Burn the boats
Results, in their own words
What candidates who trained with BE A PJ told us, from passing the PAST to getting selected. Grouped by outcome.
Got Selected
6Candidates who were selected at A&S, SWAS, Phase II and beyond.
“I wanted to let you know that I graduated A&S and was selected in the last class as the #1 select. I can’t say enough how dialed in your program is for this process. I felt completely prepared. … I constantly and consistently fell back on my experiences in the Be A PJ workouts to get me through events in A&S. No other program even comes close.”
“Over the last few months I finished basic training and then recently completed SWAS (the selection course down in Lackland), and I was selected for Pararescue! Your programming was spot on and very helpful for me along the journey. … I felt like I was always ahead of the curve on many events and more than prepared for whatever they had me doing.”
“I wanted to let you know that I just completed SWAS … and was 1 of 2 SWOE PJ selects. … I only used your IFT program but the workouts were great and helped prepare me for selection.”
“I just made it through assessment and selection. I purchased your get selected program … and I just wanted to thank you for it. It definitely prepared me physically and it put me way ahead of the majority of candidates.”
“My training partner and I just finished your “get selected” program. He just got selected from phase 2 and wanted to say thank you. This was his second time going and he failed out the first day last time. This time he breezed through it.”
“It has been a long road but I got selected at A&S and made it through pre-dive. Thanks a ton for your help by simply providing information and workouts which helped me succeed through these super tough courses. Many of the workouts you had were actually the exact same I did at pre-dive.”
Into & Through the Pipeline
5Accepted into the pipeline, approved to retrain, or already through it.
“I used “Be a PJ” … and I graduated as a PJ … It defenitaly helped me going through A&S.”
“I've been knocking out the pass the past workouts and they helped me out immensely. So much, in fact, that I recently got accepted into the PJ pipeline. So thank you for helping me make my first step into this incredible adventure.”
“Just wanted to let you know I got some good news my Retrain was approved for Special Warfare … Thank you for all your help and input these last two years I’ve been doing your programs and they’ve helped me improve in every aspect!”
“I appreciate all the guidance and content you’ve put out. It honestly played a big role in helping me secure a tryout with an ANG PJ team.”
“My cross train package is almost complete and your workout guides have helped me a huge amount.”
PAST Results
5Scores going up on the Physical Ability and Stamina Test.
“I’ve recently finished the Pass the Past program and upon doing so completed the past with 16 pull ups 70 sit ups 68 push ups 9:05 run 11:47 swim With these scores my recruiter and developer want me to ship …”
“I just passed my second consecutive PAST test … and wanted to thank you for your help! Your program was absolutely critical to me reaching that goal.”
“I have went from not being able to pass the PAST to almost at Grad standards. From listening and reading all the resources, I am also much more mentally prepared to start this career field.”
“I have completed your pass the PAST and have totally upped my scores.”
“The program was clear and concise and the app was extremely helpful. The Facebook group allowed me to check my form and progress against the people who posted. The nutrition guide was also a great help to me. The PAST program was exactly what I needed. It was a kick in the ass at first but knowing that everything I was doing would benefit me in some way really helped me justify the “suck”. Knowing that the workout came from someone credible, experienced and up-to-date in the Pararescue career field really allowed me to trust the process. Way better than me throwing a workout together from different things I’ve seen. Without your program I wouldn’t have been even close to prepared for the PAST. … I am in the best shape of my life (so far). I would without a doubt recommend your program to anyone who is looking into Pararescue/CRO.”
Stronger in the Water & on Land
7Swim, calisthenics and endurance gains along the way.
“The day where I had to swim 2500 meters freestyle inspired a huge amount of confidence in myself. I never thought I'd be able to swim that distance with no breaks before, made me believe more in myself.”
“I definitely noticed my cals and endurance absolutely sky rocketed throughout the program. Along with that, my water confidence definitely made a huge improvement. … Your program helped me become more mentally and physically stronger than I have ever been, and for that I thank you.”
“… thanks to you for the workout it has dramatically increased my swimming and stamina ability.”
“I feel like the programming has helped me improve a ton in my swimming ability and calisthenics. … I feel prepared and ready to burn some boats.”
“… I did one of your programs and absolutely loved it. It was the best shape I’ve ever been in.”
“There were a lot of days I wasn't able to complete certain workouts …, but the program still helped me tremendously.”
“The PAST program is a very well-rounded workout program. It is as mentally challenging to push through the workouts as it is physically challenging. I would recommend to anyone who is wanting to train before starting the Pararescue path.”
Grit & Mindset
8Showing up, pushing through, and what candidates took away, selected or not.
“I was definitely physically prepared thanks to your program and guidance. I made it to the second day when half the trainees had already been cut from day one which included the PAST and introduction to watercon.”
“Your program was great in preparing me for Phase II … Unfortunately, I was not selected as a CRO. Thank you for the support from your workout program, podcasts, and all the other support.”
“I attended one of your events in San Antonio …, where you connected me with the opportunity to try out for the 125th STS … While I wasn’t selected, those experiences had a lasting impact on me.”
“I was making excuses about not training and not holding myself accountable. This program was my way to burn the boats and get after it. I have grown a lot from this program … every day I am getting one step closer to donning the beret.”
“Your program is helping me a lot with the mentality side of the training! Huge thank you!”
“… thank you for providing the workouts that pinpoint exactly what the pipeline demands. … You provided me with the pathway; it's up to me to walk it.”
“Much of my progress and these new responsibilities are a direct result of the structure and preparation your programs have provided.”
“I’ve had the privilege of doing Pass the PAST and Indoc Grad workout programs. The programs made me stronger physically and more important mentally. It showed me that I can overcome obstacles that I didn’t I would be able achieve. Both programs definitely give you the “come to Jesus” moments. I am very confident that when I get selected into the PJ program I’ll have all tools available to complete the course, thanks to TSgt Silva.”
Coaching, Content & Community
7The programs, the podcast, the videos and the people.
“I have to say this training program has helped me immensely in doing structured training. It has been worth every cent I paid for it!”
“… this is the greatest workout program ever! Thanks for putting so much work into it for guys like us!”
“HTBAPJ has been a massive motivator for me — the real-world breakdowns, training insight, and mindset advice have helped me stay focused and grounded as I prepare to chase this goal head-on.”
“The resources you’ve put out have been so huge for me and this process. Everything from the workouts, podcast, and YouTube channel has helped me tremendously and I really can’t thank you enough!”
“Because of you I was able to form a solid mini community of friends around my area … from your howtobeapj page when you first started.”
“You've already been an incredible resource; I think the most valuable and helpful so far. …”
“I’ve never been so dedicated to a program. As I’ve mentioned before, there’s a level of confidence that I have knowing that these programs were put together by a former Pararescueman and cadre of the school house. I know that every workout is with the intent of making me successful at Indoc and no PDF program is going to give me the peace of mind that “be a pj” offers. With the addition of the VIP Facebook group I don’t mind training by myself because i know that there’s a community of people going through the same challenges and the page keeps us all accountable. I’ve seen improvements in every aspect of my fitness and I have faith that I will only get stronger by the end of the program. To sum it up, if you want to be a PJ and you’re not on a “be a pj” program, you’re wrong.”
Quotes are shared as written, shortened with “…” where needed, and shown with first name and last initial only. Individual results vary. Selection is never guaranteed.