Have you ever had a dream? My dream started when I was a senior in high school. I was a military brat stationed at RAF Woodbridge England. As a 17 year old in a foreign country there is not much to do. In school there was a program called Corporate Work Experience. The teacher in charge of that program came to me and asked if I would like to participate. I found out that most jobs open were sitting in an office some where on base answering phones. That would not do for me. I went to the director of the program and said I would like to participate if I could pick the area of my work experience. I though about it. There were airmen walking around the base dressed in flight suits with maroon Beria’s. I stop one and ask what do you do? I’m a PJ. What was a PJ? I wanted to find out. I started the next week working with the PJ's (Para jumpers) of the 67th ARRS. On the first day I found out that the motto is “THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE”. I was fascinated by those four words, That others may live! I knew right then that Pararescue is what I wanted to do. I trained for several mounts, and was ready for when I joined the Air Force. I took the PAST test and did very well. There were two weeks left in Basic Training and I was going to start living my dream. I had gone into basic training with a guaranteed job of Radiology Tech. The Air Force decided that was more important, and I was unable to go to Pararescue school. I was on a path that takes me to where Iam now. I, am not sorry for the path I have been on. I have four kids and a great wife. Iam working in a level one trauma center at the University of Missouri. I now work in MRI and make a great wage. I’ am at a cross roads. I tell my boys to never quit, never give up on there dreams no matter what obstacles. So do I practice what I preach? At 41 years old all I want is a shot at what I started so many years ago. I have had a life time of experience. The Air Force will not be disappointed. I train with my boy’s everyday. They support my decision and are helping me to fulfill my dream. I have read that the age should not be a problem as long as I get pass the physical requirements. I encourage your thoughts.

Thanks, Mark

Age may be a problem...and your ability to get to indoc will be based on current AF prior service policies and the functional manager at HQ/AETC.

The PAST is the absolute easiest and minimum requirement for PJ...it only gets worse from there...guys around your age have made it through indoc and the pipeline, but they're few and far between.

Good luck.