Black Hats and White Hats

This paper provides a unique parallel review of the histories of Air Force special operations and combat search and rescue forces. With a thorough understanding of their organizational culture and history, the author examines the 1983-89 merger of these two communities under the banner of the Twenty-third Air Force. The paper demonstrates how ingrained culture and hidden agendas may have ultimately affected the dissolution of the merger. In light of the 2003 merger of combat search and rescue and special operations under the Air Force Special Operations Command, the author offers lessons learned from the Twenty-third Air Force merger and suggests that could help commanders avoid hazards that could undermine organizational success.