01/24/2026
U.S. Air Force pararescue jumpers — simply referred to as “PJs” — are the best-trained technical rescue medical personnel in the world. Originally formed by the U.S. Air Force to perform rescues of returning astronauts stuck at seas, these days they perform rescues and field medicine anywhere from the battlefields of Afghanistan to the coast of the United States, patching up wounded soldiers and even rescuing stranded boaters.
Their training is arduous. In fact, the pipeline boasts one of the highest attrition rates among the suite of the Dept. of Defense’s various special operations selection courses, with 80 percent of airmen dropping out prior to graduating. The pipeline lasts for two years and requires prospective airmen to become proficient in everything from mountain climbing to deep sea diving, free fall parachute operations to entering and clearing an enemy compound. Think you have what it takes?
Contact Air Force Recruiter. TSgt Zach Gosteli. 334-451-4213
