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FAQ

Special Operations

Is the Air Force taking Prior Service (PS)?

Prior Service (PS) is a direct duty assignment program, allowing a select number of separated individuals to return to active duty.

PS program is separated into two categories: Category I - return without consideration of years of service (YOS). Category II - YOS restriction. Both categories are direct duty hire only.

A prior service required skills list (PSRSL matrix) of select direct duty AFSC's is updated quarterly and posted on AF Portal (select AFRS page, Publications (from side menu), Procedural Guidance Messages, 900 - Prior Service). The desired return AFSC must be on the matrix in order for an individual to re-enter active duty.

The PS program will access a total of 250 applicants (including re-trainees) during FY13, on a first come, first served basis. The total accession is subject to change based on Air Force needs.

There are 109 retraining slots available for all prior service applicants (including those not on the PSRSL matrix) in the following AFSC's. All retraining applicants require a CFM review.

Additionally, PS applicants must meet all eligibility requirements in APRSI 36-2001, chapter 9.

  1. This program applies to any applicant who graduated from any service (Air Force, Army Marine Corps, Navy, or Coast Guard) basic military training.

NOTE: if an applicant does not complete basic military training (for any service) they must be considered for the non-prior service program and will require a RE Code eligibility determination for continued processing.

  1. HQ AF/A1PF is the publishing authority of the PSRSL Matrix.
  2. Previous Service, Res Res, and NDT Programs are not active.

NOTE: Individuals who graduated from basic training (all services) but have not completed any tech training (technical school, AIT, etc) are only authorized to apply for retaining slots listed previously.

  1. There is no PS selective reenlistment bonus for non-BSRP applicants (see AFRSI 36-2001, par 9.9.6.7. for BSRP applicants). For BSRP applicants to be eligible for a reenlistment bonus, they must reenlist within three months of discharge (see AFI 36-2606, per 2.5.3).
  2. HQ AFPC confirms all DOR adjustments.
  3. ASVAB score waivers will not be considered.

Prior Service applicants will not be authorized to EAD until their orders have been reviewed and approved on EAD date by prior enlisted service section at AFRS.

Refer any prior service questions, through your appropriate chain of command, to HQ AFRS/RSOPB at DSN 665-0381 or commercial (210) 565-0381, FAX DSN 665-705, commercial (210) 565-0705.

Please contact a recruiter nearest you for all of the details.

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What are Air Force Special Operations?

Special Operations, better known in the Air Force as Special Tactics, are broken up into two specific specialties. Combat Control (CCT) and Pararescue (PJ). CCT's are combat ready FAA certified air traffic controllers and PJ's are combat ready rescue & recovery specialists certified as EMT's to the paramedic level.

Members of these two career fields are trained in parachuting, scuba diving, repelling, skiing, motorcycling, survival skills and much much more…

For more information on this subject, you can chat with one of our online advisers or click here to contact us and get in touch with your local recruiter.

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I'm interested in PJ/CCT but I'm not a good swimmer?

With PJ/CCT career fields you will need to be a proficient swimmer. Very often, especially with PJ's, swimming is a vital part of the missions. Many times a quick one-month swim class can fix the problems for this. If you still have problems, you may want to look at a few other combat related career fields such as Tactical Air Control Party (TACP), Combat Weather, Security Forces, or Survival Evasion and Resistance Escape (SERE).

For more information on this subject, you can chat with one of our online advisers or click here to contact us and get in touch with your local recruiter.

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How do I prepare for Pararescue and Combat Control?

Currently, there is not a formal preparation guide for these two careers fields. However, you can refer to the Special Tactics homepage for recommended workouts. The Pararescue and Combat Control career fields endorse this page.

For more information on this subject, you can chat with one of our online advisers or click here to contact us and get in touch with your local recruiter.

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