| 280th Special Operations Communications Squadron | |
|---|---|
 280th Combat Communications Squadron Insignia | |
| Active | 1959 – present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Type | Special Operations Communications |
| Role | Special Ops Combat Support[1] |
| Part of | AFSOC /ANG /226th Combat Communications Group |
| Garrison/HQ | Hall Air Guard Station, Alabama[2] |
| Nickname | "The Warriors Voice" |
| Mottos | "Vox Bellatorum" (current) "Communications for Peace" (old) |
| Engagements | "Operation Allied Force" "Operation Desert Shield" "Operation Enduring Freedom" "Operation Iraqi Freedom" "Operation New Dawn" "Resolute Support Mission" |
| Decorations |  AFOUA AFOEA |
TheAir National Guard's280th Special Operations Communications Squadron (280th SOCS) is a communications unit located atHall Air Guard Station,Dothan Regional Airport,Alabama.[2] The 280th SOCS provides tactical communication services to state, military and federal agencies utilizing state of the art information systems. The 280th SOCS provides over 44% ofAir Force Special Operations Command's deployed communications capabilities.[3][4]
The mission of the 280th Special Operations Communications Squadron is to provide communications and information systems forCommand and Control of United StatesSpecial Operations Forces worldwide, as well as respond to State emergencies as directed by theGovernor.[5]
In January 1959, the 280th SOCS was federally recognized as the280th Communications Squadron (Special). The first members enlisted in the squadron in March 1959.
During 1967, members of the 280th Communications Squadron (Special) were selected for training in response to then-President Johnson's directive to use Army and Air Guard units to maintain domestic order. Those members were appointed to Team 3 of Task Force Foxtrot, which was responsible for riot control.
October 1982, the unit was redesignated as the280th Combat Communications Squadron.[6] In January 2014, the squadron was redesignated as the280th Special Operations Communications Squadron.
The squadron moved fromMaxwell Air Force Base toAbston Air National Guard Station in October 1986, then toHall Air National Guard Station in April 1996.[7]
In February 1999, the 280th was formally integrated into the mission of theAir Force Special Operations Command.[6]
On a blue disc. Issuing from lower right is a yellow hemisphere grid lined black. A yellow satellite in lower left emitting two black dash lines to the sphere; above the sphere and satellite a gray eagle with wings displayed throughout detailed black olive branches in his left claw, a pair of red lightning bolts in the other claw; all within a narrow yellow border.
Blue and yellow are the Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of Air Force personnel. The globe represents the worldwide scope of mobility. The eagle symbolizes strength and keenness of vision. The lightning flashes and olive branches refer to the unit's motto, COMMUNICATIONS FOR PEACE. The satellite reflects the high technology required of the unit in order to perform its mission.[5]
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