Air Force Special Tactics

Operating with Navy SEALs, Army Special Forces and Rangers, Special Tactics personnel are specially trained to seize enemy airfields and recover distressed personnel in hostile territory.

History | Training & Fitness

Joining Air Force Special Tactics

The Special Tactics team includes airmen with specialized skills and abilities. Like many other jobs in the Air Force, becoming a Special Tactics candidate - Combat Controller, Pararescuemen, or Special Operations Weatherman - requires that you meet the following basic requirements:

Air Force Special Tactics Qualifications

U.S. citizen
Male (based on current Department of Defense policies)
General score of at least 43 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test
Vision of best eye 20/70, worst eye 20/100; correctable to 20/20. (No Radial Keratotomy)
Normal color vision
Specific physical fitness standards
Proficient swimmer
High School graduate or have a GED
Be able to obtain a SECRET security clearance
Successfully complete the PAST (see below)
Pass an Initial flying class III physical qualification of aircrew, parachute and maritime diving duty

Tip: Scoring high on the ASVAB is key to being able to join an elite team like the Air Force Special Tactics. It also makes a difference when it comes to enlistment bonuses and choosing your Air Force Career Specialty. Visit our Ace the ASVAB section to learn how to make sure you qualify for the bonuses and career options you deserve.

Physical Ability and Stamina Test (PAST)

500 Meter swim (non-stop) in 15 minutes or less using any freestyle or side stroke (no fins)
Calisthenics: Candidates must exercise for full time limit or to muscle failure
Six chin ups in one minute
50 sit ups in two minutes
42 push ups in two minutes
1.5 mile run (non-stop) in 11 minutes 30 seconds

Still think you have what it takes?
If you meet these requirements you can learn more about joining the Special Tactics teams by checking out the Combat Controller, Pararescue, and Special Operation Weatherman training requirements.


	PRISON CAMP RAID Are you Special Forces material? Can you make the right decisions under pressure? Compare Yourself

To join the military, one of the first challenges you will have is to show that you have some basic knowledge and skills by scoring well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). The ASVAB is made up of several verbal, math, and technical tests. You will need a strong combined score to be considered for a special operations MOS, but while the military can get you into peak physical performance, YOU need to train your mind by using the tools provided in our ASVAB section.