AFSOC: Operational training restart

After about five months, the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), headquartered at Hurlburt Field, Fla., has reinstated parachute, dive and mountaineering training for its operators. AFSOC spokesperson Maj. Amanda Reeves said on May 1 that all units can now resume the training, halted in the wake of two special tactics airmen deaths last fall. "AFSOC has now recertified all of its units to conduct parachute, diving, and mountaineering operations," Reeves told Military.com in an email. "Due to operational sensitivities surrounding AFSOC's capabilities and readiness status, we cannot provide an exact number of units affected by the recertification process." Reeves said that experts from across the AF and U.S. Special Operations Command assessed training operations at each AFSOC unit. Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, AFSOC commander, then approved each recertification in concert with unit leaders and the AFSOC director of operations. AFSOC ordered the suspension in December to allow officials to inspect associated equipment and review safety procedures. The move followed the deaths of Tech. Sgt. Peter Kraines, a pararescueman with the 24th Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field; and Staff Sgt. Cole Condiff, a Special Tactics combat controller with 23rd Special Tactics Squadron within the 24th Special Operations Wing, both located at Hurlburt Field. (Source: Military.com 05/01/20) Lt. Gen. Slife has been head of AFSOC since last June. He initially trained in aviation at the Army's Fort Rucker, Ala.; served as Director of Operations at the 20th SOS, and commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing both at Hurlburt Field. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/05/01/months-after-deadly-accidents-afsoc-resumes-parachute-dive-training.html.