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Pararescue Apprentice (males only)
A pararescueman (PJ) is a part of the Air Force's Special Operations, or Battlefield Airmen. The PJ is a combat ready rescue and recovery specialist, who supports Air Force and special operations combat search and rescue/personnel recovery. He is a precision parachutist capable of penetrating hostile areas to aid survivors. He can parachute fully scuba-equipped, giving him a unique rescue capability. His parachuting skills include providing specialized aerospace rescue and recovery support for NASA's Space Shuttle flights. He is certified as a scuba diver and skilled in surface water operations using both scuba and amphibious procedures. He is trained as a combat medic with certification to the Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic (EMT P). With his in-depth knowledge of emergency medical treatment, he can perform emergency medical procedures in the field to correct life-threatening conditions. Training in survival methods enables the PJ to provide for the survival of others, including escape and evasion in hostile areas. The PJ is an expert with maps and compasses, capable of overland travel in any environment, and therefore trained in rappelling, skiing, snowmobiling and motorcycling. He will develop skills in mountain and Arctic regions. An Airman volunteering for this program will be considered based on the needs of the Air Force. Day-to-day duties are primarily devoted to training and maintenance of equipment. The PJ is normally required to be on alert status for 24 hours at a time, with the frequency dictated by the number of men assigned to the unit. The PJ's job is to save lives. Pararescue is a very physically, mentally and technically demanding job, one of the best and most prestigious the Air Force has to offer. For training that transfers exceptionally well to the civilian market, an adventurous mission and an exciting lifestyle, this job is it. Prior to being accepted you must successfully complete the Physical Ability Stamina Test. All candidates must meet the following minimum standards:
Two 20-meter under water swims
500-meter surface swim in 11:30
1.5 mile run in 10:22
6 pull ups
in one minute
45 sit ups/crunches (hands behind head) in 2 minutes
45 push ups in 2 minutes
The PJ's officer career counterpart is the Combat Rescue Officer (CRO).
All Air Force career fields are based on qualifications and job availability.
PAY CHART
Download the Warrior Fact Sheet PDF for more information.
- CCAF Degrees:
- Pararescue
- Tech Schools:
- Lackland AFB, TX; Fairchild AFB, WA; Kirtland AFB, NM; Key West, FL; Ft. Benning, GA; Jacksonville NAS, FL; Ft. Bragg, NC
All Air Force career fields are based on qualifications and job availability.
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