Special Warfare as an Academy Grad

[Hatchet]

Good Morning,

For the longest time I have wanted to fly fighters or rotary for the Air Force. In the case that I am DQ'd for any reason (the flight surgeon who did my FAA Medical said that I would be DQ'd for my eyes), I am looking at other options. Obviously I have four more years to decide and I will receive a great amount of exposure at the academy but it's always good to get the ball rolling early. I am interested in Special Warfare whether I become a pilot or not.

1. Would things that disqualify me for pilot training (medically) also disqualify me for SpecWar? Specifically pertaining to eyes.
2. I am VERY interested in combat rescue. I have watched a few documentaries regarding the pipeline for PJ's (I assume that the CRO pipeline deviates very little) and I understand that training is long, strenuous, and taxing on the human body. However, the work is well worth the reward in my mind. My father is a surgeon and Eagle Scout (USAFA '97) and I am an Eagle Scout and member of the local Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla. Serving and helping others is in my blood. I began training for BCT on Feb 1. Training includes long distance runs (4-5 miles), pushups, pullups, situps, tricep dips, flutter kicks, etc. I believe that this demonstrates my dedication to serve. What are the best ways to prepare for the CRO and other SpecWar pipelines after graduation in the case that I am DQ'd from the pilot training pipeline and unable to obtain a waiver?
3. I am open to all advice and criticism. The scout motto is "be prepared" and my goal is to be as prepared as possible for BCT, the Academy, and life after. I want your insight and advice.

Thank you for your time!

V/R

Hatchet

 

[Swimmom816]

Good Morning,

For the longest time I have wanted to fly fighters or rotary for the Air Force. In the case that I am DQ'd for any reason (the flight surgeon who did my FAA Medical said that I would be DQ'd for my eyes), I am looking at other options. Obviously I have four more years to decide and I will receive a great amount of exposure at the academy but it's always good to get the ball rolling early. I am interested in Special Warfare whether I become a pilot or not.

1. Would things that disqualify me for pilot training (medically) also disqualify me for SpecWar? Specifically pertaining to eyes.
2. I am VERY interested in combat rescue. I have watched a few documentaries regarding the pipeline for PJ's (I assume that the CRO pipeline deviates very little) and I understand that training is long, strenuous, and taxing on the human body. However, the work is well worth the reward in my mind. My father is a surgeon and Eagle Scout (USAFA '97) and I am an Eagle Scout and member of the local Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla. Serving and helping others is in my blood. I began training for BCT on Feb 1. Training includes long distance runs (4-5 miles), pushups, pullups, situps, tricep dips, flutter kicks, etc. I believe that this demonstrates my dedication to serve. What are the best ways to prepare for the CRO and other SpecWar pipelines after graduation in the case that I am DQ'd from the pilot training pipeline and unable to obtain a waiver?
3. I am open to all advice and criticism. The scout motto is "be prepared" and my goal is to be as prepared as possible for BCT, the Academy, and life after. I want your insight and advice.

Thank you for your time!

V/R

Hatchet

Sounds like Coast Guard Academy may be a good option for you. If its too late, you can always apply next year. You may consider )CS as well.

 

[Small Team Bacsi]

US Air Force Combat Rescue Officer (CRO) Selection & Training - Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute

Elite & Special Forces Main Page US Elite & Special Forces Main Page This article is structured as follows: Part 01: Background to the US Air Force Combat Rescue Officer Part 02: Entry Standards and Applications Part 03: Outline of the US Air Force Combat Rescue Officer Selection and Training...

bootcampmilitaryfitnessinstitute.com

This may help. I have no idea how up to date the info is .

But it has info on the eye requirements for USAF Spec Ops. As well as other requirements.

Good Luck to you if this is the path you choose.

 

[Hatchet]

It is definitely a great place to go

Sounds like Coast Guard Academy may be a good option for you. If its too late, you can always apply next year. You may consider )CS as well.

The CGA is definitely a great place to go for something like that. I applied to their summer program and made it to the final waitlist. I applied early action in October and received a letter in December that I had been denied appointment. I collect that that is due to a failed PFT and incomplete medical. I was extremely competitive on all other facets, including my interview. I applied to the USAFA and USMMA a month later. Met/exceeded the goals for the PFT based on the class of ‘25’s averages. As of now, I have received an appointment to USMMA and my MOC says that I have a very good chance at receiving an appointment to USAFA. I think that USMMA is a greater opportunity for me, personally, since it feeds into all of the service branches and I can get a degree that teaches me everything about engines (marine engineering). I’d like to get into the hobby of cars when I can afford to so having a background like that would be great. Regardless, thank you so much for responding!

V/R

Hatchet

 

[Hatchet]

US Air Force Combat Rescue Officer (CRO) Selection & Training - Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute

Elite & Special Forces Main Page US Elite & Special Forces Main Page This article is structured as follows: Part 01: Background to the US Air Force Combat Rescue Officer Part 02: Entry Standards and Applications Part 03: Outline of the US Air Force Combat Rescue Officer Selection and Training...

bootcampmilitaryfitnessinstitute.com

This may help. I have no idea how up to date the info is .

But it has info on the eye requirements for USAF Spec Ops. As well as other requirements.

Good Luck to you if this is the path you choose.

I’ll look into it. Thanks so much!

 

[greentrees]

from previous post on CRO and there are others on the forum -- you can search for them

Combat Rescue Officer

Is anyone familiar with the CRO/PJ career field and have any input on getting a slot from USAFA? I hope to either enlist and become a pj or take the commissioned route to become a CRO. Any thoughts?

www.serviceacademyforums.com

Some of the training requirements have changed in recent years - every evolving standards for PT test, and they seemed to have merged some of the spec ops training pipelines

Not sure of vision requirements for CRO/STO

 

[Hatchet]

I read through everything there. I really appreciate it. I didn't really understand what they meant when saying the CRO doesn't go rescue people but I'll do a bit more research on that.

 

[Small Team Bacsi]

I read through everything there. I really appreciate it. I didn't really understand what they meant when saying the CRO doesn't go rescue people but I'll do a bit more research on that.

On small spec ops or recon or rescue teams it’s the enlisted by in large that do the heavy lifting. Not the officers.

The officers tend to be management not kick in the door or jump into the ocean to rescue people operators.

I have had one in the family who desired spec ops that seriously (ok for 10 mins they thought about it) passing on a SA and going the enlisted route because of that,

You will get the training and you will manage the operators.

Obviously this does not cover every mission and there may be exceptions.

 

[Hatchet]

I understand now. Thank you so much!

 

[Small Team Bacsi]

I understand now. Thank you so much!

And for some advice.

If flying does not work out and you go the small team spec ops rescue route and you make it you will look back and think this is just about the best decision you have ever made.

You should never be bored and you will always be doing or practicing to do some really interesting things. Even when you hate it you will not wish to be any other type of unit.

I have never heard of or read of anyone regretting making that choice, no matter their service, , but plenty wishing they could have had the experience but did or could not,

Stay Lucky

 

[Hatchet]

And for some advice.

If flying does not work out and you go the small team spec ops rescue route and you make it you will look back and think this is just about the best decision you have ever made.

You should never be bored and you will always be doing or practicing to do some really interesting things. Even when you hate it you will not wish to be any other type of unit.

I have never heard of or read of anyone regretting making that choice, no matter their service, , but plenty wishing they could have had the experience but did or could not,

Stay Lucky

Understood. I love the level of honor and grit in the SpecWar scene. Nothing compares. It’s such a high caliber group of people.

V/R

Hatchet

 

[Small Team Bacsi]

Understood. I love the level of honor and grit in the SpecWar scene. Nothing compares. It’s such a high caliber group of people.

V/R

Hatchet

There is no more honor there in the spec ops community than any place or job you might end up with. Sometimes less. And no one needs more grit than someone in the infantry.

You do this kind small team work for strictly selfish reasons——you think it will be more interesting that doing other things.

You don’t actually sit at a round table with other knights

 

[Hatchet]

As long as it continues to push me beyond my limits, I'll be perfectly happy. I like the idea of being at the tip of the spear.

 

[cb7893]

There is no more honor there in the spec ops community than any place or job you might end up with. Sometimes less. And no one needs more grit than someone in the infantry.

You do this kind small team work for strictly selfish reasons——you think it will be more interesting that doing other things.

I won't call this insightful, but only because it is a simple statement of fact--every single word of it.

No one goes through SOF selection and quals, or joins the Marines for that matter, to defend the Constitution.

 

[Capt MJ]

Each and every part of the spear counts and plays its part. If all the parts work together smoothly and with commitment, the mission will likely succeed.

Honor and grit abound throughout all parts of the armed services, from junior enlisted to the highest ranks, as well as those who have feet and knees of clay. I disagree with “nothing compares,” but perhaps we differ on what is being compared. Movies and video games and books tend not to be made about the unsung heroes performing different but critical missions. Medal of Honor awardees, the living ones, are often “just regular people” who often say “I just did my job like anyone else.” In their moment of heroism, they found their grit and honored their duty to others.

And with today’s asymmetrical battlefront, anywhere in theater can be hazardous to your health.

You are doing all the right things now - exploring, researching, asking questions, thinking about what your best fit is. Remain open and receptive to all fields of endeavor, avoid hubris and hyperbole, and always be teachable. That is the same advice I give myself, about hubris, hyperbole and teachability, even with several decades more on the planet than you.

 

[Hatchet]

I do my best to have an open mind but it definitely becomes a challenge at times to keep myself that way. I like learning and advancing. I watched a few documentaries about PJs a few years ago and thought it was one of the noblest professions. The amount of training they endure and information they learn is unbelievable to me. Gordon Forbes had a documentary on youtube of the whole pipeline (it has unfortunately been taken down) and seeing the EMT section of training really cemented my respect for them. They learn everything a civilian EMT must learn PLUS some more over the course of a few weeks/months. Once they graduate the pipeline, they drop into hot LZs with the goal of getting the injured guy out, no matter the cost. For most of them, a KIA is a mission failure. Maybe I’m jaded from all of the documentaries but I think that CCT, PJ, CRO, SOWT, TACP, etc. are tip of the spear. Yes, the spear is useless without the shaft and someone to throw it but a dull spear isn’t much more useful. I’m just 17 and still learning about all of the different parts of the Air Force and how they work together to accomplish the mission so I don’t have any credibility but this is my view. I’ll do my best to steer clear of hubris and hyperbole and always remain teachable. Rubber is great until it is not longer flexible and dry rots. I understand the importance of adaptability and teachability.

V/R

Hatchet

 

[AF Roots]

DS researched this a bit for USAFA. A SpecialWarfare slot out of the academy is competitive and not guaranteed. Its my understand that you need to start associating yourself with those interested by your C3C year through one of the clubs, Combat Shooting, Sandhurst or something similar. You will find out more info on that when you get there. When / if you do get SpecialWarfare after graduation, you are also given a back up AFSC if you do not make it through selection.

 

[Anonymous121]

To reiterate what was said previously, I'll give you my own personal anecdote. As an prior enlisted infantryman in the Army, during training, we would be the ones bounding forward, closing with and engaging the enemy. Our LT Platoon Leader was following behind us with a clipboard.

 

[Hatchet]

Leading from behind doesn't make much sense to me. It's my understanding that the leader is the first inside the compound. What's the need for officers if they follow with a clipboard?

 

[Small Team Bacsi]

Leading from behind doesn't make much sense to me. It's my understanding that the leader is the first inside the compound. What's the need for officers if they follow with a clipboard?

In life there is management and then there are the workers who do the work and follow the orders of management.

In my experience the first inside the compound (or similar in our case) is the point person. Followed by the rest of the point team.

Management for us might have been right there with us but behind , which did happen on occasion, or miles away back at HQ waiting by the radio , often stressfully , for word from the team they sent in. And this happened most often.

Why would the military spend a ton educating young officers over a 4-7 year period just to have them kick in doors for a living ,which can be done every bit as well or better, by a young enlisted?

Sometimes IME the officer or even the medic plays point person but it’s not their job to do so.