The United States Air Force Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element (Abbr.: DAGRE, pronounced 'dagger') is an elite, specialized security force trained for special operations.[1][2][3]
| Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element | |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2007 |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Air Force |
| Type | Special operations forces |
| Role | |
| Part of | Air Force Special Operations Command |
| Nickname(s) | Security Forces Air Commando |
| Motto(s) | Exsupero Aude |
They are under the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), but they are not part of the United States Air Force Special Tactics Squadrons. Instead, they have their own squadrons, the United States Air Force Special Operations Security Forces Squadrons.[4]
The USAF DAGRE and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Anti-terrorism Specialty Teams (AFOSI AST) are the only two units in the United States Air Force specifically trained as SWAT teams.[5]
Element
editThe Unit Type Code for DAGRE is QFM1C, and the basic element of QFM1C consists of five airmen.[1][5]
Mission
editAccording to Air Force Special Operations Command Instruction 31-100 (AFSOCI 31-100), QFM1C duties include:[5]
- Rapid deployment
- Protecting USSOCOM Special Operations Forces, like the Green Berets and Navy SEALs, during transit
- Guarding USSOCOM and AFSOC assets and aircraft on the ground
- Countering local threats (counter-terrorism)
- Advising the mission commander on force protection strategies
- Conducting field reconnaissance
- Providing close protection
- Embedding with other Special Operations Forces for protective service operations
QFM1C DAGRE is also tasked with assessing and interacting with other in-place Department of Defense agencies and host nation defense forces, as well as coordinating with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations during transit or upon reaching their destination.[5]
During an interview with Business Insider in 2023, it was revealed that DAGREs now also take part in raiding and securing airfields from opposing forces. When guarding airbases, DAGREs are the outermost security forces, conducting surveillance outside the airbases.[3]
Assigned units
editCurrently, most DAGRE airmen are assigned to three Special Operations Security Forces squadrons within the Air Force Special Operations Command. Additionally, they are embedded with other special operations wings and special operations forces.[4]
Active Duty units
Air National Guard units
Selection and training
editThe USAF DAGRE selection process is only open to enlisted airmen from the USAF Security Forces. Candidates must go through DAGRE tryouts and complete the DAGRE pipeline before receiving their DAGRE qualification. The 371st Special Operations Combat Training Squadron conducted the DAGRE pipeline training at Hurlburt Field in Florida.[6]
DAGRE tryouts (3 days)
editDuring these 3-day tryouts, candidates undergo testing on physical endurance, obstacle courses, communication skills, and tactical lessons.[6]
DAGRE Pipeline (8 weeks)
editCandidates need to complete seven courses within the 8-week pipeline.[4] The courses are as follows:
Leadership Course
This course provides candidates with the knowledge and skills to plan and lead special operations forces during deployed operations.[4][6]
Tactical Communication Course
This course provides candidates with the knowledge to operate radios and encryption devices.[4][6]
Fly-Away Security Course
The course teaches fly-away security procedures. However, it is not equivalent to the United States Air Force Phoenix Raven Qualification (329 SEI).[note 1][4][6]
Combative Security Course
Candidates are required to successfully complete the U.S. Army Level 1 Combatives Course.[4][6]
Tactics Security Course
This course teaches candidates the fundamentals of small unit tactics, tactical combat casualty care, and land navigation. It also serves as a prerequisite for the subsequent courses.[4][6]
Tactical Vehicle Operations Security Course
The course instructs candidates on advanced vehicle inspections and operations in high-threat conditions across different vehicle types. Candidates need to learn both as drivers and passengers of these vehicles and go through several exercises such as dynamic driving skills, driving under fire, counter ambush, mounted operations, engaging targets from a moving vehicle, and IED recognition.[4][6]
DAGRE Qualification Course
Candidates undergo a 3-week course during which they are tested on their knowledge from previous courses. They also need to undergo a Special Operations Forces (SOF) tactical leadership test and a SOF physical test.[4][6]
Notes
edit- ^ The USAF Phoenix Raven is another elite unit within the USAF Security Forces. However, the Phoenix Raven is attached to the Air Mobility Command, unlike the USAF DAGRE, which falls under the Air Force Special Operations Command.
References
edit- ^ a b Gourley, Scott R. (2020-04-17). "AFSOC Uses 'Dagger' Teams as its Pointy Tip of the Spear". National Defense. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
- ^ Harp, Tony (2022-11-01). "Joint exercises increase security forces' readiness, lethality". 193rd Special Operations Wing. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
- ^ a b Gabbard, Jake. "How Air Force commandos train to protect VIPs in combat zones". Business Insider. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element (DAGRE)". USAF Police Alumni Association. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
- ^ a b c d Air Force Special Operations Command Instruction 31-100. SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCE PROTECTION DEPLOYMENT PLANNING AND OPERATIONS (published 3 February 2017). 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "DAGRE tryouts test candidates". Air Force Special Operations Command. 2015-09-01. Retrieved 2024-06-05.