Special Operations Weather Team (SOWT) (AFSC 1W0X2) specialists are tactical observer/forecasters with ground combat capabilities and fall under the 720th Special Tactics Group within the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). The mission of a Special Operations Weather Team Specialist is to deploy by the most feasible means available into combat and non-permissive environments to collect and interpret meteorological data and provide air and ground forces commanders with timely, accurate intelligence. They collect data, assist mission planning, generate accurate and mission-tailored target and route forecasts in support of global special operations, conduct special weather reconnaissance and train foreign national forces. SOWTs provide vital intelligence and deploy with joint air and ground forces in support of direct action, counter-terrorism, foreign internal defense, humanitarian assistance, special reconnaissance, austere airfield, and combat search and rescue.

Staff Sgt. Stephen Petche, 10th Combat Weather Squadron, takes observations after releasing a weather balloon during a training exercise July 31, 2013 at the Eglin Range, Fla. SOWTs provide immediate and accurate weather information and forecasts deep behind enemy lines. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Victoria Porto)

Members of the 10th Combat Weather Squadron prepare to release a weather balloon during a training exercise July 31, 2013 at the Eglin Range, Fla. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Victoria Porto)

Members of the 10th Combat Weather Squadron prepare to release a weather balloon while Master Sgt. Westley Cornett (back right) explains the process to Mike Bettes, Weather Channel TV personality, during a training exercise July 31, 2013 at the Eglin Range, Fla. The Weather Channel visited the unit while filming for an upcoming program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Victoria Porto)

Mike Bettes, Weather Channel TV personality, listens to a member of the 10th Combat Weather Squadron as he explains the mission of Special Operations Weather Teams July 31, 2013 at the Eglin Range, Fla. SOWTs provide immediate and accurate weather information and forecasts deep behind enemy lines. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Victoria Porto)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
