712th Air Support Operation Squadron

• Formation and Activation: The 712th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) was first activated in 1996 at Fort Hood, Texas, to provide close air support coordination for ground forces. • Key Mission: The squadron’s primary mission is to advise, assist, and control airpower for U.S. Army units, especially the III Corps and its subordinate units. • Tactical Air Control Party (TACP): The 712th ASOS is primarily composed of TACP specialists, who are highly trained in calling in airstrikes and integrating air and ground operations. • Deployments: Members of the 712th have deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), and other global contingency operations. • Joint Operations: The squadron often works directly with Army units, embedding with them to ensure effective air-ground integration, and often participates in large-scale joint training exercises. • Specialized Training: Airmen in the 712th undergo rigorous training in communications, navigation, and weapons systems to coordinate precise airstrikes and support missions. • Support to Fort Hood: The 712th is critical to the success of Fort Hood’s training and readiness, ensuring Army units are proficient in integrating air support in both training and combat environments. • Decorations: The squadron has earned multiple unit awards for its exemplary performance during combat deployments and training exercises. • Modernization: The unit has embraced new technologies, such as advanced targeting equipment, digital communication networks, and improved mobility solutions to remain at the cutting edge of Air Force support operations. • Community Engagement: The 712th has a strong record of community involvement at Fort Hood and in the surrounding Texas area, participating in outreach, recruitment, and veteran support activities.