Joining Air Force Special Tactics

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U.S. Air Force Special Tactics operator secures an airfield.
An Air Force Special Tactics operator helps secure an airfield for a fighter aircraft during a Forward Air Refueling Point training mission, as part of exercise Commando Crucible, June 30, 2020, in Kinston, N.C. (Master Sgt. Henry Hoegen/U.S. Air Force)

If you'd like more information on any of the Special Tactics career fields check out the Frequently Asked Questions page. To find out if you're eligible to join Special Tactics, contact your local recruiter.

If you are already in the Air Force Delayed Entry Program and would like to talk to a Special Tactics recruiter liaison, please send an email including your name, address, phone number and specific questions not addressed in the FAQ document to usaf.sof@gmail.com.

Physical Requirements:

Eyesight Requirements:

  • Standard: Must be at least 20/70 or better in both eyes and both correctable to 20/20 with glasses.
  • Must have normal color vision.
  • Waiver possibilities: If one eye is 20/70 or better and the other no worse than 20/200, or if both eyes are no worse than 20/100.
  • Note: PRK and LASEK surgery is approved by the Air Force. Applicants must wait one year after the procedure, and pre- and post-conditions must be met. LASIK is not approved for military free fall.

Flight physical: Must pass a Flying Class III.

Age: Must join Air Force before 28th birthday. If a person has any military time, it is subtracted from his actual age; if result is less than 28, he still can join. For example, a person is 31 but had four years of active duty. Subtract 4 from 31 = 27.

Height: Minimum height of 4'10" up to 6'8"

Weight: Maximum weight (In compliance with AF standards table; however, maximum weight for jump school is 250 pounds.)

Physical Ability Stamina Test (PAST):

Combat Control/Pararescue/Special Reconnaissance Physical Ability Stamina Test Criteria

The PAST requirements are designed to test for a minimum fitness level for entry into the CCT/PJ training pipeline. CCT/PJ candidates should continue to train throughout their cross-training application and the recruiting process, exceeding these minimums to enhance their chances of success.

Candidates must pass every element of the PAST. The requirements have changed for each career field. As of Jan. 13, 2021, they include:

CCT/PJ/SR PAST

-- Pull-ups: 8 in two minutes, two-minute rest.

-- Sit-ups: 50 in two minutes, two-minute rest.

-- Push-ups: 40 in two minutes, 10-minute rest.

-- 1.5-mile run: 10 minutes, 20 seconds, 30-minute rest.

-- 25-meter underwater swim (1): pass-fail, three-minute rest.

-- 25m underwater swim (2): pass-fail, 10-minute rest.

-- 500m surface swim: 12:30.

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