Civil Air Patrol cadets get a taste of the PJ career field

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Luke Johnson
  • 943rd Rescue Group Public Affairs
DAVIS MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The 306th Rescue Squadron hosted more than 20 Civil Air Patrol cadets as they experienced a small portion of the demanding training required to become a part of the Air Force Guardian Angel career field during the Advanced Pararescue Orientation Course, June 13-23.

Former PJ, Lt. Col. Arnold T. Stocker with the 920th Rescue Wing served as course director for APJOC.

APJOC was a 10 day challenge which tested the cadets both mentally and physically as they were constantly evaluated on certian aspects of the PJ, combat rescue officer (CRO) and survival, evasion, resistance, escape career fields (SERE).

"The physical training standards are very high, we base a lot of our PT standards on Air Force Guardian Angel PT standards," said Civil Air Patrol Capt. Nick N. Carvan, assistant course director APJOC. "They endure long days that challenge them academically and physically. We don't ask them to do a good job; we require that they exceed the standard during every iteration."

Prior to Cadets being accepted for APJOC, they must have graduated from the one-week Pararescue Orientation Course (PJOC) at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, where they learned the basics of what it takes to succeed in the Air Force Guardian Angel environment. APJOC introduces the Cadets to the day to day operations of a PJ, SERE Specialist, and CRO. Both of these courses are highly physically and mentally demanding.

The APJOC curriculum introduced the student to PJ/special tactics team operations, technical rescues, medical training, team building, and physical conditioning through class lecture and hands on training in the field.

"(The cadets) must have a never quit attitude, strong mental fortitude," said Carvan. "They must learn to push themselves far beyond their perceived limits. We encourage them to learn that you can exceed those limits, and push through farther than they ever thought they could."

For Staff Sgt. Richard Dunn, pararescueman with the 306th RQS, seeing the cadets grow both mentally and physical is what makes teaching the demanding 10 day course very rewarding.

"When the students first come here, they are somewhat disorganized. Yet, they get past their shortcomings, bounce back and finish strong", said Dunn. "The looks on their faces, happiness and joy of being able to accomplish whatever is put in front of them, along with the smiles and pats on the back is what makes it worthwhile for me."

Dunn emphasized any young adult within the Civil Air Patrol, with the right attitude, can complete this demanding course and push themselves far beyond their expectations.

"Someone that is willing to get off the couch and set down the videogame controller, also someone who is willing to go out and achieve something for themselves, push that extra mile, pretty much anyone can do this, they just have to take the first step," said Dunn.

Civil Air Patrol Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Brent Sacks who has aspirations of being a Navy SEAL said the APJOC course has given him insight into what it takes to make it through the rigors of SEAL training.

"Anybody will tell you it's all mental, anyone can train physically for this course, those who don't prepare mentally will wash out of the course," Sacks said "This course has given me a lot more confidence and being able to deal with the rigors of the demanding Special Ops career field training."

Dunn feels this course prepares young future leaders, regardless of what career field they take on and any difficult challenges they may face.

"This is a valuable course that changes the lives of our students. It teaches them how to be leaders by learning how to follow and lead, while staying organized and motivated", said Dunn. 

For more information on the 920th RQW, follow them on Facebook and Twitter.