Ep. 271 - Why is AFSPECWAR Recruiting Down?

You have read about it in the news and heard us talk about it before, but this week we take a deep dive into exactly why we think recruiting is down not only in the Air Force, but across the entire Department of Defense.
Peaches and Trent highlight every issue they could think of so that you can be armed with the information you need.
00:00 The intro and the recruitment numbers
02:30 You are joining us; we aren't going to change to accommodate you
05:00 Standards change, Peaches says something nice about Aaron (it was appreciated)
12:00 Colorblind standards and flight physicals
18:00 Political Parties
24:00 SNCO’s Obesity
31:00 Decline in patriotism is bogus
36:00 Why would I join the military
37:00 VA scammers
54:00 Distance to recruiting stations
56:45 Antiquated recruiting processes
Collabs:
18A Fitness - Promo Code: 1Ready
ATAC Fitness - Promo Code: ONESREADY10
CardoMax - Promo Code: ONESREADY
Eberlestock - Promo Code: OR10
Hoist - Promo Code: ONESREADY
Strike Force Energy - Promo Code: ONESREADY
Trench Coffee Company - Promo Code: ONESREADY
The views and opinions expressed by the OnesReady team and all guests are those of the team and themselves, and do not reflect the official policy or position of the DoD. Any content provided by our Podcast guests, bloggers, sponsors, or authors is their opinion and is not intended to malign the DoD, any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone.

[@JellyMach]

It’s been almost a year since I saw my recruiter and went to MEPS and I’m still waiting to get my medical file cleared. And if it does, I hope I don’t upend my entire life and spend 8 weeks in BMT just to get DQ’d at the flight physical. AFSPECWAR or bust when it comes to AF. Otherwise, I’d better hope the Rangers will take me. Wish me luck, boys.

[@CasenFerg]

In BMT my flight of 42 had 11 get medically dq’d main thing was functional reach and eye sight. Functional reach is just being able to reach above 82 inches. So as long as your not a shorter guy you should be good. Eyes are just genetic, you have good eyes or you don’t.

[@caseylynch7885]

Just don’t fail. Duh.

[@johcaone]

​@@CasenFerg Is a bit more complicated than stated. Functional reach as a medical concern is about ability to balance (while standing or sitting) and hypotension being a problem, it has little to do with standing height or vertical grip height. Anthropometrically the length of arms and legs are of interest for few things such as ability to reach steering toggles of a parachute, but such concerns are seldom a medically disqualifying concern for the Air Force Special Warfare AFSCs. BTW, 82 inches correlates to a measurement from standing flat footed and being able to extend arms to a vertical grip reach height of 6 feet-10 inches. The 50 percentile (average) norm for males is 84.21 inches and for females 77.32 inches. FYI, equipment such as parachutes in particular were being acquired to accommodate the female Anthropometric norms since the late 1980s. It also had influence in adopting 9mm versus .45 cal semi-automatic pistols.

[@ViewtifulBr080]

@@CasenFergI thought as, as long as you you can have corrective lenses to 20/20 you're good?

[@johcaone]

@ViewtifulBr080 That's the PULHES 111111 standard which is applicable to enlisted AFSC specification. Enlisted AFSCs such as ATC, aircrew, pararescue, CCT use other medical exams to supplement the PULHES profile. Unfortunate these standards are tailored to each AFSC which means one AFSC would be more willing to waiver a medical disqualification than another.

[@jettrobbins4238]

This podcast is what convinced me to take a real look at Afspecwar and leave Army ROTC to start training to be a combat controller. Having a source of information that actually goes into the details rather than consistently going “trust the process you’ll figure it out” and not providing real information was critical in making my decision.

[@OnesReady]

Hey, thank you for that input we really appreciate it. If there is anything we can cover let us know. -A

[@stevehicks9374]

And what was your decision. Did you go AFSPECWAR

[@jettrobbins4238]

@stevehicks9374 yup, I’m in my last year of university then I’ll be deciding wether to go officer in afspecwar or enlisted in afspecwar

[@JonathanGqadu]

I'm grateful for this podcast. It gave me more info for the pj career that I'm committing to after high schools. Thank You

[@CristinaGarcia-tm5ni]

Great information as always!

[@thomashelm6931]

I'm prior Air Force, as a loadmaster. The videos are very informal and motivating. Training for the pipeline, now. Age 72 and ready to go. Went through SERE, previously. I can, absolutely, understand the strict criteria for entry into any Spec Ops AFSC, or the Air Force in general. Pre existing conditions will, definitely be amplified later in life, regardless of how "minor" the condition that you have, or develop. Even when I was 40, tasks that were easily accomplished are issues. It's not worth the risk to your team members if you break and NOT worth it when you get older. I'm sure that you guys are feeling it, even now. It goes on for life. Thanks guys!

[@alexisvazquez8139]

Great episode as always!

[@Yeahnawsike]

Thanks Y'all. Facts!

[@stevehicks9374]

HOOOOOOO YA PEACHES!!!! Let’s do this. I’m an old dude and I love listening to you guys. My sone should be headed to basic mid January. In hopes of becoming a PJ. Long road ahead of him. But I know he will give all he’s got to give for himself, his brothers and the community. Funky Bunkly has got him on track. And of course he has listened to many of Ones Ready podcast. Stay in the fight, be a kick ass team player and maintain that can do positive attitude every day. Thank you all, Peaches, Trent and Arron for all you guys do. I know I’m not in the military and never got the honor to serve. But you all keep even old dudes grounded and motivated. Stay savage brothers ❤️💪🏼👊🏼🇺🇸💯

[@hammstah9578]

Truth! 💪🇺🇲💪

[@quincymedex]

I have always served regardless who was in power. One’s loyalty should be to the country, constitution, uniform, and service branch. God, family, country.

[@AaronLoveHateClub]

Awesome episode today

[@OnesReady]

User name checks. - A

[@SeabornProductions]

I think the truth is, American culture is changing so much, and as much as I don’t want to say it, our countries political climate I think has a lot to do with people not wanting to join. I think people are becoming very aware of the military industrial complex, how American leadership has handled prior and current international affairs, and just the overall complete distrust in the US government. The other half is how difficult it is to be eligible for military service. Whether that be health, criminal, or academic reasons. I don’t think these need to be changed, maybe some of the criminal history waivers needed, but it does create a huge road block for most people.

[@impishlyit9780]

Honestly, as much as I want to join Spec War for the challenge and some other personal reasons, a big turn off for me is seeing what personalities and opinions really gain traction in the military community. For example: I'm nonbinary, and struggled to watch another episode of this podcast because Trent decided to riff on "woke people" who "can't make a decision about what they want to be". The issue isn't that my personal beliefs are somehow at odds with military life, only that my very existence is something that many people within the military would find wrong. Can't trust someone with your life if they don't even think you should exist.

[@charlesloscocco5533]

The AF weight management program needs a major overhaul! The daily support throughout the Big Blue is more based on individual activities vs the group method. The wmp is based upon a disciplinary approach vs the health aspects. Big Blue should adopt the SF standards & procedures.

[@inkoftheworld]

Trent went to a happy place when Peaches brought up obesity, like he loves to hate fat people, lmao

[@ViewtifulBr080]

The goat

[@svdcleveland]

Respectfully, didnt think Trent had that in him. He went full Goggins on obesity. That was awesome.

[@drmarkintexas-400]

🏆🎖️💪🙏🇺🇲 Thank you for sharing

[@johcaone]

Reference timeline 5:46 thru 8:50 concerning medical standards and VA disability entitlements. Not a new concern and the first study discussing this was the training injury rate to become a parachutist during the Second World War. The history pertinent to the 1Z Special Warfare AFSCs is complicated and lacking consistency and uniformity in being implemented by each of these AFSCs. For example, how many mission water parachute jumps were done by CCT, TACP, SOWT/SR prior to 1980s compared to Pararescue since the 1940s? Prior to the Second World War the U.S. Military had no formal combat airborne or combat swimmer/diver capability. It is however the training injury rate and concerns to reduce quantity of permanent disabled these training programs and duties were pumping into the military disability compensation roles that contributed to the physical fitness and medical standards being a more stringent for these duties. Post Second World War obesity and hypotension hadn’t yet become too problematic and until the mid-1950s standards focuses around running and callisthenic requirements. The Pararescue fitness standards originated in 1947 as a mission ready standard due to Congressional and DOD policies being implemented to transition the enlisted force structure to a career (control) AFSC framework. Accordingly, running, swimming and calisthenics standards were put in place due to mission readiness and reducing severity and quantity performing pararescue duties being medically retired and put on the disability roles. Of interest (as relayed to me by Dr. Flickenger and Dr. Buckley-1993) is the eight-count body builder was a requirement pertinent to measuring functional reach to determine medical mission ready qualification/disqualification. The eight-count Body builder was requirement of eight was considered best means to determine overall functional fitness was regained after a lengthy period of healing after a significant injury or illness affecting cardiac capacity. The swim and run standards were for assuring mission ready aerobic capacity and calisthenics measure mission ready strength capacity. BTW, Dr. Flickenger besides being credited with leading and participating in the first parachute rescue tram inserted deep into enemy occupied and controlled territory during the Second World War (CBI-1943) became the lead scientist and commander of the Air Force's Human factors and performance programs during the 1950s.

[@Jay15523]

I’ll have you know Peaches I was very much alive during 9/11, I was in the 7th grade. Not all of your listeners are young Gerber babies Lol Great episode I enjoyed this one.

[@internet_internet]

1st grade for me.

[@medinaluv]

On another note can we get an update on dive, is it being completely being taken out of SR and CCT Pipeline, if so when will it go into effect? Just wanted an update if there is any new information out there.

[@tristanrodriguez3151]

Im training for pipeline currently and talking to a recruiter, when finished with the entire pipeline and it's time to go to your first station, do the air force acknowledge your preferred station or where I want to go at all? or no chance

[@kirramcdowell]

certain jobs can only be stationed at some bases. That and while they try to place you based on likes, at the same time if said base is full and they need you elsewhere, you are going elsewhere.

[@parkerskelly1279]

So if I get cleared through meps for taking mental health meds in the past, I could still get dq’d later?

[@machu25]

Yes. Had one guy in my flight that was pulled during BMT for that reason.

[@karenrhoads1598]

Lol all the surveillance in Vegas makes you think 2x about picking your nose 😂

[@DariusJones05]

Screw that depth perception circle test at meps! 😂 also If yall need guys open up that cross-train option for us E6’s 😅

[@johcaone]

Reference cross training with. TIS and skill level to hold TSgt rank. Won't happen for many well documented studies and reasons. Most dominate reason is it's not cost effective or efficient.

[@ChristianTaylor3]

Go STO or CRO. Granted that’s probably a tougher path

[@DariusJones05]

@@johcaone It would be cool if there was an option to drop a rank if selected. Don’t know the numbers on if any of this would matter, but would help get more bodies in the pipeline.

[@DariusJones05]

@@ChristianTaylor3 great options for a lot people

[@johcaone]

@DariusJones05 From your perspective that would be an acceptable option. From the Air Forces perspective of career management using the control (career AFSC) Framework it is a legal nightmare. The issues are complicated but it is connected to the training attrition rate and the control (career) AFSC being the one crosstrained out of until skill level is commensurate to rank. Pluss to regain rank given up is determined by promotion in the new AFSC.

[@MachineGunPepe]

They make it too difficult to join simple. Im a prior service guy and the AFSOC recruiter basically told me to kick rocks and go $%$ off. So I did and went to SF

[@SeabornProductions]

Really? I didn’t have any problem.. and I came from SF

[@MachineGunPepe]

@@SeabornProductions We are talking about Army SF here.

[@SeabornProductions]

yes, like im coming from the SFQC. theres been no issue other than a wait time of over a year is what i was told. @@MachineGunPepe

[@MachineGunPepe]

​@@SeabornProductionsSorry didn't see this comment. Are you already tabbed?

[@SeabornProductions]

no, but that wouldnt make a difference... prior service is prior service... @@MachineGunPepe

[@dekuknight2058]

Got medically DQ'd recently over some non-sense. The Air Force is not to blame though and I appreciate it and you guys. So the journey ends early for me. I'll be training and waiting until ww3 comes home to roost...surely then politicians will pull their heads out of their ass right? Hehehe

[@hammstah9578]

So foolhardy how the recruiting process and MEPS are set up to exclude instead of include. I believe everyone has a right and a duty to serve in whatever way they can. And I believe the nation has a duty to its people to include us in a way appropriate to allow us into the fight. Take a look at the Israeli army, for example, as they even have special units which allow mentally and physically challenged people to serve incapacities which best suit their abilities to contribute. Whatever your medical thing is, has it made you unable to contribute? I'm guessing not because otherwise you wouldn't have been going all the way through to maps and you wouldn't be here still in the conversation. Being well over the age limit and getting snickered at by recruiters and getting doors closed on me and getting only a handful of recruiters and a handful of people in government willing to try and help was frustrating as hell. I met all of the PAST/IFT test requirements fairly easily and absolutely was able to continue to improve. I bring so much more to the table than a 22-year-old on so many levels. And I'm willing and ready to serve to the age limit which would equate to the same amount of years data shows the average service member puts in across all branches. So why not let me in? So much of this is so stupid and makes no sense, but then again, it's government, so don't expect it to make sense.

[@Sweetleaf2001]

Why were you medically DQ’d?

[@Beckswelll]

Hey guys, I for one love what you’re doing with the space. It’s hard to find a good source of knowledge on joining the air force. The idea of doing interviews and showing the actual work is great. I’m 25, fit only worry is rucking which I’m training on. Going to go out for TACP. My biggest dilemma is Active vs NG. I would like to travel and do the job, which sounds like the most rewarding especially after all the work put into it. However, with ANG I could finish the last 2 years of my degree quick after the pipeline and hop up to an officer position. If anyone reads this please let me know some opinions on serving. Another job that sounds rewarding would be a SERE since they both have valuable skills I’d want to learn.

[@knightwraith96]

Hooyah Peaches, you still in Vegas? Would love to buy you a cup of coffee or a beer!

[@gen3kali877]

While y’all are focused on putting out the word on getting into the pipeline, volunteering for Civil Air Patrol and FEMA are options for people that can’t get through MEPS.

[@YoungNinja-117]

Can you make a video on how AFSPECWAR is going to change or how enlistment will during war time with Iran and their allies. It's looking like another Mediterranean/3rd Persian Gulf War is coming stemming from this Israel-Palestine War.

[@OnesReady]

We talk about this all the time; and also, I know it *seems* like everything is always blowing up all the time, but we take a bit of a more pragmatic approach. As always- if you’re looking to get in, now is the time to start preparing, regardless of current events.

[@Beefcakes9000]

Y’all would get more views if you cut these videos in half

[@OnesReady]

appreciate the input. Check out our whole library, we have started doing exactly what you recommended.

[@elsuperpollo2273]

You can also blame the Biden stewardship for this as well