Does the airforce have ground troops?

Answer 1

They have a small number of Commandos.

The Air Force has Security Forces, or vehicles and soldiers for guarding their own bases - these are ground troops.

Reconaissance: Air Force has AFSOC and SERE for Special Forces, these troops operate on land, sea, and air to designate ground and sea targets for air force weapons, as well as disrupt enemy operations behind enemy lines.

Regular ground troops also exist in divisions as back up for regular airstrike/missile attacks, as well as for search and rescue in case aircraft from the Air Force or other divisions are stranded or shot down.

So yes, the air force has plenty of ground troops for their own operation, their primary emphasis, however, is making sure America is defended against attacks from air and space, as well as from computer hacking.

Answer 2

The USAF was created in 1947. Their first war was the Korean War (1950-1953); their second war was Vietnam (late fifties into 1975). During those years the USAF DID NOT officially engage in ground combat. That was the US Army's job. POST Vietnam; the USAF now has special operations personnel units...just like all the other services do. So yes, there are some "special" Air Force units that engage in ground combat. Bear in mind, these are not tank and infantry units, but rather the old sniper/commando type units that television is constantly promoting with their action packed special effects shows (hooded faces, scoped assault rifles, telescoped stocks, folding pistol grips, silencers, knee pads, elbow pads, night vision devices, etc.).

Answer 3

Not really. The US Air Force is the most powerful and feared air power in the world. The US Army fights on the ground, the US Navy fights in the water, and the US Air Force fights in the air. The Air Force does have significant ground forces for special missions and for guarding Air Force facilities.

Answer 4

The Air Force has some jobs which are purposefully trained to fight on the ground.

Security Forces operate as both Military Police and handle the defense of the airbases and outposts. They handle security for USAF convoys (think radar equipment and items necessary for air bases) and hunt down sites where enemy rockets are being staged to attack air bases.

Pararescuemen or PJ's are highly trained combat medics whose job encompasses rescuing downed pilots and performing high-risk medical extractions (under fire).

TACP's are the link between the assets in the sky (attack aircraft and bombers) and the units on the ground. They are tasked with advising and fighting alongside their Army and Marine counterparts while directing airstrikes on enemy forces. TACP's can become part of the special operations community.

CCT's function in similar capacity as TACP's but with more training. CCT's are fully certified Air Traffic Controllers who can control aircraft from behind enemy lines. They can secure landing sights, call in airstrikes and advise on air capabilities. CCT's are part of the special operations community and often attach with other special operations units like SEALS, Delta, Marine Recon, Army Special Forces, etc.

SERE are individuals who prepare pilots and aircrew for survival behind enemy lines, in captivity, and in austere conditions. They also participate in some capacity with the recovery of downed pilots and air crew.

SR or Special Reconnaissance are a ground intelligence asset with a variety of capabilities. They can attach with a variety of different units to provide intel gathering capability and fire support.