USAF Pararescue, most respectable job in the world?

[BrunoPuntzJones]

Known about these guys for a while, but didn't really fully know what they did until I saw a show the other night on them. Holy cow. I can't think of another group of folks I've ever been as impressed by. I can't think of a job in the world as respectable as theirs.

I know of similar groups, but I don't think they were nearly as well trained as these guys. It's like a medic, SEAL, and Ranger all rolled into one. From what I read, the training is 2 years long, and only 300 in service. Yowsa. Pretty elite group of guys. Their motto sums it up pretty well, "That Others May Live"

It's almost unbelivable that these guys are willing to parachute into enemy territory to evac a single person. While I have a great deal of respect for those who serve in the military, these guys are really above anything I would ever expect of a serviceman.

 

[Pastfinder]

The most respectable thing about the individuals in the PJs is that you don't hear about them. They don't need to brag about themselves like the Green Berets or the Seals. They could take out both groups any time, any place...

 

[gopunk]

Originally posted by: Pastfinder
The most respectable thing about the individuals in the PJs is that you don't hear about them. They don't need to brag about themselves like the Green Berets or the Seals. They could take out both groups any time, any place...

i don't think green berets or seals brag either... other people brag for them

 

[Ylen13]

Originally posted by: gopunk

Originally posted by: Pastfinder
The most respectable thing about the individuals in the PJs is that you don't hear about them. They don't need to brag about themselves like the Green Berets or the Seals. They could take out both groups any time, any place...

i don't think green berets or seals brag either... other people brag for them

Have couple of friends that are either seal or green berets and u will have pull their tang before they will even acknowledge that they are seal or green. It makes their job easier when less people know who they are.

 

[Bulk Beef]

I think PJs are actually sort of looked down on in the Special Operations community. It's viewed as a fast route to SpecOps status or something.

Of course, opinions change when you actually need help from these guys.

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

Originally posted by: sward666
I think PJs are actually sort of looked down on in the Special Operations community. It's viewed as a fast route to SpecOps status or something.

Of course, opinions change when you actually need help from these guys.

Haven't heard that. Considering BUDS training is what, 13 weeks? Medic training is 6 months alone for PJs.

 

[MedicBob]

PJ's rock in the job they do. No other branch of US service has peeps that do their job. I regard the few I know very highly.

 

[Sketcher]

Originally posted by: BrunoPuntzJones

Originally posted by: sward666
I think PJs are actually sort of looked down on in the Special Operations community. It's viewed as a fast route to SpecOps status or something.

Of course, opinions change when you actually need help from these guys.

Haven't heard that. Considering BUDS training is what, 13 weeks? Medic training is 6 months alone for PJs.

BUDS isn't trade craft, it's the entry process. Depending on MO or existing MO, 6 months is actually on the low end of specialist training. No doubt PJ's are unuiqely elite. Different task forces for different tasks.

And, there's actually quite a bit of information about the taskforce available....... even to the novice googler.

 

[GasX]

My PJs are fleece and oh so comfortable...

 

[AvesPKS]

If you don't know much about the PJ program, read The Perfect Storm, by Sebastian Junger...the book, not the movie. It goes in-depth into their training regimen, and it's truly amazing what these guys have to go through to make it.

 

[AndrewR]

Originally posted by: sward666
I think PJs are actually sort of looked down on in the Special Operations community. It's viewed as a fast route to SpecOps status or something.

Of course, opinions change when you actually need help from these guys.

It's hardly a fast route. Washout rate for the initial training is 99%. Total process is in the neighborhood of 15-24 months and includes parachute training, scuba, mountaineering, weapons training, fast roping, and trauma medical training which is unique to the PJs. Even fully trained PJs are still considered in training status for quite a few months after they arrive at their first unit.

I think part of the perception about PJs is because they are not part of the Special Operations Command (SOCOM), at least for right now. The Combat Search and Rescue function (CSAR) is still part of the regular Air Force, though there is word afoot that it will be moved to SOCOM shortly. That keeps going back and forth to the point that no one knows what's going on. Also, their mission is different. Instead of direct attack, special reconnaissance, snipers, etc., they are rescue units first and foremost.

I guarantee that no SEAL, Army SF, Delta Force, or whatever is going to doubt the PJs' skill, resolve, or nature when they are lying wounded in a firefight requesting evac. Read Blackhawk Down for their actions there. Also check out what happened during Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan.

I serve with some of them here on Okinawa. Great bunch of guys.

 

[tcsenter]

It's hardly a fast route. Washout rate for the initial training is 99%. Total process is in the neighborhood of 15-24 months and includes parachute training, scuba, mountaineering, weapons training, fast roping, and trauma medical training which is unique to the PJs.

Unique to PJs in what respect? All Special Forces have a combat medic/corpsman MOS. Special Forces Medical Sergeant, Special Operations Combat Medic, Special Operations/Navy SEAL Corpsman, etc.

In fact, I believe the PJ receives less medical training than the US Army's Special Forces Medical Sergeant or the US Navy Special Operations Corpsman. All attend the same 22 - 24 week Special Operations Combat Medic Course, but the US Army's Special Forces Medical Sergeant and the Navy's Special Operations Medical Corpsman receive an additional 8 - 10 weeks of advanced SOF medical training.

 

[AndrewR]

Originally posted by: tcsenter

It's hardly a fast route. Washout rate for the initial training is 99%. Total process is in the neighborhood of 15-24 months and includes parachute training, scuba, mountaineering, weapons training, fast roping, and trauma medical training which is unique to the PJs.

Unique to PJs in what respect? All Special Forces have a combat medic/corpsman MOS. Special Forces Medical Sergeant, Special Operations Combat Medic, Special Operations/Navy SEAL Corpsman, etc.

In fact, I believe the PJ receives less medical training than the US Army's Special Forces Medical Sergeant or the US Navy Special Operations Corpsman. All attend the same 22 - 24 week Special Operations Combat Medic Course, but the US Army's Special Forces Medical Sergeant and the Navy's Special Operations Medical Corpsman receive an additional 8 - 10 weeks of advanced SOF medical training.

Here is the final course description for PJs:
* Pararescue Recovery Specialist Course, 20 weeks, Kirtland AFB, N.C. This final course puts it all together, combining all their previous coursework into practical application. It?s the pararescue finishing school. Students receive advanced medical training and learn tactical movement, weapons handling, air operations, mountain climbing and aircrew recovery procedures. Before they can ?blouse their boots? and don their berets, students must spend a week in the Pecos Mountains putting to use all they?ve learned during a final exam in the field. [emphasis added]

Plus, I was also referring to the fact that every PJ, not just specialists within their ranks, is trained to this high level of medical proficiency. It's not a specific MOS -- it's every one.

 

[T2T III]

When I was in basic training and tech school at Lackland AFB, there were several para-rescue groups training at the base. Most notably, I remember about 8 of them running around the base with a large log. Nothing like the Texas heat in June/July with a 300 Lb. log under your arms during a nice, long run.