What is a PJ in the Air Force?
The Air Force Pararescue (PJ) is an elite special operations force within the United States Air Force (USAF). Pararescuemen are trained to conduct personnel recovery operations, which involve searching for, rescuing, and recovering personnel who are isolated or stranded in hostile or remote areas. This specialized team is responsible for saving lives and returning service members to their units, often under extreme conditions.
What does a PJ do?
PJs are trained to perform a wide range of tasks, including:
• Personnel Recovery: PJs conduct search and rescue operations to locate and extract personnel from hostile or remote areas.
• Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR): PJs are responsible for recovering personnel who have been injured or captured behind enemy lines.
• Aerial Operations: PJs are trained to conduct aerial operations, including pararescue jumps, to reach areas inaccessible by conventional means.
• Ground Operations: PJs conduct ground operations, including combat swimming, skiing, and hiking, to reach isolated areas.
• Medical Support: PJs are trained in basic life support, trauma care, and surgical procedures to treat injured personnel.
• Communication: PJs use advanced communication equipment to stay in contact with other teams and receive critical information.
How do PJs get trained?
Becoming an Air Force PJ requires rigorous training and selection. Here’s an overview of the process:
| Training Phase | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Training | 7 weeks | Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT) |
| Pararescue Training | 54 weeks | Phase 1: Basic Airborne and Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training |
| Phase 2: Pararescue Jump (PRJ) training, Medical Training, and Water Survival Training | ||
| Phase 3: Advanced Training, including advanced medical training and combat training | ||
| Pararescue Qualification Course | 4 weeks | Final testing and evaluation |
Key Skills and Qualifications
To become an Air Force PJ, one must possess the following key skills and qualifications:
• Basic Airborne: PJs must be trained in parachuting and able to jump from aircraft.
• Water Survival: PJs must be able to survive in water environments and conduct swimming and diving operations.
• Medical Skills: PJs must possess basic life support and trauma care skills, as well as surgical training.
• Communication: PJs must be proficient in using advanced communication equipment.
• Physical Conditioning: PJs must maintain a high level of physical fitness and endurance.
PJ Equipment and Gear
PJs use specialized equipment and gear to conduct their operations, including:
• Parachutes: PJs use specialized parachutes designed for high-altitude, high-opening jumps.
• Night Vision Goggles: PJs use night vision goggles to conduct operations in low-light environments.
• Medical Kits: PJs carry advanced medical kits containing supplies for treating traumatic injuries.
• Communication Equipment: PJs use advanced communication equipment, including satellite phones and radios.
PJ Career Path
PJs can advance to various roles within the Air Force, including:
• Sergeant: PJs can become senior PJs and lead teams.
• Staff Sergeant: PJs can become instructors or training officers.
• Technical Sergeant: PJs can become squad leaders or team leaders.
• Master Sergeant: PJs can become senior leaders and mentors.
Conclusion
The Air Force Pararescue (PJ) is an elite special operations force that conducts personnel recovery operations, combat search and rescue, and medical support. PJs are trained to perform a wide range of tasks, including aerial operations, ground operations, and medical support. Becoming an Air Force PJ requires rigorous training and selection, as well as specialized skills and qualifications. With their unique skills and expertise, PJs play a critical role in saving lives and returning service members to their units.
