The Air Force PJ’s are known as Pararescuemen with the PJ standing for Pararescue Jumpers.
These guys are part of the Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and Air Combat Command (ACC).
Their main job is the recovery and medical treatment of personnel in hostile environments.
Their motto is “So that others may live”.
Video: Inside Combat Rescue, USAF PJs
The pipeline is 2 years of very hard work where most will fail.
The rule is to “Never Quit”.
PJ’s go through a grueling training with Airborne training at Ft. Benning, Georgia and Combat Diver School in Panama City, Florida.
PJ’s have one of the longest training cycles of any the Spec Ops groups.
Video: Inside Combat Rescue 02 – Visions Of War
One of their first rescue missions that Air Force Pararescue was the recovery of twenty people who had bailed out of a stricken C-46 in August 1943 in the Naga area of Burma. This area that contained not just Japanese troops, but tribes of head hunters as well. The men were located and supplies were dropped to them. Among the survivors was CBS reporter Eric Sevareid.
The Navy SEALs are considered one of the toughest Special Forces training groups in the world.
The drop rate is over 80% for the last 3 decades despite many attempts to get guys through the program.
The acronym SEAL is derived from their capacity to operate at sea, in the air, and on land.
SEAL Team Six training to take out Bin Laden
SEAL Team Six Physical Standards Test (PST)
Dead Hang Pull ups 15 (on instructors count)
Push ups in 3 minutes: 80 (chest to deck)
Situps in 3 minutes: 90 (rest in top position)
Air squats in 3 minutes: 100 (full lock out at top)
3 mile run in 22 minutes
Questions from SGPT Athletes:
Question: Who has the hardest training between the Air Force PJs vs Navy SEALs?
Answer: Both groups have incredibly tough training so you would have to find someone who has been through both camps and graduated to give an honest assessment.
Question: Where can I find out more information about signing up with the Navy and becoming a SEAL?
Answer: Check out the main website for the SEAL/SWCC training here:
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