I'm an Army support Wx guy but have always been interested in the more Hi-speed side of the house. I've never been exposed to any secret scroll guys in Wx so I thought I'd inquire here. What's Spec Ops Wx like? It seems that the required training (halo, scuba, etc) may vary based on unit. Is that accurate? If so, why not make a true pipeline for SOWT like PJ/CCT? Our Wx training is mostly standard besides SWO school for the Army support folks. Just looking for some insight in the world of SOWx. Thanks.

Check out the 125th STS site below. They're an ANG STS with SOWT. There is an FAQ section that may assist...

http://www.125specialtactics.com/

this is also a good site for info
http://www.specialtactics.com/

quote:

Originally posted by jgl1974:
Check out the 125th STS site below. They're an ANG STS with SOWT. There is an FAQ section that may assist...

http://www.125specialtactics.com/

The 125th STS, Portland IAP Oregon is not a report to USSOCOM unit like the other STSs.

Page 3 FAQ on the unit's website states SOWT will go through the CCT pipeline, but once at AST, the SOWT will not attend the formal HALO and dive course. The HALO and dive course are assigned to be completed by the SOWT member of the unit once the member reports to the units and is filling a duty position in the unit's teams. HALO and dive qualifications and performing such duties depends upon the actual SOWT position the member is filling on the UMD.

quote:

Originally posted by a1cfox21:
What's Spec Ops Wx like? It seems that the required training (halo, scuba, etc) may vary based on unit. Is that accurate? If so, why not make a true pipeline for SOWT like PJ/CCT?

Yes that is accurate and this is why the required training for SOWT is not like the PJ/CCT pipeline.

I just thought about this...

In an STS are all the Wx folks SOWT's or are there normal forecasters also? I'm hoping to do an Army assignment if I can get back on AD. I'm going to try and gun for an Airborne slot in the future too. But I thought it'd be cool to work with the SOWT's even if I'm not formally trained as one if I can get assigned to an STS. I'm guessing NO but doesn't hurt to ask.

They are opening a pipeline for SOWT where they will go through the whole CCT school, that way they come out fully qualified and they don't lose two years at the hub. That was the latest I heard from a Capt SOWT. They don't have regular forecasters in STS squadrons though, the regular forecasters are either with SOG's or just with regular base wx.

Combat Weather Pages:

Here is what the pipeline will be starting in Oct 07:

The following pipeline begins Oct 2007 for all Non-Prior Service and cross-trainees (includes officers):

Basic Training (BMTS)

Combat Control Orientation Course (CCOC)
Weather Initial Skills Training (ISC) or Weather Officer Course (WOC) (Officers require a meteorology degree or attendance at an Air Force approved course of study in operational meteorology)
Airborne School
Survival School
Water Survival School
Combat Control School (CCS - Award 3 Level in 1W0X1C)
Special Tactics Advanced Skills Training (AST)
PCA to 10 CWS at Hurlburt Field, Florida


For personnel already serving as 1W0X1 looking to become 1W0X1C, mandatory training/requirements prior to assignment includes:

Volunteer through your chain of command to AFSOC/A3W (CMSgt Perkins)
IFC III flight physical
Airborne School
Survival School
Water Survival School
Eligibility for Secret Clearance
Possess a current official passport
Prepared to attend follow-on schools upon assignment (CCS and AST)

Not all personnel will go to HALO or SCUBA, especially not at first. The SOWT approach to these schools is similar to Army Special Forces Teams (ODAs).

SOWT just got awarded their new AFSC, and they're supposed to start sending their recruits through most of the CCT pipe like johca posted. Obviously it's late... like the 4 week CCOC course being implemented... They were sending SOWT through AST Phase III. Eventually they'll all get Phase II and III. Also, they're all getting assigned to the 10th at Hurlburt and sent to work with various units from there, from what i'm told. I think the next set of trainees is supposed to be going through CCS before getting to Hurlburt.