Ep 360: Too Old for Air Force Special Warfare? Think Again- Step by Step Guide

[@JT037]

I graduated the TACP schoolhouse at 35 and I promise you I was not struggling with any of the events. Just take care of yourself and it will do wonders.

[@ChadaTimaRat]

I’m really wanting to go in for SR or TACP and I’m 27 thanks for your comment

[@JT037]

Honestly man you are at an ideal age to pursue a career in any of the Special Warfare AFSC’s. I struggled with the age thing a bit (thinking I was too old) before finally deciding to join. My developer was a Navy Seal and then decided to leave the Navy to go Air Force and be a CCT at like 34 or 35 and he was the one that helped me realize that as long you’re within the age requirement of being able to enlist and you are training the right way and you want it, then just go fucking get it.

[@RQFumbles]

@@ChadaTimaRat You might as well do CCT. SR goes through the same training as CCT just no Air Traffic Control school. TACP is more "Big Army" air support. You'll get more flushed out training with CCT. TACP were known as "shake'n'bake" special forces for how quickly they were trained.

[@ChadaTimaRat]

@@RQFumbles thank you

[@C_dougy]

Hahah I knew I should have went in the AF at 28 after me and the ex fiancé broke up. Thought I was too old to go to officer school.

[@r1onbottle]

41 yrs old, prepping. 18 yrs active duty transferring to the ANG TACP. Passed IFT DOS 1 Dec. You guys nail it every day! Embrace the suck, someday you won't be able to.

[@epfitness9166]

I’m 32, former airborne combat engineer in the army, and I’m training up to enlist for the PJ pipeline. I was exposed to combat medicine when I took a TCCC course for high threat protection for security contractors back in 2017 and fell in love with the trauma side of medicine and I already love firearms. When I found out I get to play with both topics as a PJ that’s what sparked my interest. The fact it’s the toughest pipeline in the military and only 1/10 make it through made it even more intriguing to me because I love to be challenged and I find calm in chaos, idk what it is but chaos tickles my adhd just right 😂. I’m currently prepping. Hopeful to be ready to enlist by March of next year. 🤘🏽

[@MysticalLlama]

Wish you the best man keep us updated

[@RedZoneOrtiz]

@@epfitness9166 I’m looking to ship March myself for PJ too

[@rjcasey10]

I was 35 and an E-7 at INDOC in 2003. Then 45 y/o as a Captain at the USAF Special Warfare Officer's Phase 2 Selection Crs in 2012. I had quite a bit of experience. I think no matter who you are if you can stay humble, help as many people as you can, and, for God's sake, keep your sense of humor...at the end of the day, it's all perspective...and you're getting paid to work out too. All this to say, there are pro's & con's for any age...you can do it! I know you can, but you have to know you can do it. At a minimum, you have to know it's possible and you want it! Enjoy the ride!

[@alienfire223]

Joined at 39, got the contact for SWOE going for SR, class 23-05, SIE'd in the pool at PRT... I plan to go back next summer and make it through to Selection and beyond. I'll be 41 by then. I encourage anyone at any (reasonable) age to try out if you want it bad enough. Hooyah green feet, hooyah lightning bolt!

[@YungSnowGod]

How’s your IFt nunbers prior to going?

[@dmoyer2]

Great info, thanks! I’m heading to BMT on Tuesday for SERE at 32 yo. Been watching your videos for 6 months and they are super helpful.

[@LtRyanPYT]

A handful of us on our team are 30+. It does make a difference, but it does not keep you from training or meeting the standard as long as you put out.

[@OnesReady]

Hell yeah dude!💪🏼🍑

[@vettevegas]

Best channel on the net. As an old guy, it makes me proud. solid dudes, actually mentoring.

[@menoroach]

As a 30 year old who just found this podcast yesterday, thanks!

[@garrickr5084]

Saw the age change on the USAF website a while back and thought to myself, could I?? I’m 39. Then I quickly realized, even as a former collegiate D-1 track/field athlete (2003-2007) who still works out 7-days a week (run/lift combo), I got no shot. 100% chance I’d get injured from all the punishment I’ve previously inflicted on myself because I’m stubborn and never take rest days even when hurt. Best of luck to my peer group guys on the journey. Show them we still got it, and prove to the USAF this was a good decision to expand the age max to 42.

[@michaellee2652]

This is great stuff gentlemen! I was a ripe 27 years old when I joined the Army. I went Infantry over Engineering and Medic, cause why not? However, I was in better shape than 18 year old dudes. I always got the "old man strength" thing, but what they didn't understand is that for men. We get better with age (25-35) like a fine wine. haha I got out at 35 cause I wanted to get my degree and I did. It's been an interesting ride, but now I a the Command Photographer for the AMC! It's been a great and fun ride to find my place back with a 4 star command doing what I love to do! You guys have a great weekend and be safe!!

[@adamhamilton3342]

Lots of great stuff here. As an older guy i hit BMT at 41. I had a delayed entry because of covid so I was training a year before BMT and found 6mo in my hip flexors strained. IT takes longer to drop times and build volume. SALT, being 40's was told to reduce salt for heart health...ended up in with the nutritionist because of cramps and sweating like i was under water. they told me to put salt on everything.

[@jordankeeton3254]

Wait I need more salt !??!!

[@focusedfowl8981]

@@adamhamilton3342 the more we perspire, the higher the salt intake required. Remember, salt was a commodity in ancient times, organized armies required it.

[@JeffersonRah]

Turned 36, jan 6. Started training a week before that. Recovery is definitely not the same. My mind and heart says i can do it but my body struggles like its carrying weight while it recovers.

[@i_ggy]

30 best shape of my life grad school on pause studying for AFQT.

[@WhyCensorYourself]

To be honest I have been weighing this issue. I’m prior service army and got to talking to a AF recruiter and he got me thinking. After a few months of deliberation I’ve started training for it. Currently 40 and spending 70% of my day working out and getting myself ready for the suck. Hope to hit BMT in July. Thank you for all the information y’all have provided.

[@georgiep6971]

Thank you guys for the info and motivation. AF Prior service here, was in aircraft maintenance at an afsoc base first time in. Been out 10 years now, and want back in badly! 36 years old, took a job at fedex packing boxes recently to help prepare the body for afspecwar. Going to recruiters office tomorrow to get the process started.

[@McMeatBag]

It is relieving that you have so much time. I've learned the hard way that I'm a terrible athlete and my rate of progress seems much slower than average.

[@BrentDeckman-ik6ex]

Great episode! Thanks for the insights and the laughs.

[@Streeteinstein]

I shit you not. I was just looking for an episode like this on the Spotify!

[@Flowmada]

I tried to go CRO at 37 and was told I was too old. Maybe Enlisted is different. But it was a bummer

[@coryb5035]

Thanks for the episode!

[@ElderFreeman413]

This was reassuring thank you

[@benjaminwebb5439]

Ones ready team, shooting my shot but I’d love to be on the show sharing my story as an Airborne AFE airman and my role in supportinG AF special warfare. Thanks gents!

[@OnesReady]

@@benjaminwebb5439 shoot me an email. It’s a yes. [e-mail]

[@OnesReady]

I promise to not make fun…-T

[@All4One9]

I’m prior service looking to come back

[@focusedfowl8981]

While graduating the pipeline is a noteworthy goal, the return on investment is a USAF career. So, if you are over 30 and planning on doing 20 or more years, you may consider commitment to PT and recovery from injury into your 50- 60s. Now, admittedly, there has never been a better support system for health and recovery of operators than today. -26yr PJ/CRO career, Eagle Fund Beneficiary.

[@JJ-gk9ri]

How about Loadmaster? They have to go through SERE. They're basically Special Forces just like TACP.

[@OnesReady]

This is my favorite comment of all time. -T

[@OnesReady]

@@JJ-gk9ri we literally call Loadmasters the “Ranger Battalion of Back Enders”! Great career field.

[@Boomer792]

Get well soon Mason. Loved that episode

[@jordankeeton3254]

Wait.... I'm not the only old guy trying to take the path lol 🙏🏾

[@OK-otic]

Haven't heard from Mason in a while. How is his recovery going?

[@DaveedNation]

The dfac slander is uncalled for... I loved my lunch ladies at 5570 and Chap lmao

[@isaacsteel1]

I may still have it in me. But it is a challenge I wouldn't mind trying again but I got some things I gotta work on maybe with my shoulder still needs strengthening. Idk why I try to reach something behind me it's shocking comes back idk it's weird it's like getting shocked by electricity.

[@santaman1412]

I thought I was old being 25 😂. I’m currently in tech school for a cyber afsc, but I really have desire to do something more. I also have a degree. I’m stuck in between staying enlisted or going for something like CRO or STO.

[@isaacsteel1]

Because I still wonder why master Sergeant rael seemed like there had to be a priade if one of my family members came on base. Only reason why I said this because when Master sergeant rael snap asking me family members being officers I didn't know any that my family told me about. Idk if my grandfather was. Cw 4 or 5. Back in Vietnam Korea war. Idk why he won't tell me I can't find any information on his rank. Roy Lewis Clark or another family member I don't know about is a high ranking officer in the military.

[@isaacsteel1]

But would you ever want to bring prime beef or red horse operator in to see their perspective on it they do a job also I would like to know more. Maybe even If you could get my old mti master Sergeant Michael rael

[@marklechliter3464]

I have no idea why Aaron gets so much hate. As a former Marine I love to hear the in your face reality

[@OnesReady]

The Marines are the Ohio of the DoD. -T

[@AaronLoveLoveClub]

Like a beautiful refreshing breeze 🍃

[@SaltyProduction]

Since they are accepting people at the age of 42 Are they willing to accept people with mild color blindness for this career field?

[@OnesReady]

Apples and oranges really, but I agree we are too tough on vision requirements. 🍑

[@focusedfowl8981]

@@SaltyProduction instrument indicators in low light conditions is what you are railing against. As aircrew, PJs were expected to operate aircraft systems at night. Today, the jump lights above aircraft exits (Green/Red) are likely the most critical indicators. NOTE: an early symptom of hypoxia is color blindness. So, if you are already color blind, you would miss one of the critical indicators of the condition, putting yourself and your team at risk. Hypoxic environments: Dive, Jump, Mountain Climbing, Aviation, high heart rate activities such as combat/fear. Just my 2¢

[@outsideoffline]

Kamala impression was gold

[@isaacsteel1]

Maybe I was a little too stupid as a kid 19 years old isn't old barely out of high school. Don't really know nothing. Should had little more faith in the system. Maybe little talk in the med hold would of work. But didn't realize how much time money and resources that was put in. Should of put more trust in the system

[@azrazerz1445]

How much trouble am I in if I laugh when getting yelled at? Done it my whole life and I know someone getting in my face is going to make me start grinning

[@OnesReady]

@@azrazerz1445 Go do something else. If you’re saying you physically can’t control your reactions to stress, these are not the jobs for you. - A

[@azrazerz1445]

@@OnesReady respectfully, getting yelled at is not stressful. I was more so asking if you’re expected to be a machine at all times during the pipeline or allowed to retain your regular personality to some degree. I understand there’s a time and place ie obviously be a machine when training but Trent has told a story about times he was the bad cop and had to go overboard to mess with the class early in the morning and that’s kinda funny. Essentially would seeing the bright side to every situation be seen as a character flaw? It probably wasn’t the best way of asking that question 😅 Separate question: is there value in being Scuba certified prior? Or is that time better spent training specifically for what you would encounter in the pipeline. There’s a lot of overlap in skills learned through certification but obviously those instructors aren’t messing with you or your gear while going through it so not really the same experience. Thank you!

[@OnesReady]

Personality is fun. You just might get stronger from time to time because of it. -T

[@azrazerz1445]

@@OnesReady stronger is good 👍

[@OnesReady]

@@azrazerz1445 What are your IFT scores? Nothing else really matters until you’re in development and can pass multiple IFTs at moments notice. Everything else is putting the cart before the horse.

[@vettevegas]

63yr old prior USAF. Too late? Combat experience includes killing a scorpion with a crescent wrench at Lackland obstacle course 1985. 😂. So some dueling.

[@OnesReady]

@@vettevegas hahahahahhaha nah brother send it! - A

[@dylanberl1583]

Ego ✅

[@laynebarrack9929]

So much commercial BS. I appreciate the spectrum of NCO Expertise though. Everything for PJ Selection was cool until I saw the Optometrist in 1987. No corrective surgery. Bounced back to Aeromed. No Waivers. Here to tell ya that proper hydration is Key (50% Gatorade/50% Tap Water in yer Canteen). High Protein/Carb Nutrition on regular meals. Swim like a Dolphin before you arrive. Proven Competence Prevails. Rank Don't Matter as much. That's Universal. Listen to Relevant, Recent Competence/Experience. It may come from Surprising Places. Dang. "doc" in Galveston, ret.

[@InvisibleHotdog]

Why did you make Peaches look like a child in the thumbnail? lol

[@OnesReady]

Because I’m the size of one!🤣🍑

[@kazama850]

@@OnesReady🍑but a badass one

[@coryb5035]

Thanks for the episode!