In 1953 the first U.S. Air Force Combat Control Team (CCT) was created at Donaldson Air Force Base, South Carolina.
United States Air Force leadership realized the need and value for a dedicated, professionally qualified unit specifically tasked to provide signals, instructions, control, navigational and guidance communications to airborne aircrews and to controlling authorities in combat, in training maneuvers, and in hostile or otherwise non-permissive environments that could be deployed by any overt or covert technique appropriate for injection into, or extraction from operating zones worldwide.
Combat Controllers are inseparably and fraternally joined into a one-of-a-kind brotherhood by the strong bonds of patriotism, conviction, and commitment never to fail.
It is to this fraternity that we commit to formalize the Combat Control Association (CCA) for all Combat Controllers, past, present, and to those who will continue and extend the proud history and heritage of United States Air Force Combat Control Teams.
The Objectives of the CCA are to:
A. Honor personnel of all ranks who have helped make this nation great through personal sacrifices and achievements in CCT and to perpetuate the memory of those persons through records and reports of their deeds and contributions.
B. Foster, promote and encourage a continuing sense of historical appreciation for the origin and growth of CCT and the role it has played in economic, political, humanitarian, and military operations worldwide.
C. Receive and maintain a fund or funds. To use and apply the whole or any part of the income there from or the principal thereof for charitable, literary or educational purposes: either directly or by contributions to organizations structured under the law as is this one and duly authorized to carry on similar activities.
D. Cooperate with other recognized organizations which are actively engaged and interested in similar aims.
E. Carry on programs to perpetuate the memory of deceased CCT veterans and to comfort their survivors.
F. Instill, inspire and strengthen patriotism and to sponsor or participate in activities of a patriotic nature.
G. Provide social and recreational activities for members.
H. Engage in any and all activities for members incidental thereto or
necessary, suitable or proper for the accomplishment of any of the aforementioned objectives.
Today the Combat Control Association is a 1,100 plus member association, and growing stronger. Regular and Life Memberships are offered to current, retired and former Combat Controllers. Associate membership is extended to immediate family members and other individuals sponsored by a CCA member in good standing and approved by the Board of Directors who share an interest in promoting and preserving the history, heritage and brotherhood of all Combat Controllers.
