I'm giving a big briefing to my cadet wing here on what I've been doing to try to get into CRO/STO and what the missions of these fields are and stuff like that. It's pretty sad, most people don't even know what the maroon or scarlet beret means (not to mention the gray!!). So I'm hoping that my briefing will increase some recruiting here (we have about 200 cadets), and maybe I can get some more workout partners, since my good one just commissioned...
ANyway, I'm looking for good facts that I can throw into the briefing. Ie "there are XXX pararescuemen out there... there are XXX CCTs..." "XX percent washout rate" "XX Medals of Honor...", "XXXX missions per year (unclassified)", "XX applicants, XX make it", that sort of thing. If any of you have any numbers or cool fac/anecdotes I can use, please post them, I'll bet a lot of the other wannabe's would like to see them, too! Thanks.

Coney,<p>I've given such briefings to my wing as well, and I have found based on questions from the audiences that most only care about current missions. I have resorted to simply briefing the STO package- with good results. Good luck.<p>Hooyah!
SJP

My Colonel here is hitting me pretty hard for "why do we need to waste time giving this briefing" and "it's not of benefit to anyone". It's really short notice, but if anyone could give me some good comments on why I should be allowed to give a pro-STS briefing (tells what each job is, and goes into the 2-Phase application for cadets) I would really appreciate it. I've thought of all I can, anything you guys can add would be great! It also might help if I can point to a couple comments from operators (or ex...). I just can't believe that he doesn't want to "waste time" with this... How many other field are this undermanned and take this much prep to get into?! Thanks for any comments... []images/icons/mad.gif" border="0[/]

If you're talking CRO, its a benefit to every fighter pilot that gets into a cockpit and flies over hostile territory, same with STS. Were all one team, and the fact that were are pretty much unknown, should make it obvious why it would be a benefit to your audience...everyone knows about pilots, navs, etc...few know about us. We are normally the SOF ambassadors when working with other services, and change their mind about what were about. Additionally, we work extensively with other countries/forces, thus promoting international exchange and cooperation. Were normally one of the first to the fight (first there, that others may live), and the last to leave...if it weren't for PJ/CCT/CRO/STO, pilots wouldn't be rescued, planes wouldn't land, and lives would be lost.<p>Remind him of what he hears on the news...the rescues starting (in earnest) in Vietnam, the Grenada invasion, Panama, Desert Storm, Somalia, Kosovo, and now the war on Terrorism...STS and PJs are there everytime...landing airplanes, rescuing pilots, calling in strikes, etc...<p>As we can see by current world events, this war on terrorism is SOF heavy...by giving your brief, you are in fact helping to fight that war, by motivating one or more (hopefully) cadets to join the elite ranks of the Air Force and continue that fight for as long as it takes...that is how it benefits EVERYONE...

Your CO's point of view will probably change in the coming months, as will many 'General' grade officers' throughout the DOD. Many lessons are being learned right now. I will leave it at that. Then again, somebody may have the 'blinders' on up there .