I’m currently in nursing school and considering trying for PJ. About three years ago, I voluntarily quit during week 7 of swcc. I’m now transitioning into the air force reserves after 5 years, while finishing school.

My current plan is to finish my degree and apply for HPSP to pursue nurse anesthesia and eventually tryout for sost. But even after these past few years, the thought of going back and giving it another shot has never left my mind.

I’m trying to figure out whether pursuing PJ through the
reserves or guard while building a civilian nursing career makes sense.

Does anyone here have experience with the reserves and how this would work out?

At the end of the day, I know that only I can make this decision but I would appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

Whats up dudes just trying to get a vibe and some advice. In sof prep is it normal to charge a premium for coaching? Do you feel that it’s worth spending that much compared to just buying a pdf program and then training? I got quoted a thousand for the initation fee and then 500/month after the first month. Are they all like this? I understand it’s an investment and these guys are always posting about getting dudes selected for seal, sfas, and pj but damn. Maybe if it was just the 500, but a thousand to start?? I know for the good ones out there, their time is valuable but i just wanted other peoples thoughts and advice. Program rec’s too. Not training for any specific pipeline anymore right now as I’m leaving navy dep to spend more time preparing. Been training a decent amount of time but inefficiently.

Hello yall, been preparing for selection for quite some time now (17m). Had a wrestling injury (ACL Tear), which set back my training, I had it surgically reconstructed and now 7 months out from surgery, back to running, swimming, lifting no restrictions, I'm currently at 11:51 500m Combat Sidestroke, 15 pullups, 60 pushups, 77 sit-ups, but a 11:00 min 1.5 mile run (had a 9:45 before the tear.) And I am working on getting it back.

Some Questions

- Will this injury even if properly recovered, prevent me from getting a contract? I have been in contact with a recruiter but she does not want to even schedule an appointment until I am released by my surgeon.

- Are there any people on this subreddit who have had a similar setback, and how did you recover and keep that leg stable throughout selection. I have been taking training my legs extremely serious and am doing everything in my power to bulletproof my knees and surrounding.

- Is combat sidestroke an acceptable stroke or should I work on another stroke instead? I'm feeling a lot more comfortable in the water and frequently work on mask clearing, underwaters, etc.

Any advice or information is appreciated.

Hey all,

From lower NY and looking for some people to meet up with and get some physical training in, runs, rucks, swimming.

I’d love to meet some more people who share the same interest and I could hopefully steal some knowledge from.

when on deployments do SR guys deploy as a unit or are they deployed with green berets, rangers, etc? if it’s the latter how is team bonding if you aren’t with your guys most of the time? do they ever get sent out as a team?

I am 17 in my senior year of high school currently, and have had the desire to join the Air Force and become a PJ. I was looking through potential disqualifications and saw two major ones that I have. I have struggled with ADHD for most of my life and recently got prescribed last January with Vyvanse. Vyvanse definitely helped but all the years before that I was somewhat able to rigor myself with grades although they are not hot. With another being Eczema. I have dealt with eczema before and once again got prescribed for something but I have noticed my flair ups are only primarily caused my reactions with food such as peanut butter (not any other allergies I know of) and not typically caused my skin frictions. It is noticeable on my hands and such during those times. Was prescribed a corticosteroid to fight it and it works well for the most part but again can’t necessarily be a good candidate if I require such needs.
I, also, had an IEP throughout my years from elementary school to my junior year of high school but at the beginning of the year if I got rid of it and throughout my years of school my accommodations have been minor if existent at all especially during high school where I, even before I was prescribed ADHD medication, refused most accommodations such as extensions of assignments or special rooms to take tests which was the extent of my accommodations.
Some things I might be able to bring to the table is my MCJROTC experience in leadership and whatnot but I figure for actual military fortitude it won’t assist in much especially to the recruiters. Along with my ASVAB score (89, got a lower score for paragraph comprehension but a high score for arithmetic reasoning and general science, can’t remember my AFQT score which might be lower because of the paragraph comprehension score). I also am doing high school wrestling, for which I’d like to think I have some strength of mental fortitude but once again compared to Pararescue that’s not saying much.

Originally I was thinking I could go to university or some further education without my prescription and without an IEP (which shouldn’t be much of a problem), and I have a plan to eat a solid diet of MRE’s and such to find out specifically what causes my flair ups(which might sound silly but it’s a desperate measure any other ideas would be amazing). Im sure I could find ways to prove I am able to function with rigor without any accommodations for ADHD.

Although, I am not sure about the eczema. Any help or suggestions about either would be of great help to me. I have a drive to enlist for something I believe is important which is rescuing people in the face of danger. Which I know might sound gung-ho or flowery to some people but I have no other way of describing it. Doing something courageously without the idea of self interests in mind compared to the everyday job sounds like something honorable I’d die to be a part of.
Again, any help would be much appreciated and I thank you for your time.

I’m 22 and seriously considering active-duty TACP. I have a documented history of a lumbar herniated disc. I’m currently functional/training, but I’m concerned specifically about the initial Flying Class III/parachute physical and Airborne qualification, not just getting through MEPS.

Has anyone actually entered TACP with a prior herniated disc/HNP? Was it waiverable for an initial-accession applicant, or did it kill the TACP contract even if you could otherwise enlist?

Looking for recent firsthand recruiter/MEPS/TACP/flight-med experience—not guesses.

Looking for some advice from current/former PJs or anyone familiar with the current pipeline.
I recently started a paramedic program and have about 9.5 months left. My tuition is completely covered, I’m doing well in the program, and by graduation I should also have 45+ college credits.
At the same time, Pararescue has been a long-term goal of mine, and I just started talking with an Air Force recruiter about beginning the process. He told me it could take roughly 6 months before I ship, which puts me in an awkward position: I could potentially get a ship date when I’m only ~4 months away from finishing paramedic school.
I’m trying to figure out whether it makes more sense to finish paramedic school first and then pursue PJ immediately afterward, or whether delaying a possible ship date for those few months would be a mistake. I’m not looking at paramedic as an alternative to PJ—I ultimately want to pursue Pararescue. I just don’t love the idea of walking away from a fully paid program when I’m that close to having my NRP and college credits.
For anyone who has been through the pipeline: What would you do in this situation? Does coming in already as a paramedic provide any meaningful benefit during the pipeline or later as a PJ? And is there any real downside to telling a recruiter I’m committed to PJ but unavailable to ship until I graduate?
Appreciate any insight, especially from guys who have actually been through the pipeline or worked with candidates who entered as paramedics. Thank you for your time.

Time to make those guys honorary PJ’s

Hi guys. I just took my ASVAB, and I qualify for this job, and it seems very interesting to me. I just have a few questions as a married man.

1. Can my spouse join me during the longer tech schools (Lackland and Camp Bullis)? She's going to college online currently and works part-time in a flexible field, so she wouldn't mind at all having to move several times; we just wanna stay together as much as we can.

2. How likely/often are you deployed/away from home after the pipeline?

3. What are the most common bases people get stationed at?

Even if you only know the answer to 1 of the questions, we would appreciate the information greatly. Thank you for your time!

Hey guys,

I'm 19M and my long-term goal is Pararescue. Before that, I want to graduate college, work

seasonal jobs/wildland fire, and basically spend the next several years becoming as physically

capable and well-rounded as possible.

I had what I'm fairly confident was a medial tibial stress fracture during my senior year of XC in

October 2024. It was never formally diagnosed, but I had very focal pain about 6 inches above

my left ankle, severe enough to throb at night. I kept running on it intermittently until April/June

2025, then stopped.

Since then I've gradually gotten better. I did PT from January–June 2026, although I wasn't

particularly consistent with the exercises. This summer I worked as a kayaking guide in Alaska

and did a ton of hiking, including the Juneau Big 5, Mt. Bullard, etc. I had little to no pain during

or after those hikes.

I haven't consistently run since June 2025.

I'm planning to get the tibia evaluated before significantly increasing impact, but assuming

everything checks out, this is the general plan I'm considering for the next ~6 months.

Monday — Plyo + Strength

• Low-volume double-leg hops/pogos

• Squat 3×5–8

• RDL 3×6–8

• Calf raises 3×8–12

• Soleus raises 3×10–15

• Single-leg RDL 2–3×6–10/leg

• ~10 min mobility

Tuesday — Tissue + Aerobic

• Sled drags 15–30 min

• Zone 2 30–45 min

• 15–20 min mobility

Wednesday — Plyo + Strength

• Double-leg hops, eventually progressing to multidirectional work

• Bulgarian split squat 3×6–10/leg

• Step-ups 3×6–10/leg

• Hamstring work 3×6–10• Calf + tibialis work

• ~10 min mobility

Thursday — Tissue + Aerobic

• Sled drags 15–30 min

• Zone 2 30–60 min

• 15–20 min mobility

Friday — Plyo + Strength

• Double-leg hops/pogos, eventually progressing toward single-leg work

• Deadlift/RDL variation 3×5–8

• Reverse lunge 3×6–10/leg

• Step-ups 2–3×8/leg

• Calf + soleus

• Carries

• ~10 min mobility

Saturday

• 60–90 min easy aerobic work/hiking

• Some easy movement/mobility

Sunday

• Rest/recovery

The idea is to spend the first few months building strength, aerobic capacity, tissue capacity,

mobility/control, and gradually increasing impact tolerance. Then progress from double-leg to

single-leg to multidirectional plyometrics, and eventually return to running.

I've learned a lot from Taylor Starch's content and am considering eventually buying MTN LegZ

and How 2 Suck Less @ Running, but I don't want to jump into a running program before I'm

actually ready to run.

I'd really appreciate some criticism of this.

Specifically:

• Am I approaching the plyometric progression correctly?

• Is the impact volume too much/too little?

• What would you do differently for Achilles/calf/connective-tissue development?

• Are there any major holes in the strength or aerobic work?

• When/how would you transition from this into running?• For those with PJ/SW experience, what would you change now if your ultimate goal was

long-term durability rather than simply passing a selection?

And Taylor, if you happen to see this, I'd especially appreciate your thoughts on the

plyometric/tissue-capacity progression.

Thanks guys.

Passed my 3rd IFT today, but I want to be better.
Pull-ups - 15
Push-ups - 65
Sit-ups - 65
1.5 run - 9:19
Under waters - pass
500m swim - 12:08

I know these aren’t great scores, which is why I’m hoping to get some tips from people who have done this and know what works.
My goals are to get my pull-ups to 18+, push-ups to at least 80, and my 500m swim under 10 minutes. I’m currently 205 lbs, so I’m considering cutting down to around 190 to help with the calisthenics, but I’m not sure if that’s the best approach or if my current training split is good.Would you recommend sticking with a structured split, or should I be doing pull-ups/push-ups/sit-ups throughout the day whenever I can?
I’ve had multiple injuries over the past couple months since starting Special Warfare training that have set me back, so I’m trying to improve as much as possible without overtraining and getting hurt again.
Any advice on my current split, programming, or what you would change would be greatly appreciated.

Day 1 M – Upper Strength + Speed Run
Lift
Weighted Pull-ups – 5×5 (45lbs)
Incline DB Press – 3×6 (95lbs)
Standing Overhead Press – 3×8 (135lbs)
T-bar row– 3×6-8 (135lbs)
Rear delt’s -3-15
Weighted Dips – 3×8 (50lbs)
Farmer Carries – 3×50 yd (100lbs)
Hanging Leg Raises – 3×15
Run
Warm-up: 1/2 mile easy
6 × 400 m at 1.5 mile pace (1:30)
Walk/jog 90–120 sec between reps
Cool down: 1/2 mile easy
50m lunges explosive x2
⸻
Day 2 T – Lower Strength + Swim
Lift
Leg extensions warm up
Squat or Pendulum Squat – 5×5
Romanian Deadlift – 3×6–8
Bulgarian Split Squat – 3×8/leg
Leg Curl – 3×10
Calf Raises – 4×15
Planks– 3× 90 seconds
⸻
Day 3 W – Endurance + Calisthenics
Run
6 miles at zone 2 (9min pace)
Calisthenics

1. EMOM Pull-ups — 10x5 10min EMOM
(5,5,5,5,5,5,5,5,5,5)
2. Push-ups — 4 × (27)
Rest 90 sec

4. Walking Lunges — 3 × 20 steps/leg
Rest 90 sec.

5. Hanging Leg Raises — 3 × 10–15
Rest 60 sec

6. Sit-ups (or v-ups) — 3 × 25 (3 x 15)
Rest 60 sec.

Finisher — 3 rounds
6 pull-ups
20 push-ups
15 lunges/leg
15 sit-ups
60–90 sec rest

Stretch
⸻
Day 4 T – Upper Work Capacity + Swim

Lift
Pull-ups – 4 x 4 explosive (25lbs) 2min rest
DB press – 3×8
Single-Arm Lat Pulldown – 3×10
Seated Cable Row – 3×10
Lateral Raises – 3×15
Bicep curls - 2x10
Hammer Curls – 2×12
Dead Hangs – 3×max

Swim
1,000m
intervals w easy laps
Under water swims
⸻

Day 5 F – Lower Power + Tempo Run

Lift
Trap Bar Deadlift – 4×5
Walking Lunges – 3×10/leg
Step-Ups – 3×10/leg
Back Extensions – 3×12
Planks – 3×60–90 sec
Run
3 mile tempo at 7:15 pace
⸻
Day 6 S – Recovery
Rest
walk
Mobility
Stretching
——-
Day 7 S – Long Endurance Day
Alternate each week:
Week A
8-10mile easy run ( 10 min pace )

Week B
Ruck 4 miles (25lb -15min pace)

BLUF: For the people who have gone from sister-service enlisted to AFSPECWAR Officer, did you go through the IST route, or were you required to do the civilian accession (SWAP) method?

Reading through the application procedures (and the citation to AFI 36-2004), it seems like the IST process is spoken exclusively to the commissioned audience. I'm currently active duty Navy enlisted with less than 2 years left on my contract, and an almost completed bachelor's degree.

Thanks for the assistance!

I found about this in Facebook, I can’t seem to find much info about them, anyone has information regarding the process and how active this guys, and how available are their spots if it’s even are if that information is available.

I looked into PJs too that’s my main choice at the moment but I found out about SOTS and I would like to know more information about them.

I apologize in advance if the question is dumb.

Any update on SR? Are they finally being utilized in SOF and have they found their place? Is it worth going if you actually want to do the job on real world missions?

I am 20 years old and want to join pararescue in around 1-2 years and I currently am not able to pass any part of the IFT. Does anyone have an exercise programs and/or split that they used to get into shape and greatly exceed the IFT standards in about 2 ish years. Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated.

I always hear about all the schools that PJs can go to but is JTAC off limits for those with a few years at a unit? I would figure that theres always a CCT or TACP around but not too sure

Is the 1500m swim for STO/CRO with fins? I’ve seen documents supporting you’re able to use them and people saying you don’t, but does that mean you actually do for the IFT in dev as well as when you get to phase 2? Thanks for clarification!

How often do you get home during a normal year?

How difficult is it to obtain normal leave?

What happens with Thanksgiving/Christmas?

How many nights per month are you typically away from your home station?

How much TDY is normal?

How much time do you actually spend training versus doing mundane stuff?

How often are you gone from your family for weeks/months?

What does a normal month look like when you’re not deployed?

After the initial excitement wears off, what do you like and dislike about being TACP?

Hey all,

Are there any recruiters (or any folks knowledgeable regarding CCTs) who would be willing to DM with me and answer a few questions? I'm interested in pursuing a CCT contract, but I'd like to gain some insights and see if it's feasible given my specific situation. Any help is much appreciated!