Is this mandatory?

I believe on the initial class III you'll get an exhalation volume test, and possibly an inhalation volume test.

SrS Bracken, TE, actually, this test is mandatory on the IFC III for PJ/CCT applicants and anyone applying to go to Military Freefall or CDQC. This info is in AFI 48-123 Attachment 8, A8.10.1.9 Item No. 73 - Must state: "Applicant possesses no fear of heights, depths, dark or confined places. Applicant possesses the ability to hold breath for 60 seconds subsequent to deep breathing."

http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/pubfiles/af/48/afi48-123/afi48-123.pdf

V/R,
SSgt. Counts

Thanks Climber (and I think thats one of the most posted links on the forums <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> )

Guess I will take a bucket of water with me. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I can't just sit there and hold my breath unless I am under water.

Yes you can. Don't look at a watch. Just concentrate on the task at hand.

No problem TE. I think your right about that link too Ha! Ha!
- SrA Bracken, Ant is right, do not look at a watch while you hold your breath and it goes by faster than you think ! Good luck !

Well you dont stare at a watch. Ive been able to get my time up pretty high with keeping an eye on my watch...Although that is only high when compared with how much I spend doing underwaters a year. Just lay on your bed or something(requires the least energy)...or float in some water...and try to hold your breath as long as possible. Then when you feel like getting another breath you look at your watch and (depending on what you wanted to accomplish) you may just have to "Gut it Out" to keep doing better on your times. My goal is 3minutes+, but Ive only done about 1:45-1:50...in which case my body has been shaking for a while. Learn to ...relax as much as possible.

I was just at MEPS a couple weeks ago, and this test was not administered even though I told them I needed full Class III flight physical for Pararescue. If this is required should I inquire about it before the physical is sent to SG; or is this one of those tests that is administered down the road during or after Basic(ie, chest x-rays, etc.). My physical has not been sent yet, so if anyone knows if this should be on there first before it is turned down for a silly reason like that, please enlighten me.

Regardless of whether you get one done at MEPS or not, you'll still have to take a couple more. After you complete another PAST in BMT, you'll be sent to get a flight physical. However, when you're on Team you'll get a more "in depth" flight physical... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

I was wondering about that myself Red Dragon. I never had to hold my breath @ MEPS. Nor did I have to do any Physical activity while I was there. I did get my Class III flight physical and my PJ GTEP. Maybe they will administer those things for me a BMT.

This is how I have been working on holding my breath. I had a PJ DEPPER show me this. We would sit in the water at the side of the pool and completley relax for 10 minutes just taking in DEEP breaths... and then blowing out as much as you possibly can. Then you start inhaling regular and exhaling fast and hard for a couple of minutes then you go face down in the water completley relaxed. I held my breath for 2:14 on my 3rd try! Maybe this post is innapropriate for this particular thread <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Sorry.

Misson accomplished, easily held my breath for over a minute today and completed my Class III. I did as was suggested, took three deep breaths, and sat back and relaxed. It wasn't the most enjoyable thing I have done in my life, but it didn't kill me either. So one less thing I have to worry about.

Man, I just got done holding my breath for the full minute and have to say that it really isn't as hard as you think it would be.

Hooah.

[]I was just at MEPS a couple weeks ago, and this test was not administered even though I told them I needed full Class III flight physical for Pararescue. If this is required should I inquire about it before the physical is sent to SG; or is this one of those tests that is administered down the road during or after Basic(ie, chest x-rays, etc.). My physical has not been sent yet, so if anyone knows if this should be on there first before it is turned down for a silly reason like that, please enlighten me. [/]

I would go and talk to your FSO, have em double check it, telling them you think its required. I had mine lost and butchered so many times its not funny. Maybe they don't do that at MEPS, but I'd check.

I took my Class III in January and was never told to hold my breath. It came back from AETC yesterday and I picked up a copy and on the second page it states "applicant has ability to hold breath for 60 sec subsequent to deep breathing," as well as the stuff about being scared of heights, confined spaces, etc. It looks like they just put it on there b/c they knew what job I was going for?

jc

I did my Class III several weeks ago and ran into the same thing. Though the info wasn't documented on my handwritten SF88 by the doc, or asked of me in the exam, it was inlcuded in the finished product which was computer generated and sent to AETC.

When I took my class III a couple of weeks back I had a checklist with the CCT/PJ requirements on there. I asked the flight surgeon during the final interview if they had accomplished all the tasks, since most of the terminology was unfamiliar to me, and he realized I needed the breath test and what not. Then he said "Oh, guess you do need a rectal..." DOH!

I know the feeling...was called while on leave and told to come in to sick call for rectal, because the flight doc didn't think I needed it at time of physical.

All of these posts should highlight the need for you to KNOW what is needed, and make sure it gets done.