AATTC

• Origins: The Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center (AATTC) was established in 1983 at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, Missouri, to address the increasing threat to airlift aircraft during the Cold War. • Mission: AATTC's primary mission is to provide advanced tactical training to airlift aircrews, focusing on survivability, threat awareness, and employment of countermeasures in hostile environments. • Joint Training: The center trains crews from the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command, and active duty, as well as international partners, making it a hub for joint and coalition airlift tactics development. • Aircraft Variety: AATTC trains crews on multiple airlift platforms, including the C-130 Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, and, in the past, the C-141 Starlifter. • Combat Impact: Many graduates of AATTC have credited their survival in hostile environments, such as Iraq and Afghanistan, to the tactics and training received at the center. • Talon Shield Exercise: The annual "Talon Shield" exercise, hosted by AATTC, brings together airlift crews to practice and refine tactics in a realistic threat environment. • Innovation: AATTC played a pioneering role in the development of low-level flying tactics, night vision goggle operations, and electronic warfare countermeasures for airlift aircraft. • Decorations: The unit has earned numerous awards for excellence, including Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, for its contribution to airlift tactics and training. • Notable Alumni: Many AATTC instructors and graduates have gone on to serve in key leadership roles within the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard. • International Reach: Since the 1990s, AATTC has trained hundreds of foreign military aircrews from allied nations, strengthening coalition interoperability and partnerships worldwide.