Early preparation

U.S. Air Force recruits begin the 1.5-mile run portion of a physical ability and stamina test during Battlefield Airman Camp held at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., June 10, 2011. The program coordinated by the 336th Recruiting Squadron and special operations liaison officer helps prepare future special operations Airmen by mentally preparing them for the intensive training they will endure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephanie Mancha/Released)

Final lap

U.S. Air Force recruit Gabriel Fisher helps a fellow recruit by counting his laps during the swimming portion of a physical ability and stamina test during the Battlefield Airman Camp at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., June 10, 2011. The PAST consisted of a 500-meter swim, 1.5-mile run, two minutes of sit-ups and push-ups and one minute of pull-ups. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephanie Mancha/Released)

Making the cut

U.S. Air Force recruit Benjamin Sanders takes the physical ability and stamina test during Battlefield Airman Camp at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., June 10, 2011. Sanders has already qualified for the pararescueman career field and will be leaving for basic training July 19. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephanie Mancha/Released)

Camp before boot camp

U.S. Air Force recruit Benjamin Sanders performs the sit-up portion of the physical ability and stamina test during Battlefield Airman Camp at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., June 10, 2011. Sanders said he felt the camp helped him prepare for the environment of the Pararescue Indoctrination Course which he is scheduled to begin in July. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephanie Mancha/Released)

No pain

U.S. Air Force recruit Franklin Cordon gives his final effort toward the end of the push-up portion the physical ability and stamina test during Battlefield Airman Camp at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., June 10, 2011. The PAST is one segment of the BAC, a program designed to prepare Airman for upcoming special operations schools. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephanie Mancha/Released)

Battlefield Airman Camp prepares recruits for special ops

Published June 13, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Jarrod Grammel

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- More than 20 hopeful special operations recruits gathered June 9 to 11 for Moody's second-ever Battlefield Airman Camp, a program designed to mentor them and test their physical ability and stamina.

Because special ops training is so intense and has one of the highest washout rates, the program tests the recruits' progress in learning the things they need to succeed once they join the Air Force.

"The goal is to give these guys an orientation into some of the mental and physical rigors of the training they will face," said Tech. Sgt. Frank Reilly, 371st Special Operations Combat Training Squadron battlefield Airman liaison. "We help prepare them through mentorship, both for academics and training."

The program is a partnership between the 336th Recruiting Squadron and Air Force Special Operations Command. All of the participants are in the Delayed Entry Program, which means they have taken the oath of enlistment and have a special operations job lined up.

The program consisted of a physical ability and stamina test, instruction on water confidence and the proper form for exercises. The program focused on teamwork and mental preparation.

"Aside from getting you in shape, the program helps you understand how to work as a team and watch after the guy next to you," said Benjamin Sanders, a participant.

This understanding can go a long way in helping the recruits succeed.

"We really want to set them up for success," said Tech. Sgt. Byron Jefferson, 336th RCS standardization and training NCO. "It's a great program that helps them get prepared mentally and physically for what's ahead. We have had a dramatically higher percentage of recruits finishing basic and the indoctrination course since we implemented this program."

The participants of the program were pleased to have the opportunity to practice their skills with fellow future special operators.

"This program gives me a sneak peak of what to expect," said Franklin Cordon, one of the participants who has a job booked for pararescue. "I also get a chance to learn some of the verbal and nonverbal commands that will help me succeed once I get to the training."

The job of filling special operations slots with qualified individuals falls to U.S. Air Force recruiting squadrons around the country. The program prepares the participants for what's ahead by giving them an orientation to the training and lifestyle of special operators.