About SAWS

THE WHY

THE IMPORTANCE OF SAWS

The Special Air Warfare Symposium, located in Ft. Walton Beach, FL– the hub of U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), is the pivotal event in the Special Air Warfare community and a gathering point for aviation-focused SOF near and far.

HISTORY OF THE EVENT

EVENT REPORTS

2026
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2025
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2024
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3 YEAR REPORT
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2023
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3 YEAR REPORT
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2022
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WHO ATTENDS

Event Representation

The Special Air Warfare Symposium (SAWS) draws a highly specialized audience, with a large number of attendees coming from the active-duty military and government civilian sectors. The information provided below represents unit participation and attendance for the 2025 event cycle. This data is historical in nature and provided for reference purposes only. Inclusion on this list does not constitute an official endorsement by the Department of War or any specific unit.

Primary Attendee Stakeholders

USSOCOM (Joint & Staff)
The “Purple” (joint) community is represented, specifically those managing international relationships and future technology.

  • SOCOM International Operations
  • SOF AT&L: Personnel from PEO Fixed Wing and the Emerging Technologies Lab focusing on acquisition and logistics.
  • Specialized Commands: SOCOM Warrior Care Program.

AFSOC Leadership & Operational Wings
As a cornerstone of Special Air Warfare, Air Force Special Operations Command provides the bulk of the military attendance:

  • AFSOC Headquarters (A-Staff): Directorates ranging from Intelligence and Operations to Plans and Requirements and Communications.
  • Operational Wings: 1st SOW (Hurlburt Field) & 27th SOW (Cannon AFB).
  • 492nd SOW (Training and Education/USAFSOS).
  • Regional Wings: 352nd (Europe) and 353rd (Pacific) SOWs.
  • Total Force: 919th SOW (Reserve) and 193rd SOW (Guard).

International Partners
SAWS is a major global hub for SOF aviation, frequently hosting representatives from:

  • Americas: Brazil, Canada, Colombia.
  • Europe: Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdom.
  • Asia/Pacific: Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore.

Army Special Operations & Joint Partners

  • USASOC / ARSOAC
  • 82nd Airborne Division

Innovation, R&D, and Support Agencies
The technical and engineering side of SAWS includes:

  • Innovation Hubs: AFRL, AFWERX, and DARPA.
  • Intelligence Agencies: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).
  • Engineering: 823rd RED HORSE Squadron and AFCEC.