Photo By Staff Sgt. Natalie Fiorilli | A group of past and present Air Force Special Operations Command leaders speak on a...... read more read more
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HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – Air Force Special Operations Command marked its 35th anniversary with a week of professional development for leaders and Airmen, held here June 2-5, 2025.
Professional Development Sessions were held for all Air Commandos to gain insight on different aspects of AFSOC. More than two dozen senior and retired AFSOC leaders, sat on nine panels to discuss various topics relevant to the command’s past, present, and future operations.
One panel focused on the evolution of the MC-130 and how the airframe and its aircrew have made changes over time to support various missions sets.
“As we look to the future, we need to think bigger,” said Brig. Gen. Leslie Hadley, AFSOC Mobilization Assistant to the Commander. “We can use the platform to extend airpower, create lethality, and disrupt the enemy. Some of the best ideas come from the operators and those that employ the airplane.”
“There have been many bottom-up innovations from aircrews, just based on staring at a problem long enough and not accepting that it’s unsolvable,” said Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Christopher Ireland.
While most people think of the C-130 variants when they think of AFSOC, another panel chronicled how AFSOC’s smaller, more versatile airframes have revolutionized how Air Commandos operate in austere environments.
“Our success in AFSOC is based on relationships and trust,” said Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Michael Kingsley. If the Army or Navy Seals trust us it will lead to a much greater bond. I’ve seen the U-28 community develop the relationship to the point where other units won’t go without them, because they see how valuable our crews are.”
Other panels reflected on the significant events of the past that tested AFSOC’s capabilities and shaped what the command became, such as the role of Special Tactics during the Global War on Terror.
“We had not realized how important what we did during Operation Just Cause and Operation Urgent Fury was,” said Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Thomas Trask. “The Gulf War really brough that to the forefront – the SOF component and the air component have to be extremely well synchronized and integrated. These components are both thinking about problems from a strategic, theater-wide perspective instead of having geographic boundaries of most conventional units.”
“At that time, we were so in-depth with combat search and rescue, but that changed immediately with the introduction of unconventional warfare,” said Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Will Markham. “As Air Commandos and as good Airmen we have the ability to adapt, think on our feet, and push forward.”
The leaders shared their knowledge and expertise based on their years of operating in AFSOC and the Joint Force. These talks provided valuable perspective and insight for today’s servicemembers, who will continue to shape the command’s strategic direction for years to come.
In addition to professional development for Airmen, AFSOC leaders held Commando Rally, Commando Stripe and Commando Top. Each brought together different levels of leaders from across the command to delve into critical topics such as Air Commando development, the evolving threat picture, and emerging technological advancements. These discussions aimed to align the command's strategic priorities and ensure a cohesive approach to future challenges.
The week of interactive discussions and networking opportunities fostered connections across multiple generations of Air Commandos, bridging their knowledge and experiences to deliberately develop Air Commandos who are masters in their craft and disciplined professionals.
The celebration of the command’s anniversary provided the perfect venue to connect, collaborate, and gain a deeper understanding of AFSOC’s vision.
| Date Taken: | 06.05.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.06.2025 13:11 |
| Story ID: | 499862 |
| Location: | HURLBURT FIELD, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 28 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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