CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The airspace surrounding Cannon extends 17,000 feet upward and approximately 1.8 cubic miles around; Air Traffic Controllers with the 27th Special Operations Support Squadron Radar Approach Control unit have the critical job of ensuring pilots and aircraft traverse this airspace safely and efficiently.

“Our pilots and aircrew members depend on us to keep them focused during their missions,” stated Master Sgt. John Armstrong, 27th SOSS, RAPCON Assistant Chief Controller. “Safety is a top priority of our wing. We are eyes and ears on the ground for flyers; we train to the best of our ability to keep flight ops safe and the mission going.”

The 27th SOSS provides support and expeditionary combat Airmen in order for the 27th Special Operations Wing to train, deploy and conduct combat operations. Their one and only objective is world-class support. In order to maintain that support, personnel work as an integrated unit to ensure the squadron’s mission capabilities are maintained 24/7, that customer needs are met and that relationships within the wing are strengthened continually.

The operational support squadron caters to all nine flying squadrons within the 27th Special Operations Group and other higher echelons of Air Force Special Operations Command. Cannon controllers also provide unimpeded service for two civilian airfields and countless commercial aircraft traversing the airspace.

Cannon’s RAPCON members play a direct role in the wing’s ability to conduct mission essential flight operations; they are a ground component helping aircrews navigate to final destinations, sequence for expeditious traffic flow, foresee adverse weather conditions, and avoid aircraft mishaps such as collisions. They are also responsible for the service of the ground based sense and avoid radar system for remotely piloted aircraft operations.

While in upgrade training and even after to maintain proficiency, RAPCON Air Commandos utilize flight simulators to test knowledge and skill application in many environments, such as severe weather or increased traffic due to exercises.

Upgrade training can last up to a year and a half; throughout that time, Airmen in upgrade training are monitored by those with higher skill levels when operating control positions until controllers demonstrate abilities and certification can be attained. At any given time, there are 10 to 12 airmen in upgrade training at Cannon.

RAPCON Airmen become familiar with six operational areas while training: Approach Control/Departure Control, Arrival Control, Multiple Assist positions, Clearance Delivery, Coordinator and Radar Finals.

“All of our efforts here in the RAPCON are geared toward enabling this wing in its primary mission of executing specialized airpower from this premier installation,” said Armstrong. “We have an elite team of controllers here that I could not be more proud to work alongside with and support. I am honored to be part of this crew, and help build these Air Commandos into a lethal and relevant support force.”

Editor’s note: This article is the fifth in a series highlighting group, squadron and unit contributions to the 27th Special Operations Wing and Air Force Special Operations Command missions.