Air Force Combat Control- Everything YOU need to know!

[@AbstractDreamz]

My greatest regret- 22 years ago, I was left with the decision to follow my dream to TRY to be CCT or make a better life for my family. I chose the latter. I had trained hard. I was nervous but ready for the challenge. Here I sit, retired with 23 years now and 6 deployments under my belt. Although I am proud of everything I did, that decision haunts my soul. Especially since deployment #6 was spent working on a tiny place with PJ's and CCT's all around me. For those that are on the fence about it. Just do it. I would rather have tried and failed than to be haunted by the thought that I could have. I can only hope and wish that there is another life and I will have the wisdom to make the better choice. My family would have been fine either way. My regular Airforce hat is off to you guys. Thank you for your service.

[@Thleta]

Hey man, your comment about being on the fence about it and just doing it makes my heart pound. I'm not sure if you would know, but if by some reason you don't make it through the pipeline, do you go where the needs of the airforce are or is their an occupational specialty you pick before starting on this journey? I don't have fear of failing the pipeline, I have fear of getting stuck scrubbing some corner of a room for the next 4 years cause I broke a leg or something and didn't make it through. Maybe I need to decide that that is worth it anyway.

[@AbstractDreamz]

@@Thleta That was one of my fears all those decades ago. I will say this. If I could go back, and tell my 22 year old self one thing it would be this. Life is two seconds long. You blink and a second passes. Don't blink and waste valuable time. Do your homework but fear not what comes after you have given everything for your dream but failed. The real fear should be facing the mirror and explaining to the person looking at you why you never tried. Lastly, look up David Goggins. Read his book. Watch his videos and remember his quote....."Martin Luther King had a dream, Don't let fear fuck yours up". I hope this helps but honestly at 43 years old and now retired, there is rarely a day that I do not think about and regret not going for it.

[@AbstractDreamz]

@@Thleta After laying down for bed I had a second thought about this. If the answer to your question turns out to be that if you do not make it through the pipeline you will in fact be placed into a job based on the needs of the Airforce...would that make it not worth the potential reward of being one of the most elite operators on the planet? The answer to this may help you decide your path.

[@Thleta]

@@AbstractDreamz Thank you for your reply. I am 25 and have had serving in the back of my mind everyday of my life since 14. I still do not know why I haven't pulled the trigger. Getting stuck doing something I don't enjoy doesn't so much as turn me away from serving entirely, but of considering a different career with a different branch. The only two career paths I could ever truly have my heart and mind fully committed to are CCT or Army 12B, where my goal would be Sapper school. I know how odd that sounds but CCT is the first job I learned about regarding the military my interest has only wavered in response to big life events, and Army 12B is what my father did when he served, and it also greatly captured my interest. It is odd how I feel torn between these two occupations, and it almost feels like an excuse to not do either one. Surely if I get put doing something I don't prefer because of failing the pipeline, I could always get out and go to the other branch. Knowing it would be worth it just to attempt it is a very valid reason to get after it. You've left me that to think over. Thanks again for advice.

[@AbstractDreamz]

@@Thleta A lifetime adventure awaits you. Leap and know that you will be fine with your decision to try. But will you be fine with your decision to not leap at all. Just know that in 5 years your body will likely start fighting against your dream. Also, many of these military adventures have an age limit. Keep that in mind.... the clock is ticking.

[@benyoung552]

This one was really good. Hell yeah... Thanks guys... My little brother was CCT... Doesn't really tell me much in detail about it though... Just a few good missions...

[@OnesReady]

Thanks to you and your brother!!!!

[@Oliver-lc9ud]

I’ve heard a lot of SEALs and Green Berets say they wish they were CCT so that should tell you something

[@DJgoon12]

What reasons did they share? One GB on KZbin said that looking back, he would've been a CCT instead because they have more independence when it comes to team dynamics on deployment. They can come in and out of direct contact with the team.

[@pistonkingenterprises1972]

How is this channel not popular? Its amazing! They teach you so much

[@OnesReady]

Well my friend- share it out. 😎

[@pistonkingenterprises1972]

@@OnesReady Oh don't worry I told a lot of people interested in the military to tune into this channel! Amazing content👍🇺🇲

[@aah4587]

What they do is more complicated than just kicking down doors .. non military folks want to hear more about stories of folks knocking down doors .. like do they know these guys can open the skies and make it rain hell

[@danabogue1804]

I was a (AFSC) 431 in the AIRFORCE, and I can tell you that CCT'S put the " Special" in special forces! Air Support is a GAME CHANGER, and these guys will bring such a RAIN OF RUIN down on your head that you will not be able to comprehend or anticipate. All you other S.F. operators, like the credit card commercial says "don't leave home without it (them)! Your LIFE may depend on it!

[@briangregory6303]

I was an Air Force nuclear weapons specialist. I remember seeing the pararescue video in basic and thinking no way could I do that since I could just barely stay afloat in water. I happened across the footage of John Chapman completely by chance, or I was meant to. I bought Alone at Dawn before this past Christmas and was doing some research Christmas eve back home in Johnstown, PA. I found out his final resting place is in Windber, just outside of Johnstown. I did a lot of looking in the hills above Windber before I found his grave and paid my respects. What an incredible man. My hat goes off to you and your brothers. Someday I need to buy "yinz" a beer.

[@joedoey6824]

Went through indoc in 2004 when it was over on Medina Annex. I had no idea what I was in for other than I had memorized the mission statement. I failed out after 3 weeks because of the pool. Mask and snorkel recovery....as easy as I can do it now...was beyond my comprehension at the time. I would go down a recover the gear but when I would try to don and clear the mask before breaking the surface, I would float to the top. Nobody told us how to do anything. We just had to figure it out. I was crushed when I was DQd and I've always thought of how my life would be different if someone would have taken the time to show me how to do certain thing. I'm glad you guys are making videos talking about this awesome AFSC. Thanks for yalls service.

[@mrshovelbottom7475]

Me at 1 AM: I sleep....... My Brain: Ones ready upload!

[@hezzzzzzzzzzzz]

Decisions... Decisions... Decisions. Oh boy

[@theplaguedoctor4242]

🤔what is the priority🤔

[@cadeucescombatvet8650]

Former 68W Army 9 yrs. I've truly been impressed with every single combat controller I met in my entire career. This channel is a great to hear everything from you guys perspective and experience of a CC

[@sethheaddress2651]

What about tacp?

[@lukethompson1041]

Failure isn't hell, regret is... best line from the whole interview. the rest was good too. Thanks

[@nightmarefiles1]

I remember first using ATAK back in 2017

[@Taydutt13]

I recommend reading Alone At Dawn. It tells the story of Technical Sargent John Champman. The first medal of honor recipient to have his last stand on drone footage. Truly harrowing bone chilling. Chapman is an absolute stud

[@vincentferreira1135]

I have found that a lot of the most fit guys, in the Army at least, tend to be the less competent guys. They can just pick up heavy things and they think that makes them better than everyone else.

[@madt7131]

Peaches and all of you guys are those kind of people that make sure we are all informed about the specifics. I appreciate that you all take the time to prepare us to be the One's Ready, for these careers. 👍👍

[@adamhamilton3342]

The infamous 'What do you do on a deployment' vague answer... I think we are asking for a similar response to what is a day to day like...are you geared up every day? are you going outside the wire everyday? or is it 6 days of briefs and workouts and one day of a mission? You guys are awesome thanks for the inspiration.

[@fishingwithjt1666]

I’m most interested in being a CCT or a SMA and I’m glad I watched this video. Thank you

[@coreyforst748]

I’m enlisting this week for exactly this role. Been training mentally and physically for the last 6 months.

[@eviLempire2013]

If you can let us know how you’re doing!

[@AidanSheridanexe]

Peaches is the best. Hope I get to have a beer one day with him

[@stephenliner7269]

Awesome episode, really appreciate the clarification. I’m a 35yo non-prior service trading with AFSOC recruiter with the plan being to serve my country at the highest level, I’ve been thinking GF I wanted to go the new SR route because I didn’t understand enough about the CCT job, now I may have to reconsider. Thanks again, you guys a are awesome!

[@FactsOVERfeelings2024]

BRO that's some dope shit

[@JHillNC]

This was top notch. I can't wait for story time! Hopefully y'all can line that up soon. Thank you for the great content.

[@nadoProducer]

"Ask, 'Why is this so unbearable? Why can't I endure it?' You will be embarrassed to answer." - Marcus Aurelius I'm only in Development right now, looking to leave early next year, but I think I'd sum it up so far by saying I've never done anything so miserable but so fun. Thanks for all the amazing quality content, I was pretty nebulous on what Controllers did until this episode. Keep drivin on and hopefully I can meet you guys at work in 2-3 years

[@jamisgood21]

Just recently finished the book "My brother In Arms" about CCT Matt Forester. Super awesome dudes! Always wish there was more books out about CCT guys. PJ's are heavily represented. Also awesome, I read those too! But where is the love for CCT books?!

[@OnesReady]

Well, if you look behind Aaron in every episode, you’ll see “Alone at Dawn”... and there just aren’t that many CCT books out there!

[@jamisgood21]

@@OnesReady Yes sir, I also have that book. Very good read!

[@SiCKsNIpEz03]

I just absolutely love everyone haha. Peaches especially. Everything about him and what he’s about is genuinely contagious. I’ve been in a strut lately with my fitness and career field. You all really sparked something in me that I can’t convey through this comment, but long comment short, thank you guys for taking the time off your busy schedules to give us insight and indirectly helping us, or I guess me, mold our mental fortitude.

[@dsphillips16]

Imagine if there was only one SF test and graduates were placed in the Seals, PJs, etc. based on individual strengths and weaknesses.

[@gregallen9473]

It’s now A&S, pre dive, Air Force or Army dive, airborne, SERE, freefall, another SERE coarse, CCS “beret at completion” then Special Tactics but may not necessarily be in that order depending on availability at each course.

[@Team.Madman]

When are you gonna have me on.(PJ-A-10 pilot) I want Peaches to pass me a 9-Line while you guys are yelling at him playing 70's rock!! Nice video fellas!

[@OnesReady]

Open invite- you tell us when you’re free!!!

[@Team.Madman]

@@OnesReady Let' do it sometime after break.

[@nickbgreat]

Good stuff...my boy works over at the pre-dive school

[@domexley737]

The whole hour was excellent information, but those last 5 minutes really hit home. Well said Chief! Here's to not "being a turd". Thanks for the video gentleman.

[@BillyGlass117]

I appreciate you guy's taking the time out of your day to give everyone updates, and motivation on the pipeline.

[@haroldbrown886]

1981 sounds to be a lot different than the way they did in the 2000s lol. we started in going to do our paperwork at the end of basic training and went from that to air traffic school. then to airborne then we would go through selection before starting ccs.

[@justaguy1679]

Hey guys. This may be the most ignorant question, but military service in my family ended with my father, who survived D-Day with 29th ID, only to be wounded 11 days later at St. Lo. But please explain to me what “chief”, or “master chief” means in terms of rank, experience, level of respect from others etc? And thank you in advance. You all are to be respected for walking your talk, which at 68 yrs of age, I’ve seen less and less of in general life. Our country is sincerely blessed to have individuals like all of you and your brothers. God bless you and your families.

[@sethheaddress2651]

Well your father was in the army, Chief and master chief is a rank in the navy, but I don’t recall them speaking about navy in this podcast.

[@phoenixknight8837]

@@sethheaddress2651 I think they mentioned it in reference to a title that Peaches held.

[@jhill4071]

First of all joining the Air Force vs the Army or Navy is an instant winner. So many interesting choices in the Air Force. in my opinion one should pick and AFSC that has a civilian counter part. Do four, out the door with the GI Bill in your back pocket. But if your just a little bit crazy... that's a whole different story. Then it's SERE, CCT and PJs for a fun career all over the globe for maybe 20-yrs and then the AF Reserves.

[@richmacys]

So much different now. Lol They asked us in rank in basic who can swim well. I raised my hand. 50 something degree water in November in San Antonio lol before there was an inside swimming pool.

[@nathanr2326]

Awesome. Wanna be a TACP but still watched good stuff.

[@redzen5149]

Why would you be a tacp when you can be a cct?

[@nathanr2326]

@@redzen5149 Because TACP is the job I want to do. Their much more focused around CAS, I'm also attracted to the fact that they work with conventional units with the opportunity to go into Special operations.

[@sethheaddress2651]

Cause swimming sucks ass

[@jamesjames5035]

I thought cct is special operations?

[@nathanr2326]

@@jamesjames5035 Yeah they are. The thing is TACP starts off with conventional units like 82nd airborne and what not and combat control is strictly with sof units.

[@hammstah9578]

@peaches_tacp First In legend, helluva first deployment. You're really articulate, clearly an expert and leader, and seem like a great teammate and (at least in your online presence) a mellowed-out badass 👊🏻✌🏻. AFSOC is fortunate to have you. Re "at least no *physical* injuries," hopefully any other is getting worked out; from the few nuggets here and on other podcasts, it seems like you're always aiming forward and have a great inner circle! #neverquit If there's anyone in the TACP pipeline reading this, #belikePeaches.

[@N3ON23]

Peaches seems alright, runnin that damn kayak around Lackland in those gorgeous short shorts with no water in in sight 🤔

[@isaacsteel1]

For the people that want to do this make sure you don't have a backup plan because when shit gets hard people think about that. Also in basic training your already in the Pipeline all the mti are evaluating. Mti likes to talk about other trainees. Make sure you can break down each day in to different slices of the pie. Don't focus on the end of the marathon because you won't make it also. Make sure you can run 2 hours. At least 3k push ups 1.5k situps hundreds of dead hang pull ups make sure your core is use to keeping your legs 6 inches above ground. And make sure you have resistance training because mti is gonna try everything. And make sure your recruiter. Try to have someone that can go down to your area that has done the pipeline. This isn't a joke d1 athletes couldn't even make it past the first training to even sign the mos to go to lackland

[@bahadiraltinerlielmas7801]

Great video guys peaches thank you so much for all the good information about combat controller 🤝 keep up the good work God bless you guys🤝

[@gq75]

pumped for this one!

[@Chaz_OC]

I’m likely enlisting shortly but I’m 36, am I going to have a shot at CCT? I have a meeting with a recruiter next week so I’ll ask him obv but I figured I’d shoot a question here too. Great pod fellas. I grew up a brat, dad retired IG at Wright Pat and I always had this complex that his accomplishments were also mine, so I didn’t want to serve. Now that I’m older and mature, I feel the need to serve. I’d like to get the most out of it as possible. Thanks gents.

[@OnesReady]

There have been people much older than you get selected and become AFSW, so the rest is up to you my man. Good luck and thanks for your support!🍑

[@haroldbrown886]

what i found to help me through it was the understanding that giving up was not an option. lol

[@zacharydavis4398]

You guys are amazing. Great personalities and have shared some great insight into possibly the best military career path for people like me. Thanks

[@TheManofTomorrow2013]

Just discovering this video. You guys are doing God's work

[@periciaeconomico-financeira]

A great Hello from Brazil!

[@hammstah9578]

The ATAC equipment sounds awesome

[@bigdaddyo3382]

Great Podcast! Nice to know the AF has leaders like you.

[@SupaSwope]

im 30 so i do remember mapquest but wanting to start my career now

[@OnesReady]

Cool. Get after it! -A

[@tylerk2533]

Finally they let the peach preach

[@ont3n]

it’s gonna be a god damn journey but I’m determined.

[@jirren9143]

This is perfect for me this is what I want to do

[@speedracer2336]

Very underrated, AF does a poor job promoting them. Front lines guys know who they are, so that's important!

[@zenra2691]

Joining as a cct can't wait too work with you guys. Look for me

[@OnesReady]

Will do! -A

[@LucasFR11]

Thanks guys! Wish you'd send the Hoodie to France

[@OnesReady]

Hit us up on Instagram. Or hit Aaron up on Instagram. We got you.

[@LucasFR11]

@@OnesReady Roger that

[@michellerush8541]

Can one do this level of physical work as an officer. What is the path for a college student in ROTC? What minors are suggested to prepare to compete for Air Force Special Warfare Officer?

[@KevinGonzalez-en8fd]

did you ever get an answer to your question? also interested in this pathway

[@justelynnnjoelle]

LET'S FREAKIN GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@jnx702]

What are the chances of me becoming a cct or sr, I’m infantry in the army and I have a 106gt, a pretty decent pt score too

[@blackattack1055]

I'm joining the Air Force here soon, I'm joining as Security Forces but I plan to eventually try out for CCT. Is there someone or something that I could talk to or read personally that could help me out. I have no family prior service so they can't help.

[@willterrell3434]

I hope this wasn't answered already, but would anyone recommend taking an ATC course before attempting a CCT contract? Or would it be better to learn as you go in the pipeline? I appreciate any help. I'm an aviation major and looking to join the AF prior to finishing my FTO specialization. I have some experience with talking with with important people But I don't think it would be as intuitive as it could be. What I'm asking is; will me taking an atc class help me or would it confuse the data I'm getting from the instructors? If i'm familiary with ATC regs will it be beneficial for me to get info first or learn as I get info in whatever course I may take? Thanks for the help

[@kmoore42]

I imagine that taking an extra course will always help you more if you are mentally prepared. There’s nothing wrong with going in more prepared, as long as important time and other things aren’t being wasted.

[@inde6466]

Peaches is inspiring because im short too

[@Tjb-br4hk]

How tall are you?

[@treydamico5543]

Any tips on prep before going in?

[@vigorisFun]

Hey so how does it work do you have to be in the Air Force for a few years or can you go in after boot camp? I’ve always wanted to a seal so I’m training in that way. Was just wondering if because this seems very awesome

[@elchuzalongo4339]

You can get a contract that allows you to straight into the CCT pipeline

[@vigorisFun]

@@elchuzalongo4339 thanks man do you know what that contract is called?

[@theplaguedoctor4242]

It can be an entry contract or cross training.

[@tillmatic1]

Just tell a recruiter you want to join to be a cct

[@LibertysetsquareJack]

Not anymore. Contracts are not PJ or CCT specific now, but instead you get a "special warfare operator" afsc that is tentative, ie. through basic and SW prepatory and such. Search for "SWOEV contract" online, or just ask the recruiter. Near the end of Selection is when guys are going to be aligned towards PJ, CCT, etc., speciality: a combo of candidate performance assessment, candidate preference and force needs will determine if you end up heading into CCT or something else.

[@baileykincaid9282]

Hi I was wondering PJs participate in direct action a lot or is it more of QRF type stuff

[@theplaguedoctor4242]

Sometimes, it depends on the situation.

[@VeritasPlus]

Lol MapQuest! What do you do if you missed a turn??

[@OnesReady]

You just like, went back and started over lol!- A

[@colbyf4009]

Can I join the CCT’s after college? Cause I am in college and I am going to join the ROTC here next year and am wondering what my best chances are. Cause I don’t want to go through ROTC then they put me somewhere we’re I don’t want to be or do I just finish college and then enlist to tryout for CCT? So many questions

[@OnesReady]

Well, we answer all of them here on the channel. Yes, you can enlist after ROTC; however, there is a pretty well defined process for that program. If you wanted to be a Combat Controller, there are easier paths than going to get a 4 year degree then enlisting. Also, you could become a STO (Special Tactics Officer) through ROTC. So, you have options. -A

[@arcane3419]

Does anyone know when ccts or pjs get their beret? is it after all the courses like freefall, dive, med or air traffic control are completed? or is it after some sort of selection before you go TDY to all the courses?

[@OnesReady]

After their respective AFSC award courses. CCT at Combat Control School; PJs at the PJ Apprentice course; SR at the SR Apprentice Course, or SRAC. -A

[@Texasmayne89]

So it it true TACP is the little brother of CCT?

[@chrisawesome3091]

Can you do a 4 year enlistment for CCT? Because the pipeline is about 2 years, I would assume a 6 year minimum?

[@proto4870]

6 year minimum forced contract

[@chrisawesome3091]

@@proto4870 Okay. Thank you How did you find that info?

[@proto4870]

@@chrisawesome3091 Talking with Recruiters, etc. Signing a 6 in April

[@chrisawesome3091]

@@proto4870 oh okay. Thanks. Best of luck!

[@SparklePrincess]

Yeah that guy is lying. It’s a 4 year or 6 year contract

[@ChanceGardner-h9j]

How do you join cct ?

[@LeDiamondDog]

In the Air Force i guess I don’t know if that helping 😁

[@abdulqayumkhan3992]

What is Combat Controller? You need to Study and have a Great Knowledge to Express it.

[@2011granit]

With team do you train with from sweden?

[@ogj7757]

Can you do combat control in a 4 year contract??

[@aah4587]

I believe it’s a six year contract .. not 100% sure

[@deadmanwalkingcorp1519]

can i do combat control even tho i wear glasses?

[@iknow4913]

These podcast normally aren’t very informative. Not talking about this one specifically but the ones about SR aren’t informative but I guess there just isn’t much info out about that

[@OnesReady]

The 3 hours of podcasts, lives, and Instagram feeds from an actual SR guy aren’t informative? Let’s do this. Either email us or type it here- what questions do you want answered? We will do a podcast, no matter how long it takes, and answer every question directly. [e-mail] is the email.

[@Tjb-br4hk]

I’m curious are combat controllers skilled in close combat ?

[@alvinmartin9215]

Yes

[@mattwaters9008]

is all cct/pj/sr/etc part of 24th sts or does 24th sts pick the best of the best from those?

[@jebbus8387]

24th Specail tactics is tier 1 basically the SEAL Team 6 of the Air Force

[@aah4587]

I believe by selection

[@dilana9531]

Let’s go

[@riverotter4648]

My dad used Mapquest😭😭😭

[@OnesReady]

Smart man. The flipping back and forth between pages was the worst… - A

[@phoenixknight8837]

👍

[@jesusjanfan6983]

Trent has an insta?

[@OnesReady]

@@jesusjanfan6983 yep! A good one too. Just search his name. - A

[@drkangel1134]

Im one of the ones living with regret

[@LarryH8988]

..

[@oldpirate7434]

GulfZulu

[@N3ON23]

Why the hell did this shit pop back up?

[@stellerpleb.6530]

you talk too much

[@OnesReady]

Who? Aaron? Trent? Peaches? Thanks for the feedback!

[@GuidoMillonezz]

Good contents but this guy voice is annoying, I am un subscribing ASAP

[@ChristopherPires-z1l]

Any workouts to follow or to put in your workouts to help for selection im currently working on being a CCT still working with my recruiter on some paperwork and dates … love your videos and the tips that you guys put out there ✅🙏🏻🫡