What’s New

• A Special Tactics Officer & Combat Rescue Officer (STO/CRO) column has been added to the form. The standards are more difficult compared to their enlisted counterparts: (12 pullups/75 situps/64 pushups) and the run and swim distances have been extended, 3 mi and 1500m swim respectively.
• A Tactical Air Control Party Officer (TACPO) column has been added to the form. The standards are in-line with Pararescue/Combat Control/TACP/Special Reconnaissance enlisted retraining or prior service candidates.
• Instructions on how to administer the PAST are now included on the same document (page 2). The instructions remain generally unchanged from previous editions.
• Removal of candidate personal information (eg. address, date of birth), enabling easier distribution of the form when filled out with candidate info.
• The test administrator (AFSPECWAR operator or Air Force PTL) endorsement can now be completed by the administrator’s superintendent. Previously, only the administrator’s commander could endorse the form.

What’s Not New

• Enlisted standards (PJ/CCT/SR/EOD/SERE) remain unchanged from the prior 2020 version.
• Special Warfare Open Enlisted (SWOE), which applies to non-prior service applicants, still has their own standards block. It differs slightly from the retraining/prior service candidates standards with a longer surface swim time allowance.

Download the PAST worksheet & additional info

Download the latest 2021 version of the PAST test and find out additional info on our dedicated PAST test page. If you have questions about administering, preparing for, or taking the PAST test, our 4,000+ person community forums is an excellent place to get answers.

In the below video of the battle, along with a SEAL Team, are attempting to rescue their lost teammate. You’ll watch Chapman’s stunning and heroic actions as he saves the lives of his entire SEAL team, and another 18 members of a quick-reaction force, ultimately earning The Medal of Honor.

The movie will be based on the book “Alone at Dawn” written by retired Combat Controller Dan Schilling. Extraction director Sam Hargrave is set to direct. Schilling narrates the above video and will be a military advisor to the movie.

Academy Award nominee Jake Gylenhaal will play Chapman. The 40 year old Gylenhaal is no stranger to military films; playing Marine sniper Anthony Swofford in the 2005 movie “Jarhead.”

No current timetable has been set for filming or movie release. More information to follow as we receive it.

On May 30, the world watched anxiously as history was made when the Falcon 9 prepared to launch as part of NASA’s SpaceX Demonstration Mission 2 at the Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, Fla.

For the first time since the conclusion of the space shuttle program in 2011, NASA astronauts would be launching from American soil in a commercially built and operated spacecraft on its way to the International Space Station (ISS).

Crowds waited in anticipation as they heard the familiar countdown.

“Three, two, one…liftoff!”

The rocket ignited in a burst of grandeur and lifted off towards its destination. For those watching, it was a truly memorable moment to observe; however, for a select group watching, it was much more than just witnessing it—they were a part of it.

Three teams of Rescue Specialists stood on-call, with radios in hand and phones fully charged, ready to jump into an aircraft and carry out a search and rescue mission anywhere worldwide in the event of a mission abort.

The 58th Rescue Squadron’s Guardian Angels assigned to Nellis Air Force Base made up the three-team Space Flight Support Force distributed amongst Patrick AFB, Fla., Joint Base Charleston, S.C., and JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, in support of the historic launch.

“It was great to be a part of history,” said Maj. Lucas Gagliardi, 58th RQS, director of operations. “Pararescue has been a part of manned space flight since it began in the 1960s, so to be included in the first team to bring back some of our heritage was a super humbling and awesome experience.”

The rescue teams were positioned at key alert locations based on the probability of an in-flight emergency during the launch until the SpaceX craft linked up with the ISS. In the event of an abort or emergency, the nearest team would race to the site and begin the rescue. Each team was prepared to fly with a Guardian Angel crew made up of pararescuemen and combat rescue officers.

According to Capt. Joshua McGee, 58th RQS combat rescue officer and Hickam team troop commander, they watched the launch live knowing the first minutes determined if a team would have to respond and which crew would be sent.

The Patrick AFB team stood by in the immediate area with HH-60 Pavehawk helicopters and an HC-130 Combat King II, ready to respond in case something went wrong during the early stages of the launch.

Once the ship began to ascend, a C-17 Globemaster III waiting at JB Charleston took over the watch, ready to travel up and down the east coast if it started to descend back down to earth.

Lastly, a C-17 from Hickam stood ready to traverse the Pacific Ocean in a recovery effort in case there was an emergency in orbit before the capsule finally reached the ISS.

To prepare for this intricate game plan, the teams traveled to Cocoa Beach, Florida, one month prior to the launch to work with members of Detachment 3 under the 45th Space Wing, from Patrick AFB for Just-in-Time-Training (JITT).

Their JITT included hands on work with a mock capsule in the bay and open ocean. The teams worked on tactics on how to operate the recovery with contingencies for different emergencies.

With a capsule possibly crashing back down to the ground, the alert teams had to account for hazardous gas, unpredictable weather and sea conditions, and prepare themselves for a rescue anywhere across the globe.

“We spent, between 12 to 14 hours daily, working in the basin and getting hands-on training with the capsule,” said Gagliardi. “We had a wide variety of instructors from retired pararescuemen, to pilots, firefighters, doctors, basically the whole gamut of rescue personnel who each brought their unique, capabilities and expertise to train us up for this mission.”

The teams trained extensively at JITT to familiarize themselves with their locations, mission plan, and most importantly to reinforce their safety protocols.

”If something were to go wrong, we trained to be able to support multiple contingencies and hazards during day or night ops,” said Gagliardi. “For example, in all these scenarios we had to be prepared to execute a recovery in the open ocean for up to 72 hours, treating patients until a helicopter arrived or a recovery by a ship of opportunity.”

Responding to a search and rescue of this magnitude means preparing for multiple contingencies. In order to prepare properly for the numerous possibilities, the teams relied heavily on their Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE) Airmen. These Airmen arrived six weeks before the launch and were responsible for providing, checking and maintaining all the equipment for JITT and on launch day.

“We are able to jump on an aircraft and feel confident in our ability to support a rescue mission because of the hard work of our AFE Airmen,” said Master Sgt. Matthew C. Blankenship, 58th RQS operations superintendent. “The way we supported this mission was for the teams to fly to the capsule’s location and parachute out of the aircraft. They packed in an astronomical amount of equipment, because everything had to be airdrop capable. They did an outstanding job.”

All of the training and preparation culminated on the day of the launch where the teams remained on call for 24 hours. Luckily everything went as planned, and launch day for the Space Flight Support Force was a success.

As the U.S. returns to manned space launches members of the 58th RQS will be there when needed to rescue a new generation of astronauts.

“We are sending personnel back to Florida to train and support the recovery of the capsule from this launch, and we will be there to support future launches,” said Gagliardi. “This readiness embodies the unique capabilities Guardian Angel Squadrons bring to the Air Force and the country.”

Story by Airman 1st Class Dwane Young

Nellis AFB Public Affairs

Baker went missing during a surface swim at the dive school at approximately 11:05 a.m. on March 19th. Various rescue agencies were called into search for the airman, and was eventually found unresponsive and deceased at 4:30 p.m.

The Air Force Dive School instructs trainees to become combat divers, learning to use open circuit and closed circuit diving equipment to covertly infiltrate denied areas. The 8-week course provides training to depths of 130 feet, stressing development of maximum underwater mobility under various operating conditions. The school is a standard requirement for Combat Control upgrade training.

“This is a devastating loss to the entire Special Tactics community,” said Col. Matthew Allen, 24th SOW commander. “We are very grateful for Keigan’s willingness to serve our nation and vow to honor his memory.”

A1C Keigan Baker, from Longview WA, joined the Air Force in June 2018, earning Honor Graduate from Basic Military Training. Baker entered the Combat Control Pipeline, and earned the coveted Combat Control scarlet beret. Baker was assigned to the Special Tactics Training Squadron to conduct required upgrade training before being assigned to an operational unit.

For Hurricane Harvey, inclusive dates are: Aug 23 – Oct 31 2017. Operations must have been conducted in the following areas inside those dates:

• Texas counties: Aransas, Austin, Bastrop, Bee, Brazoria, Calhoun, Chambers, Colorado, DeWitt, Fayette, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Hardin, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Karnes, Kleberg, Lavaca, Lee, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Newton, Nueces, Orange, Polk, Refugio, Sabine, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Tyler, Victoria, Waller and Wharton.
• Louisiana parishes: Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia, Jefferson Davis, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vermilion and Vernon

For Hurricanes Irma and Maria, inclusive dates are Sept 8 – Oct 20 2017. Operations must have been conducted in the following areas inside those dates:

• Florida
• Caribbean Sea
  • and adjacent waters from Barbados to Anguilla, and west to the Florida Straits.

To submit for the medal, each military service determines eligibility. Local Awards & Decorations office are available to assist with submissions and eligibility requirements.

To access the official DoD list of Humanitarian Service Medal operations, visit the page under the Under Secretary of Personnel and Readiness site; HERE.

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – An Air Force Research Laboratory team recently delivered version 2.0 of the Survival Health Awareness Responders Kit (SHARK) to U.S. Air Force instructors at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Camp Bullis, a 28,000-acre site in Texas, used to train Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape  specialists.

With SHARK, sensors embedded in shirts transmit key metrics including heart rate and estimated core temperature from smartphones to a server. As students undergo physical endurance tests during extended periods of isolation, the system allows instructors to monitor this data in real-time, and issues alerts for heart rate spikes and significant increases in temperature. Since the device identifies the user’s location, medical personnel can quickly respond to those in need of care.

2nd Lt. Matthew Dickinson, a biomechanical engineer within AFRL’s 711th Human Performance Wing, says that SHARK 2.0 is user-friendly and more secure. He explains that instructors and students alike are pleased with the streamlined setup process and the new web interface.

The commander of Detachment 3, 66th Training Squadron, Maj. Toby Andrews, said he appreciates that SHARK “gives [instructors] real-time alerts on the health and well-being of students.” The system “truly eases my mind as a commander,” he said since it “allows us to provide preventative care [in cases] that could otherwise lead to serious medical situations.”

Prior to SHARK, instructors checked on trainees at regular intervals to ensure their well-being. In certain cases, they administer ice baths to students with elevated body temperatures, said Tech. Sgt. John Garcia, a SERE instructor. However, since the introduction of this monitoring technology, zero ice baths have been required because the system alerts instructors before students reach what they call “the danger zone.”

To develop version 2.0, the SHARK team enlisted the help of Cedarville University students majoring in computer science. Loren Baum, who now works full-time in 711HPW, improved the code for his senior design project.  He optimized the software, added functionality, enhanced the security measures and streamlined the startup process.

Baum explains that the team moved SHARK from the mobile app arena to the web to make the system usable in a wider variety of scenarios. With the new approach, instructors simply log into a website from any computer to monitor students’ health status instead of launching an application, which requires installation and manual upgrades.

The team simplified the startup process with Quick Response (QR) codes that automatically input students’ information when scanned, Baum said. This measure reduced the total setup time from one hour to five minutes, and makes it easier for students and instructors to begin a new session.

In June 2019, the team traveled to JBSA-Camp Bullis and conducted initial tests with version 2.0. Once the team integrated additional software improvements, SERE instructors officially launched the upgrade in September.

The SHARK team continues to work with other squadron key leaders to address related needs. One such application involves using the included heart rate variability measurement to provide real-time feedback regarding students’ reactions to various training stressors.

This data would enable instructors to evaluate the effectiveness of interrogation techniques and determine the extent to which they affect individuals, said 1st Lt. David Feibus, a former software team lead, who is now a student at the Air Force Institute of Technology.

While SHARK is useful in various situations, Air Force instructors currently rely on this tool to offer “strenuous exercises in the safest manner possible,” said Ted Harmer, a 711HPW engineer who also leads a medical readiness personnel recovery training research team. When administering physical tests, instructors must achieve the purpose of the training and minimize negative impacts, whether they be physical or emotional, he explains.

SHARK technology was born when the U.S. Air Force Survival School at Fairchild Air Force Base opted to include more proactive safety measures in its training programs. Since AFRL had experience with wearable monitoring technology, leadership from 711 HPW offered to develop a solution for the SERE instructors during an immersion visit.

“Going in, we knew we needed a broad range of skill sets,” said Dr. James Christensen, a product line lead within the 711HPW. He explains that to produce an effective system, the team relied on expertise in wearable devices, electronics, software development, communications, human factors and physiology.

“We pulled together capabilities from several different parts of the organization to assemble the sensors, develop the software to pull sensor data together, and then build the communications capability to then send that data and be able to monitor it continuously and remotely.”

Following the initial design and development, the team arranged field tests with end-users. Several team members lived with JBSA-Camp Bullis instructors for one week to test SHARK 1.0 in 2018. Now, a year later, an upgraded system is in the field.

In the meantime, the SHARK team is also working with other groups who are interested in acquiring this technology including firefighters, NASA scientists and U.S. Army Special Forces. Members are currently exploring a version of the system that the Department of Defense Fire Academy can use under fire protection gear to prevent heat injuries.

It takes a certain amount of grit and determination to survive in the world of special operations, it requires even more to lead and command the most decorated Air Force community since 9/11.

After 24 years of dedicated service, U.S. Air Force Col. Spencer Cocanour, former vice commander of the 24th Special Operations Wing, is donning his beret and positioning his flash above his left eye for the final time during his retirement ceremony at the Soundside Club, here, Sept. 20.

“My view, for what it’s worth, I think Spence was absolutely the right officer at the right time,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Claude K. Tudor, Jr., Director of Air Force Integrated Resilience under the Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services, Headquarters U.S. Air Force. “He’s leaving this organization better than he found it … He’s served in war and in peace, and no matter what the challenge, no matter how high the mountain, no matter how wide the river – Spence has managed to cross it every single time.”

The Mansfield, Ohio, native received his commission in 1995 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts. After serving six years as an electrical engineer, Cocanour felt drawn to the idea of doing “cool things,” such as jumping out of aircraft, combat diving and bringing the fight to the enemy from the ground. After a lengthy process, he was granted an opportunity to pursue his calling and cross-trained into the elite field of Special Tactics.

“I met [Spencer Cocanour] in 2001 when I was an instructor at Lackland [Air Force Base] and he was a captain arriving to start the [Special Tactics Officer] pipeline,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph Gross, commander of the 720th Operations Support Squadron. “He was mature, smart and in such phenomenal shape going through the pipeline that he was able to give more of himself, [more so] than most STO trainees, to taking care of the other Airmen.”

After more than two years of training, Cocanour completed the rigorous STO pipeline in 2003 and began a journey that would forever leave a footprint in the close-knit Special Tactics community.

As a STO, Cocanour led Special Tactics Teams in preparation for worldwide contingency operations in both hostile and austere environments, ranging from counterterrorism missions to global humanitarian assistance operations. Special Tactics operators are U.S. Special Operations Command’s tactical air-to-ground integration force and the Air Force’s special operations ground force leading global access, precision strike, personnel recovery, and battlefield surgery operations.

For the next 18 years, Cocanour would climb the ranks and be involved in many major operations ranging from ENDURING FREEDOM to the more recent FREEDOM’S SENTINEL and RESOLUTE SUPPORT. With more than 10 assignments, Cocanour has held various team and leadership positions from troop commander to acting wing commander in the Air Force.

Cocanour’s callings didn’t end with Special Tactics – he has also been active in U.S. Armed Forces Sports for the past 22 years. In 1997, he joined the United States Air Force Triathlon Team and began racking up countless miles in the water and on the pavement. Exercising his gift of mentoring, Cocanour took on the role of coaching the team in 2010.

“Coach Spence has been a great role model of what a professional leader looks like,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Joel Bischoff, a member of the USAF Triathlon Team. “He played a pivotal role in my growth as a triathlete and a leader.”

As well as being involved in the U.S. Armed Forces Sports, Cocanour has been a member of the International Military Sports Council: World Military Championship Triathlon Team.

“I can’t begin to describe the impact Spence has had on the national and international armed forces triathlon community,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Judy Coyle, a member of the USAF Triathlon Team. “He helped shape the direction and rules of that community through his leadership.”

As almost a quarter of a century of service comes to an end, “SC” is gratified that he can look back on his career and know he accomplished everything that he wanted to do in the Air Force.

“To the men and women of [Air Force Special Operations Command] and Special Tactics – it has been an absolute honor to work with you,” said Cocanour. “The former Secretary of the Air Force, Heather Wilson, said it very simply and it resonated with me – ‘Always leave the wood pile taller than you found it.’ I hope I have lived up to that simple proverb.”

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. —

The tactical air control party (TACP) Officer Phase Two (TOPT) assessment was held for the first time at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Washington, August 24 – 30.

The TOPT assessment evaluates a candidate’s potential to be successful at the TACP schoolhouse and as an officer in the TACP community.

“The five-day course is designed to put the candidates through physical and mentally stressful situations in order assess their leadership ability and leadership potential,” said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Travis Hunt, 93^rd Air Ground Operations Wing chief of TACP officer accessions, and organizer of the TOPT assessment. “Candidates who are selected through this processs, enter the TACP training pipeline to eventually serve as a 13L, TACP officer.”

Although the TOPT assessment is held quarterly at a few different Air Force bases, this was the first time the 5th Air Support Operations Squadron (5 ASOS) on JBLM served as the hosting unit for phase two of the selection process for TACP officer candidates.

“TACP Officer Phase One of the selection process is solely administrative,” explained U.S. Air Force Maj. Matthew McMurtry, 353rd Special Warfare Training Squadron director of operations and TOPT cadre lead. “A panel will review each candidate’s paperwork and select the 25 best candidates to continue onto TACP Officer Phase Two (TOPT).”

In phase two, TOPT, experienced TACP officer and enlisted cadre assess candidates throughout a week during 15 graded events that target the specific personality and character attributes that correlate with success in the TACP community. These events range from physically demanding ruck marches and physical training events to briefs and interviews which assess critical thinking and communication abilities. Teamwork and leadership skills are also assessed throughout the week during many events.

“The assessment is designed primarily to create situations that allow candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their aptitude to lead in a stressful environment,” Hunt said. “Operationally, TACP Officers are asked to work in high-pressure, high-stakes environments performing tasks ranging from mission planning and advising ground force commanders on the integration of Air Force capabilities, to the execution of close air support missions alongside joint and multinational forces. The simulated combat environments and stressful situations we create during TOPT allows the cadre and psychologists to understand how each candidate behaves and performs under pressure to ensure they are well suited for their future operational roles.”

At the end of the week, 12 candidates were hired to begin TACP officer training out of 24 that were assessed throughout TOPT.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kenneth Boillot, 1st ASOG commander, was the hiring authority for TOPT 19-4, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Robert Skowronski, 1st ASOG chief enlisted manager, served as his senior enlisted advisor for making the selections. Who gets offered slots at the end of TOPT is up to the discretion of the hiring authority, usually the commander of the closest TACP unit.

“The TACP officer accessions program has been executed by Air Combat Command since it began about 10 years ago,” Hunt said. “All active duty 13L’s [TACP officers] are assessed and selected through this program. By hosting the event at JBLM, the 1 ASOG enabled increased involvement from Pacific Air Forces Command TACP’s. We plan to continue holding at least one assessment each year at JBLM to assure all members of the TACP community have the opportunity to participate in the selection and development of its future leaders.”

Story Courtesy: DVIDS

“Members of our team here on base are tied closely to Troop 161, and our thoughts, prayers and well wishes have been, and continue to be, with this troop and these youngsters as they move forward from this tragedy,” said Capt. Michael O’Hagan, 106th Rescue Wing public affairs officer. “It is always great when we have a chance to interact with scouts, but this tour in particular was especially meaningful because of the connection to members of our wing and the loss of Andrew.” 
On the flight line, the scouts were met by Capt. Jonathan Hoyos, a 102nd Rescue Squadron combat systems officer and 1st Lt. Kate Adamczyk, 102nd Rescue Squadron pilot, who gave them a tour of the wing’s new HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and answered all their questions. 

The scouts’ next stop was the HH-60G Pavehawk helicopter where they met Maj. Damon Ricketts and 1st Lt. Jordan Polster, both 101st Rescue Squadron helicopter pilots. As the scouts climbed in and out of the helicopter, the pilots pointed out some interesting characteristics of the aircraft and talked about their experiences operating helicopters.

The tour concluded with a first aid demonstration by Lt. Col. Stephen “Doc” Rush, a 103rd Rescue Squadron pararescue flight surgeon and former Air Force Pararescue Medical Director, who showed them skills like bleeding control, airway management and patient movement skills. The scouts surrounded Rush and looked on as he went through the variety of tactics, even using one of their members to act as a patient. 
“This was a great opportunity to share our expertise in first aid from the highest levels with the boy scouts,” said Rush. “It was inspiring to see their enthusiasm and passion.”

Colin Lynch, a member of Troop 161, left the tour telling a local reporter he was happy to be on the base and that he can see himself being a helicopter pilot, but he didn’t know which branch just yet. 
A nearby member of 106th Public Affairs was quick to joke, “By which branch, you mean, you want come fly for the Guard, right?”
At 16, Lynch has a few more years to finalize his decision.

Two boats idled together in the Adriatic Sea just off the coast of Northern Italy, battered mercilessly by the waves as eight pairs of eyes searched the sky. The silence stretched for long moments, a hint of anticipation on the cool sea breeze before a radio crackled to life.

There would be three jumpers in five minutes, it said. The information was passed between the occupants of both boats as they caught first sight of the approaching aircraft.

Members of the 57th Rescue Squadron participated in over-water parachute training on July 9, with a dozen pararescuemen aboard a C-130J Hercules from the 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, as eight more awaited their descent from below.

First out of the aircraft was a rigged alternate method zodiac, or RAMZ, an inflatable, motorized boat that the jumpers used once they made it to the water. As they worked on setting up their vehicle, the members in the support boats began pulling in the discarded parachutes to be repaired if necessary and reused in the future.

The 57th RQS participates in jump training at least once a quarter, over both land and sea, to keep their skills and knowledge sharp in case they are ever needed in an emergency. The training not only benefits the pararescuemen, but requires harmonization with the squadron’s support agencies and even other bases – in the case of the C-130 and its crew.

“Just for us to do this training, it requires so much coordination from our support shops,” said Capt. Jordan, a combat rescue officer with the 57th RQS. “Just on the water we have boat drivers, people pulling in chutes and medical personnel. We are super grateful to have an amazing combat mission support section.”

Jumping to land is far different than jumping into the ocean, and carries far different challenges – not only for the jumpers themselves, but also for the support personnel down below.

“On land, all you really have to worry about is another aircraft coming into your airspace,” said Staff Sgt. Jared, aircrew flight equipment technician and drop zone control officer for the 57th RQS. “On water, you have to worry about boats, airplanes, and that you’re constantly moving. You have to go where the jumpers go, and then reset, come back to your position, and get ready for the next jumpers.”

Through successful support and coordination, the 57th RQS was able to carry out the required training needed in order to remain proficient in their job: providing day or night personnel recovery operations in any conditions, during peace or war.