A line in the sun

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM -- An Air Force Reserve pararescueman assigned to the 304th Rescue Squadron, Portland International Airport, rappels from the Baghdad International Airport air traffic control tower during an exercise. Squadron airmen are deployed to the airport supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. James M. Bowman)

Wanted: Hiking, free-falling scuba divers willing to learn medicine

Published Oct. 6, 2007
By Capt. Cathleen Snow
920th Rescue Wing

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- If you are interested in medicine, parachuting, rock climbing, swimming, scuba diving and camping, the 920th Rescue Wing here has a part-time job that might appeal to you.

The Air Force Reserve Command unit is looking for U.S. citizens to become pararescuemen. Known as PJs, these reservists train to rescue downed fliers and save stranded climbers and boaters.

Wing PJs will talk about their mission and training at the Air Force Reserve pararescue display at the World Space Expo, Nov. 2-4, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla.

"This isn't an easy job but it's one of the most rewarding ones," said Senior Master Sgt. Doug Kestranek, pararescueman with the 920th Rescue Wing. "PJs are always near the hot spots of the world, supporting those in combat, but also able to assist in cases of natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina.

"We've helped those at sea in need of medical assistance, people trapped in airplane crashes, even those who get stranded on mountains," he said. "We are looking for people who are ready to adopt our motto - That Others May Live."

PJs are part of an elite highly trained, physically fit group of men. They must pass a physical ability and stamina test, which includes calisthenics, running and swimming tests. Selectees work through nine training sessions, eventually earning an emergency medical technician-pararescue certification through the National Registry. Other classes include static line and free-fall parachutist schools, scuba diving, mountaineering and survival training.

The PJ concept started in 1943 when the first medical corpsman was air-dropped to a downed aircrew on the China-Burma border. As the mission evolved, these parachuting corpsmen were called para-jumpers or PJs. (Air Force Reserve Command News Service)