I’ve realized that I can do something for an extended time and not quit but it just might take me forever. But when it comes to timed things I almost break. Any inputs?
The biggest thing to remember is that you are not working under the same circumstances that you will when you get to selection. You don't have the pressure when you are out at the gym by yourself. If you are finishing the workouts then you are way ahead of your peers, I guarantee it. But this also means you can improve your speed on some of the events. This is where I cannot completely replicate the feeling of being at selection for you. Keep it up and finish the workouts and you will be just fine. If you can find a workout partner, healthy competition will keep you on your toes as well.
Does the air force need PJs? Is there a shortage?
The Air Force always needs PJs and it is a critically manned career field.
Is there any way to prepare yourself for the small amount of sleep you will be getting or is it all about your mental toughness in that situation?
That is really just a matter of remembering your purpose and buckling up for the ride. A common phrase we use is embrace the suck, it will remind you that we will intentionally make you uncomfortable, because we can only do so much to replicate stress and deployment situations.
I’ve purchased the electrolyte mix you recommend and want to know what’s the most effective way for consuming this before, during, and after the workout?
I drink it when I wake up in the morning, during the workout and before I go to bed. This just allows for a constant availability of electrolytes throughout the day. (You can find it on my equipment list here)
What should my training for the week leading up to the PAST test look like?
Keep on working out until 3 days out. At 3 day out you should do 75 percent of what your workout is, on the 2nd day 50 percent and the day before you should really just stretch and practice form in the mirror. Obviously, make sure you are hydrating with electrolytes as much as you can and take some amino acids to make sure you don’t cramp on test day. Lastly, make sure you are stretching and foam rolling every day and wake up with enough time to eat a full breakfast 1 hr before your test.
What’s your favorite part about being a PJ?
Obviously saving lives, as well as being the guy in charge of the team and the aircraft. It was a privilege and an honor to have such responsibilities placed in my hands at only 26 years old. I also loved the travel and the fact that every day on the job was different and exciting.
What was the hardest thing you did in the pipeline?
Indoc was really draining physically, and watching people I got to know really well quit was hard. Sadly it was such a huge accomplishment also. People who were way physically stronger than myself quit. Mentally the most difficult part of the pipeline after Indoc was Paramedic, it was like drinking from a fire hose, but also rewarding because medicine is the foundation of a PJ and I knew I would be learning how to make people survive otherwise unsurvivable wounds.
What do I need to prepare for most in the pipeline?
Water confidence and pushups are the things that eliminate most guys. Rucking is a huge part of selection now, so you have to be good at rucking too. Also prepare to be away from your family for a couple months. Make sure all of your affairs are in order and you have as little distractions as possible.
I work 24 hours on, 48 hours off, there’s no access to a pool and only limited running opportunity, no treadmill, just some free weights and a barbell. Is it doable?
The biggest thing you will need is a pull-up bar of some sort to use at your station. Most of the workouts can be done with limited equipment. Also with the pool situation, I would recommend just doing the swim right before your shift and again after your shift, and a land workout in the middle of your shift. As long as you space it out like that and do all the reps/miles you will be good to go!
With harassment, dirty breaths, water down your throat through your nose any advice on how to avoid getting an infection in your lungs?
The only thing you can do to avoid infection is to take care of your body by sleeping, eating properly, and maybe supplement vitamin c to boost your immunity. Technique wise I always recommend placing the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth to act as a kind of splashguard when you are breathing through the snorkel on buddy breathing. This will reduce the amount of water you might aspirate while breathing through the snorkel.
If I was to train twice a day here and there during the week, is there anything specific (land based) that you recommend I do?
I would recommend rotating through a ruck, cals, stretching, and grass and guerrillas with stretching and foam rolling being the most important. I don't want you to get injured so just make sure you are really listening to your body.
I understand your programs are geared mainly towards those for PJ/CRO but would provide equal results for someone planning to assess for CCT/STO or SR (SOWT)?
Absolutely! The criteria used for SR and PJ selection are the same and all of the candidates are now in the same course. All of the workouts in my programs are pertinent to CCT as well as SR.
For the work out program do I need all the required items in order to do/start the full complete program?
You can do the program with less gear and sub in other stuff for sure, that won't be a problem, an additional option would be to start the program and do what you can do the first time and then you can restart the program as many times as you would like for a year from your purchase date.
I’m looking into working for AFSOC as an IDMT-Paramedic and switching to the Army for the Ranger Medic program. Any advice to pass down?
I have worked with both, and if you want to see more action as far as combat is concerned then I would recommend going the ranger route. IDMTs definitely get lots more medical training though, so if you are looking for that then go for it. Another thing to consider is that being in the Army compared to AF is a different beast, you will be treated much more like an adult in the AF. Just my 2 cents.
I got posterior shin splints. I’m working on fixing them with rest and some rehab exercises. Any suggestions?
The biggest thing that helped me get over shin splints when I used to get them was using a roller and anytime I was sitting on the couch I would do the alphabet with my toes. Bottom line is you are going to have to stay off of them for a little bit before you jump back into all this.
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.
How does the new A & S look? Is it 4 weeks? And are there phases in those 4 weeks or just a huge kick in the balls the entire time?
It is still currently 4 weeks but you can expect that it will be a kick in the balls the entire time. I say that because when you do actually get a break, you wont get as much of a break as you might feel like you want… it will be just as much as you need.
My question has to do with the pipeline, and living with your family. It would be ten months of training before they get moved along with me?
It wouldn't be exactly 10 months but you will have to go through:
6wks of BMT
8 wks of SW prep
4 wks A&S
4 wks Predive
6 wks of Dive school
Then you are able to PCS to Kirtland NM where your family can move in with you. For more info about family in the pipeline/operational see my youtube video here.
What would be a good language for me to learn to talk to the foreigners or people I will meet that will be useful to speak their language when I become a PJ?
There are lots of countries I have been to where French is a secondary language, but I don't think the next couple wars will always be in the middle east so I would recommend learning the language that most interests you.
Do you have any advice about the process of cross-training so I have a better chance of being approved?
I would volunteer as much as possible around the base where you are working and hopefully come home with an Airman of the quarter or something like that. Additionally, get some school knocked out and check out my reading list. All of the books recommended in there will help you become a better leader and teammate.