currently conducting an approximate 9 month-long

Individual Training Course (ITC) for operators and

combat support personnel.

Note: There are currently no programs in place to
draw from a civilian recruitment level or from the
Marine Corps Reserves.

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