Questions about PJOC

I am thinking about attending Pararescue Orientation Course this summer if it is available and I am curious about what I should expect and what I should do to prepare.  I have heard that it is very intense and I think it would be a very interesting experience.

The first thing you can do is dig up the physical fitness test and see how well you do today, then work to exceed the standards.

This is the description of the test.

This is a 14min video from the AF about their test. Some sections may not apply; watch it all the way through.

Start now getting ready for it.

If you like FB:

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

You WILL be administered a PT test on your arrival. If you fail any part of it you're gone, right now.
So start working out and remember, Kirkland is at 5500 feet. Pretty thin air if you're from the flatlands.

Anybody ever staff it as a SM?

Thanks for the help, and for the person who mentioned Kirtalnds altitude, I live in Santa Fe, which is about an hour north of Kirtland at about 7000 feet so that won't be a problem but you do make a good point.

PM me your email address and I'll pass it along to my son.  He went to PJOC last summer and graduated.  I emphasize graduated as you'll need a higher level of physical fitness to graduate vs participate.  I'm told that not everyone who participated actually graduated and can wear the patch.  I'll ask him to email you and give you information on how to physically prepare.  I can tell you with certainty is to start working on your pull-ups.

Anybody ever staff it as a SM?

Yes and attempting to G2 the course from any angle is highly frowned upon (those that have attended this course or APJOC understand this).

Follow SarDragon's suggestion.  Everything you need to know is published on the NCSA site.  And as SarDragon also pointed out, don't just meet the standard; crush it.

Anybody ever staff it as a SM?

Yes and attempting to G2 the course from any angle is highly frowned upon (those that have attended this course or APJOC understand this).

Just out of curiosity, why would gathering intelligence be frowned upon?  People shouldn't be well informed?  Or does G2 have a different meaning vis-à-vis CAP/PJOC course?

Anybody ever staff it as a SM?

Yes and attempting to G2 the course from any angle is highly frowned upon (those that have attended this course or APJOC understand this).

Follow SarDragon's suggestion.  Everything you need to know is published on the NCSA site.  And as SarDragon also pointed out, don't just meet the standard; crush it.

Considering there's an entire documentary series devoted to the ACTUAL PJ training program, I highly doubt that anyone is going to get their shorts in a bunch about questions on how to prepare for PJOC.

https://www.amazon.com/Rescue-Warriors/dp/B01N31D78E

Anybody ever staff it as a SM?

Yes and attempting to G2 the course from any angle is highly frowned upon (those that have attended this course or APJOC understand this).

Just out of curiosity, why would gathering intelligence be frowned upon?  People shouldn't be well informed?  Or does G2 have a different meaning vis-à-vis CAP/PJOC course?

There are many components to the course.  The desire is for each cadet to have a similar experience.  That opportunity is diminished as info is shared.  It's one reason you won't find a lot of info on the course here or elsewhere.  The staff and instructors spend an incredible amount of time prepping to keep the course special. 

As mentioned, everything a cadet needs to know in advance, including a training program, is available on the NCSA page.  Any additional info a cadet may need will be provided once they are accepted to the course.

Anybody ever staff it as a SM?

Yes and attempting to G2 the course from any angle is highly frowned upon (those that have attended this course or APJOC understand this).

Follow SarDragon's suggestion.  Everything you need to know is published on the NCSA site.  And as SarDragon also pointed out, don't just meet the standard; crush it.

Considering there's an entire documentary series devoted to the ACTUAL PJ training program, I highly doubt that anyone is going to get their shorts in a bunch about questions on how to prepare for PJOC.

https://www.amazon.com/Rescue-Warriors/dp/B01N31D78E

He was provided direction on how to prepare.

Anybody ever staff it as a SM?

Yes and attempting to G2 the course from any angle is highly frowned upon (those that have attended this course or APJOC understand this).

Just out of curiosity, why would gathering intelligence be frowned upon?  People shouldn't be well informed?  Or does G2 have a different meaning vis-à-vis CAP/PJOC course?

There are many components to the course.  The desire is for each cadet to have a similar experience.  That opportunity is diminished as info is shared.  It's one reason you won't find a lot of info on the course here or elsewhere.  The staff and instructors spend an incredible amount of time prepping to keep the course special. 

As mentioned, everything a cadet needs to know in advance, including a training program, is available on the NCSA page.  Any additional info a cadet may need will be provided once they are accepted to the course.

Seems foolishly restrictive as I prefer students that are motivated to seek knowledge.  I always get concerned when people restrict information for no useful purpose.  However as I have no intention of attending the PJOC course as an SM I have no dog in the hunt, enjoy the "secret squirrel"

Anybody ever staff it as a SM?

Yes and attempting to G2 the course from any angle is highly frowned upon (those that have attended this course or APJOC understand this).

Just out of curiosity, why would gathering intelligence be frowned upon?  People shouldn't be well informed?  Or does G2 have a different meaning vis-à-vis CAP/PJOC course?

There are many components to the course.  The desire is for each cadet to have a similar experience.  That opportunity is diminished as info is shared.  It's one reason you won't find a lot of info on the course here or elsewhere.  The staff and instructors spend an incredible amount of time prepping to keep the course special. 

As mentioned, everything a cadet needs to know in advance, including a training program, is available on the NCSA page.  Any additional info a cadet may need will be provided once they are accepted to the course.

Seems foolishly restrictive as I prefer students that are motivated to seek knowledge.  I always get concerned when people restrict information for no useful purpose.  However as I have no intention of attending the PJOC course as an SM I have no dog in the hunt, enjoy the "secret squirrel"

Opinions differ, especially from those with experience.  This course is not Blue Beret, IACE, or similar nor is it intended to be.  You may not like it but as stated previously, everything a cadet needs to know in advance is provided on the NCSA site. 

I just want to know what the SM staff role is for the course. You can keep all the super secret activities like push-ups and knifing sentries behind the OPSEC curtain.

Yes and attempting to G2 the course from any angle is highly frowned upon (those that have attended this course or APJOC understand this).

This is a strange attitude.
One can get a download of what to expect @ SWCS... why not a cadet NCSA?

This is a strange attitude.
One can get a download of what to expect @ SWCS... why not a cadet NCSA?

I wonder how parents feel about it too.

In my experience, there are events whose particulars should come as a bit of a surprise, with a minimum of knowledge ahead of time. Two I can think of right off the bat are SERE School and USN Chief's initiation. People who have been through them don't talk about what they went through with those who haven't. There's a rite of passage involved. I think PJOC has a similar policy.

In my experience, there are events whose particulars should come as a bit of a surprise, with a minimum of knowledge ahead of time. Two I can think of right off the bat are SERE School and USN Chief's initiation. People who have been through them don't talk about what they went through with those who haven't. There's a rite of passage involved. I think PJOC has a similar policy.

Exactly right!

I just want to know what the SM staff role is for the course. You can keep all the super secret activities like push-ups and knifing sentries behind the OPSEC curtain.

I think everyone is missing the point we have now come to.... my man here is simply looking to see what a SM does at the activity. He is not looking for the codes to the football or secret stash; nobody wants to break your precious wall of silence. Jeez, you guys are thinking like this is a TS/SCI issue... get over yourselves already, it's a NCSA!!!

YMMV,