Brian S 5/22/19 Brian S 5/22/19

I'm having a really hard time with the swimming, I was wondering if there was anything I can do to make it better?

Find someone who is good at swimming and ask them to teach you, or hire a coach. Swimming is all about technique. Total immersion is a great resource.

Brian S 5/22/19 Brian S 5/22/19

What is a good pool substitute workout?

You can’t really replicate pool workouts, but I would use a row machine or the versa climber/Jacobs ladder. Just something that is low impact and uses upper and lower body.

Brian S 5/22/19 Brian S 5/22/19

Since I’m cross training will they send me to SW Prep course first?

You will go to phase 2, then probably a shortened version of the SW prep course. Phase two is still five days.

Brian S 5/22/19 Brian S 5/22/19

Does wearing glasses make some of the activities at selection harder?

If you can train without them, I would recommend that. You are going to be going in and out of the pool all the time and possible in some creeks.

Brian S 5/22/19 Brian S 5/22/19

Where are most PJ’s sent to after graduating? What bases are needing them most?

Moody, Davis monthan, and Nellis are the biggest ones. You can move every 3 years.

Brian S 5/22/19 Brian S 5/22/19

Would you recommend getting emt-b before joining Airforce?

No, unless you have a lot of time before you join the military for some reason. You will get all that stuff when you get in, and it doesn't really save you much time since emt-b only takes 1 month in the pipeline. Not to mention it’s free in the Air Force.

Brian S 5/22/19 Brian S 5/22/19

Should I wait to talk to recruiter until I can pass the PAST?

Nope, talk to them and work out a schedule on when you think you are ready. They will also set you up with a Developer in the meantime. Recruiters can also have you tryout before you go to MEPS, they will give you a paper for your doctor and have them perform a sports physical on you.

Brian S 5/22/19 Brian S 5/22/19

Regarding the lowa zephyr boot. Did you like the Gore Tex or the regular?

I personally like the regular just because there are not a lot of times that you will really need the goretex in training. If your feet are getting wet in training, then your whole body is also wet because you are either getting spayed with a hose or going through a creek.

Brian S 5/22/19 Brian S 5/22/19

I need to get better at treading water. Any tips or suggestions?

It's all about flexibility and coordination. Look up some hip flexor and leg stretches and do them religiously. Then watch some YouTube videos on the eggbeater technique and practice on dry land, just laying on your back , then practice in the water while holding the wall… then progress to timed sets in the water.

Brian S 5/22/19 Brian S 5/22/19

Coming from a background without much swimming do you think it’s possible to make it through Selection?

Give yourself a background in swimming. I only swam once in a summer league when I started training, but I spent 8 months prior to joining just being in the pool everyday and swimming up to 5000m at a time. Start off doing what you can and then work your way up. It is a matter of consistency and technique.

Brian S 5/22/19 Brian S 5/22/19

The local gyms around me have the pools at a depth of about 3-4.5 ft. Do you think I can make do with that?

It will work, as long as you can practice swimming, treading, and underwaters. I would recommend looking up the total immersion swimming course.

Brian S 5/22/19 Brian S 5/22/19

In any swimming event that isn't a fin, is there a particular stroke that is required? Will I be able to use CSS on the non finning swims?

When you have fins on you will do the Combat recovery stroke or lead arm trail arm swim. Without fins on, you will do freestyle unless you’re dragging a buddy or swimming underwater.

Brian S 5/22/19 Brian S 5/22/19

What kind of pool will we be swimming in at A&S? 9 or 12 foot pool?

For selection it will be both, for dive school it's a 12ft pool.

Brian S 5/22/19 Brian S 5/22/19

When bobbing, I'm really floaty (on a full exhale I kind of just slowly sink) and end up having to basically swim myself down. Any tips or recommendations?

If you push off the bottom of the pool harder, it causes you to come out of the water more, which will help you sink faster since you will have more momentum than just a dead pause at the top.

Brian S 5/22/19 Brian S 5/22/19

Any tips on running?

I would do some interval work, like 400-800m and do one day a week where you run 6-8 mi.

Brian S 5/22/19 Brian S 5/22/19

Would the The TEST Event look good on a retraining packet for Pararescue?

I honestly don't know, but I know many people on the board and they know what I do in my business. You need to be able to live the principles taught in the The TEST Event, and that will show them you are the guy they want to work with. For more information about The TEST, click here.

Brian S 5/22/19 Brian S 5/22/19

Do PJ’s with a 3 lvl report to the same duty station for upgrade training or can they be sent to any AFSOC base?

As a 3 level you can be sent to either place.

Brian S 5/21/19 Brian S 5/21/19

Was wondering if you have any advice for a staff or tech entering indoc. What areas can I realistically improve on where an airman might not be held to as high of a standard?

As an NCO we would expect you to act in your leadership capacity as outlined in the little brown book. You should have solid leadership skills so you can help Airmen learn, and take care of them. We also expect you to hold the team accountable and lead with integrity. As far as physical standards, it is hopeful that our NCO can lead by example.