721st Operations Support Squadron

The 3rd Combat Training Squadron (3 CTS) is a United States Space Force training unit. Assigned to Space Operations Command's Space Delta 3, it provides electromagnetic warfare qualification training to Delta 3 operators.[1] Headquartered at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, it was activated on 3 March 2022. The squadron was previously designated as the 721 Operations Support Squadron following the establishment of the 721st Operations Group in 2019 which was later redesignated to Space Delta 3.[2]

3rd Combat Training Squadron
Squadron emblem
Active3 March 2022 – present
Country United States
Branch United States Space Force
TypeSquadron
RoleCombat Training
SizeSquadron
Part ofSpace Delta 3
HeadquartersPeterson Space Force Base, Colorado, U.S.
Nickname(s)Warriors
Motto(s)"Warriors First!"
Commanders
CommanderLt Col Christopher M. Higgins
Insignia
Former 721st Operations Support Squadron patch

History

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The mission of the 3 CTS was originally executed under the 21st Operations Support Squadron (21 OSS), which was responsible for providing training, operations, intelligence, and security support to Air Force Space Command's electromagnetic warfare and missile warning units. Air Force Space Command made the decision to separate the electromagnetic warfare and missile warning mission sets in 2019. Missile Warning units would continue to receive operational support from the 21 OSS and support to electromagnetic warfare units would be provided by the 721 OSS.

The 721 OSS was constituted on 17 September 2019 and activated on 10 October 2019. The 721 OSS was changed from a unit of the United States Air Force armed force to a United States Space Force armed force on 21 October 2020 following the creation of the United States Space Force. The 721 OSS was redesignated at the 3 CTS on 3 March 2022 with its alignment under Space Delta 3.[3]

List of Commanders

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  • Lt Col Matthew S. Thompson, 10 October 2019 - 18 June 2021[2]
  • Lt Col Etan D. Funches, 18 June 2021 - 2 June 2023[4]
  • Lt Col Christopher M. Higgins, 2 June 2023 - present

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Space Delta 3 Fact Sheet" (PDF). Peterson Air Force Base. 24 July 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 July 2020. Retrieved 24 July 2020.   This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ^ a b "721st OG activated as USAF realigns to 'Protect and Defend' U.S. Space Capabilities". Peterson Air Force Base. Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 20 June 2021.
  3. ^ "3 Combat Training Squadron (SpOC)". AFHRA.
  4. ^ "Funches assumes command". DVIDS.
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