Special Tactics Officer (STO) Selection

Thank you for your interest in the Special Tactics officer career field. This demanding career will challenge your leadership, physical, and mental abilities. It offers career opportunities up to Group Command and beyond. This document outlines the application procedures for becoming a Special Tactics officer (STO). STOs, as part of a Special Tactics Team, lead and manage some of the most dynamic, talented, and motivated individuals in the Air Force. STOs earn the 13D Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC), shared with the newly created Combat Recovery Officer (CRO) career field. STOs hold the "B" shred of the AFSC, while CROs hold the "A" shred. For more information on the career field, you can also visit specialtactics.com. Applicants familiar with earlier versions of this package should review this document thoroughly because it has undergone significant revision.

The 720th Special Tactics Group (720 STG), the operational headquarters and functional manager for all Special Tactics personnel holds responsibility for Special Tactics Officer Selection and delegates this responsibility to the 720 Operations Support Squadron (OSS). The 720 OSS also manages and teaches the Advanced Skills Training (AST) program of Special Tactics training. For questions concerning Special Tactics Officer Selection, please use the phone number and/or email address on the cover of this document. You are more likely to get a response to your email than phone call.

The selection and training process is difficult enough, but once an officer qualifies as a STO, the positions of leadership and the demands of follow-on training continue to challenge. There are significant personal dangers involved with the mission and extended periods of duty away from home. The decision to try out should not be made alone, regardless of your conviction and personal commitment. Your family must be considered, especially since they often experience anxieties, fears, loneliness, and pressures due to your profession. Those who do adjust find an exciting and rewarding life that they may share with fellow Special Tactics operators and their families. Good luck!

TE Note: In order to maintain the most current information, please go to the documents page to download the STO Application Package. This package contains a wealth of information on Special Tactics Officers, application procedures and requirements, etc.