Special Forces, Air Force

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) Special Operators provide U.S. forces with the ability to move personnel into contested areas as well as perform search-and-rescue (SAR) missions behind enemy lines “anywhere, anytime.” The U.S. Air Force’s Special Operations Command (AFSOC) is composed of more than 16,000 members, although the actual special operators make up a much smaller portion of the organization. In 2012, the current members of AFSOC included two active-duty wings, one reserve wing, one National Guard wing, and two overseas groups. This entry discusses the history, missions, and air assets of the USAF Special Operations Forces.