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Using inline citations helps guard against copyright violations and factual inaccuracies. | Phoenix Raven is a United States military counter-terrorism organization program instituted in 1997 by Gen. Mills. Image File history File links Emblem-important. ...
The armed forces of the United States of America consist of the United States Army United States Navy United States Air Force United States Marine Corps United States Coast Guard Note: The United States Coast Guard has both military and law enforcement functions. ...
Counter-terrorism refers to the practices, tactics, and strategies that governments, militaries, and other groups adopt in order to fight terrorism. ...
The Phoenix Raven program, implemented by Air Mobility Command Commander Gen. Walter Kross in early 1997, consists of groups of specially trained security forces personnel dedicated to providing force protection for aircrews and resources that operate in areas with a high threat level from criminals and terrorists. The Ravens are a select group of security forces volunteers "who have reached and maintained high standards during their military careers and aim to provide top-notch security for AMC personnel and en route aircraft around the world." Ravens advise the aircraft crew on force protection measures, perform close-in aircraft security and airfield assessments highlighting security measures and weaknesses, and assist with aircrew duties. Air Mobility Command (AMC) is a major command (MAJCOM) of the United States Air Force, and the air force component of United States Transportation Command. ...
Security forces members who opt to become a Raven undergo a two-week course at the USAF Expeditionary Center, Fort Dix. They study topics such as international law, and they learn hand-to-hand defense techniques.
Ravens have deployed worldwide and remain a vital component in the overall Force Protection of U.S. resources and national security.
Air Mobility Command’s Phoenix Raven program, implemented in 1997, consists of teams of specially trained security forces personnel dedicated to providing security for AMC aircraft that transit high terrorist and criminal threat areas.
Mission The Phoenix Raven program ensures an acceptable level of close-in security for aircraft transiting airfields where security is unknown or additional security is needed to counter local threats.
Concept of Operations Teams of two to four specially trained and equipped security forces personnel deploy as aircrew members on AMC missions as designated by the AMC Threat Working Group. The Raven teams help detect, deter and counter threats to AMC aircraft by performing close-in aircraft security; advising aircrews on force protection measures; conducting airfield assessments; and assisting aircrews in the performance of their duties when not performing their primary security duties. Phoenix Raven teams work on all types of AMC airlift missions including theater support missions, contingencies, exercises or deployments. Other Air Force major commands, including Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Combat Command, Air Education and Training Command, Pacific Air Forces and U.S. Air Forces in Europe have sent a select number of security force members to AMC’s Phoenix Raven training course. In addition to those missions specifically identified by the AMC/TWG, wing commanders may also direct Phoenix Raven teams accompany home-station airlift and tanker missions. Ultimately however, a Phoenix Raven team on an airlift mission is an assigned aircrew member and reports to the aircraft commander.
Organization The HQ AMC Director of Security Forces is the focal point for all Phoenix Raven operations supporting AMC airlift operations. On behalf of the AMC/SF Director, a Phoenix Raven Program Manager serves within the staff as the interface between the headquarters’ staff and the units. In addition to the Raven Program Manager, the AMC/SF Contingency Branch coordinates with other major commands and Air Reserve Component Security Forces to ensure Raven-trained personnel are available at overseas en route locations to support AMC missions unexpectedly diverted.
AMC has over 200, active-duty Raven trained security forces members assigned at bases nationwide. A small portion of the trained force is maintained at Little Rock AFB and Dyess AFB and at limited bases within the European and Pacific Theaters. Besides the active-duty corps, the AFRES and ANG community also maintain Raven trained personnel to support their significant contribution to the airlift missions throughout the world.
Training The Phoenix Ravens sole training course is conducted by the 421st Ground Combat Readiness Squadron, Air Mobility Warfare Center (AMWC), Fort Dix, N.J. The intensive two-week, 14-hour-a-day course covers such subjects as cross-cultural awareness, legal considerations, embassy operations, airfield survey techniques, explosive ordnance awareness, aircraft searches, and unarmed self-defense techniques. Phoenix Raven training is designed to provide security forces members with the skills required for their unique mission and builds on the basic security force skills taught at the SF academy.
The first Ravens graduated AMWC in February 1997. Since then, more than 700 Air Force security forces have graduated from the Phoenix Raven Course. Upon graduation, graduates are issued a lifetime numeric identifier for their accomplishment.
History In the aftermath of the Khobar Towers bombing in 1996 and as a result of other serious events around the world, the former AMC Commander Gen Walter Kross implemented the Phoenix Raven Program in February 1997. Since then, Ravens from within the command and Raven-trained security forces from outside the command, have accompanied over 1,900 AMC missions to international hot spots around the globe.
Recognition As a group, the Phoenix Raven program has been identified for the innovative approach to force protection. In 1999, the program earned honors as DoD’s Most Outstanding Antiterrorism Innovation or Action in the command category. The program also received the Federal Executive Board (St. Louis Chapter) Year 2000 Team Performance Award. Since the Phoenix Raven have been an integral part of the Threat Working Group process, AMC Staff Members have been honored for their contribution to the Air Force and AMC intelligence community for planning and executing Phoenix Raven missions. In addition to program management awards, three members assigned to AMC/SF were awarded the Air Force’s Outstanding Intelligence Contributor Award.
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