AFMD6 — Air Force Special Operations Command

AFMD6 governs the mission, command structure, and responsibilities of the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).

Search AFMD6

  • Publication number: AFMD6
  • Title: AIR FORCE SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
  • Date: 2016-06-28

View AFMD6 on armypubs.army.mil


AFMD6 describes specialized airpower missions, command relationships with USSOCOM, and duties involving forces, readiness, doctrine, and operations. Compliance is mandatory, and records created through prescribed processes must be maintained and disposed of under cited Air Force records requirements.

Applies to: This directive states the mission, command structure, and responsibilities for the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).

Topics covered

  • Specialized airpower missions
  • AFSOC command relationships
  • Operational control
  • Administrative control
  • Special operations force readiness
  • Combat Control Forces
  • Special operations doctrine and tactics

Questions and answers

What missions does AFSOC prepare forces to conduct?

AFSOC prepares forces to conduct independent, joint, or combined operations in support of Aviation Foreign Internal Defense, Force Application, Joint Air/SOF Battlefield Interface, Mobility of Forces in Denied Territory, and Psychological Operations mission areas. (paragraph 1)

What missions does AFSOC provide force application and force enhancement for?

AFSOC provides force application and force enhancement in conducting direct action (DA), unconventional warfare (UW), special reconnaissance (SR), foreign internal defense (FID), counter-proliferation (CP), and counter-terrorism (CT) missions. (paragraph 1)

When does the AFSOC Commander exercise operational control of assigned and attached forces?

By direction of the Commander, USSOCOM, exercises operational control (OPCON) of assigned and attached forces. (paragraph 2)

What must the AFSOC Commander ensure for Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard special operations forces?

Ensures US Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard special operations forces are interoperable and operationally ready. (paragraph 3)

What does the AFSOC Commander develop and test?

Develops and tests special operations concepts, doctrine, plans, and tactics. (paragraph 3)

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