AF Pararescue & Survival Orientation Course

This activity promotes teamwork, physical fitness and builds character.  For 7 training days, cadets are introduced to some of the skills and requirements of Pararescuemen (PJs), Combat Rescue Officers (CROs), and Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) Specialists. During PJOC, cadets gain experience and training in land navigation, survival techniques, rock climbing, rappelling and other skills used in combat rescue operations.

PJOC is an introduction to the mission of the Guardian Angel Weapon System (GA), a non-aircraft, equipment-based weapon system of the United States Air Force. GA is organized into nine specific capabilities for personnel recovery: Prepare, Mission Plan, Insert, Movement, Actions on Objective, Medically Treat, Extract, Reintegrate, and Adapt. For more details on GA please visit: Guardian Angel Factsheet. 

Contact for Activity: pjoc.nm@gmail.com

Website for Activity: https://www.facebook.com/Pararescue-Orientation-Course-Civil-Air-Patrol-160296861500/ 

Participants:

Cadets and staff applying for the PJOC activity must be able to maintain high-energy periods, perform/serve in challenging field conditions, and sustain a lengthy daily schedule while working in a team environment.

Age 15 by activity start date
Completed Encampment and recorded in eServices at time of application
Excellent physical condition
Physical Participation Category I - Unrestricted**
Must pass PJOC Physical Fitness Evaluation prior to PJOC***

**PJOC is a very physically strenuous activity.
***If selected to attend PJOC the cadet's squadron and parent/guardian/financially responsible party must certify that the student has passed the PJOC Physical Fitness Examination (PFE) prior to arrival at PJOC. Any falsification of this documentation will result in an involuntary removal from training and return home at the member's expense.

Staff:

Cadets: N/A

Senior Members:

Excellent physical condition
Highly self-motivated and willing to learn
Pararescue, CRO, SERE, military, or special tactics experience
Former PJOC/APJOC graduates given preference

Reservists: 

Must have current or past Pararescue, SERE or medical AFSC

Use the "Apply Online" link here or on the ncsas.com homepage to connect you to eServices' Registration and Payment System.  Applicants will need to complete the application to include uploading the following documents in PDF format to the supplemental tab of their eServices application.  All staff must apply via eServices, or they will not receive credit for the activity in their records. For staff applicants, you will be contacted to let you know whether or not you have not been selected. Applications will be accepted from 1 December onward.  To be considered for priority placement status, the completed application including supplemental documents must be submitted by 15 January.  Applications submitted after 15 January are accepted but are marked "late" and will be considered AFTER all applications submitted before the deadline. Priority timelines do not apply to staff applications. In addition, accomplish the following:

Participants:

No additional application instructions

Staff: 

Cadets: N/A

Senior Members: In addition to applying in eServices, send resume to TBD.

NOTE:  If you are from another component or branch of service and would like to work at this activity, we may be able to help you come permissive TDY or in some cases, cross-org fund TDY.  Contact ncsa@cap.gov to indicate your interest in working at this activity.

Important Information:

Use the following course numbers to verify you are selecting the correct activity in the eServices “Preferences” tab of your application.  Activities appear alphabetically, but will have the course number next to them in the tab.  You can download a sortable spreadsheet on the ncsas.com homepage for a complete listing of activity preference numbers. If you can't see the course number on your device, try changing the zoom on the page.

• eServices Short Name: AF PJOC

• Cadet Participant Course #: 202

• Staff Participant Course #: 203

• Activity Full Name: Air Force Pararescue and Survival Orientation Course

Go to the eServices CadetInvest Module and apply for Cadet Lift and Take-Off Program Cadet (TOP), to be considered for needs-based financial assistance or NCSA scholarships.  Also apply for flight scholarships. These programs are designed to offset costs associated with attending some NCSAs, as well as flight academies. They include payment of your activity fees and transportation to and from the activity. Go to the CadetInvest pages for more details. Deadline to apply for scholarships and financial assistance is 31 December. Being offered financial assistance is not a guarantee of acceptance into an activity. You must compete for and receive a slot at an activity. You will be notified if you are a recipient of financial aid/scholarship before you are required to accept or decline a slot at an activity.  

• Actively participate in ALL training evolution and not dismissed early for behavior

• Pass a comprehensive written evaluation with 80% or greater

• Pass the Land Navigation Evaluation

• Complete the initial Physical Fitness Evaluation

• Pass the final Physical Fitness Evaluation

• Pass the timed knot evaluation

• Successfully complete a minimum of one rappel

• NO major safety or integrity violations

• Approval of the USAF Lead Instructor

• Activity Director determines course objectives met

Activity Staff will provide transportation between Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) or the Albequerque bus or train stations and the activity location.