In the Air Force, Special Operations Combat Medics and Rescue Specialists are trained and equipped to conduct conventional and unconventional rescue operations. Known as PJs, these airmen rescue downed pilots, conduct combat search and rescue operations, and assist Navy SEAL platoons and Army Special Forces units as combat medics. PJs may conduct their duties in humanitarian and combat environments using air, land, or sea tactics.
The training for these airmen is among the most rigorous and intense of any in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Requirements for Air Force PJs
As part of the Air Force Special Operations Command, candidates have to be of above-average physical abilities. Being a good swimmer and competent in the water is critical to making it through training, since saving personnel in the water is a requirement of the job. Running, lifting, and high repetition calisthenics also are required to get through the physical challenges of the training program. And PJs also take challenging courses in medical training.
The Physical Ability and Stamina Test (PAST) is for recruits seeking Pararescue status.
Air Force Battlefield Airman PAST Requirements
In the Air Force, the special ground combat units are known as Battlefield Airmen. After Basic Military Training, all members of the group will attend a Battlefield Airmen Prep Course for eight weeks. The following chart demonstrates the PAST requirements for each of the Air Force Special Operators.
This test must be conducted in a three-hour time frame and in the order listed below. There is one pass/fail event and five point-scored events. The candidate must receive a combined total of 270 points, and pass the pass/fail event in order to receive a passing grade on the PAST.
The below chart includes the requirements for each of the Air Force’s Special Operations segments: Pararescue (PJ), Combat Controllers (CCT), Tactical Air Control Party (TACP), Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape (SERE) Instructor, Special Operations Weather Tech (SOWT), and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD).
PJ CCT TACP SERE SOWT EOD
Underwater swim P/F P/F P/F P/F P/F P/F
500m swim <10:07 11:42 not tested 14:00 200m/ 10:00 not tested
1.5 mile run 10:10 10:10 10:47 10:10 11:00 11:00
Pullups 10 8 6 8 8 3
Situps 54 48 48 48 48 50
Pushups 52 48 40 48 48 35
Training to just meet the minimum standards for the PAST is not recommended as the training itself is highly competitive to join. Plus, once in the selection and training program, students will be pushed both physically and mentally. Being in good physical shape and having a foundation of fitness will serve students well in the challenging 18-month training pipeline.
Getting in Shape for the PJ Program
To get accepted into the Air Force PJ program, you have to first focus your training routines on the events listed above: Swim, Run, Pullups, Pushups, and Situps. Consider this your entrance exam.
You’ll need to be a fast runner and strong swimmer, and be able to do higher repetitions of calisthenics than the average military person. Otherwise, your chances of getting accepted into the program may be limited.
Most people who succeed in these challenging fitness tests and follow on selection programs will run and swim five or six days per week to improve their time. Also, the upper body calisthenics requires training at least three days a week (every other day) at a high volume.
Getting through the training will build upon the above fitness foundation focusing on:
More strengthLong-distance endurance with longer swims with fins, longer runs, and long rucksPool skills such as treading water, drown-proofing, buddy breathingSCUBA diving competency tests
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In the Air Force, Special Operations Combat Medics and Rescue Specialists are trained and equipped to conduct conventional and unconventional rescue operations. Known as PJs, these airmen rescue downed pilots, conduct combat search and rescue operations, and assist Navy SEAL platoons and Army Special Forces units as combat medics. PJs may conduct their duties in humanitarian and combat environments using air, land, or sea tactics.
The training for these airmen is among the most rigorous and intense of any in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Requirements for Air Force PJs
As part of the Air Force Special Operations Command, candidates have to be of above-average physical abilities. Being a good swimmer and competent in the water is critical to making it through training, since saving personnel in the water is a requirement of the job. Running, lifting, and high repetition calisthenics also are required to get through the physical challenges of the training program. And PJs also take challenging courses in medical training.
The Physical Ability and Stamina Test (PAST) is for recruits seeking Pararescue status.
Air Force Battlefield Airman PAST Requirements
In the Air Force, the special ground combat units are known as Battlefield Airmen. After Basic Military Training, all members of the group will attend a Battlefield Airmen Prep Course for eight weeks. The following chart demonstrates the PAST requirements for each of the Air Force Special Operators.
This test must be conducted in a three-hour time frame and in the order listed below. There is one pass/fail event and five point-scored events. The candidate must receive a combined total of 270 points, and pass the pass/fail event in order to receive a passing grade on the PAST.
The below chart includes the requirements for each of the Air Force’s Special Operations segments: Pararescue (PJ), Combat Controllers (CCT), Tactical Air Control Party (TACP), Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape (SERE) Instructor, Special Operations Weather Tech (SOWT), and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD).
PJ CCT TACP SERE SOWT EOD
Underwater swim P/F P/F P/F P/F P/F P/F
500m swim <10:07 11:42 not tested 14:00 200m/ 10:00 not tested
1.5 mile run 10:10 10:10 10:47 10:10 11:00 11:00
Pullups 10 8 6 8 8 3
Situps 54 48 48 48 48 50
Pushups 52 48 40 48 48 35
Training to just meet the minimum standards for the PAST is not recommended as the training itself is highly competitive to join. Plus, once in the selection and training program, students will be pushed both physically and mentally. Being in good physical shape and having a foundation of fitness will serve students well in the challenging 18-month training pipeline.
Getting in Shape for the PJ Program
To get accepted into the Air Force PJ program, you have to first focus your training routines on the events listed above: Swim, Run, Pullups, Pushups, and Situps. Consider this your entrance exam.
You’ll need to be a fast runner and strong swimmer, and be able to do higher repetitions of calisthenics than the average military person. Otherwise, your chances of getting accepted into the program may be limited.
Most people who succeed in these challenging fitness tests and follow on selection programs will run and swim five or six days per week to improve their time. Also, the upper body calisthenics requires training at least three days a week (every other day) at a high volume.
Getting through the training will build upon the above fitness foundation focusing on:
More strengthLong-distance endurance with longer swims with fins, longer runs, and long rucksPool skills such as treading water, drown-proofing, buddy breathingSCUBA diving competency tests
When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies
In the Air Force, Special Operations Combat Medics and Rescue Specialists are trained and equipped to conduct conventional and unconventional rescue operations. Known as PJs, these airmen rescue downed pilots, conduct combat search and rescue operations, and assist Navy SEAL platoons and Army Special Forces units as combat medics. PJs may conduct their duties in humanitarian and combat environments using air, land, or sea tactics.
The training for these airmen is among the most rigorous and intense of any in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Requirements for Air Force PJs
As part of the Air Force Special Operations Command, candidates have to be of above-average physical abilities. Being a good swimmer and competent in the water is critical to making it through training, since saving personnel in the water is a requirement of the job. Running, lifting, and high repetition calisthenics also are required to get through the physical challenges of the training program. And PJs also take challenging courses in medical training.
The Physical Ability and Stamina Test (PAST) is for recruits seeking Pararescue status.
Air Force Battlefield Airman PAST Requirements
In the Air Force, the special ground combat units are known as Battlefield Airmen. After Basic Military Training, all members of the group will attend a Battlefield Airmen Prep Course for eight weeks. The following chart demonstrates the PAST requirements for each of the Air Force Special Operators.
This test must be conducted in a three-hour time frame and in the order listed below. There is one pass/fail event and five point-scored events. The candidate must receive a combined total of 270 points, and pass the pass/fail event in order to receive a passing grade on the PAST.
The below chart includes the requirements for each of the Air Force’s Special Operations segments: Pararescue (PJ), Combat Controllers (CCT), Tactical Air Control Party (TACP), Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape (SERE) Instructor, Special Operations Weather Tech (SOWT), and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD).
PJ CCT TACP SERE SOWT EOD
Underwater swim P/F P/F P/F P/F P/F P/F
500m swim <10:07 11:42 not tested 14:00 200m/ 10:00 not tested
1.5 mile run 10:10 10:10 10:47 10:10 11:00 11:00
Pullups 10 8 6 8 8 3
Situps 54 48 48 48 48 50
Pushups 52 48 40 48 48 35
Training to just meet the minimum standards for the PAST is not recommended as the training itself is highly competitive to join. Plus, once in the selection and training program, students will be pushed both physically and mentally. Being in good physical shape and having a foundation of fitness will serve students well in the challenging 18-month training pipeline.
Getting in Shape for the PJ Program
To get accepted into the Air Force PJ program, you have to first focus your training routines on the events listed above: Swim, Run, Pullups, Pushups, and Situps. Consider this your entrance exam.
You’ll need to be a fast runner and strong swimmer, and be able to do higher repetitions of calisthenics than the average military person. Otherwise, your chances of getting accepted into the program may be limited.
Most people who succeed in these challenging fitness tests and follow on selection programs will run and swim five or six days per week to improve their time. Also, the upper body calisthenics requires training at least three days a week (every other day) at a high volume.
Getting through the training will build upon the above fitness foundation focusing on:
More strengthLong-distance endurance with longer swims with fins, longer runs, and long rucksPool skills such as treading water, drown-proofing, buddy breathingSCUBA diving competency tests
In the Air Force, Special Operations Combat Medics and Rescue Specialists are trained and equipped to conduct conventional and unconventional rescue operations. Known as PJs, these airmen rescue downed pilots, conduct combat search and rescue operations, and assist Navy SEAL platoons and Army Special Forces units as combat medics. PJs may conduct their duties in humanitarian and combat environments using air, land, or sea tactics.
The training for these airmen is among the most rigorous and intense of any in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Requirements for Air Force PJs
As part of the Air Force Special Operations Command, candidates have to be of above-average physical abilities. Being a good swimmer and competent in the water is critical to making it through training, since saving personnel in the water is a requirement of the job. Running, lifting, and high repetition calisthenics also are required to get through the physical challenges of the training program. And PJs also take challenging courses in medical training.
The Physical Ability and Stamina Test (PAST) is for recruits seeking Pararescue status.
Air Force Battlefield Airman PAST Requirements
In the Air Force, the special ground combat units are known as Battlefield Airmen. After Basic Military Training, all members of the group will attend a Battlefield Airmen Prep Course for eight weeks. The following chart demonstrates the PAST requirements for each of the Air Force Special Operators.
This test must be conducted in a three-hour time frame and in the order listed below. There is one pass/fail event and five point-scored events. The candidate must receive a combined total of 270 points, and pass the pass/fail event in order to receive a passing grade on the PAST.
The below chart includes the requirements for each of the Air Force’s Special Operations segments: Pararescue (PJ), Combat Controllers (CCT), Tactical Air Control Party (TACP), Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape (SERE) Instructor, Special Operations Weather Tech (SOWT), and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD).
PJ CCT TACP SERE SOWT EOD
Underwater swim P/F P/F P/F P/F P/F P/F
500m swim <10:07 11:42 not tested 14:00 200m/ 10:00 not tested
1.5 mile run 10:10 10:10 10:47 10:10 11:00 11:00
Pullups 10 8 6 8 8 3
Situps 54 48 48 48 48 50
Pushups 52 48 40 48 48 35
Training to just meet the minimum standards for the PAST is not recommended as the training itself is highly competitive to join. Plus, once in the selection and training program, students will be pushed both physically and mentally. Being in good physical shape and having a foundation of fitness will serve students well in the challenging 18-month training pipeline.
Getting in Shape for the PJ Program
To get accepted into the Air Force PJ program, you have to first focus your training routines on the events listed above: Swim, Run, Pullups, Pushups, and Situps. Consider this your entrance exam.
You’ll need to be a fast runner and strong swimmer, and be able to do higher repetitions of calisthenics than the average military person. Otherwise, your chances of getting accepted into the program may be limited.
Most people who succeed in these challenging fitness tests and follow on selection programs will run and swim five or six days per week to improve their time. Also, the upper body calisthenics requires training at least three days a week (every other day) at a high volume.
Getting through the training will build upon the above fitness foundation focusing on:
More strengthLong-distance endurance with longer swims with fins, longer runs, and long rucksPool skills such as treading water, drown-proofing, buddy breathingSCUBA diving competency tests
Training to just meet the minimum standards for the PAST is not recommended as the training itself is highly competitive to join. Plus, once in the selection and training program, students will be pushed both physically and mentally. Being in good physical shape and having a foundation of fitness will serve students well in the challenging 18-month training pipeline.
Getting in Shape for the PJ Program
To get accepted into the Air Force PJ program, you have to first focus your training routines on the events listed above: Swim, Run, Pullups, Pushups, and Situps. Consider this your entrance exam.
You’ll need to be a fast runner and strong swimmer, and be able to do higher repetitions of calisthenics than the average military person. Otherwise, your chances of getting accepted into the program may be limited.
Most people who succeed in these challenging fitness tests and follow on selection programs will run and swim five or six days per week to improve their time. Also, the upper body calisthenics requires training at least three days a week (every other day) at a high volume.
Getting through the training will build upon the above fitness foundation focusing on:
- More strengthLong-distance endurance with longer swims with fins, longer runs, and long rucksPool skills such as treading water, drown-proofing, buddy breathingSCUBA diving competency tests
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EU Privacy
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LiveAbout is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.
When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies
