280th Special Operations Communications Squadron

The Air National Guard's 280th Special Operations Communications Squadron (280th SOCS) is a communications unit located at Dothan Regional Airport, Alabama. The 280th SOCS provides over 44% of Air Force Special Operations Command's deployed communications capabilities.[3][4]

280th Special Operations Communications Squadron
280th Combat Communications Squadron Insignia
Active1959 – present
CountryUnited States
BranchUnited States Air Force
TypeSpecial Operations Communications
RoleSpecial Ops Combat Support[1]
Part ofAFSOC / ANG / 226th Combat Communications Group
Garrison/HQDothan Regional Airport, Alabama[2]
Motto(s)"Vox Bellatorum" (current)
"Communications for Peace" (old)
Decorations AFOUA
AFOEA

Mission

The mission of the 280th Special Operations Communications Squadron is to provide communications and information systems for Command and Control of United States Special Operations Forces worldwide, as well as respond to State emergencies as directed by the Governor.[5]

History

In January 1959, the 280th SOCS was federally recognized as the 280th Communications Squadron (Special). The first members enlisted in the squadron in March 1959. In 1967, members of the 280th Communications Squadron (Special) were selected for training in response to then-President Johnson's directive to use Army and Air Guard units to maintain domestic order. Those members were appointed to Team 3 of Task Force Foxtrot, which was responsible for riot control. In October 1982, the unit was redesignated as the 280th Combat Communications Squadron.[6] In January 2014, the squadron was redesignated as the 280th Special Operations Communications Squadron.

The squadron moved to Abston Air National Guard Station in October 1986, then to Hall Air National Guard Station in April 1996. In February 1999, the 280th was formally integrated into the mission of the Air Force Special Operations Command. In August 2004, the unit moved to its current location at the Dothan Regional Airport Air National Guard Station.[6]

Emblem Description and Significance

On a blue disc. Issuing from lower right is a yellow hemisphere grid lined black. A yellow satellite in lower left emitting two black dash lines to the sphere; above the sphere and satellite a gray eagle with wings displayed throughout detailed black olive branches in his left claw, a pair of red lightning bolts in the other claw; all within a narrow yellow border.

Blue and yellow are the Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of Air Force personnel. The globe represents the worldwide scope of mobility. The eagle symbolizes strength and keenness of vision. The lightning flashes and olive branches refer to the unit's motto, COMMUNICATIONS FOR PEACE. The satellite reflects the high technology required of the unit in order to perform its mission.[5]

Assignments

Major Command/Gaining Command

Wing/Group

Previous designations
  • 280th Special Operations Communications Squadron (Jan 2014 – present)
  • 280th Combat Communications Squadron (Oct 1982–Jan 2014)
  • 280th Communications Squadron (Special) (Jan 1959-Oct 1982)

Bases stationed

Decorations
  • 280th CBCS Members at Kadena AB
  • 280th CBCS verify antenna installation at Kadena AB
  • 280th CBCS members working on a Joint Base Station setup
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References
  1. Stars and Stripes: "Transport to rescue, Air Force special operations forces do the job", 12 Oct 2001
  2. Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs: "Total force, total commitment, total special operators", 7 Nov 2002
  3. Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs: "School children send patriotic support to 'home team'", 11 Sep 2002
  4. Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs: "353rd SOG Airmen train Guard counterparts", 22 Aug 2008 Archived 15 September 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  5. AF FOIA Request
  6. 280th CBCS: "280th CBCS 50th Anniversary Site" Archived 28 January 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  7. Green, Master Sgt. Randy O. (2 July 2007). "Alabama ANG shows how they're a Total Force Team". Air Force Network Integration Center.
  8. Order number GB-423, 1971
  9. Order number GB-595, 1973
  10. Order number GA-061, 1990
  11. Order number GA-074, 1991
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