Special tactics recruiting takes flight

The special tactics advisers in each recruiting group assist in educating recruiters on the nuances of identifying potential special operators and scheduling special operations people and assets for Air Force recruiting venues.

Qualifying for pararescue or combat control is difficult, as all applicants must first score a minimum of 43 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test. Then they must receiving passing scores on all elements of the Physical Ability Stamina Test. The PAST consists of a 20-meter underwater swim, a 500-meter surface swim, a 1.5-mile run, pull-ups, sit-up, push-ups and flutter kicks.

Enlistment standards remain high for all recruits entering the Air Force, but few are as stringent as for those looking to become pararescuemen or combat controllers. Only about 800 enlisted men wear Air Force special tactics' berets.

"Because of the intense training and the mental and physical stresses placed on the individuals going through the (pararescueman) and combat control pipeline. We need to be absolutely sure we're getting the best and brightest men America has to offer," Sergeant Baugh said. "The road is long and hard, but the reward is unbelievably fulfilling."

So does this mean they are going to pull 3 special operater from there primary duties permanetly (for the duration of the special duty) to help the Recruiting world? Wouldnt this hinder the Special Operations world? I understand the need, but havent recruiters been doing the most they could with Special Operations Recruitment. From what i hear from recruiters is it takes them 4 applicants some times to put 1 person in, so how would the Operators be able to help in that?

I don't know. Advisor may not be a full-time in place integration. It may be run as an additional duty.

Example: When a action staff officer HQ AMC I was attached to the Army Reserve helicopter unit for sustaining my currency. I even occasionally did a mission or two on those helicopters (CH-47 and UH-1s and subsequently UH-60s. Flew NVG/gunner and PJ duties-it was great unit-very active).

The PJs of the 1730th Pararescue Squadron and its detachments were attached to flying units. Det 4, 1730th PRS (RAF Woodbridge) PJs were dual attached to the 21st SOS (MH-53J) and the 67th SOS (HC-130s).

When on HQ ACC staff as an action staff officer I was attached to the 1st Helicopter Squadron for sustaining my aircrew currencies. I had to go TDY to sustain gunner and NVG currency though.

quote:

Originally posted by jpratt0826:
but havent recruiters been doing the most they could with Special Operations Recruitment. From what i hear from recruiters is it takes them 4 applicants some times to put 1 person in, so how would the Operators be able to help in that?

The majority of the recruiters are doing a good job, the issue is probably inconsistencies in PAST administration. This primarily probably (my best guess) lack of understanding fitness to do the job is a bit more than swimming and callisthenic fitness. There is an combination of physically able and willing to do what is expected. Thus the other element is to be able to determine this willingness. This is kind of hard for somebody who hasn't performed CCT or PJ duties to evaluate. Thus sometime the super stud gets the slot, fails out, but the ideal candidate was overlooked because all the focus was put on lets get the stud. If you look at the selection histories of most career PJs, most were the ones initially struggling the most to get through selection. That’s certainly my story, I was a very weak swimmer. However, I met standards and in fact by the time I passed selection I was a darn good swimmer and had a solid swim time right in the middle of the pack on my final fitness evaluation during selection.

Functional Fitness

This message has been edited. Last edited by: johca,

Well it will probably turn out to be a good thing. Who else to choose a possible PJ/CCT Candidate other than a PJ/CCT Operator. I would think they would know best on what type of person would be most beneficial.

There are also a lot of STS guys in some form of rehab from injuries or unqualified for jumps for a time frame. Why not send the broke guys out to do the recuriting instead of sitting around a squadron.

quote:

Originally posted by caninedale:
There are also a lot of STS guys in some form of rehab from injuries or unqualified for jumps for a time frame. Why not send the broke guys out to do the recuriting instead of sitting around a squadron.

Good point, i am just hoping that this does not turn into pulling an elite qaulified Operator from his Primary duties. Everyone in the Air Force can agree on how important PR is. Support all the way down to the Recoverer.

quote:

Originally posted by caninedale:
There are also a lot of STS guys in some form of rehab from injuries or unqualified for jumps for a time frame. Why not send the broke guys out to do the recuriting instead of sitting around a squadron.

Some form of rehab status from injury is a possibility. Unlikely for loss of qualifications to perform duties resulting from not completing proficiency and currency training. The priority is always to get the training done to get back into mission-ready qualification as soon as possible. The AFIs are very clear about loss of mission qualifications to perform duties.