New PJ GTEP enlistees will be required to sign this statement:

FACT SHEET: PARARESCUE VOLUNTEER

Congratulations on your decision to volunteer for the Air Force’s elite Pararescue (PJ) career field. As a volunteer, this document provides meaningful and educational information to better support your decision to be a PJ Specialist. Your signature on this document acknowledges you have discussed each topic with your recruiter and/or Special Tactics Recruiting Liaison as well as thoroughly understand the below statements.

1. I have thoroughly reviewed the PJ information available. I have reviewed, in detail, the PJ career field description provided in the Air Force Enlisted Classification Directory (AFECD).

2. I have met the minimum passing PJ Physical Aptitude and Stamina Test (PAST) standard, BUT will EXCEED said standards prior to entering the Air Force (AF).

3. Following AF Basic Military Training, I understand I will attend the PJ Developmental Course at Lackland AFB TX. This 2-week course is intended to introduce, familiarize, and cultivate the fundamental and technical skills as well as mental agility to better equip candidates to be successful in the PJ Indoctrination Course.

4. Following the PJ Developmental Course, I will attend the PJ Indoctrination (Indoc) Course at Lackland AFB TX. I whole heartedly understand Indoc is one of the most physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging courses in the United States military. This 9-week course is designed to select, train, and indoctrinate aspiring PJs through a series of go/no go evaluations. Training accomplished includes, but not limited to: Airmenship, athletic training/exercise physiology training, psychological training, obstacle course, ruck marches, leadership reaction course, and PJ history. Most importantly, though, I CLEARLY acknowledge that 50% of Indoc is engrossed in extremely intense and demanding surface/sub-surface water confidence training.

5. Following PJ Indoc, I understand I will attend a 4-week US Air Force’s Combat Diver Course at Panama City FL, after which I will be reassigned to Det 1 (PJ School), 342d Training Squadron, Kirtland AFB NM for the remainder of my PJ pipeline training.
NOTE: I understand diving is an inherent risk, but a prerequisite to attend the PJ Apprentice Course and subsequent duties of a PJ once in the career-field.

6. At Det 1 (PJ School), I understand I will continue my intense training in parachuting and survival, evasion, resistance, and escape techniques from the following courses: US Army Infantry Center approved Airborne Course (basic parachutist), US Army JFK Special Warfare Center/School Military Freefall Course (MFF parachutist), USAF Underwater Egress Training at Fairchild AFB WA, and USAF Basic Survival School at Fairchild AFB WA.
NOTE: I understand parachuting is an inherent risk and a prerequisite to attend the PJ Apprentice Course and subsequent duties of a PJ once in the career-field.

7. At Det 1 (PJ School), I understand I will attend a 4-week Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basic and 24-week EMT-Paramedic Course. Here I will learn how to assess, evaluate, treat, and manage emergency medical and trauma patients from point of injury to definitive care. Upon graduation, I will be awarded a civilian EMT-Paramedic certification through National Registry.

8. At Det 1 (PJ School), I understand I will conclude my PJ pipeline training at the 24-week PJ Apprentice course. Here I will receive training in 6-blocks of instruction: combat casualty care (dirt medicine), combat arms and weaponry, combat tactics, land navigation, mountain rescue, and air operations (advanced parachuting, helicopter insertion/extraction). This course qualifies me as PJ Specialist for worldwide assignment to any Rescue or Special Tactics Squadron.

9. I understand PJ duties will require me to be responsible for others’ learning and safety in challenging conditions. Besides knowledge and skills associated with PJ duties, I will be expected to learn and demonstrate responsibility, attention to detail, communication skills, leadership, and resilience.

10. I understand primary Pararescue duties include direct combat and often subject the PJ to extremely hazardous and risky conditions and situations not expected of most US military personnel. Furthermore, I understand USAF PJs are asked to put themselves in harm’s way and to push themselves well beyond their physical and mental limits anywhere, anytime in the world.

11. Lastly, I understand 90% of the candidates who start PJ training do not become PJs. If I fail to complete PJ training, I will be considered for discharged from the AF or reclassified into another AF Specialty subject to technical training availability and recommendation by training cadre and the chain of command.


Pararescue Candidate Signature/Date:______________________________


Again, congratulations on your decision to volunteer for the Pararescue career field. It will be a challenge unlike any you’ve ever experienced, but the rewards will be great! We look forward to you joining us as one of the most elite and best trained forces in the world.


Recruiter Signature/Date:______________________________