125th Special Tactics Squadron

The squadron provides tactical air and ground integration force and the Air Force's special operations ground force leading global access, precision strike, personnel recovery operations and battlefield surgery.[1]

The Special Tactics Squadron consist of:[1]

• Combat Controllers (CCT) - who are FAA-certified air traffic controllers and establish air control and provide combat support.
• Pararescuemen (PJ) - primary mission is personnel recovery in hostile areas and are expert combat medical professionals.
• Special Reconnaissance (SR) – Special Reconnaissance Airmen are trained in surveillance and reconnaissance, electronic warfare (EW), long-range precision engagement and target interdiction, small unmanned aircraft systems.
• Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) - TACPs conduct close air support and control communication networks in hostile areas and are trained JTAC (Joint tactical attack control) specialists.

Members of the 125th Special Tactics Squadron benefit from the extensive knowledge of their information technology support staff and these assets are considered "force multipliers" by both pararescuemen and combat control team members. They are trained in numerous infiltration methods that include: static-line and military free-fall parachuting, scuba, small boats, all-terrain vehicles, mountain ski and hiking, rappelling and fast rope.[1]

The 125th STS was officially constituted on 1 May 2005, and is one of only two Special Tactics Units in the Air National Guard. On 9 September 2006, the 244th Combat Communications Squadron was re-missioned creating the fully operational 125th Special Tactics Squadron in 2007 at Portland Air National Guard Base, Portland, Oregon.[1]

• List of United States Air Force special tactics squadrons

 This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency website http://www.afhra.af.mil/.

• 142nd Fighter Wing Host of 125th Special Tactics Squadron at Portland Air Base