The Tailgater

Combat Control Teams (CCT) were established in 1953 to provide air traffic control and command-and-control capabilities in support of U.S. and allied special operations. Evolving from WWII pathfinders and glider operations, CCTs became essential for establishing drop zones, landing zones, and assault strips in denied or austere environments. Over the decades, they’ve deployed alongside every U.S. SOF element, enabling precision airpower in conflicts from Southeast Asia to the Middle East. CCTs are uniquely qualified as FAA-certified air traffic controllers and hold a wide array of advanced skills: they are certified Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs), combat divers, static-line and military free-fall parachutists (HALO/HAHO), qualified in demolitions, small unit tactics, survival/evasion/resistance/escape (SERE), communications, fire support coordination, and reconnaissance. Their ability to integrate air and ground operations under extreme conditions makes them one of the most versatile and mission-critical assets in U.S. special operations.