If I go CRO do they get to go out as often as the PJs or are they held back planning operations?
As a CRO you will be able to go out just as much as the PJs for at least the first 3-4 years and after that, you will be expected to lead a larger number of personnel, and will not be going out as often.
I want to go CRO/STO. I’m 4 reps short for sit ups and pushups and my swimming needs to improve. If I barely pass the officer PAST would I have a realistic chance of getting selected for OCS?
I wouldn’t recommend going to selection with numbers that are barely passing, because there will be others there that are absolute machines. Go in as prepared as possible. You are expected to lead, and to exemplify the standards so you can help the team. It is not extremely difficult if you go enlisted first and then go officer, but I would recommend going for the job you want now whether it be CRO or PJ.
Has anyone applied for officer while in the pipeline as active duty?
Not that I know of. I highly doubt you would be accepted if you are in the pipeline already and then want to start down the CRO path.
Can you have a degree and still be a PJ?
Yes you can still be a PJ, but you have to enlist. PJs are an enlisted position.
Is any bachelors okay to be a CRO or do I need to study something in specific?
Any bachelors degree is fine, just make sure you are working on your leadership and physical fitness as well.
If I got selected at Phase 2, would I be waiting a long time before I’d get slotted for a class for A&S?
It would only be a couple months depending on how many are in front of you.
Do CROs go through the same exact trainings as PJs?
No, they are not paramedic certified. Also a PJ you are expected to be proficient in many aspects, such as extrication, ropes, and over all Technical Rescue Specialist. CROs are not necessarily expected to know every detail like a PJ should, they should just be aware enough to recognized safe and unsafe conditions. A CROs main focus is the up and out aspect.
Do you have any advice for someone like me who's debating going CRO vs. staying enlisted? Already have a degree and just have to take the AFOQT
If you've been in for a while then I would recommend you go CRO because if you are coming in as a e5 PJ then you have a lot of catching up to do… but as an officer you can start out a little more fresh.
Do you need to have attended a service academy or an ROTC program to become a CRO?
No, you do not need to do those. You can go to OTS after getting your degree and go CRO.
For someone who wishes to be in a combat role under the special operations command, is the CRO pipeline unrealistic?
If you go the CRO route expect to deploy 2-3 times with a team, then deploy as a commander and stay in the JOC to control and advocate. You will definitely get lots of leadership experience but their main role is not to be in the shit. It happens, but not often. Honestly, in my experience, officers in general don't see the front lines of battle. If you want to see combat, go for the rangers… they see a lot. If you want to save lives and occasionally see combat, be a PJ.
I am not currently in any college program for AF ROTC but if I finish my degree and then want to go Combat Rescue officer, would that be that same as PJ training?
You will go through all of the same courses except for paramedic school. When you are in OTS you will need to complete a phase 1 package. Then go to phase 2 where you will be put through a selection process.
Can active duty CROs be assigned to National Guard Rescue Squadrons in active duty billets?
No, you will have to get an active guard slot.