Special Tactics / Combat Control

The Special Tactics / Combat Control Program (PE 0408011F) is a key element within the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, specifically under Budget Activity 7: Operational Systems Development. The primary objective of this program is to enhance the operational capabilities of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) personnel, focusing on three operator specialties: Combat Control, Pararescue, and Special Reconnaissance. The program supports mission sets such as Global Access, Precision Strike, Personnel Recovery (PR), Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO), Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and Ground-based Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD).

A central component of this program is the Special Warfare Acquisition Growth and Refresh (SWAGR) initiative. SWAGR is tasked with developing, integrating, testing, procuring, and fielding advanced technology and equipment for Air Force Special Warfare (AFSPECWAR) operators. The goals of SWAGR include modernizing body-worn hardware and software, improving tactical communications, enhancing ground mobility, integrating small UAS, advancing visual augmentation systems, supporting maritime operations, and enabling technical recovery and assault zone operations. These efforts are designed to ensure operators maintain technological superiority and mission effectiveness in rapidly evolving threat environments.

For Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025, SWAGR funding is allocated to continued software development and modernization of the body-worn kit. The objective is to improve situational awareness, communication, information management, and airpower integration for Special Tactics operators. These upgrades will facilitate faster and more accurate target recognition, identification, and engagement during both day and night operations. The program also aims to reduce the time required to locate, track, and fix targets, and to enhance the ability to attack adversary signals, generate target imagery, and transmit target data to command and control centers.

The ST System Development (Project 675138) line item supports research, development, integration, and testing of emerging technologies. This includes capabilities for sensing enemy activity within the electromagnetic spectrum, improving jamming effectiveness, enabling Low Probability of Intercept/Detection (LPI/LPD), and developing small UAS communication relay systems. The program also funds studies and analyses to address future capability gaps and supports innovation activities such as technology demonstrations, prototyping, and requirements definition to accelerate technology transition into future acquisition programs.

Testing and evaluation are integral to the program, with planned activities supporting full spectrum certification, Joint Interoperable Test Command (JITC), Air Force System Interoperability Test (AFSIT), and Authority to Operate (ATO) approvals. These efforts ensure that new and upgraded systems meet interoperability and security standards required for operational deployment. The program also includes funding for civilian pay expenses necessary to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability, supplementing other program elements as needed.

The acquisition strategy for SWAGR involves competitive contracting for systems engineering and integration, with General Dynamics IT providing key support from Dayton, Ohio. Program management is overseen by the Program Executive Office for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) and Special Operations Forces (SOF) at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. AFLCMC provides comprehensive support including contracting, legal, programmatic, engineering, test, and logistics services.