Special operations recruits undergo grueling physical ability, stamina training

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte Brantley
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  When a group of guys gather to show off their athletic prowess, they are often loud and rambunctious, but for a small group here April 12, it was different.

For nine individuals enrolled in the Air Force Delayed Entry Program hoping to become "battlefield Airmen," they needed all their energy for a long day of grueling training that requires their maximum effort.

Individuals with hopes of becoming a pararescueman, combat controller, tactical air control party member, special operations weatherman or survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialist (the only listed career field open to females) must pass the physical ability stamina test, in which the requirements vary slightly for each of the career fields.

In order to pass the PAST, candidates must complete an underwater swim, a surface swim, run, pull-ups, sit-ups and push-ups. Although the requirements vary slightly by career field, the individuals must meet the minimum time requirement or endure until muscle failure.

"Recruiting someone who is interested in one of these career fields is challenging," said Senior Master Sgt. Terrence Gonzalez, 336th Recruiting Squadron production superintendent. "Each recruiter has to invest a lot of time finding these young men by scoping out special places such as swim meets or wrestling matches. More individuals looking to join this branch want to be the pilot, not the guy who goes behind enemy lines to save the pilot who is in trouble."

Because the rigorous months of training associated with these careers results in an unusually high washout rate from the training pipeline, this monthly session is beneficial because it prepares individuals for what lies ahead.

"In the first half of last year, our squadron sent 25 men in these career fields to go through the training and only 4 completed it all," said Senior Master Sgt. Shawn Eikenberry, 336th RCS first sergeant. "It makes sense the more they train, the more prepared they will be to endure the many months and courses they must go through to be considered a 'battlefield Airman.'"

The individual who helps prepare them for these challenges is Tech. Sgt. Frank Reilly, one of only 12 special operations recruiter liaisons in the United States.

"The type of Airmen we're looking for is the one who will not quit," said Sergeant Reilly, who is assigned to both the 336th and 333rd RCS, and whose area of responsibility spans from southern South Carolina to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. "Each of them has to be willing to endure and overcome any physical and mental stressors or limitations we put them through. They have to always be pushing themselves and working to be better.

"Just because they are strong in one area such as swimming or push-ups doesn't mean they can relax," he added. "They need to be working on the areas they aren't as strong in, including running, sit-ups or whatever else it may be."

The nine recruits found the mentorship from Sergeant Reilly helpful in that he encourages them to continue bettering themselves until the day they leave for Basic Military Training.

"I am scheduled to leave for BMT around mid-August and these monthly sessions are very helpful," said Dalton McCall, a Hazlehurst, Ga., native and TACP career field candidate. "Ever since I was little, I've wanted to be a part of the special forces world and now is my chance to train so I can succeed when it comes to the approximate five months of courses we go through."