I like your style...

Here's an opinion, for what it's worth -

I feel that the stress involved with being in a pipeline of training is much different than the stress involved with being an operator.

Every day in the pipeline is a challenge, and those who are there will be tested as far as possible in a peace-time environment.

The concerns that arise and stresses there have to do with the unknown, and meeting the standard (Will I make it? If not, what do I do then? - Geez, I DO NOT want to go back to that POGUE job I was in before! Etc...).

The concerns and stresses are a bit different than later on when the individual is a qualified operator. By then, he will be much more confident in himself, and his abilities, as well as those of his team mates. Hey - If you have to go to war, it's best to do it with a Team of highly qualified and trained operators you can COUNT ON, right?

Once the pipeline days are done, you will also have the opportunity to be together and have a "normal" life (obviously, that term is relative!).

One more thing - It's all worth it! Just remember - Whatever he's doing, if he's happy with his work, he'll bring home a good attitude at the end of each day. Assuming he's not a total a$$hole, of course! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

Stepping down off soapbox...

JR

Reading what the women have to say, I would say THEY have a pretty good attitude. What they articulate here should be SAID to the men they are with, not to us. Trust is everything! Communication is what builds and sustains it. I saw my wife 19 days in a 17 month period and had no way to talk to her for weeks at a time but our relationship was never in trouble and we started right back where we left off when I got home. That being said, if you think things are tough BEFORE the pipeline, hang on because it's gonna get tougher! Once through the pipeline, things are tough but in a more managable way, but it never gets easy. Pararescue and Combat Control are LIFESTYLES not just jobs. Part of that lifestyle is dealing with stress and being away from loved ones. Start communicating NOW! I've seen a lot of marriages fail in PJ/CCT but it wasn't the lifestyle, it was always lack of communication or personal resons.