What is a combat controller?

A Combat Controller (CCT) is a highly trained specialist in the U.S. Air Force who conducts air traffic control, close air support, and special operations missions in hostile environments. They deploy with special forces teams to establish airfields, coordinate airstrikes, and provide battlefield communication. Combat Controllers are trained in parachuting, scuba diving, survival, and combat tactics to operate in high-risk areas. Their expertise is critical for directing aircraft and ensuring mission success in austere and contested environments.