What qualities, if any, did you see in candidates that just screamed “future PJ”? Was it physicality or their ability to lead others?
I have absolutely seen guys who I thought would make it and did. The traits that I always see in guys who make it are, first that they are all about the team and put in all their efforts to help out with whatever they can. Second, they are always in shape and physical studs because if you can get through the smoke sessions with no problem then you can take care of your guys. Lastly, the biggest thing I see from guys is when they are able to stay calm and cool when we tell the team to start doing pool work in which they might pass out. This shows that they are 100% committed to accomplishing the mission no matter what it takes, they have burned the boats.
What types of challenges have you faced when leading a PJ team?
The hardest part of leading a team is that everyone is an alpha male and has the "best way" to do things. Many times people don't know what they want and all you can do is make the best judgment possible with the information you are given and just make a decision.
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.
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.