Combat Rescue Officer
- Thread starter KiwiBird
- Start date
WildBlu3
USAFA 24
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2021
- Messages
- 7
The selection process of USAFA is somewhat similar to that of AFROTC when it comes to special warfare. Cadets send in a paper application for the three main branches of special warfare (Tactical Air Control Party Officer, Special Tactics Officer, and Combat Rescue Officer). For USAFA specifically, this includes a paper application, letters of recommendation, and your score on the PAST (physical ability stamina test). From there, a group of officers will look over your application, and decide whether or not to send you to selection, a 1 week long program to evaluate you (this is a bit different for STO, but I am not too familiar with the STO selection process). If you are selected, you will be sent fall/spring of your 2-deg (junior) year, or fall of your firstie (senior) year. Selection includes ROTC and USAFA cadets. From there you will undergo a week long program where you will be evaluated on pretty much anything you can imagine, including physical ability, mental fortitude, etc. If you make it through the week without being kicked out or quitting, you may receive an offer for special warfare, and you will have 24 hours to accept or deny the offer.
One great advantage of special warfare is that you know your AFSC (Air Force specialty code, your job) before most of your classmates.
I am shooting for TACP, and should be heading to selection next year. Specifically from the CRO perspective, one of my friends went this past year, and he said there were around 15-20 cadets that started the week, all ROTC cadets were either kicked out or quit, and 8 CRO slots were offered to USAFA cadets.
Don’t sell yourself short on not being able to go special warfare. The academy has a special warfare club, which you can join after you finish doolie year. This program, along with what else you choose to do at the academy, can make you a great candidate for special warfare. It all comes down to will and mental toughness.
One great advantage of special warfare is that you know your AFSC (Air Force specialty code, your job) before most of your classmates.
I am shooting for TACP, and should be heading to selection next year. Specifically from the CRO perspective, one of my friends went this past year, and he said there were around 15-20 cadets that started the week, all ROTC cadets were either kicked out or quit, and 8 CRO slots were offered to USAFA cadets.
Don’t sell yourself short on not being able to go special warfare. The academy has a special warfare club, which you can join after you finish doolie year. This program, along with what else you choose to do at the academy, can make you a great candidate for special warfare. It all comes down to will and mental toughness.