Pararescue Question

Grizzly

5-Year Member
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Jan 1, 2013
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Has anybody seen the National Geographic mini-series called "Inside Pararescue" that ended recently? I was just wondering if the helicopter pilots that fly the PJs to retrieve the patients are just Air Force helicopter pilots, or PJs that know how to fly.
 
Has anybody seen the National Geographic mini-series called "Inside Pararescue" that ended recently? I was just wondering if the helicopter pilots that fly the PJs to retrieve the patients are just Air Force helicopter pilots, or PJs that know how to fly.

i really liked that series it's too bad it was so short :frown:

but i believe they are separate career fields. most of the PJs seen are enlisted and there was 1 or two CROs (officers) in charge and in one episode i think i saw that as a cro, if you are not needed necessarily you will stay at the base and oversee from there. i assume it's to minimize risks for someone who might not be needed in the field?

the pilots i believe are officers who chose to pilot that aircraft or that type of scenario/roll

i am having a really hard time deciding between what field i would like to try and go into after i graduate. CRO or pilot ... they are both what seem to be two completely different types of hard. pilot is lots of technical training and tests and as combat rescue you have to be able to get through indoc which is a test of human physical strength/will and you still have to know all of the emergency medical stuff. of course i still have to try hard to finish in the top of my class so i can get my top pick :biggrin:
 
It was indeed a great series! Thanks for the answer! I wasn't sure quite what kind of pilots they were.
 
HH-60G pilots start off going through UPT like all other AF pilots. After T-6s, they track select to TH-1Hs at Ft. Rucker. Then, they get HH-60s out of Rucker (unless they cross train from TH-1H FAIP or UH-1Ns after an assignment).
 
On a related note... I had heard that CROs/STOs, like pilots, also have have an extended service committment after they graduate the 2 year pipeline.

Is that true, and does being an AFA grad impact that in any way?
 
MedB, I believe it is six years after completion of training.

Thanks! And I think I know the answer to this, but never want to assume when it comes to military committments. :)


The 5 year committment from AFA is concurrent with the CRO/STO 6 year committment. In other words...

If graduate AFA in 2017, go directly to 2-year pipeline training, then BOTH committments would be fulfilled by 2025. And any "re-up" (still what they call it?) options would start from there. Right?
 
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