Do you have to be incredibly book smart to graduate the medical portion?
You do not have to be extremely intelligent, just be dedicated and put in the time to study. It’s doable.
Any tips on how to increase lung capacity or how to fight the urge to breathe?
Always have someone watching you when you do this stuff first off. Usually if guys work on their running/cardio also add Jodie/singing outloud, it will really help your underwaters. Also work on your stroke, you should be able to get across a 25m pool in less than 6 strokes. You can also use co2 tables.
What do you say in your PJ career gave you the biggest feeling of accomplishment? And what was one of your biggest obstacles?
Watching someone hug their family again.
Biggest obstacle was finding out that I am not invincible and making a lot of mistakes.
I was wondering how off-duty pjs are able to help with civilian rescue missions?
We are always on duty, and regularly do civilian rescues even outside natural disasters.
Is there an authorized rest position during the PAST?
There is no rest position for the past, you need to stay in the pushup position the whole time.
How do I increase cardio but also keep strength?
I would use the stair climber or Jacobs ladder with a weight vest on.
What's a good way to hold yourself accountable for not bitching out when shit gets tough?
Write it down on a calendar or planner or wherever you look at frequently. Also having a buddy to train with.
Are there any specific swim workouts for someone who is 5’8” or below?
Something that really helped me get faster in the water was using a kick board and alternating with hand paddles. It helps to really strengthen your stroke/kick.
Would you say swim with fins or swim bare feet in the ocean?
Fins if you are in the ocean for sure.
If you wash out at any point in the PJ pipeline are you discharged from the Air Force or do you have the option to reclassify?
Sometimes people will have the option to be discharged unless the Air Force is in need of manning then you will be reclassified. The majority of the time though it is your choice. It also depends on why you wash out.
What level of swimming should I have before starting your program?
As long as you are able to swim 100m at a time then that is fine. All I ask is that you complete the distance or reps however long it takes you. It is part of building resilience. I know you can get to that point in less than a month if you are willing to spend the time in the pool.
What you would say is a common trait you see in those who get through INDOC?
Strong team mentality and complete dedication to the mission.
What type of mental attitude does it take to become a PJ?
Be willing to sacrifice time, money, and everything you have, in order to bring someone home to their families.
Do ice baths help with recovery?
Ice baths help with recovery in the first 10 min after a workout. Think of it like saving your body the energy of getting back to normal temp. It will help with muscle tissue breakdown and slowing inflammation.
I’m having surgery soon, will I still be able to become a PJ after the surgery if it's full recovery?
Well it would depend on the type of surgery. I had a complete ACL replacement, MCL repair, and menicus repair, and one year later I was in BMT, eight weeks later I was in Indoc, and have thus far had a really awsome career.
What age do most people retire from Pararescue and why? And what do most people do after they retire?
Most people will get out of Pararescue after 2 enlistments just because of the high numbers of deployments and with the amount of training we get, they can use on the outside. I would say most people do medical jobs or contracting after getting out.
Did you always feel motivated during your journey to become a PJ?
No, sometimes I didn't know what I had gotten myself into. But it was all worth it in the end.