Pararescue (Continued)

I understand that my general blog topic is about multiple military careers, but I just wanted to focus on this picture of PJs (Pararescue Jumpers). This particular picture just shows how coordinated they are. As you can see, both PJs in the center and to the right are providing overwatch. Meanwhile, the PJ to the leftmost side is getting a stretcher ready for any wounded personnel. The PJ in the background appears to be unloading more equipment for immediate use. Generally, this picture shows how efficient the U.S. military can be; it shows how organized and prepared we are. This picture emphasizes not only shows how we can save lives, but also be prepared to take some if it gets down to that. "A desire for peace, but a readiness for war".

Pararescue

Today I will be telling you about Pararescue, one of the U.S. Air Force’s special operations units. This career is the one I’m most passionate about; probably because I’m trying to get in it.

Pararescue is the real deal. The indoctrination course for Pararescue has a 90% dropout rate (it’s probably a bit higher). Keep in mind that this 9 week indoctrination course is merely a prerequisite to actually see who is qualified to begin training. After making it past the indoctrination course, you have to go through the Pararescue pipeline (also called superman school). From here on out, 2 years of training different skills begins. You will be learning how to jump out of planes, become proficient marksmen, and even how to recover someone in water.

The whole purpose of Pararescue is to rescue anyone who requires emergency medical aid. Pararescue Jumpers (PJs) parachute from planes, fast rope from helicopters, and even dive into the ocean to save downed military personnel. PJs also work in disaster response and relief. PJs have helped out at various places such as the Twin Towers, Haiti, and even during Hurricane Katrina. The symbol of the PJs is their maroon berets. This maroon beret symbolizes the past blood shed by others and also the readiness to shed blood for others. Their motto is “That Others May Live”.

The whole idea of Pararescue jumpers began in 1943, when a group of people bailed out of a damaged C-46 plane over the China-Burma border. The location was so isolated that the only means of getting there were parachuting in. 3 men volunteered for this rescue mission. After a month of caring, along with the help of the natives, the C-46 crew were brought back to safety. This event emphasized the necessity for an elite rescue service, thus beginning the legacy of Pararescue. 

       This blog will be primarily dedicated to explaining the jobs of the servicemen and women in the United States military. Hopefully this blog will actually compel someone to seek out one of the jobs I will be explaining because there are jobs in the military other than being a simple rifleman.

   I chose to blog about the military because it is my future career path. Ever since I found out about a certain job in the military, I have been pursuing it relentlessly. As a result, I chose this topic hoping to inspire someone to have the same determination for a career in the military. On top of being dedicated, I’m very knowledgeable about the military. I can tell you the advantages and disadvantages of enlisting/commissioning, the pay difference between enlisted and commissioned personnel, and just generally what makes enlisting and commissioning different from one another. I have spent countless hours researching jobs in the military that I have considered and there’s plenty more to come.

   Generally this blog will be about military careers that I feel are really outstanding and truly amazing. I feel as if some of these careers don’t get the amount of attention they deserve, so hopefully this blog will inspire others to consider them. Stick around to learn about some of the most amazing careers in America's military!