I have been to Indoc before, will the Test Event be good for me to attend?
Absolutely, I always tell guys who have been to Indoc before that it is a chance to be the person you wanted to be at Indoc and try out different leadership tactics since the events are all about learning yourself and your team with real smoke sessions and real instructors but no negative impacts to your career.
How different is the new Assessment and Selection from Indoc?
This is a selection, not a course where the cadre mentor you. You will do pretty much the same types of exercises. It is a selection so they will also be getting rid of people who do not possess certain criteria or the right personality.
If I wash out of selection, how hard is it to get in a second time?
Not very difficult paperwork wise, but you will just have to reclass and try again in 1.5 years which is the standard time before you can come back in times where there is optimal manning. You may have to wait up to 3 years or complete your contract when the Air Force is more strained for man power though. The best option would be to change your mentality, do not have an escape plan. BURN THE BOATS!!
With Indoc being gone, what does a day at A&S look like? Is there a lot of down time at nights or is it go go go 24/7?
A mixture of both. There are some classes that get 3-4 hours of sleep a night if they are lucky and work through the weekends. Then there are others that have been given weekends. So dont count on down time
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.
I'm a female trying to go PJ, what areas should I focus on training wise?
Start rucking a lot. Get very comfortable wit 60 lbs on your back. Also focus on load bearing activities (i.e Farmer carries, Buddy carries, Training aids)
I’m most worried about the paramedic portion of the pipeline. Any words of wisdom or advice you might have?
Only 1% of those who get to the paramedic portion don't make it through. My advice for you is grind hard! It is six months and very doable, but it is a lot, STAY FOCUSED!
Do I need to be at Indoc grad standards to attend the TEST training event?
Nope, you just need to be able to pass the PAST, and be 18 years old. Click here for more info.
GARMIN or Apple Watch?
I personally have a Garmin 735 xt, but I have heard good stuff about the apple watch. Never tried it though so I can't give an opinion about it.
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.
I just wanted to know if your workout program will include underwater swimming and how far should I be swimming underwater?
Currently I have two programs, one for those who can pass the PAST and one for those who need to start out a little slower. If you can pass the PAST, my GET SELECTED program has underwaters and other watercon.
If you need help passing the PAST, choose this program.
If you are a little more advanced and you can pass the PAST, choose this program.
After A&S do you go straight to a school or go back to your home station (for cross trainees)?
You will go straight to pre dive school, then dive school, then back to your duty station to PCS to Kirtland. Make sure you check out the pipeline page on the website as well.
Can the schooling in the pipeline be transferred over into college credits?
Yes, you will get college credits through the community College of the Air Force where you can attribute those credits to an associates degree in Personnel Recovery.
During the 50 meter underwater can you kick off the wall? If so, can you kick off both during the beginning and half way, reason I ask is because I only have a 25 meter pool?
Yes, you get one kick off the wall either at the beginning or half way depending on which pool you’re at.
Would you say A&S would be comparable to the physical training aspect of high school athletics in any way?
If you are currently in high school I would recommend you join the swim team, cross-country team, and wrestling team since those are what I have seen benefit people the most in this kind of training out of high school.
Does the “2mm” or “5mm” nylon dive boot size matter? Or is it just preference?
Whichever you can get that is cheaper will work, it's just there as a sock for your fin to prevent blisters.
Are the boots you have listed on your website under equipment tall enough? The Lowa Men’s Zephyr GTX Mid TF hiking boots or are the “mid” too low?
Depends on what you like. I have worn those in uniform for a long time. Also, just remember most people have field boots and garrison boots. When you are in the field, you unblouse your boots.
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.
I’m currently a Rescue EMT-B. Would it be wise AND worth the extra 1.5 years to receive my EMT-P cert prior to joining?
No, you will get it paid for and it will take half the time once you make it to PJ school. I would recommend focusing on passing the past and hitting the old Indoc grad standards.