I am still struggling to get pull-ups, I have done negatives previously, any suggestions?
The biggest thing that helped me doing pull-ups and getting my numbers up was to build up my grip strength by hanging on the bar longer than just for my pull-ups. For example, just hang on there for an extra 30 sec and do reverse shrugs where you flex your back to make your scapula retract if that makes sense. Additionally, I am not sure exactly how strict you are being with your protein intake but that is also a big factor that people end up neglecting.
I wear contacts and the spec ops recruiter told me that contacts are okay during the pipeline and I shouldn't worry. True?
There are lots of guys who went through with contacts. The instructors don't mandate whether you do or don't wear contacts in the pool but it doesn't really work well if you don't use daily contacts anyway. I would recommend practicing swimming without contacts if possible.
What types of challenges have you faced when leading a PJ team?
The hardest part of leading a team is that everyone is an alpha male and has the "best way" to do things. Many times people don't know what they want and all you can do is make the best judgment possible with the information you are given and just make a decision.
Every time I swim I forget the proper way to breathe while swimming can you help me?
The biggest advice I have for you with breathing is to not focus on breathing. Focus on your stroke in the water and making a smooth glide in the water and push off the wall, the breathing will take care of itself.
I understand that there is a high risk for PTSD given the intensity and the exposure to trauma that the job demands. I was wondering if this was a factor for you when deciding to serve?
I have heard of some people getting it in the military, but to be honest, I never thought about it affecting me at all. I was ready to do whatever it took to bring someone home and expose myself to those types of things because I knew the mission was about setting aside my own fears in order to bring someone back to their families.
How do you deal with self doubt and failure?
It is good to be afraid to fail, it means you care and it will make you push yourself further because of it. When I get the feeling that I might not be extremely confident at something, I never allow myself to not do it, because that sets a mental precedent where you will allow yourself to quit spontaneously. It sounds too simple but sometimes you just need to put one foot in front of the other and get the job done even if it is not perfect.
Would you say the breathing techniques are more effective for helping stay calm or maximizing workouts?
Breathing techniques are for increasing breath hold, learning to breathe properly, reducing anxiety, eliciting calm, and using oxygen more efficiently.
Is there any possibility for foreigner to become a PJ or join US military?
There is a possibility for sure. I have had students who were citizens of a different country. I really do not know exactly the path to get to that point, but I would recommend getting in contact with an Air Force special operations recruiter.
I’m having issues with buddy breathing and getting water out of the snorkel and staying calm, how should I practice this? Also I have an issue with staying calm with goggles off.
I would practice by just floating in the water with a mask on and pretending to pass the snorkel to your buddy by taking it out of your mouth and putting it back in. Then practice by doing it with your mask off as well.
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.