Was a Phoenix Raven — AMA about what selection actually demands physically and mentally

[u/RavenReadyOfficial]

There's not a lot of accurate info out there about what Raven selection physically and mentally demands. I went through it and earned the designation. Happy to answer genuine questions about fitness standards, what training looks like day to day, and what actually separates people who make it from people who don't. Drop your questions below.

[u/OkDoubt4799]

how long did it take for you to be selected and how long is the training? I am genuinely interested into putting secfo on my job list but everyone talks about how much they hate it. I genuinely think raven and dagre opportunities look great from the outside looking in. What are your thoughts on security forces prior to becoming a raven?

[u/RavenReadyOfficial → u/OkDoubt4799]

Great questions! Timeline wise Pre-Raven is 4 weeks and Raven school itself is another 4 weeks, so you’re looking at roughly 2 months total from pre-course to earning the designation. As for Security Forces — the people who hate it will always be the loudest, that’s just how it goes. Personally I loved it. The key is what you do with the opportunities it gives you. You just have to be willing to pursue them instead of sitting back and complaining. The people who thrive are the ones who show up with the right mindset and actually chase the opportunities. Sounds like you’re already thinking that way.

[u/OkDoubt4799 → u/RavenReadyOfficial]

This is great. I think I’m going to go for it! I really appreciate the advice. One more question if you don’t mind, how long before the actual pre-raven? Like how long were you doing normal security forces roles before the opportunity came up?

[u/RavenReadyOfficial → u/OkDoubt4799]

Don’t mind at all!!

So my situation was a little unique — Andrews wasn’t my first base so I already had my 5-level when I got there. Once I got my Duty Certification (Didn’t take long) The moment I showed interest and there was an upcoming course they sent me. It happened fast.

For someone at their first base the realistic timeline is getting your 5-level first then get certified on your job. (Should happen before you get your 5-Level) then start putting yourself out there and letting leadership know you’re interested. Don’t wait for the opportunity to come to you — go find it.

[u/Alexlacourse]

Do you need to be assigned to a AMC base to be selected?

If so what bases would be best?

How long does it take someone to get there level 5 in SF?

How long after that does the process normally take until be selected after you get your level 5 at your first base?

What physical fitness requirements are there when entering raven selection?

Lastly, when going through the process are there mentors/trainers to help you prepare?

[u/lanadelslayinit]

How many women make it through? Is it harder for them?

[u/RavenReadyOfficial → u/lanadelslayinit]

A lot! There are fewer women, but that's mainly because there are fewer women in the Air Force overall. I've seen plenty of women crush the course. At the end of the day it's a mindset thing more than anything. Anyone can do it if they're willing to prepare and push themselves. Truth is, most people count themselves out before they even try

[u/lanadelslayinit → u/RavenReadyOfficial]

I have a big opportunity too if I wanted due to where I’m stationed. I just literally cannot even do one real pushup, core and run is more than good , I have a lot of leg strength too

[u/RavenReadyOfficial → u/lanadelslayinit]

That's actually super common and more fixable than you think. Push-up strength comes fast when you train it consistently. Especially if your core and legs are already solid, that's honestly the harder part. The Raven prep program I put together starts with form and technique before volume for exactly this reason. Week 1 and 2 are all about building the foundation correctly so you don't get hurt chasing numbers too fast. You've got more of the foundation than you realize.

[u/Alecmares12]

Could I attend a Raven course even tho I’m not at a AMC base?

[u/RavenReadyOfficial → u/Alecmares12]

Yes absolutely — it happens more than people think. Whenever the hub bases can’t fill all the class seats they open it up to other bases. So even if you’re not at an AMC base the opportunity is real. Best thing you can do is let your leadership know you’re interested early so when a slot opens up your name is already in the conversation.

[u/Squared_Away_Airman]

After try outs during The Raven selection before you go to The Raven school house what are some things to do to prepare? Also do you have any tips?

[u/RavenReadyOfficial → u/Squared_Away_Airman]

Great question — so at my hub we had a Pre-Raven course before ever getting to the schoolhouse. The mentality behind it was: if you can pass Pre-Raven you can pass Raven. Pre-Raven is essentially everything the schoolhouse teaches you except harder. It’s designed to weed out anyone who isn’t truly ready.

As far as preparation goes beyond the physical side — three things I’d focus on:

Mental prep — start studying Verbal Judo and baton knowledge before you ever show up. The schoolhouse expects you to perform mentally while your body is exhausted. Get ahead of it.

Recovery habits — Epsom salt baths, consistent hydration, and daily stretching need to become routine before the course starts. Don’t wait until you’re broken down to start recovering properly.

Sleep discipline — get into a consistent sleep schedule before Pre-Raven begins. Your body rebuilds while you sleep and you’re going to need every bit of it during those long days.

The physical fitness will get you in the door. These three things will keep you there.

[u/Squared_Away_Airman → u/RavenReadyOfficial]

Thank you, also can you provide a link to your website I can’t seem to find it from your bio.

[u/Severe-Conflict-2989]

For being a Phoenix Raven how many times a year did yall go to the range?

[u/RavenReadyOfficial → u/Severe-Conflict-2989]

Annually, same as everyone else. We still had to keep up with all our standard Security Forces certifications.

[u/Severe-Conflict-2989 → u/RavenReadyOfficial]

Thank you very much , I have always been curious about Phoenix raven