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.