What is your stance on pre workout supplements with your workout programs?
I would not recommend pre-workout for the program simply because you are not going to be power lifting or anything like that. Most of it has to do with endurance, also you don't really want your heart rate jacked up when you are doing watercon.
I don’t have a pool anywhere close to where I live and was wondering if there was a substitute for training for that?
Look up co2 tables to practice breath holds. But honestly there is not a substitute for the pool.
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.
When do you start getting pay?
You will be getting paid during BMT barring any clerical errors which happens sometimes. See more info here.
During the pipeline, what opportunities do you have to see family?
During the pipeline you will be able to take leave in between schools to see family pretty much every other month until you get in to paramedic/apprentice course.
Do you have some tips you can share that can help with floating?
If you have inhaled as deeply as you can and you are still not floating then you may just be a sinker. It's okay to be a sinker, but you just have to be comfortable with kicking to the surface a little bit.
I broke my arm is that going to be a problem for me to become a pj?
As long as you have full range of motion you should be fine.
What route did you take in order to be a PA? Did you get a bachelor's in something like biology first?
Just did some prerequisites, and applied for the IPAP program. It is a highly selective program, so my PJ experience definitely help set me apart from other applicants.
The best part about being an instructor?
Seeing the growth of the student from the time they show up til the time they graduate.
When/what was the defining moment for you that you realized you wanted to join the Air Force?
After I realized how little I cared about college and turned down a 6 figure job. I didn't want to make money I wanted to make a life.
Did you ever have any prior service from the Marine Corps transfer and come through?
SW recruiters have two boards a year for Prior Service applicants. One is in the beginning of the FY and the other during the winter months (FEB, MAR) in hopes to ship everyone during that FY. It is difficult to get in if you become E-6 before you try to cross over. I would try and talk to a usaf special operations recruiter and see what kind of paperwork is involved but it is definitely possible. They might even be able to transfer your service commitment from Marines to Air Force earlier.
When you're stateside, how often are you with your family?
You can expect to be gone a lot even when you are home. My first year I was gone around 300 days, it slows down to around 200 after that.
If you are married mil to mil and I start paramedic school in the pipeline, would they cut my wife new orders to come live with me or will she have to finish her tour out to come see me?
She would have to meet her time on station or deros requirements... Depending on where she is. You wouldn't get joined together immediately. I would speak with your personnel section to get a more definite answer.
Is it true Air National Guard gets more action each year with national disasters?
Not true, you will get more civilian rescues in a guard unit but it doesn't mean you don't get to do your job in active duty. Honestly, the Alaska unit gets some of the most action as far as civilian rescues go.
I've heard that if you want to do the job of a PJ you should go Air National Guard.
If you want to train to do the job, I would go active duty.
Do you have to be active duty to apply for IPAP?
No, there are a couple people in the class who are Army Guard. I don't know of any Air Force Guard though.
Do you think a female can get selected at A&S?
Definitely. I believe females have the capacity to make it through and graduate the pipeline. The most difficult part will be the social aspect and integrating them into a place where they will have to prove themselves over and over again. Once the team trusts her I think there will be absolutely no problems. This is not a female only thing though, every new PJ has to earn the trust and respect of their teammates.
What can I do about shin splits?
Foam roll and ice your shins every day. Next, do simple toe tapping exercises throughout the day. You need to give it a week or two to let it heal up a little then gently ease back into it.
I have to go through a “phase 2” what exactly is phase 2?
It's a 1 week course that will challenge your leadership skills. There are lots of team problem solving events, of course a lot of physical activity, and a board at the end. Mostly gauging how you react to stress and teamwork.