How hard is it for to train and be a PJ while trying to get a degree in the air force?

Question

My recruiter said it would be a little more difficult, but I'm not sure if its possible. Any retired AF spec ops guys out there? Also, what civilian/government jobs do you do now? Thanks.

Answer 1

Here's some links for you to check out. 1 Job description, 2. Training 3. Minimum fitness requirements.

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airforcee...

http://members.tripod.com/~thede/kirtlan...

http://www.military.com/military-fitness...

You won't have time for college classes until after you finish upgrade training.  

Answer 2

PJs are one of the few hardcore jobs in the AF and are considered to be Special Operations, just like Army Special Forces, Marine Force Recon, and Navy SEALs.

A recruiter will tell you anything, but you probably won't be able to get a degree while a PJ.  You may be able to take a class or two once in awhile, but it'd be difficult.  It's difficult to do it while in a regular job in the military!

Not sure where former PJs go after they get out.  The big thing is that since they already have a Top Secret clearance, they can get civilian or government jobs that require them.

Best bet is to ask someone who used to be a PJ:

Ask for Checky or BK at [e-mail]

Answer 3

Worked with many PJ and CCs in my post=flying AF career.  You can do it, once you're on staff somewhere, or have a job like Stan/Eval.  For the first few years, you'll be working on your "Career Development Courses" CDCs which counts toward your CCAF Associates Degree.  When you're in the pipeline, you will have zero time for outside studying.  

EDIT: Yes you can request to "cross-train", but it's going to depend on the manning in your current AFSC and the PJ AFSC.  Normally it's not a problem, but it's not a guarantee-you may well find yourself doing your time in an AFSC you really don't like, simply because the Career Manager(s) won't release you due to manning.

IF you go this route, you'll need to absolutely crush your annual PT tests-that means maxing out points for age group.  Shooting expert wouldn't hurt your package either.  Good AFSCs might be Intel (SOF is heavily Intel dependent), or Tactical Comm (likewise), medic (PJs are medics essentially) or Joint Terminal Attack Controller JTAC.  Your skills in calling in airstrikes would be highly valuable in the SOF world-though not necessarily as a PJ.

Answer 4

Becoming a PJ is just a little more difficult than your recruiter is telling you. However, if you find out that becoming a Pararescueman is you calling, then good luck. You will find out that you will not have the time during training to pursue a four-year degree. However, once training is complete, you will have the same opportunities as others in the AF. After doing multiple deployments with PJ's, I can say that that deployments are when most of them complete various educational challenges ranging from college to learning foreign languages.

As far as what they do when they retire is varied from individual to individual. Some become government contractors, training new PJ's.

Also something to consider in your career path is that of Combat Rescue Officer (CRO). They are the officer version of PJ's. Just a little extra info.

Answer 5

PJ's are up there with Marine recon and arguably Navy SEALs.  It requires intense physical and mental conditioning.  Get your hands on information about the military PT test. I believe they still use the 300 point score card.  be able to consistently run 2-miles in 12 minutes or less, do 65 full pushups in 2 minutes, and 90 situps in 2 minutes. Those are the activities we had to do in my ROTC batallion.  If you aren't maxing the score card, or getting in the 290's, train harder before considering PJs.  Jumping 10 miles behind enemy lines to rescue downed pilots is no walk in the park.

Answer 6

You won't be able to attend college while in training.  No commander would sign that TA form.

You can get a degree while performing any MOS.  It's possible, but it takes some amount of commitment.