air force special tactics units, among the first on the ground in afghanistan after 9/11, on six-month rotations ever since, an unprecedented stretch of service in our nation s history. it puts airman on the battlefield with special operations team in order to make air battle happen at the front edge of the battle, whether it s dropping bombs and saving people in krarbz helicopters. reporter: air crews train on high-tech simulators, at the command s largest schoolhouse expanded to handle the growing number of recruits. by taking some of the training in the operational units in the fight they can maintain their sole focus on combat. reporter: the focus is critical because the risks are so high. 17 of these special airman have died since 9/11, jenna and 93 # critically wounded. jenna: great insight to their story. thank you very much. rick leventhal down in lower