9 Common Misconceptions About AFSOC

We all make mistakes, but here's some facts to clear up the confusion.

1. Everyone in AFSOC is a Special Tactics Airman.

http://U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kentavist P. Brackin / Via hurlburt.af.mil

Although everyone in AFSOC is an Air Commando, the number of Airmen in support roles far exceeds those in Special Tactics roles.

2. Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape and AFSOC

http://U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Danielle Martin / Via cannon.af.mil

SERE does not fall under AFSOC, however, SERE Specialists are an integral part of the Guardian Angel Weapon System consisting of Combat Rescue Officers, Pararescuemen and SERE Specialists. As part of the Guardian Angel Weapon System, SERE Specialists are charged with preparing the environment to enable U.S. personnel to "Return With Honor".

3. It's practically impossible to make it through the Combat Controller pipeline.

1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs / Via http://U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Christopher Williams

It is extremely difficult for anyone going through the Combat Controller pipeline, but about 40% of candidates make it.

4. Every Air Commando is male.

http://U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Eboni Reece / Via media.dma.mil

It takes all kinds to make up the Air Commando team.

5. Making it through the Special Tactics training depends completely on a candidate's physical strength.

http://U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman Naomi M. Griego / Via afsoc.af.mil

Although physical strength is an advantage, it does not determine a candidate's success. Candidates must rely on their intellect, agility, resilience and willpower to succeed.

6. We only perform maintenance on aircraft.

Air Force Special Operations Command / Via YouTube

People are our greatest asset, and we treat them as such. Preservation of the Force and Famiy is an initiative we use to make sure that we, as a command, create an environment for our Airmen and families to thrive.

7. Our only mission is to kill bad guys.

AFSOC Public Affairs / Via YouTube

Actually AFSOC also has a very important humanitarian mission.

8. AFSOC professionals all have beards and tattoos.

http://U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Krysrtal M. Garrett / Via hurlburt.af.mil

We don't all have the beards, but tattoos are pretty common in our command.

9. There are a lot of people in Air Force Special Operations Command.

http://U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Matthew Plew / Via cannon.af.mil

Actually... we're the smallest major command in the Air Force, but size isn't everything. We're also the most decorated in the Air Force since Vietnam.