Hello Everyone,

My name is Michael and I live in Girdwood, Alaska.
I am new to the board and thought I would give a little introduction.

I have a had an interest in pursuing Pararescue since 2001. I took a Wilderness EMT course through WMI and was lucky enough to have former PJ Mark Crawford as an instructor. I was 26 at the time and had to let go of the dream when I found out the age cut off (of 27) for the Air Force.
I now live in Alaska and was reading about the 210 rescue squad and through looking around found out that the age cut off for Guard is 34. I'm 30...and now full of hope. I am using these forums to gain information on what may be the next step in my life.

Thanks to all who post here...it really helps people like me.

-michael

Michael,

I will be 26 in two weeks and I am training to apply for the STO PHASE I/II this summer/fall.
Go for it!!! I too have been interested in the PJ/CCT field for a couple of years. If you are still interested now, then you will always be interested. Start Training!

The most important part of training, that I have learned thus far, is to "TRAIN YOURSELF!!" Dont get discouraged if you cant hit a number of reps or a time. Simply draw out a plan and do it!! Dont forget to include REST into your plan. I work nights, so I actually have to schedule sleep into my workout schedule.

Dont Give Up!!

Thanks DAZ,

I feel like I am in great shape and will be training as much as I can. I don't feel 30.
I just need to try and get approved on some tattoos. The recruiter told me to e-mail him some photos...we will see how it goes. It would really be a shame if I was denied because of this. I think I would be heart broken...much worse than being left by a girl. HaHa !

Good luck to you and thanks for the words of encouragement.

-m

Daz, Good luck with the Phases. I'm 22 and heading off to Phase II this March. Great training advice, I trained my @$$ off for three months this semester only to burn out by not scheduling rest and knowing when to throttle down. I got three months left before the the selection week and in many ways it feels like I'm starting from scratch with a new workout mentality. Wish I would have worked smarter earlier on, but I'll be good to go by March. - Best of luck to you and the new guy Mike. - Bryan

Good luck Bryan!

Michael,

My research has told me that as long as the tattoos are acceptable, as longs they are not past your wrists, or on/above your neck. If you find out anything different I would like to hear, since I have two tattoos myself.

Thanks Brian, and Thanks Michael!

Happy New Year, and STAY FOCUSED!

DAZ, the way tatoos work is that you cannot have more than 25% of the exposed body part covered with a tatoo. That is the Air Force regulation so if you have, say a full sleeve on either arm that would disqualify you. PM me if you want more info on the reg

DAZ, here is the Reg:


[quote] [/quote] [color:blue] [/color]
"Unauthorized (content): Tattoos/Brands anywhere on the body that are obscene,
advocate sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination are prohibited in and
out of uniform. Tattoos/brands that are prejudicial to good order and discipline,
or of a nature that tends to bring discredit upon the Air Force are prohibited in and
out of uniform.
Inappropriate (military image): Excessive tattoos/brands will not be exposed
or visible (includes visible through the uniform) while in uniform. [b]Excessive is defined as any tattoo/brands that exceed 1/4 of the exposed body part and those above the collarbone and readily visible when wearing an open collar uniform[/b]
Failure to observe these mandatory provisions and prohibitions by active
duty Air Force members, USAFR members on active duty or inactive duty
for training and ANG members in Federal service, is a violation of Article 92,
Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

READ THE ROE's: 19. New Users are requested to post a short bio in the new users forum. Please DO NOT REPLY to these bio inputs, that is not the purpose. A quick "welcome" is acceptable, but do not go into questions/buffoonery please.