The Air Force Academy’s football team is set to don special uniforms this fall, honoring the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) in their highly anticipated game against Navy. This marks the latest installment in the “Air Power Legacy Series,” a tradition of honoring significant moments and organizations within airpower history through unique uniform designs.
When the Air Force Falcons clash with the Navy Midshipmen in Colorado Springs on October 5th, they will be sporting dark gray uniforms adorned with the iconic winged dagger emblem of AFSOC. This emblem, a symbol of Air Commando excellence for over three decades, will be prominently featured on the helmets, paying tribute to the crucial contributions of Air Commandos.
AFSOC badge for Special Tactics Officer on Air Force football uniform
The helmet design incorporates several distinctive AFSOC elements. The front boldly displays “First There,” the revered motto of AFSOC combat controllers. These specialized operators are the first on the ground in hostile territories, establishing airfields and coordinating critical air operations.
AFSOC badge for Combat Controller on Air Force football uniform
Adding to the helmet’s tribute, the back bumper will feature one of AFSOC’s three core tenets: “Any Place,” “Any Time,” or “Anywhere,” collectively forming their overarching motto. Above this, a sticker showcasing the lightning bolt, green feet, and dagger emblem, deeply associated with the special tactics community, will be applied. This further emphasizes the uniform’s dedication to these elite Air Force operators.
AFSOC badge for Special Reconnaissance on Air Force football uniform
In a departure from traditional personalization, the jerseys will feature “AFSOC” across the back instead of player names. Each sleeve will bear one of three badges representing the special tactics officer, combat controller, or special reconnaissance career fields within AFSOC, highlighting the diverse expertise within the command.
Leg detail of Air Force football uniform with "First There" motto
The pants continue the theme, with one leg displaying the “First There” motto once more, and the other featuring the dagger symbol of AFSOC. Scarlet accents throughout the uniform provide a striking visual element and serve as a nod to the distinctive scarlet berets worn by combat controllers, further connecting the uniform to the Air Commando heritage.
Winged dagger emblem of AFSOC on Air Force football uniform
This special edition uniform is part of the annual “Air Power Legacy Series,” now in its ninth year. This initiative has consistently captured attention and generated significant online buzz, celebrating different facets of Air Force history through commemorative football uniforms. Previous uniform themes in this series include:
- 2023: Doolittle Raiders
- 2022: Space Force
- 2021: B-52 Stratofortress and Operation Linebacker II
- 2020: Tuskegee Airmen
- 2019: C-17 Globemaster III
- 2018: AC-130 Spooky
- 2017: F-35 Lightning II
- 2016: Tiger Shark Teeth nose art
Air Force Falcons football helmets honoring AFSOC
The concept of alternate uniforms for rivalry games is not unique to the Air Force. Both Army and Navy have also adopted this practice, showcasing uniforms that commemorate notable operations, units, and campaigns from their respective branches. The Air Force’s “Air Power Legacy Series,” however, provides a consistent and celebrated platform to remember and honor its rich history through the popular medium of college football, and this year’s AFSOC-inspired Air Force Football Uniforms are sure to be another memorable addition.
Air Force football uniform helmet detail
Group shot of Air Force football players in Doolittle Raiders uniforms from 2023, part of the Air Power Legacy Series
