The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) is undergoing a comprehensive reevaluation of its training processes to better align with the changing landscape of modern combat and strategic priorities. Led by Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, this review reflects a broader effort within the Air Force to adapt to evolving global challenges, especially as the focus shifts from counterterrorism operations to potential conflicts with major nation-states like China.

The reevaluation of training practices encompasses both initial and advanced training phases for airmen, aiming to equip them with skills more relevant to future engagements. This is a natural response to the evolving nature of warfare and the need for military forces to adapt to new scenarios and challenges.

One significant change being proposed is the removal of combat dive training from the training pipeline for special tactics, combat control, and special reconnaissance officers. Instead of integrating combat dive training at an early stage, the Air Force is considering making it a special qualification that can be earned later in an airman’s career. This shift in approach signifies a focus on prioritizing skills that are deemed more pertinent to the evolving nature of conflict.

The context of these proposed changes is important, as they come after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and a reduction in operations in Iraq and Syria. This presents an opportunity to reassess and update training protocols to better align with the current and anticipated strategic challenges.

The elimination of combat dive training from the early stages of training may potentially impact the grading and selection process within special tactics training. The exact implications of this change are still under analysis, as the Air Force considers how best to ensure that its special warfare personnel are equipped with the necessary skills and qualifications.

This top-level review of training practices is part of a broader reckoning within AFSOC regarding the skills, organization, and standards required on the modern battlefield. This includes not only training adaptations but also revised fitness tests and responses to allegations of inconsistent standards within the training process.

Overall, AFSOC’s efforts to reevaluate and adapt its training processes reflect the dynamic nature of warfare and the military’s commitment to staying prepared for future challenges. By aligning training practices with emerging strategic priorities, AFSOC aims to ensure that its personnel are equipped to handle the complex and evolving threats of the 21st century.