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Combat Controllers and Special Tactics Officers

Air Force Combat Controllers (or CCT) deploy deep into hostile territory to direct paratrooper assault drops, identify potential aircraft landing fields and conduct special operations to support USAF and Department of Defense missions. They are trained to use demolitions to clear runways and to set up navigational aids. Moreover, as certified air traffic controllers, they can manage all airfield operations and local airspace, even in remote locations. Some Combat Controllers can also direct close air support and combat search and rescue. 

Special Tactics Officers manage the training and equipping of ground special operations and deploy as team leaders or mission commanders as direct combatants or as operations planners.

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