CAP cadets get taste of pararescue career field
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFNS) -- The 306th Rescue Squadron hosted more than 20 Civil Air Patrol cadets during the advanced pararescue orientation course here June 13-23.
The course is a 10-day challenge that tests CAP cadets both mentally and physically as they are constantly evaluated on the stringent requirements of the pararescue, combat rescue officer, and survival, evasion, resistance, escape career fields.
"The physical training standards are very high; we base a lot of our PT standards on Air Force special forces PT standards," said CAP Capt. Nick N. Carvan, the advanced pararescue orientation course assistant course director. "They have early mornings and late nights, very high academic, physical standards, all day every day. We don't ask them to do a good job; we demand they exceed the standards every time."
Prior to the cadets being accepted into the course, they must pass a one-week PJ orientation course at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., where they learn the basics of what it takes to succeed in the Air Force special operations career field. Advanced pararescue orientation course introduces the cadets to the day-to-day operations of a PJ.
The advanced pararescue orientation course curriculum introduces the students to PJ/special tactics team operations, technical rescues, medical training, team building and physical conditioning through class lecture and hands on training in the field.
"(The cadets) must have a never quit attitude, strong mental fortitude," said Carvan. "They must learn to push themselves far beyond their perceived limits. We force them to learn that they can exceed those limits and push through farther than they ever thought they could."
For Staff Sgt. Richard Dunn, a pararescueman with the 306th RQS, seeing the cadets grow both mentally and physically is what makes teaching the demanding 10-day course very rewarding.
"I do see in the kids, (who are) very disorganized, when they first come here, get past their mistakes and bounce back," said Dunn. "The looks on their faces, the happiness and joy of being able to accomplish whatever is put in front of them, the little smiles and pats on the back is what makes it worthwhile for me."
Dunn emphasized that any young adult within the Civil Air Patrol, with the right attitude, can complete this demanding course and push themselves far beyond their expectations.
"Someone who is willing to get off the couch and set down the videogame controller, also someone who is willing to go out and achieve something for themselves, push that extra mile, pretty much anyone can do this," said Dunn. "They just have to take the first step."
CAP Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Brent Sacks, who has aspirations of being a Navy SEAL, said the course has given him insight into what it takes to make it through the rigors of SEAL training.
"Anybody will tell you it's all mental, anyone can train physically for this course, (and) those who don't prepare mentally will wash out of the course," Sacks said. "This course has given me a lot more confidence in being able to deal with the rigors of the demanding special ops career field training."
Dunn feels that this course prepares young future leaders, regardless of what career field they take on and any difficult challenges they may face.
"This is a valuable course that is going to change these kid's lives; it teaches them how to be leaders by learning how to follow first, then learning to lead, staying organized and keeping motivated," said Dunn.
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