The 724th Special Tactics Group is one of the special operations ground components of the 24th Special Operations Wing, assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command. The group is headquartered at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina. The group is composed of four squadrons, also located on Pope Field.
The group was initially created as the 724th Training Group on 22 January 1943 and activated on 28 February 1943. It was disbanded on 30 April 1944.
The group's special tactics squadron is made up of Special Tactics Officers, Combat Controllers, Combat Rescue Officers, Pararescuemen, Special Reconnaissance, United States Air Force Tactical Air Control Party officers and enlisted personnel, and a number of combat support airmen which comprise 58 Air Force specialties.
Special tactics squadrons are organized, trained and equipped specifically for various special operations missions facilitating air operations on the battlefield. They conduct combat search and rescue missions, collect intelligence, as well as call in close air support or airstrikes against enemy combatants and are often partnered with other U.S. special operations forces overseas.