Pararescue Guard and Reserve Interview

Do you have questions about going Guard or Reserves? My friend Lucas Martin, PJ TL, shares his background and knowledge of serving as a PJ in the Reserves and the Guard. This video is a long one, so check down below for show notes. If there are still a lot of questions after this video, we may do a Part 2.
A big thanks to Lucas for doing this interview. Let us know what you think about the video or if you have any questions in the comments.
Show Notes:
1:50 - Lucas Martin’s Intro/Background
7:48 - Mission Set Overview
24:02 - Getting a PJ specific slot in the Guard/Reserve
27:18 - Family aspect during/after training
31:46 - Benefits of Guard/Reserve
35:33 - Deployments
39:00 - Maintaining Currencies
44:25 - Guard vs. Reserve
46:39 - Tier 1 info
52:10 - Bonus $$ info
55:15 - Guard Benefits (flexibility)
1:08:00 - Overarching Specwar Concept
1:10:00 - Specwar Team Structure
1:24:50 - Recap
Links:
Guard Reserve Fact Page with POC info:bit.ly/Guard-Re...
AFSOC PT Test: bit.ly/afsocpttest
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Video editing courtesy of Nikki at The Fresh Foundry. [e-mail]
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THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED BY BRIAN SILVA, HOW TO BE A PJ LLC ARE THOSE OF THE BRIAN SILVA AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OFFICIAL POLICY OR POSITION OF THE DOD. ANY CONTENT PROVIDED BY GUESTS, BLOGGERS, SPONSORS, OR AUTHORS ARE OF THEIR OPINION AND ARE NOT INTENDED TO MALIGN THE DOD, ANY RELIGION, ETHNIC GROUP, CLUB, ORGANIZATION, COMPANY, INDIVIDUAL OR ANYONE OR ANYTHING.

[@JumpingJimmyJet]

I was a PJ with the 129th ARRS, Moffat Field, Calif. I retired back in 1984. Jon Stevens and I made the first jump mission with the 129th. Best job in the world

[@dnlitsuh]

Could you tell me if you must be a prior service pj to be a pj in the reserve or guard? Serving out of Moffett field would be awesome.

[@casf120]

Getting out of the Navy and had a ton of questions about this and this pretty much answered almost everything I needed to know

[@andrewtarr8388]

Hey just out of curiosity did you ever get out of the navy and become a pj?

[@andrewtarr8388]

I’m also getting out soon from the Navy and also want to be a pj in the guard

[@casf120]

@@andrewtarr8388 nah I ended up working towards med school.instead.

[@MaterDolorumOraProNobis]

I tried to join the Marine Corps as an officer 10 years ago and circumstances lead me elsewhere after getting a stress fracture in my femur. I even made it to OCS in Virginia. I wish I had known about PJs back then because this is exactly what I would have wanted to do with my life. I am considering being a flight nurse at this point because now I am a 36 year old stay-at-home-dad and farmer.

[@ethanmaynard6118]

Do it.

[@johnnyboy859]

Did you serve!!?

[@dorianpoling6591]

Wow this guy has done so much in his life and yet he's very humble and soft spoken. I'd love to see a podcast with him just to hear his full story these guys positive attitudes alone are so inspiring.

[@abbieamavi]

*I'm proud that 304th Rescue Squadron is in my hometown, y'all are like real life heroes, being trained so specifically but also in so many broad areas. Thank you for your service, and this interview was real interesting and helpful!*

[@Izak213]

same here

[@maxag7500]

Each video gets me more and more excited.. the new vision sounds like it’s going to open up way more opportunities and I’m looking forward to becoming a part of it. I also never heard of the swimming masters practices before Lucas mentioned it. Going to be joining one this January to get some real swimming experience. Thanks for the videos, Brian

[@OnTaRgEt16]

Awesome video, been waiting for this one for a while. Also really like the big increase in production quality of your videos. Keep up the good work!

[@evperry]

Just finding out about this at 46 years old.. Don't hesitate if your within age.

[@user-zc7sw3yx6x]

Yes sir

[@aczelb3766]

I honestly wanna find a PJ and beg him to train me lol. I wanna be a PJ with all my heart!. Every single I have gives me a smile and I wanna do it but I have a long way to go. I gotta lose some weight and find a way to train my ass off and study the asvab.

[@Powerbandm]

Omnes I am looking into being a pj as well. My dad has two friends who are and they love it! They are both reserved based out of Portland as well. Just keep training and don’t ever quit. As Goggins says, don’t stop when you’re tired. Stop when you’re done. I have an EMT B and I am really eager to further my education! It’s been 8 months since you commented, how are you doing now?

[@colewilhelm7246]

are you from compton, im only 30-40 minutes away. I want to be a pj as well and need someone to excel with

[@Powerbandm]

@ZITI Notgivingawaythisinfo I’m not sure about that man but that’s a killer question

[@johnmcginnis2452]

Don’t beg and don’t wanna. Self discipline is the key. Put more time in the swimming pool than you formerly thought possible and run farther. Stamina and mental toughness are your best friends.

[@nickd.949]

@ZITI Notgivingawaythisinfo I just talked with a pj, and he said that there’s rumors of all guard bases getting pj units. Don’t quote me on it, but I’m hoping it’s true because I’d love to stay in New Hampshire but I also have wanted to be a pj since I was 14.

[@kazama850]

This is great considering I'm talking to a reserve recruiter and wanting to become a pj.

[@nicknaranjo7914]

Hey Brian it would be awesome if you could make an in depth video about IPAP! How did you get into it? What was the process? What are the phases throughout the process? Anything helps and thanks for the great content you put out! Been thinking about being a PJ and these videos definitely help!

[@jadynbell9343]

This is just so exciting, Can’t wait to become a Female PJ, seems hard but it will be easy when u have then mentality and Faith to the Lord!🙏🏻 If they can to do u can too!

[@loheirlyjean4568]

You Go Get It!!!! Write down your why and stick with it to remind you why you wanted to do it in the first place anytime you feel like quitting

[@afcgeo882]

Oh it will never be easy, but it will be rewarding.

[@mischelleseitz1349]

Did you make it! Keep us updated!

[@1krazyking]

Hey what happened!

[@AnjewTate]

In other branches, without exception women aren’t allowed on special operations units for obvious physical limitations. Unless you’re Brienne of Tarth, you’re not getting into these units. Idk about the AF. But if you’re physically able to carry a 200lbs man with 80lbs of gear on. I’m truly rooting for my you and wish you the best. Please update us on your journey if you ever went through it.

[@jayp4772]

That is very exciting for future SW airmen with regards to being a self contained package/team of PJs, CCTs, and SRs. I understand that this is the way of the future, but will there still be a mission for SW airmen to be attached to other units to include SF, SEALs and such? Also if RQSs are transitioning to STSs or the package structure, how will it affect the mission of say an Alaska unit or any other unit that is involved heavily in civilian rescue? You would think these type of missions benefit more so with PJs being the majority in the unit. These areas seem to have been addressed where the Air Force is slowly going away from farming out troops, but isn't the reason they were farmed out was because the other branches needed that slot filled. If the Air Force is no longer providing them, it would seem to be an issue for say the ODAs and SEAL teams needing a CCT or PJ.

[@afcgeo882]

I believe, and I may be wrong about this, but ST members will still be farmed out, albeit requests will need to filter through JSOC and AFSOC instead of being local or ACC decisions. Most missions don’t need all SW skill sets at the same time, but dividing units between SW and Guardian Angel creates two separate, very small communities and skill sets that don’t translate very well between each other and in times of high tempo ops, you end up short on SW and long on Guardian Angels. Remember, JSOC is all about joint teams/ops. You’ll still have that as long as you have different skill sets.

[@IvanOfficial01]

Interesting that Special Warfare is going the way Special Forces assigns roles for their guys. So it'll look like the 18 series/roles.

[@nickconroy007]

Can you do a video or add any info you have on your website on the future of the CRO to the new Special Warfare Officer.

[@Angies.Infinity]

thank you for this awesome video! :)

[@bradgrieve1122]

I’m from the Portland guard unit and I am thinking of cross training to becoming a PJ.

[@jaio7190]

There are open positions in Alaska, New York , Kentucky and Oregon only , for Air Guard

[@afcgeo882]

Blake Chi Town Beast Berrios Not anywhere. I know they’re open at 106th on Long Island, NY.

[@trippasnippa119]

40 man?! you feel great and you look great hope youre still doin well today man!

[@NewLeafClover]

At about 1:27:00 it was mentioned that it could be 4-12 months before ship off to training... what if you're 'selected' and during the time you're waiting to go, you 'age out'. How would that work?

[@Cptkirk1315]

Joshua Risinger if you’re selected for training you wont “age out” while waiting to go to it so no worries

[@santiagolavenant9710]

Excellent video!!!

[@RamonQuiro7]

This is so cool! Maybe one day I'll become a PJ

[@RamonQuiro7]

1:24:00 that mental toughness will come along also

[@paulyP1599]

Hey Brian what production set up are you using (camera, mic, software)? The quality has gotten really good. Thanks for the great info!

[@lauram5404]

My sister wants to be in Air National Guard as a PJ. But i heard there aren't any females in pararescue... However, she still wants to attempt it!

[@cpaul57]

Guard is the way to go. E7 in 8 years

[@jonathonmoores9137]

Did you join as an E-3 , are you a pararescuemen ? How often would you say you deploy and when you deploy are you RQS or are you attaching to a seal team, ranger team, recon team, etc

[@ianalderson5133]

KZbin didn't give me the notification 😠

[@HowToBeAPJ]

Thanks for letting me know.

[@c.j.pittman7291]

Is there a guard/reserve unit in each state? If not maybe each region?

[@jonathonmoores9137]

May you please talk about deployments in the national guard some more

[@Chris09978]

If you pick Air guard as your MOS are you able to be a PJ full time or the way how things are run in the Air guard is different

[@haroldward4871]

If your PJ training exceeds 3 years will you get the full GI (Active Duty) Bill benefits?

[@prasannajanakiraman5832]

Hopefully, I will be able to go into SR after I become a US Citizen. I am currently a permanent resident (green card holder). I know the Special Warfare type career fields need a security clearance. Will they offer such a clearance to one such as me who was not born in this great country? I do not know.. Do you have any input regarding my situation, Brian?

[@Intense_Friction]

Prasanna Janakiraman Hi! Once you become a citizen, birthplace is a non issue. You’ll go through boot or a commissioning source and be on your way.

[@prasannajanakiraman5832]

@@Intense_Friction Awesome! Thanks for your input!

[@theindivisible]

you can join now and get whatever job they have that don't need US citizen, then you get naturalized since you're in the military. You can then change jobs.. It's going to be 2 years + later since it's difficult to switch jobs. I did this myself. I was 2T2 and switch to become SOF

[@prasannajanakiraman5832]

Wow! Which sof did you join?

[@afcgeo882]

Getting a TS clearance as a foreigner is more difficult, especially if you haven’t lived in the US for the last 10 years as a thorough background investigation has to be done, but the burden is on the investigators, not you. You just fill out the form.

[@danielfay8524]

Are PJs losing the civilians SAR missions set then with the new teams?

[@Sa-sk2vg]

Can somebody please help me with this? I’m confused between reserve and guard? What’s the real difference is one better than the other one? What is the real difference? Thankssss 🙏🏻

[@kevinst.george8174]

I know this post is pretty old, so not sure ill get an answer. Any idea how long it takes from the process of the interview to leaving for Prep? I have my interview coming up in a couple weeks and I am prior active duty. I palace fronted into the reserves, so I'm assuming it would be a bit quicker. Thanks.

[@Murse_Gee]

Is it just as difficult for prior service (Navy) to get a reserve/guard contract for PJ? When I spoke to an active duty recruiter they were not considering any candidates unless they were a combat MOS.

[@Cptkirk1315]

Christopher Grijalva talk with a different recruiter, PJs generally take anyone as long as you pass the inital tests. Try finding a battlefield airmen recruiter

[@nikfrey5]

The Moffett tryout date isn't set until March 2021 and it's currently October; due to the time required to get the ball rolling with actually starting the pipeline, would you recommend just starting a civilian paramedic course beforehand? Obviously don't want to assume getting selected, but it seems like a worthwhile cert to just knock out if I'm set on being a PJ through the guard. Thoughts?

[@TaimoorKhan-kg1xd]

You mean 2022 March. You have to apply to paramedic school it’s not an emt cert so your first chance is March at moffett and if you don’t get in you can apply for paramedic school

[@johnnyboy859]

I'm a paramedic. Been un the fire dept for 16 years. I'm 36. Is there a way I cam go into para rescue but be in a reserve unit..not active duty? Or would I have to go full duty, then reserve?

[@shabushabu1453]

If you enlist to the Guard/Reserve you go back to the that after you complete training

[@brandongollyhorn5629]

Does prior service have to go through the 8-weel BA prep course before going to PJ indoc like the dudes fresh out of basic or do they go straight to indoc after passing their phase 2 selection?

[@HowToBeAPJ]

beapj.com/resources/pipeline/pj

[@christiankelley3729]

Do a part two!

[@BigTInTheMorning]

Can you get a GPA waiver if you’re below 2.5 GPA for OTS?

[@mixa7039]

Lol u dumb

[@outdoorquikreviews5600]

Quick question, I have heard you and others say that if you pass "indoc" you pretty much pass everything, as long as you don't screw up. However on your site you say there is a 30% failure rate in pre dive alone. Could you clarify this a little more? Thanks!

[@HowToBeAPJ]

Indoc is gone. The new course is A&S, which is different. The difficult watercon is now in Predive, not A&S.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

@@HowToBeAPJ can I be pj with a contact lens?can I cross train firefighter to pj?

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

@@HowToBeAPJ can I be pj with a contact lens?can I cross train firefighter to pj?

[@jackjack4412]

I really want to become a PJ. I have a history of Asthma with no real symptoms for years. I'm early 20s. I'm going to get into the best shape I can and try to get a waiver. Any experience with people getting waivers for Asthma and actually making it?

[@sethheaddress2651]

Depends if you need an inhaler, other than that no you will have no troubles

[@TwolfBeowulf]

I just finished my bachelors degree and want to join! I need to convince my wife:/ she was in the Army national guard and says I would hate it... but I think it would be very different

[@fukusamon4277]

You let your wife stop you? NGMI.

[@georgewashington7982]

You don’t want it that bad then if you let your wife talk you out of shit

[@Me2thesea]

Is Lucas accepting direct questions to himself about joining the ANG and becoming a PA?

[@lynsherlock2638]

I cannot open the information that Ryan left about the POCs

[@lynsherlock2638]

Discipline and making positive choices not to react

[@ijdiaz1]

So if you already have a career set in place in the civilian life that does not allow you to move to the area of the unit, are you shit out of luck? I live in Texas (4 hours south of SA). The closest unit is in Arizona for the reserves. Also if you do make it, are flights to drill once a month paid for by GTC card or out of pocket?

[@jakea9589]

Im interested in a tryout for a pj slot at his guard base. Is there anywhere that I can please get the point of contacts info at that base?

[@Cptkirk1315]

Jake A look it up on google, should be able to find something

[@rezzy_ind33d47]

Ok guys so i want to be a pj and also earn my degree using the G.I. bill then med school. Is this possible and if it is the reserves is the way wouldn't it? Edit: yes, the question was answered during the video :)

[@quintonbowman7328]

It would be hard but possible. But it will take a lot longer to do so

[@FocusKato]

I'm already a NREMT-P would I have to go through medic school again? That was a shitty year >

[@jonathonmoores9137]

I don’t think you do but don’t take my word for it go ask your recruiter

[@QBTUBETV]

Literally what I was going to ask.

[@NewLeafClover]

Side bar question: Gaurd & Reserves aren't considered veterans, but if you're considered active duty during 2.5 yr. training, does that then push you to the opportunity for veteran status?

[@gabe_diaz]

If you served in the military your a vet once you retire, especially if you saw combat. Doesn’t matter if your guard or reserves.

[@versacepythonnv5696]

What is the hearing requirement for special operations

[@Izak213]

use google

[@NewLeafClover]

You mentioned while in training for 2-3 years, you're considered active duty. Is that counted as a part of your 4 year term, or do you need to serve 4 post training (total of 7+ years)? (Training meaning: prep, AS, jump, dive, tech, paramedic, etc.)

[@Cptkirk1315]

Im not sure what the exact answer for this is but i know that in general, time in military training doesnt count toward the time you owe for that training until the training is over and you hold the qual (or in this case the beret)

[@afcgeo882]

Initial enlistment contracts are all 8 year terms. In active duty, you generally have an option of choosing a 4 year AD + 4 year IRR contract or a 6 year AD + 2 year IRR contract, though you may re-enlist for more active service at the end of your AD portion. Some AFSCs require initial contracts to be the 6+2 type due to longer training pipelines. When you join the Reserves or ANG, you also sign an 8-year contract, but your only initial choice is 6 years of active reserve and 2 years IRR. Again, you may re-enlist for more years of active (reserve or AD) service at the end of your active years. Any time spent on active duty as a reservist or guardsman (for training or activation) counts as regular service time. Nothing is accelerated. You get it credited as active duty time on your DD-214 and you get all the benefits and pay of active duty. You just happen to be administratively attached to the Reserve or Guard. So, to answer your question, when you sign up for your initial 8-year reserve or ANG contract, you will do 6 years of active reserve/guard and 2 years IRR (inactive ready reserve). The first couple of years of that contract will be spent on active duty status for training. The left over 3-4 years you will spend as a traditional reservist/guardsman, doing monthly drills and annual training or if you choose and qualify, AGR/ART full-time work.

[@wheelndeal1962]

Brian, are you still in Nebraska?

[@HowToBeAPJ]

I am in Utah now!

[@jasonbailey8280]

Does anyone have the number for the special ops recruiter close to Alabama area for Reserve and guard?

[@afcgeo882]

For reserve, contact your local AFRC recruiter. For Guard, you need to contact the specific guard unit you want to join. You can reference this site and contact states with units that interest you. Most Guard wings have TACP units, but very few have TCC and PJ units. Even fewer are taking in recruits. Your first few years will be in active duty, so don’t mind that the units are far from your home state.

[@joshsmithmusic1]

Do you guys know Thomas Meekum?

[@kevinlokitsjr6820]

Anyone training from Oahu Hawaii? LMK, I’d love to train together.

[@jadynbell9343]

kevin lokits jr i live on Da kind, Mililani , except i got school bruh💀😂👏🏻

[@kevinlokitsjr6820]

Jadyn Bell no worries i work plenty but im still down to train, lmk if u foreal! I live mauka

[@kevinlokitsjr6820]

Icarus Parabolic right on, I’ll look into that. Thanks🤙🏾

[@MikeMaroneyWhatsupdirtycones]

I am doing some training 1 Dec thru 7 Dec on Oahu, hit me up if you are interested and I can give you a few names of guys training who live there : )

[@afcgeo882]

Westhampton: Are we a joke to you?

[@trevorwalden6097]

Explain?

[@afcgeo882]

@@trevorwalden6097 If you don’t get it, the joke’s not for you.

[@jordanofalltrades6154]

I live in Texas and to my knowledge does not have an RQS or STS. How would I go about joining as an Air National Guard PJ in Texas?

[@bulletproofh2t]

You would have to be a PJ in another state

[@pilotguy2fy]

Is being a combat rescue pilot on the pace hawk the same as being a PJ and their training?

[@kelvinnguyen6048]

Any business owners in the guard? :)

[@shabaddeepsingh6577]

I hate to ask this as I know this is not something that is it something I'm really concerned with but I have heard in the past that it is and can be somewhat racial in this Air Force Special Operations world. I'm just curious is they're much diversity in Pararescue? I also wish to ask as I am currently active duty in the ARMY I wish to know what would you say is the best way to prepare as an active-duty Soldier? I understand that swimming is a big portion of Indoc but I wanted to know it as I am not no excellent swimmer but I can definitely swim decent would you say that I will be okay or would you say I really need to prepare before going to Indoc with swimming? Thank you

[@conorwatters3474]

When you say Guard, are you referring to the Air National Guard or the Army National Guard?

[@robert-73]

Pj are usaf. So air national guard

[@wheelndeal1962]

SpecWar sounds like ODA