24th Special Tactics Sq Combat Support Team Air Force Challenge Coin
1 1/2 inch Challenge Coin
NOTE: Image altered to prevent fakes being made.
The 24th Special Tactics Squadron is one of the Special Tactics units of the United States Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). It is the U.S. Air Force component to Joint Special Operations Command.[1][2] It is garrisoned at Pope Field, North Carolina. Lineage: Constituted as 24 Air Corps Interceptor Control Squadron on 14 October 1941. Activated on 21 October 1941. Redesignated as 24 Fighter Control Squadron on 15 May 1942. Disbanded on 31 March 1944. Reconstituted, and consolidated (1 March 1992) with the 1724 Combat Control Squadron which was designated, and activated, on 1 May 1987. Redesignated as: 1724 Special Tactics Squadron on 1 October 1987. Redesignated as: 24 Special Tactics Squadron on 31 March 1992.
(REF: Wikipedia - 24th Special Tactics Squadron)
Tier 1 - Special Mission Unit United States Special mission units are commanded and controlled by Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). In addition to performing highly classified activities the special mission units are also tasked with "special missions", sometimes referring to unconventional warfare, counter-terrorist activities, direct action, Special reconnaissance, and/or black operations.[2][3][4][5] So far, only four SMUs have been publicly disclosed:
- The Army's 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment – Delta
- The Army's 75th Ranger Regiment: Regimental Reconnaissance Company
- The Navy's Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU)
- The Air Force's 24th Special Tactics Squadron (24 STS)[6][7][8][9][10][11][12]
Units from the Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment and 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (160th SOAR), and are controlled by JSOC when deployed as part of JSOC Task Forces such as Task Force 121 and Task Force 145.[13][14][15][16] The Intelligence Support Activity (ISA) is also under JSOC and has been referred to as a special mission unit.[17][7][9][10] The ISA collects specific target intelligence prior to SMU missions, and provides signals support, etc. during those mission.[7][9][10] The Army once maintained the ISA, but after the September 11 attacks, the Pentagon shifted direct control to Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, NC.[18]
(REF: Wikipedia - Tier-1 Forces)