Mike McReynolds 2500 Hillshire Drive Columbia, MO 65203-1577 573-446-4840 SgtMacsBar started out as a dream about building a bar downstairs. About this same time I also got my first computer. A friend came up with SgtMacsBar while drinking a few with me at the so-far unnamed bar. That not only became the name of the "downstairs bar", but my handle for venturing out onto the net. Then I put together a small website and it has just kept growing. SgtMacsBar is much more than just a name, a bar, or a website! SgtMacsBar is a collection of CCT memorabilia, stories, photos and much more provided by members for everyone to enjoy. The memories go deep and the deeds are many. Please send me your favorite photos and help keep the memories fresh. SgtMacsBar is for you and I promise to be a good bartender. What In The Heck Is Combat Control? "FIRST THERE" The mission of a Combat Controller is to deploy by the most feasible means into forward and non-permissive environments to establish assault zones with air traffic control capabilities. Combat Controllers are responsible for the initial placement of enroute and terminal command and control. Combat Controllers also remove obstacles and unexploded ordinances with the use of demolitions. COMBAT CONTROL HISTORY The need for Combat Controllers in airlift operations was first realized during the airborne campaigns of World War II. Major parachuting assaults fell short of expectations because of lost aircraft and adverse weather conditions. This resulted in personnel being air dropped 30 miles or more from their objective areas. The shortcomings of these operations identified the need for effective guidance and control of air transported combat forces. Thus, a small parachute scout company of Army pathfinders was organized and trained. Their mission was to precede the main assault force to the objective area and through the use of high powered lights, flares and smoke pots provide visual guidance and critical weather information to inbound aircraft. In September of 1943, pathfinders were first employed during the airborne reinforcement of allied troops in Italy. They were parachuted in only minutes prior to the airborne assault forces to establish drop zones. Their training paid off and resulted in tremendous improvements for airborne assault operations. Later, pathfinders from the 101st and 82nd airborne divisions played an integral role during the Normandy invasion. On 17 September 1944, an airborne operation code named, "Market Garden," was conducted in Holland. Experienced pathfinder teams from the 101st airborne were deployed 25 minutes before the first wave of airborne troops. The use of visual navigational aids, enroute radio checkpoints and properly marked objective areas enabled each aircraft to successfully drop at the pre-coordinated location. After the establishment of the U.S. Air Force as a separate service on 18 September 1947, organizational changes resulted in tactical airlift and aerial port squadrons assuming responsibility for support of the U.S. Army ground forces. Air Force pathfinder teams, later called Combat Control Teams, were activated in January of 1953 to provide navigational aids and air traffic control for the growing airlift forces. In March of 1953, Combat Control Teams were incorporated into aerial port squadrons and remained so until 1977 when they were assigned to the director of operations. In July, 1984 Combat Control was a restructured into a system of squadrons and detachments which report directly to numbered Air Forces. in 1991, Combat Control squadrons were placed under the control of host wing commanders. Since their activation into the Air Force, Combat Controllers have made many valuable contributions to Air Force operations worldwide. They have supported the tactical airlift missions during many international emergencies. Combat Controllers participated and distinguished themselves in the Lebanon crisis (July-Oct '58), the Congo crisis (July-Oct '60), the China - India confrontation (Nov '62 - Sep '63), the Dominican Republic contingency and the Southeast Asia conflict including the evacuation of Vietnam and Cambodia. Extensive involvement in Vietnam helped form the basis of Combat Control operating methods in use today. "Tailpipes", as they were commonly referred to in those days, assisted during countless airlifts in outlying areas. They helped to assure mission safety, to expedite air traffic flow and to coordinate with local agencies and the airlift control element (ALCE). In 1965 through 1972, Combat Controllers worked from a number of fixed and semi-fixed locations such as Khe Sahn, Camp Evens, Bien Hoa, and Kham Duc. True to the Combat Control motto, "First In, Last Out", the Combat Controllers were the last American unit to be evacuated from Khe Sahn on 1 April '71. In addition, two American Combat Controllers were among the last to be extracted by helicopter from the roof of the U.S. embassy when Saigon collapsed in 1975. Because of their unique capabilities and quick reaction time, Combat Controllers were also instrumental in the resolution of several other international emergencies. Combat Controllers were called upon to support federal agencies in a number of humanitarian relief efforts. When earthquakes devastated parts of Guatemala, Peru and Nicaragua, Combat Control was the first in and for some time the only communications link back to the relief headquarters. Combat Controllers also worked at small airfields throughout North Africa and Bangladesh when the U.S. donated tons of food to drought stricken countries. Again, in 1975 Combat Controllers were sent to Zaire and other African countries in response to contingencies in that region. In 1980, Combat Control was involved in the humanitarian attempt to rescue the American hostages held in Iran. Combat Controllers played a vital role in the 1983 Grenada rescue operation. The first airborne insertion occurred with a C-130 airdrop of 12 Combat Controllers and a force on U.S. Army Rangers from an altitude of only 500 feet. Each Combat Controller was loaded down with 90 pounds of equipment in addition to about 40 pounds of parachute gear. CCT quickly established a command and control radio net and air-to-ground radio communications in order to work inbound aircraft for follow-on airdrops and air/land missions. They also acted as forward air guides for U.S. Air Force gunships and U.S. Navy fighter aircraft. The primary mission of this unit was to establish usable navigational aids and provide initial air traffic control for the operation. Combat Controllers were instrumental to the success of operations in Panama during operation "Just Cause" in1989. During this operation Combat Controllers, Pararescuemen, and U.S. Army Rangers jointly deployed onto two separate air fields controlled by Panamanian Defense Forces. Combat Controllers helped secure these air fields and then established an air traffic control capability for the follow on fixed and rotary wing aircraft landings of assault forces. Their actions were instrumental to the success of airlift operations during this military action. Recently Combat Controllers were part of the huge pre-strike build up of United Nation and American forces during operation "Desert Shield". Combat Controllers were heavily involved in the air traffic control, air-to-ground operations, and assault actions that liberated Kuwait from Iraq during the ensuing "Desert Storm" campaign. Combat Control also, provided extensive air traffic control for airlift that provided humanitarian relief to Kurdish refugees fleeing into northern Iraq. Combat Controllers were involved in the struggle to capture Somalia leader Mohammed Fhara Aidid. Assigned jointly with U.S. Army Rangers, a single Combat Controller was tasked to operate in a Search and Rescue (SAR) role on an Army helicopter. After the initial assault began, two Army helicopters were shot down, Combat Control responded to the scene to assist survivors by providing close air support and vital command and control communications. The helicopter crashes were in the middle of a battle zone. The single Combat Controller, along with two Pararescuemen and additional Army Rangers, were in the firefight and established radio communications with gunship helicopters and provided direct fire calls to remove enemy threats. As a direct result of these actions, the mission was completed and many lives were saved in the process. When assigned to the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), Combat Controllers and Pararescuemen are combined into highly trained special tactics teams. They are organized, trained and equipped to rapidly establish and control the air-ground interface and provide airmenship skills in the objective area. A special tactics team frequently operates with Navy Seals, Army Rangers, and Army Green Berets in "direct action," airfield seizure and personnel recovery missions in hostile territory. Operating in all climates, day or night, special tactics operators maintain the highest standards of physical fitness and proficiency in the use of light weapons. Functions include assault zone assessment and establishment; air traffic control; command and control communications; special operations terminal attack control; and removal of obstacles with demolitions. The CCT provide a unique capability and deploy with joint air and ground forces in the execution of Direct Action, Counterterrorism, Foreign Internal Defense, Humanitarian Assistance, Special Reconnaissance, Austere Airfield, and Combat Search and Rescue operations. Combat Controllers are presently involved with the Special Operations "War On Terrorism". Their contributions are numerous to include the sacrifice of life. Some of their heroic actions and deeds are just being declassified. Visit the CCT Stories Section to learn of their accomplishments. "First There" 'That Others May Live'
SgtMacsBar started out as a dream about building a bar downstairs. About this same time I also got my first computer. A friend came up with SgtMacsBar while drinking a few with me at the so-far unnamed bar. That not only became the name of the "downstairs bar", but my handle for venturing out onto the net. Then I put together a small website and it has just kept growing.
SgtMacsBar is much more than just a name, a bar, or a website!
SgtMacsBar is a collection of CCT memorabilia, stories, photos and much more provided by members for everyone to enjoy. The memories go deep and the deeds are many. Please send me your favorite photos and help keep the memories fresh. SgtMacsBar is for you and I promise to be a good bartender.
"FIRST THERE"
The mission of a Combat Controller is to deploy by the most feasible means into forward and non-permissive environments to establish assault zones with air traffic control capabilities. Combat Controllers are responsible for the initial placement of enroute and terminal command and control. Combat Controllers also remove obstacles and unexploded ordinances with the use of demolitions.
COMBAT CONTROL HISTORY
The need for Combat Controllers in airlift operations was first realized during the airborne campaigns of World War II. Major parachuting assaults fell short of expectations because of lost aircraft and adverse weather conditions. This resulted in personnel being air dropped 30 miles or more from their objective areas. The shortcomings of these operations identified the need for effective guidance and control of air transported combat forces. Thus, a small parachute scout company of Army pathfinders was organized and trained. Their mission was to precede the main assault force to the objective area and through the use of high powered lights, flares and smoke pots provide visual guidance and critical weather information to inbound aircraft.
In September of 1943, pathfinders were first employed during the airborne reinforcement of allied troops in Italy. They were parachuted in only minutes prior to the airborne assault forces to establish drop zones. Their training paid off and resulted in tremendous improvements for airborne assault operations. Later, pathfinders from the 101st and 82nd airborne divisions played an integral role during the Normandy invasion.
On 17 September 1944, an airborne operation code named, "Market Garden," was conducted in Holland. Experienced pathfinder teams from the 101st airborne were deployed 25 minutes before the first wave of airborne troops. The use of visual navigational aids, enroute radio checkpoints and properly marked objective areas enabled each aircraft to successfully drop at the pre-coordinated location.
After the establishment of the U.S. Air Force as a separate service on 18 September 1947, organizational changes resulted in tactical airlift and aerial port squadrons assuming responsibility for support of the U.S. Army ground forces. Air Force pathfinder teams, later called Combat Control Teams, were activated in January of 1953 to provide navigational aids and air traffic control for the growing airlift forces.
In March of 1953, Combat Control Teams were incorporated into aerial port squadrons and remained so until 1977 when they were assigned to the director of operations. In July, 1984 Combat Control was a restructured into a system of squadrons and detachments which report directly to numbered Air Forces. in 1991, Combat Control squadrons were placed under the control of host wing commanders.
Since their activation into the Air Force, Combat Controllers have made many valuable contributions to Air Force operations worldwide. They have supported the tactical airlift missions during many international emergencies. Combat Controllers participated and distinguished themselves in the Lebanon crisis (July-Oct '58), the Congo crisis (July-Oct '60), the China - India confrontation (Nov '62 - Sep '63), the Dominican Republic contingency and the Southeast Asia conflict including the evacuation of Vietnam and Cambodia.
Extensive involvement in Vietnam helped form the basis of Combat Control operating methods in use today. "Tailpipes", as they were commonly referred to in those days, assisted during countless airlifts in outlying areas. They helped to assure mission safety, to expedite air traffic flow and to coordinate with local agencies and the airlift control element (ALCE). In 1965 through 1972, Combat Controllers worked from a number of fixed and semi-fixed locations such as Khe Sahn, Camp Evens, Bien Hoa, and Kham Duc. True to the Combat Control motto, "First In, Last Out", the Combat Controllers were the last American unit to be evacuated from Khe Sahn on 1 April '71. In addition, two American Combat Controllers were among the last to be extracted by helicopter from the roof of the U.S. embassy when Saigon collapsed in 1975.
Because of their unique capabilities and quick reaction time, Combat Controllers were also instrumental in the resolution of several other international emergencies. Combat Controllers were called upon to support federal agencies in a number of humanitarian relief efforts. When earthquakes devastated parts of Guatemala, Peru and Nicaragua, Combat Control was the first in and for some time the only communications link back to the relief headquarters. Combat Controllers also worked at small airfields throughout North Africa and Bangladesh when the U.S. donated tons of food to drought stricken countries. Again, in 1975 Combat Controllers were sent to Zaire and other African countries in response to contingencies in that region. In 1980, Combat Control was involved in the humanitarian attempt to rescue the American hostages held in Iran.
Combat Controllers played a vital role in the 1983 Grenada rescue operation. The first airborne insertion occurred with a C-130 airdrop of 12 Combat Controllers and a force on U.S. Army Rangers from an altitude of only 500 feet. Each Combat Controller was loaded down with 90 pounds of equipment in addition to about 40 pounds of parachute gear. CCT quickly established a command and control radio net and air-to-ground radio communications in order to work inbound aircraft for follow-on airdrops and air/land missions. They also acted as forward air guides for U.S. Air Force gunships and U.S. Navy fighter aircraft. The primary mission of this unit was to establish usable navigational aids and provide initial air traffic control for the operation.
Combat Controllers were instrumental to the success of operations in Panama during operation "Just Cause" in1989. During this operation Combat Controllers, Pararescuemen, and U.S. Army Rangers jointly deployed onto two separate air fields controlled by Panamanian Defense Forces. Combat Controllers helped secure these air fields and then established an air traffic control capability for the follow on fixed and rotary wing aircraft landings of assault forces. Their actions were instrumental to the success of airlift operations during this military action.
Recently Combat Controllers were part of the huge pre-strike build up of United Nation and American forces during operation "Desert Shield". Combat Controllers were heavily involved in the air traffic control, air-to-ground operations, and assault actions that liberated Kuwait from Iraq during the ensuing "Desert Storm" campaign. Combat Control also, provided extensive air traffic control for airlift that provided humanitarian relief to Kurdish refugees fleeing into northern Iraq.
Combat Controllers were involved in the struggle to capture Somalia leader Mohammed Fhara Aidid. Assigned jointly with U.S. Army Rangers, a single Combat Controller was tasked to operate in a Search and Rescue (SAR) role on an Army helicopter. After the initial assault began, two Army helicopters were shot down, Combat Control responded to the scene to assist survivors by providing close air support and vital command and control communications. The helicopter crashes were in the middle of a battle zone. The single Combat Controller, along with two Pararescuemen and additional Army Rangers, were in the firefight and established radio communications with gunship helicopters and provided direct fire calls to remove enemy threats. As a direct result of these actions, the mission was completed and many lives were saved in the process. When assigned to the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), Combat Controllers and Pararescuemen are combined into highly trained special tactics teams. They are organized, trained and equipped to rapidly establish and control the air-ground interface and provide airmenship skills in the objective area. A special tactics team frequently operates with Navy Seals, Army Rangers, and Army Green Berets in "direct action," airfield seizure and personnel recovery missions in hostile territory. Operating in all climates, day or night, special tactics operators maintain the highest standards of physical fitness and proficiency in the use of light weapons. Functions include assault zone assessment and establishment; air traffic control; command and control communications; special operations terminal attack control; and removal of obstacles with demolitions. The CCT provide a unique capability and deploy with joint air and ground forces in the execution of Direct Action, Counterterrorism, Foreign Internal Defense, Humanitarian Assistance, Special Reconnaissance, Austere Airfield, and Combat Search and Rescue operations.
Combat Controllers are presently involved with the Special Operations "War On Terrorism". Their contributions are numerous to include the sacrifice of life. Some of their heroic actions and deeds are just being declassified. Visit the CCT Stories Section to learn of their accomplishments.