Special Operations Security Forces Squadrons (SOSFS) provide force protection for AFSOC special operations squadrons wherever they are deployed. SOSFS provide entry control, compound security, armed response and police services for garrisoned AFSOC units.  SOSFS armed response units are trained to deal with crisis situations such as active shooters, terrorist attacks and sniper incidents. They regularly train with local civilian law enforcement SWAT units.

Mission

Provide security for AFSOC/SOF aircraft transiting airfields where security is unknown or inadequate. Advise the mission commander on FP measures, conduct FP surveys, provide close-in security, and assist with SOF led protective service operations. Ensure adequate security for AFSOC/SOF resources by assessing and interfacing with other in-place DoD and host nation forces and coordinating with OSI when available. Teams may perform other security missions as required by the mission commander

Defining DAGRE

A DAGRE is a “highly-trained” Security Forces “Air Commando” who is prepared to perform a “wide-range” of Special Operations Security Forces missions; DAGRE is not a specific UTC or a mission.

The QFM1C Fly-Away Security Team is composed of five Airmen with a minimum of three DAGRE qualified individuals.

The QFM1C provides rapidly deployable, dedicated force protection for AFSOC forces.

Special Operations Security Forces Squadrons Active Duty units:

• 1st Special Operations Security Squadron (1 SOSFS)
  1st Special Operations Wing (1 SOW) – Hurlburt Field, FL
• 27th Special Operations Security Squadron (27 SOSFS)
  27th Special Operations Wing (27 SOW) – Cannon AFB, NM

Air Force Reserve units:

• 919th Special Operations Security Squadron (919th SOSFS)
  919th Special Operations Wing (919th SOW) – Duke’s Field, FL

Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element
Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Elements  (DAGRE) are specially-trained detachments from Special Operations Security Forces Squadrons which provide force protection for AFSOC special operations squadrons when they deploy away from their home base, including hostile environments.  Some DAGRE certified Airmen have received certification in the Phoenix Raven program which focuses on the protection of aircraft at high risk locations.

DAGRE Training

The DAGRE qualification is awarded upon successful completion of the following Air Force formal courses:

• LEADERSHIP

• COMMS
• FLY-AWAY SECURITY

• COMBATIVES SECURITY

• TACTICS SECURITY

• TACTICAL VEHICLE OPERATIONS SECURITY
• DAGRE QUALIFICATION.

The courses are all taught by AFSOTC.

Differences compared to AF fly-away security:
SOF aircraft transit through higher threat areas and at times stay on the ground longer. Both expose our aircraft and Personnel to additional risk necessitating a higher skill level for their defenders. SOF fly-away security is tasked to perform HUMRO and NEO missions beyond simply securing the aircraft. They may secure food distribution points, escort PJ rescue elements, and set up processing points for evacuating US nationals. SOF fly-away security is also trained to secure FARP operations potentially forward of friendly lines. The equipment to meet these missions reflects their unique requirements. Team size is larger and tailorable; firepower is increased; non-lethal capability is added; and sensor suites reflect longer duration missions. In short, SOF fly-away security provide AFSOC and SOCOM mission commanders a security element that is capable of matching the enhanced mission sets demanded of SOF compared to AF operations.

Course Length:
Total: Pipeline is eight weeks long
Offered twice per year
Class size: 14

Formal Training:
The DAGRE Pipeline is a series of seven courses taught by the 371st Special Operations Combat Training Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

LEADERSHIP Course Description: 
The course provides each student the knowledge and skills necessary to plan and lead SF SOF deployed operations. Training includes SF SOF enabler capabilities, operational risk management, troop leading procedures, command and control, military decision making process, mission planning, force presentation and lessons learned. (3 Days)

COMMS Course Description: 
The course teaches students tactical communications using a PRC-152 and PRC-117G radios, and SKL encryption device. Topics include programming, encryption and operation of the PRC-152 and PRC-117G radios. (3 Days)

FLY-AWAY SECURITY Course Description: 
The course teaches AFSOC unique fly-away security procedures; however, DOES NOT award a 329 SEI. Topics include fly-away security operations, force continuum, cross-cultural communication, airfield/site survey, SOF aircraft mission tracking, mission planning and AFSOC aircraft familiarization. (3 Days)

COMBATIVES SECURITY Course Description: 
The course certifies students in U.S. Army Level 1 combatives. Topics include basic offensive and defensive ground combatives and achieving a stand-up clinch. The course allows students to assist in teaching the U.S. Army Level 1 combatives course. (5 Days)

TACTICS SECURITY Course Description: 
This course provides a foundation of tactical skills required prior to attending the Tactical Vehicle Operations and DAGRE Qualification Courses. Topics include small unit tactics fundamentals, tactical combat casualty care and land navigation. (5 Days)

TACTICAL VEHICLE OPERATIONS SECURITY Course Description: 
The course provides in-depth instruction on the proper selection, inspection and operation of various types of vehicles under high threat conditions. Students will engage in several force-on-force exercise scenarios as both driver and passenger. Training includes dynamic driving skills, driving under fire, counter ambush, mounted operations, engaging targets from a moving vehicle and IED recognition. The course is taught by ITI nationally-certified driving instructors. (5 Days)

DAGRE QUALIFICATION Course Description: 
This is the culminating course to test the students ability to apply the skills learned in the prerequisite courses. Topics include mission planning, advanced weapons firing (M-4 and M-9), small unit tactics, close quarters battle and a field training exercise. The field training exercise provides a realistic setting for the students to conduct full mission profile operations and places a heavy emphasis on practical applications of SF SOF tactical leadership and physical fitness. Upon successful completion, students are awarded a DAGRE qualification number. (3 Weeks)

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