The man who runs US Special Operations Command, Gen. Bryan Brown, hopes to expand at least one specific Air Force SOF unit—the 120-member 6th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla. It provides America’s only foreign aviation defense capability, said Brown. Members of the 6th go abroad and help train militaries to use and maintain all types of aircraft. The USAF unit is not big enough. “[It’s] one of the shortages we find as we work around the world,” said Brown. “I’d like the 6th SOS to grow.”
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.