280th Special Operations Communications Squadron
The Air National Guard's 280th Special Operations Communications Squadron (280th SOCS) is a communications unit located at Hall Air Guard Station, Dothan Regional Airport, Alabama. 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% of Air Force Special Operations Command's deployed communications capabilities. Mission. The mission of the 280th Special Operations Communications Squadron is to provide communications and information systems for Command and Control of United States Special Operations Forces worldwide, as well as respond to  State emergencies as directed by the Governor. History. In January 1959, the 280th SOCS was federally recognized as the 280th 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 the 280th Combat Communications Squadron. In January 2014, the squadron was  redesignated as the 280th Special Operations Communications Squadron. The squadron moved from Maxwell Air Force Base to Abston Air National Guard Station in October 1986, then to Hall Air National Guard Station in April 1996. In February 1999, the 280th was formally integrated into the mission of the Air Force Special Operations Command. Emblem Description and Significance. 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.