The USAF PARARESCUE Program Overview
When an injured soldier is down, the Pararescue must penetrate hostile
areas to rescue and recover the survivor. Specializing in Air Force
and Special Operations Combat Search and Rescue/Personnel Recovery,
Pararescuemen provide specialized aerospace rescue and recovery support
for NASA's Space Shuttle flights. This career field is restricted
to males. Pararescuemen are certified scuba divers and skilled in
surface water operations - both scuba and amphibious. They are trained
Combat Medics and certified Emergency Medical Technician Paramedics
(EMT-P). As a Pararescue, you will also learn to perform emergency
medical procedures in the field to correct life-threatening conditions.
Air Force personnel and other service personnel who wish to re-train
into the Air Force Combat Controller or Pararescue Career Fields
must pass the Physical Ability and Stamina Test (PAST) as outlined
in Air Force Instruction 36-2626, Attachment 11: Special Retraining
Programs.
Pararescue (PJ) - 1T2X1 and Combat Control (CCT) - 1C2X1 Retraining
Procedures
Program Eligibility Criteria:
1. First term airmen may begin retraining application processing
once they complete 33 months TAFMS (4 year enlistee) or 57 months
TAFMS (6 year enlistee). This ensures the physical is complete when
applicant applies during the normal retraining window. If applicant
retraining window closes prior to completion, do not disapprove
if based solely on this factor.
2. First term airmen may apply for retraining prior to their normal
CAREERS window if they have served a minimum of 24 months (36 months
for 6 year enlistees) of their enlistment. Submit as an exception
to policy. Members will use their CAREERS options.
3. Members may apply regardless of the retraining-in or retraining-out
objectives listed for their AFSC (AFTMS retraining note 518 applies).
4. Ensure member's EPRs have ratings of overall 3 or higher.
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When an injured soldier is down, the Pararescue must penetrate
hostile areas to rescue and recover the survivor.
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Physical Ability Stamina Test (PAST) Criteria and procedures:
Applicants will contact nearest PJ or CCT unit to have
test administered. If PJ or CCT unit is over 100 miles from member's
unit, the test can be administered by the immediate supervisor.
This test must be conducted in the order listed below and within
a 3-hour timeframe. Record PAST results on unit letterhead. If member
is unable to meet any minimum standard, they have failed the test
and the test will end at that point. However, member should continue
to take the remainder of the test (if willing) to determine other
weak/strong points of his physical condition. The Test consists of
the following:
- One 25 meter underwater swim. The 25 meter underwater
swim should be demonstrated first either through actual demonstration
or by use of the training video that has already been supplied
to recruiting squadrons. If members surface or break the water
surface during any portion of the swim, the test will be stopped
and considered a failure for the entire PAST. Swim suits and swim
goggles are the only equipment items allowed. Do allow a 5-10
minute rest before the next event. Members should carefully stretch
for the swim during this break time.
- One 1000 meter surface swim. This swim is conducted using
the freestyle or side stroke. Maximum time limit is 26 minutes
(26:00). The swim is continuous (non-stop). If a member stops
any time during the swim, the test will be stopped and considered
a failure for the entire PAST. Swim suit and goggles are the only
equipment items allowed. After completion of the swim, allow a
30 minute rest prior to the next event. Members should carefully
stretch for the run during this break time.
- One 1.5 mile run. The maximum time is 10 minutes, 30
seconds. PT clothes and good running shoes are the only required
items. This run must be continuous (non-stop). If a member stops
anytime during this run, the test will be stopped and considered
a failure for the entire PAST. Members will be given a 10 minute
break prior to the next event. Test should be conducted on a measured
running track.
- Calisthenics: Four calisthenics exercises are evaluated,
each with specific time parameters and specific exercise form
mechanics. All members will exercise to either muscle failure
or time completion, whichever occurs first. The intent here is
to have members do as many "good form" repetitions in the time
allotted or when muscle failure is reached. The Callisthenic Exercises
consist of the following:
- Chin-ups: Complete a minimum of 8 chin-ups within a 1
minute time period.
- Push-ups: Complete a minimum of 50 push-ups within a
2 minute time period.
- Sit-ups: Complete a minimum of 50 sit-ups within a 2
minute time period.
- Flutter-Kicks: Complete a minimum of 50 Flutter-Kicks
within a 2 minute time period. Flutter- Kicks are a four-count
exercise. Starting position is laying flat on back with the feet
and head approximately 6 inches off the ground.
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