Since its inception in 1990, Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has struggled to balance its roles as both a Major Command in the US Air Force (USAF) and the air component of US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). US Code, Title 10, grants the authority to train US special operations forces to USSOCOM, however AFSOC is still required to observe USAF training rules and restrictions. This study compares the selection and training methodologies of AFSOC MC-130H aircrews and those of US Army MH-47E aircrews. It first analyzes the respective regulatory guidance and operational practices employed during assessment and selection, initial qualification training, and continuation training for each aircraft type. It then ascribes a quantitative valuing system to measure compliance with legal responsibilities. An analysis of the selection and training methodologies of baseline variants, the C-130 and CH-47, follows to highlight differences between conventional and unconventional forces. This study concludes that MC-130H selection and training has much more in common with conventional units than its unconventional counterpart, the MH-47E. In order to resolve the often conflicting responsibilities of air component of USSOCOM and USAF major command, this study then provides recommendations on how to modify MC-130H assessment and training methodologies.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
