720th Special Tactics Group | |
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720th Special Tactics Group airmen jump from a C-130J Hercules
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Active | October 1, 1987 – present |
Country | United States of America |
Branch | United States Air Force |
Type | Special Operations Forces |
Role | Organize, train and equip ST forces worldwide to integrate, synchronize, and/or control air power during operations. |
Size | 800 |
Part of |
U.S. Special Operations Command Air Force Special Operations Command 24th Special Operations Wing |
Garrison/HQ | Hurlburt Field |
Engagements |
Persian Gulf War War in Afghanistan Iraq War |
Decorations |
Gallant Unit Citation Meritorious Unit Award Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with "V" Device |
Insignia | |
720th Special Tactics Group emblem (Approved 9 June 1988) |
The 720th Special Tactics Group is one of the special operations ground components of the 24th Special Operations Wing, assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) of the United States Air Force. The group is headquartered at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The group is composed of geographically separated squadrons in five separate states; Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, North Carolina and Washington.
The Group's Special Tactics Squadrons are made up of Special Tactics Officers, Combat Controllers, Combat Rescue Officers, Pararescuemen, Special Operations Weather Technicians, Air Liaison Officers, Tactical Air Control Party personnel, and a number of combat support airmen which comprise 58 Air Force specialties.
Special Tactics Squadrons are organized, trained and equipped specifically for various special operations missions facilitating air operations on the battlefield. They conduct combat search and rescue missions, collect intelligence, as well as call in close air support or airstrikes against enemy combatants and are often partnered with other U.S. special operations forces overseas.
The 720th Special Tactics Group is assigned five special tactics squadrons and a support squadron.
The 720th STG also serves as the functional manager for two Special Tactics squadrons stationed outside the United States, the 320th Special Tactics Squadron under the 353d Special Operations Group at Kadena Air Base, Japan, and the 321st Special Tactics Squadron under the 352d Special Operations Wing at RAF Mildenhall, England.