Unit Motto: "First There, That Others May Live!"
The 17th Special Tactics Squadron is one of the ten Special Tactics Squadrons of United States Air Force Special Operations Command.
Special Tactics operators with the 17th STS, 24th Special Operations Wing, Air Force Special Operations Command, deploy with special operations forces to provide joint terminal attack control and maximize the impacts of air power by controlling and directing precise strikes to destroy the enemy. The squadron's primary mission is to provide special tactics Tactical Air Control Party Specialists (TACP) to the Army's 75th Ranger Regiment for unconventional operations.
The 17th STS is made up of a headquarters unit and two operational detachments. The headquarters unit is stationed at Fort Moore, Georgia. Detachment 1 (Red Team) is stationed at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia and is attached to 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. Detachment 2 (Silver Team) is stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington and is attached to the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.
The squadron is primarily made up of TACP airmen. In addition to the TACPs in the unit, there are combat controllers, special tactics officers, and combat mission support airmen.
| Branch | Insignia | MOS | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tactical Air Control Party |  |
1C4X1 Tactical Air Control Party Specialist | TACP specialists are the backbone of the 17th STS, responsible for calling in precise airstrikes and coordinating air support for ground operations. They must be skilled in radio communications, land navigation, and have a high level of physical fitness. |
| Combat Control |  |
1C2X1 Combat Control | Combat Controllers are certified air traffic controllers who establish assault zones and landing strips in hostile environments. They coordinate air traffic and provide direct air support during missions. |
| Special Tactics Officer |  |
13CX Special Tactics Officer | Special Tactics Officers lead Special Tactics teams during missions, coordinating the actions of TACP and Combat Control airmen. They are responsible for mission planning and execution. |
TACP specialists are responsible for calling in airstrikes and coordinating air support during missions. They work closely with ground forces to provide precise and effective air power. Skills required include advanced radio communications, land navigation, and physical fitness.
Combat Controllers are highly trained air traffic controllers who establish assault zones and landing strips in hostile environments. They coordinate air traffic and provide direct air support, ensuring successful mission outcomes.
Special Tactics Officers lead and coordinate Special Tactics teams, ensuring mission success through effective planning and execution. They oversee TACP, Special Reconnaissance, and Combat Control airmen during operations.
