Training
Combat Weathermen are part of the Air Force Special Tactics Group. Unlike other special operations forces, Combat Weather only recruits from existing resources within the weather career field. In addition, weather has one of the Air Force’s highest entrance score requirements. In addition to the initial weather technical school requirements trainees must complete a series of training schools
The latest change in the Combat Weather training schedule is AFSOC’s new Advanced Skills Training based at Hurlburt Field, FL., which increases the success rate of Combat Weather trainees by employing a mentoring training philosophy.
U.S. Army Airborne School, Fort Benning, Ga. (3 weeks) - Trainees learn basic parachuting skills required to infiltrate an objective area by static line airdrop.
U.S. Air Force Basic Survival School, Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash.
(2.5 weeks) - This course teaches basic survival techniques for remote areas. This includes instruction of principles, procedures, equipment, and techniques, which enable individuals to survive, regardless of climatic conditions or unfriendly environments, and return home.
Air Force Special Operations Command Advanced Skills Training (4 months) - Advanced Skills Training (AST) employs a "warrior training warrior”" philosophy, teaching the skills necessary for successful service in the Special Tactics community. Training includes preparation for the Army Military Free fall Parachutist Schools. Also included is training in advanced communications and navigational aids, employment techniques, weapons training and small unit tactics.
U.S. Army Military Free Fall Parachutist School, Fort Bragg, NC, and Yuma Proving Grounds, AZ. (5 weeks) - This course instructs trainees in free fall parachuting procedures. The course provides wind tunnel training, in-air instruction focusing on student stability, aerial maneuvers, air sense, and parachute opening procedures.
Historical Overview
- 24 June 1942. Supported the American effort against the Japanese in the China-Burma-India (CBI) theater of operations.
- June 1944, seeing action during World War II at Normandy Beach, France; and, in the Netherlands and Yugoslavia.
- On 16 June 1966, the 10th WS was reactivated at Adorn Airfield, Thailand to conduct combat weather operations in Southeast Asia. Squadron was responsible for training indigenous weather personnel and setting up the clandestine weather observation networks throughout Southeast Asia.
- Nov 1971 personnel from the 10th WS were key players in many successful special operations including the highly weather dependent Son Tv raid. Timing for the Son Stay raid was advanced by 24 hours based on the 3 -day forecast. Weather support personnel successfully forecast the only 12 hours of "go" conditions during a 38-day period.
- Oct 1983 Combat Weathermen deployed in support of Operation Urgent Fury, the U.S. invasion of Grenada Working with other SOF and conventional forces.
- Oct 1990 Desert Shield/Desert storm involved many Combat Weather units supporting the entire spectrum of Special Operations.
- Oct 1993 Mogadishu, Somalia Combat weathermen supported TF Ranger in its operation to capture Warlord Muhammad Far aha Ad id
- 1995? Bosnia, Combat Weathermen briefed crews that conducted CSAR operations, and Army Special Forces units. (Continues today).
- Continuously supporting SOUTHCOM Counter Narcotics operations in South America.
- Continuing to support ongoing operations in Americas War on Terrisom in Afghanistan.
Assignment Information:
Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC)
AFSOC/DOW, Hurlburt Field FL
720 Special Tactics Group, Hurlburt Field FL
HQ 10 Combat Weather Sq, Hurlburt Field FL
Det 1, 10 CWS, Ft Lewis, WA
Det 2, 10 CWS, Ft Campbell KY
OL-A, Det 2, 10 CWS, Ft Stewart GA
Det 3, 10 CWS, Ft Carson, CO
Det 4, 10 CWS, Ft Benning, GA
Det 5, 10 CWS, Ft Bragg, NC
OL-A, 321st Special Tactics Sq, Panzer Kaserne Germany
OL-A, 320th Special Tactics Sq, Torii Station Japan
USASOC, Ft Bragg NC
Air Combat Command (ACC)
19 Air Support Operations Squadron, Ft Campbell KY
18 Weather Squadron, Ft Bragg NC
United States Air Force, Europe (USAFE)
Det 12, 7 Weather Squadron, Vicenza, Italy
Pacific Air Force (PACAF)
3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, Ft. Wainwright, Alaska
Air National Guard
107th Weather Flight, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, MI
146th Weather Flight, Corapolis, PA
181st Weather Flight, Carswell, TX
