r/Pararescue

Ones Ready podcast is saying its a dead/dying career field and probably getting folded into CCT. News hit me just as I was waking up to go train. Man this really pisses me off. It gave me reason to keep going and do something with my life. When I discovered it and SOWT, it was like everything I am. I know Im not alone. I have zero interest in air traffic control. I want to do reconnaissance. Specifically for USAF/SOCOM. But if its given to CCT I'm left with no choice but to go elsewhere. More important than my personal wants, its vital to the forthcoming GPC arena. Aside from its many other uses and contributions. Which makes this decision so gd bewildering. I put everything into this. It needs to stay a distinct career field; not simply chopped down into a mission set capability add-on which will only degrade CCT and STT efficiency flow rate. How can you be so nonchalant about this Trent? What about the grey beret and SOWT legacy? You think ANY PJ is letting the maroon beret/guardian angel get shitcanned without protest? This is no different. For the last time, dont do this.

I’m about to go to SWAS for tacp I have been hearing a lot of people are failing land nav. I am a former scout so all we did was land navigate is there anything different about it? I can’t really find any info on it. Since I’m prior service I only get one shot lmao

I currently have gotten some Locs and just got an LOR, yes I am a dumbass but does this crush any chance to cross train?

I am still an A1C and looking to cross train in about 2+ years, I am hoping to never get paperwork again and keep a clean record, I know that sounds pretty fucking stupid after hearing I have gotten Locs and LORs, but what other choice do I have?

Fyi: I have used the search bar, and looked at other posts already.

Hello, all.

I am looking for experienced opinions on this matter. I have been trying to go CCT, but have been told I'd be a "better fit" for TACP.

My Special Warfare recruiter has basically forced (at least strongly coerced) me into being open to accepting a TACP contract if a slot opens up in June. They said the reason for this is because my swim time is slower than other candidates. However, my run and calisthenics are higher than many other candidates.

My 500 swim time is 11:18 as of my last IFT, using combat side stroke. Pull-ups was 17, sit-ups was 90, and push-ups was 73. My 1.5 mile run was 9:00 flat.

I understand I would be in a better position competitively speaking if my swim time was faster. I am still working on getting there.

That said, is it fair that I am essentially being denied the potential for a CCT contract solely because of my swim time? I practice water confidence, such as bobbing, drownproofing skills, mask/snorkel retrieval, etc. My swim is just kind of slow.

Going TACP is still a great opportunity, and I am very grateful it is being offered to me nonetheless. I am just feeling a little bummed out, as there are certain aspects of CCT, such as freefall school and ATC school that I would miss out on by going TACP.

Just finished my junior year of college, I am an basketball player going for my exercise science degree. I did recently have knee surgery but I am told I will have a 100% recovery but unsure if this would mess with my chances. Pararescue has been something that has gained my interest the more and more I looked into jobs in the military and other SOF jobs in the military. Any advice or any information about the process or when to start the process would be great.

Side note: Basically been told becoming an officer is completely outta question since I’m not in ROTC or going to an academy.

Hey everyone,

I’m seriously considering going for USAF Special Warfare, specifically Pararescue PJ, and I’m trying to get a realistic understanding of what life actually looks like before I fully commit. I’ve done some research but I want to hear directly from people who’ve lived it or are close to it.

A little context I have a trade career right now and I’m married with kids. I’m trying to weigh how this path would affect my family, my long term goals, and a possible transition into becoming an officer or even a pilot later on.

I’ve got a few questions

Day to day life
What does a normal day look like once you’re fully trained and operational I know it varies by unit and mission but what’s the general rhythm when you’re not deployed

Deployments
How often are PJs deploying realistically right now I’ve heard everything from frequent rotations to slower tempos depending on the unit What should I actually expect

College and education
Is it realistic to work toward a bachelor’s degree while serving as a PJ or is the tempo too demanding I’m especially curious about after the pipeline versus during it

Family life
How tough is it balancing being a PJ with a spouse and kids I understand it’s demanding but I’d like to know what that looks like in real life time away unpredictability and overall impact

Training pipeline around two years
During the full pipeline are you basically living like BMT the whole time or do you get phases where you can live off base or with family How much freedom do you actually have during training

Bonuses
Are enlistment bonuses paid before training during or only after completing the pipeline

Preparation
What should I be doing right now to prepare physically and mentally I know swimming running and calisthenics are big but what separates the people who make it from those who don’t

Long term goals
If my end goal is possibly commissioning later and maybe even trying for pilot if selected is going PJ a smart path or would you recommend a different route

I’m not looking for recruiter style answers just honest real world experiences The good the bad and the stuff people don’t usually talk about

TLDR Considering USAF Pararescue PJ and want real insight on daily life deployments family balance training pipeline lifestyle bonuses preparation and whether it aligns with long term goals like becoming an officer or pilot

Appreciate any insight

Currently 21 In the army with 4 months left...

Yes I meet and exceed the PT standards... don't wanna turn this into one of those posts where dudes jerk themselves off by posting about their 32 minute 5 miler, and 28 pull ups...

Just wanted to get on here and ask about the new A&S, because you can find a lot of public info about other military selection courses like BUDS, RASP, SFAS ETC... But not AFSW

How long is the selection and what is the largest attritor? I'd like to hear from someone who has either gone through or is soon to go through right now.

I know that ones ready posted a few months back saying it was changing to a land based selection? Would like to know if that's true...?

My final question is how do they break it down? For example SFAS week 1 is gate week week 2 is land Nav, and week 3 is team week. Can someone break the AFSW A&S down like that for me?

Currently looking into becoming a PJ in the National Guard and have several questions regarding the paramedic course. Coming in with a current paramedic license, is the course or part of it waived, or do all candidates have to go through the whole course? Does the pipeline vary at all for National Guard vs Active Duty? Finally, aside from medicine inside of a chopper, what civilian training can better prepare to be a PJ, both in the apprentice course and once training is complete?

I’m about one year away from graduating college and I’m seriously considering the Air Force route, specifically going to OTS and eventually trying for Pararescue. I’m from San Antonio and have been a competitive swimmer my entire life, so I’m very comfortable in the water. I also do calisthenics regularly and can do a decent amount of pull-ups, but my running is definitely subpar and I have absolutely zero rucking experience.

Right now I’m basically at square one when it comes to military knowledge and understanding the process. I’m trying to figure out if the OTS → selection path is even realistic for someone in my position and what I should be focusing on now to prepare.

For those with experience, what advice would you give someone starting from scratch? What should I prioritize physically, mentally, and professionally over the next year?

I'm 18 and signed a SERE contract to ship out for next month, I've been training my ass off rucking, running, and am killing the IFT with ease, I've been studying the handbook aswell as bushcraft methods and im wondering if there's any other preparation to get me where i need to be to pass, I can't find a ton of info on the modern pipeline and am seeking advice from the guys who actually know. much appreciated !!

I know the best thing to do is to show up every day and put out. I’m just wondering what other resources are there out there besides ones ready? What about injury prevention?

Right now I’m swimming, running, lifting, and training Muay Thai 3x a week each. Also doing pt every once in a while for my ankles, knees and hips. For some reason I still feel like it’s not enough.

I don’t want to spend 500 bucks on an operator training summit 😭

To all the dads who are TACPs/PJ/SR/CCT how did you know that it was okay for you to go AFSW. I’ve been in the guard as a maintainer for 5 years and I’ve wanted to be a TACP for all 5 years, recruiter legit told me to join to get basic done then I could cross-train when I got back from tech school(obviously a lie). Ive been waiting for the opportunity to crosstrain for a while and only recently has it opened up, I’m a civilian firefighter/emt and got married 2 years ago and now have a kid on the way. When I’m training, working, or doing anything alone really I’m dead set on TACP. I still feel the desire to push the envelope very strongly, but when I see my pregnant wife and am taking care of her I feel so selfish like I’m taking a father and a husband away from them. I just couldn’t live with idea of taking that from them but at the same time I don’t know if I could ever be at peace with myself for not going for my dream; I’m already so ashamed of my service and there’s not been a day that’s passed where I haven’t thought about TACP. I’m just coming here hoping someone could tell me what the smoking gun was for you and what made you know whether or not AFSW would be okay for your family. Thanks for any advice.

I’m 19 5’10 about 145 lbs, I’m serious about going TACP, but I’m trying to be realistic about the timeline it would be for me to be ready.

Around a month ago I was 138 with basically 0 experience in training, running or lifting. Since then I’ve been consistent and made progress. My times are currently

1.5 mile: 9:56

Pull-ups: 7

Push-ups: 62

Sit-ups: 60

I know I’m still not even close to where I need to be, but I’m still taking it serious and trying to build everything from the ground up.

What I’m asking:

How long do you figure it would take for someone like me to be prepared for selection?

What benchmarks should I be hitting regularly before shipping?

What weight should I be before shipping?

I’m not trying to rush this into this and fail. I’d rather take my time and actually be ready. Any advice would be heavily appreciated.

Hi all.

Starting to train more selection specific movements in the pool.

Do yall train in full OCPs or do you go with udt shorts and tan shirts? If full OCPs is the way to go then I’ll make it happen but I don’t want people to think I’m degrading the value of the uniform or being stolen valor wearing it to train in a public pool.

Thank you for your input

Going to retest soon to increase TAPAS score for Sere Specialist. I really want the job, any advice on how to increase the score or tips.