Posted: 3/17/2013 3:28:33 PM EDT
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I'm currently 25 and have a strong interest in enlisting in the Air Force as a PJ. I know I can meet the physical requirements for it as well as handle it mentally. A few questions I have are-
What score on the ASVAB qualifies you for PJs? The age cut off is 27 for the Air Force. Is that cut off the day you turn 27 or as long as you're 27 but before you turn 28? I do have some medical background and will be a certified EMT by the time I enlist. Will this help me out any and give me a higher pay grade when I enlist? Also I have a tattoo on my right forearm, would this give me any issues when trying to enlist? (I do have plans to start laser removal this year) Also if anyone on here is currently a PJ or a retired PJ any advise or tips you can give me would much appreciated. |
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Check out the requirements at the bottom of this page: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airforceenlistedjobs/a/afjob1t2x1_2.htm
If you are worried about the ASVAB, there are plenty of books out there to help you prepare. However, for Para-rescue (1T2X1), the ASVAB should be the last thing you worry about. The PAST test requires you to be a pretty strong swimmer and have excellent overall endurance. Your EMT certification will help you towards the end of the training, but you won't get any special incentives for it. If I recall correctly, as long as you are not 28 years old by the day you leave for basic training, you are good to go. As for your tattoo, the reg says it cannot cover 25% of the exposed body... A recruiter will be able to tell you if it's ok. I suggest you go talk to a recruiter and make it very clear that para-rescue is the ONLY job you are interested in. Understand that recruiters are the used car salesmen of the military and will say anything. The best thing you can do is talk to an active duty PJ. I'm 8 years active duty AF, but not a PJ, so hope this helps. |
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During my time in the AF I met many good guys who also "met the physical qualifications and can handle it mentally" Best of luck to you.
Now for the brutally honest tough love... TV makes it look easy; USAF Pararescue is one of the toughest schools in the military. There is a very low graduation rate, many end up being firefighters. Your EMT certification will help to a small extent in the event that happens to you. If you have any kind of fire training have that handy at all times, as your job reassignment happens almost immediately...and you don't want any of the other options. (FWIW, former USAF firefighter who worked with over a dozen fellow PJ washouts) |