Special tactics recruiting takes flight

Published April 7, 2008
By Lt. Col. Sean McKenna
Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Air Force's ongoing need to fill critically manned special tactics positions - particularly combat controllers and pararescuemen - has brought about a unique initiative between Air Force Recruiting Service and Air Force Special Operations Command.

A recent agreement between AFRS and the 720th Special Tactics Group at Hurlburt Field, Fla., calls for three Air Force special tactics Airmen to be attached to AFRS recruiting units around the country to facilitate more exposure for special operations and improve recruitment of qualified men into the ST training pipeline.

"Because the Air Force is heavily involved in military operations all around the world, there is a great need for special operators," said Brig. Gen. Suzanne M. Vautrinot, AFRS commander. "Therefore, we have to make sure Americans are aware of the important role they play in our national defense and the opportunities available in these rewarding career fields. These are not jobs people get to see every day."

Air Force combat controllers and pararescue jumpers work alongside Army Special Forces and Navy SEALs to secure landing and drop zones in hostile territory, then serve as certified air traffic controllers to facilitate further air, personnel and cargo drops. Pararescuemen, or PJs, perform combat search and rescue missions and are emergency trauma specialists on the battlefield.

The importance of combat controllers and PJs in America's many overseas combat and humanitarian operations drove the need for General Vautrinot and Col. Marc Stratton, 720th STG commander, to last year establish a more effective way to teach Americans about the diverse missions of enlisted special operations.

"I am proud to serve as the interface between Air Force special tactics and the American public," said Master Sgt. Eric Baugh, a pararescueman assigned to the 369th Recruiting Group at Lackland AFB, Texas, in December. "It's my job to ensure those interested in joining our elite special operations forces know exactly what it takes to become qualified and what they'll experience once on active duty."

The ST advisors in each recruiting group assist in educating recruiters on the nuances of identifying potential special operators and scheduling special operations people and assets for Air Force recruiting venues.

Qualifying for pararescue or combat control is difficult, as all applicants must first score a minimum of 44 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test. Then they must receiving passing scores on all elements of the Physical Ability Stamina Test. The PAST consists of a 20-meter underwater swim, a 500-meter surface swim, a 1.5-mile run, as well as pull-ups, sit-up, push-ups and flutter kicks.

Because special tactics comprise the most physically demanding careers in the Air Force, recruiters must ensure that all the qualifying standards are met or exceeded. Those who circumvent the system or falsify data pay a steep price.

"The Air Force is founded on integrity first and our recruiters must act beyond reproach," said General Vautrinot. "If a recruiter takes a shortcut or acts out of line, he or she must be held accountable for that."

According to AFRS officials, an enlisted member recently received nonjudicial punishment under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and forfeited a promotion to the next rank after he authorized a recruiter under his supervision to conduct the PAST, then lied about not conducting it himself. Only flight chiefs or above are authorized to conduct the PAST.

"This type of recruiter misconduct almost never happens, but when it does, the command reaction is immediate," said General Vautrinot.

Enlistment standards remain high for all recruits entering the Air Force, but few are as stringent as for those looking to become PJs or combat controllers. Only about 800 enlisted men wear Air Force special tactics' berets.

"Because of the intense training and the mental and physical stresses placed on the individuals going through the PJ and combat control pipeline, we need to be absolutely sure we're getting the best and brightest men America has to offer," said Sergeant Baugh. "The road [to becoming a special tactics member] is long and hard, but the reward is unbelievably fulfilling."

AFRS officials said plans are in the works to increase from three to 12 the total number of special tactics members attached to recruiting units around the country.