Special operators chart future tactics Published Dec. 15, 2006 By Staff Sgt. Aaron Joyner AFSOC Operatioins HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Air Commandos discussed special tactics training course changes during the annual Air Force Special Operations Command Tactics Conference here Dec. 4-8. Nearly 125 special operators gathered to discuss training efforts, share tactical employment, mission data and identify challenges to current tactics, techniques and procedures. Embedded in this elite crowd of special operations warriors were members of the Royal Australian Air Force and British Royal Air Force. "This year's conference focused on the command's role in irregular warfare," said Maj. Rob Masaitis, AFSOC's chief of AC-130 weapons and tactics. "As we prosecute the Global War on Terrorism, we've transitioned from traditional, organized force-on-force conflict into something more ethereal--sometimes referred to as irregular warfare." Participants reviewed future technological advances in AFSOC weapons systems and reviewed the past year's activities. "One of our goals for this year's conference was for participants to leave with a clearer understanding of the nature of the GWOT, and how AFSOC is adapting its force structure to meet the direction laid out for us by U.S. Special Operations Command," he said. Organizers of the event hope that their efforts will actively shape both special operations forces war fighting tactics and headquarters programming actions. "This forum provides critical feedback from the field to the headquarters staff regarding how well Air Force Special Operations Forces are able to carry out their assigned missions, effectively train, and what they need to ensure success during future combat employment," he said. "By routinely assessing our combat tactics and training initiatives, AFSOC refines the effects it provides for both current and future operations." AFSOC's air and space directorate and component air force commander will study the identified deficiencies and suggested improvements.