I’m currently deployed, what can I do to offset the fact that I don't have a pool to train in?
There is not really anything that can actually replace the pool but I usually recommend that people use either the row, jacobs ladder, or versa-climber machines as a substitute since they are low impact and full body workouts.
I have heard the new A&S is mainly land based now, is this true?
The new A&S is more land than water now however, you will still have all of the watercon aspects when you get to predive. So I would absolutely not stop practicing your water work.
My recruiter wants me to sign a contact that’s under open contract for special operations but I want a contract for PJ. I’m worried that they will put me wherever after selection.
SW is going to more Open SW contracts. It allows them to not force jobs on you and also gives you the ability to interview SW career fields to find if you are a better fit. You will choose your job at SW prep, no one at SW Prep will force you to make a decision you don’t want to make.
How should I start my training so it's not too hard on my body?
No matter what you do, it will be hard on your body, but there are things you can do to make yourself more resilient. First off, I would start a phased workout plan that involves different focuses over time. So I would start with running then go to swimming, then Cals, then rucking, and so on. Increase the weight you are able to carry and make your body used to it in order to reduce injury chances later on.
Are we allowed to have our phones at SW Prep and A&S to FaceTime family on the weekend?
You will have access to your phone through some points in Basic and when you are at SW prep/A&S. You will also have most weekends off while you are training.
If I get hurt whether that's during BMT or SW prep, I was wondering if that would affect my chances of getting into A&S or if that would disqualify me from the PJ route?
If you get hurt then the severity of your injury will determine your ability to stay in the pipeline. If you have an injury that will take over 60 days to heal then you will most likely be reclassified. If it is under then you have a good chance of being recycled given that you have earned it of course.
Heard rumors about the AF combining STO and CRO to become Special Warfare Officer?
Yes that is true, people are just running through rumor mill right now but the basis is that the entire Special Ops of the AF is going to a single unit kinda like SF. I wouldn’t worry too much about it at this point as the jobs will be mostly the same, just maybe another name.
What do PJs do after the military? I’m not sure what I would do and worried it will be difficult to find a job.
Lots of PJs go the officer route and specialize just like I am doing into an MD or PA program. Or you can do contracting, get a degree in whatever you like with the military paying for your education. Another option for you could just be to go the Guard or Reserve route where you would have to take a hiatus from your job while you are in training but will be able to work a normal civilian job once you are done with training.
I know military members don’t make much money and I’m afraid my wife and I will struggle without my current job salary. Any suggestions?
I understand your concerns and I will start by saying that this job is definitely not for everyone, as cliche as is sounds. To answer your first question, I don't know how much you make now, but as a PJ you will get a bonus for enlisting which is around 10000 as well as a reenlistment bonus every time you enlist which ranges from 25000 to 90000 depending on your commitment. You will also get an extra 750 per month in special duty pays as well as whatever per diem you may make from TDYs Deployments etc. Keeping all this in mind you just have to remember that this is still military service, so there is sacrifice involved.
Do you have any tips as to how I can gain some weight in a manner that’s not going to compromise my cal numbers and times? I have very good nutrition.
I agree that taking extra protein is not always necessary if you can get the intake through plain old good eating. Just make sure you are hitting all your goals. I would really recommend you working out more often with a weight vest and maybe increasing the weight on that if you are already doing that. I think adding slow low rep weight sessions that are focused will help you gain some mass as well, just keep those sessions short and succinct to make sure you are not overtraining.
My son quit selection. What job field would you feel would be best to try to reclassify so he can come back and try Selection again?
As for him quitting, he will most likely have another chance if he were to reclassify and come back in a couple years. From my experience as an instructor, the younger candidates are more prone to making impulsive decisions and I have seen it time and time again when the student will have a moment of weakness. I always tell the students who quit that it does not define the person you are if you don’t let it. Take the time you need to get over it, then learn from it and get back on the horse. If he has the option I would recommend him to try out for SERE then go back to PJ when he is ready.
I am worried about my flat feet. Do you know of any PJ's that have flat feet?
I have flat feet and it has never stopped me from doing whatever I need to do, in fact, I have always been a pretty fast rucker.
How did you get through the different types of injuries that you saw? I keep wondering if I can handle the different types of injuries that I would come across.
I always would think of the injuries as a more mechanical issue than just a person screaming and in pain. In the moment you need to do what you have to do in order to save the person’s life. So you have to put aside feelings for that time in order to get things done. After you finish the moment, you will need to speak with someone and make sure you don't let that experience seep in too deep and create a problem. At the end of the day, you just gotta make it happen.
I was wondering if you had any advice or exercises to help my sit ups?
The most easily correctable things I see guys do is 1) hips are too close to your heels and 2) doing negatives on the way down. That will give you a few more but overall I would recommend just varying your training if you can when you are doing ab exercises. Look up some ab exercises you have never done and just do a 10 min session of whatever that exercise is and you will see a difference.
If someone can pass your 'get selected' program, how much would you say it increases ones chances of success?
Physically it will absolutely put you ahead of the game, and it exposes you to the techniques and standards that you will experience in the water. If you finish the program to a "T" then you will not have to worry about the physical portion just focus on the team and the mental portion at selection.
Are there opportunities to rank up as a reservist?
Absolutely, and much faster than Active Duty typically.
Does an aspiring reservist have to be active first? If so, how long?
No you do not, you just need to contact the unit and see when tryouts are.
I am having trouble staying at the bottom of the pool while putting the mask on. Is there a certain technique or trick I’m missing?
Do a couple of upstrokes to keep yourself down and it helps to do it faster. Make sure when you start your ascent you are on the bottom, so you may have to upstroke back to the bottom.
I am considering purchasing custom orthotics to place in my running shoes. Are these allowed?
Yes, custom orthotics are allowed.
For push ups, my preferred method of doing push ups is on my fists. Would this be acceptable during selection/PAST?
No, you will not be allowed to do pushups on your fists.