CCT-The Eye of the Storm ─ The Gwot Years

Combat controllers from the 21st Special Tactics Squadron, Pope AFB, North Carolina pose in the classic circle-the-wagons (command and control element) formation, on a drop zone at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In combat operations, combat controllers operate at the eye of the storm; i.e., they are the airhead-air-traffic-control (AATC) element directing the vertical envelopment of the targeted combat area. Typically, the CCT control element is dispersed in low profile fitted with body armor and not clean as shown on the cover. In a real-world operation, the CCT may consist of a 12 to 18-man team (for landing zone/airfield operations) or be deployed singly (attached to sister-service special operations force for covert operations). Shown on the cover is only the airhead-air-traffic-control element; other team members are unseen -- but are nearby - forming a security perimeter.