AF Pararescue & Survival Orientation Course

Air Force Pararescue and Survival Orientation Course (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.

What You’ll Do at Air Force Pararescue and Survival Orientation Course

• Introduction to some of the skills and requirements of

  • Pararescuemen (PJs)

  • Combat Rescue Officers (CROs)

  • Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) Specialists

• Teamwork

• Physical fitness

• Character building

• Land navigation

• Survival techniques

• Rock climbing

• Rappelling

Contact for Activity: pjoc.nm@gmail.com

Activity Facebook Group for Participants, Parents, and Alumni: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18xZrimz33/ 

Note: Cadets enrolled in Cadet Wings are not eligible for national activities until they complete the program or are disenrolled.

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.

Registration Prerequisites

The following are required at the time of application

• Must be at least age 15 by activity start date

• Must be under 21 years of age at end of activity

• Must have Encampment credit

• Must have updated CAP Health in prior 30 days

• Must be in excellent physical condition

• Must be classified as 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. Cadets take a physical fitness test upon arrival to assess if they can safely participate in the activity. If it's determined that a cadet cannot safely participate, or if there has been any falsification of the PJOC Physical Fitness Examination (PFE) documentation the member will be involuntary removed from training and will be returned home at the member's expense.

Staff Application Information

Cadets: There are no cadet staff positions for this activity

Senior Members: 

• Must be current in Cadet Protection training

• Must have updated CAP Health in prior 30 days

• Must be in excellent physical condition

• Must be highly self-motivated and willing to learn

• Must have 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

Apply in Registration Zone

Applications will be accepted from 15 December through 15 January at 12pm Central.  

Parent, Unit and Wing Approval deadlines must be met in order for an application to be considered. 

Senior Members: 

• In addition to applying in eServices, send resume to pjoc.nm@gmail.com

• 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.

All participant and staff applications must be submitted via Registration Zone in eServices. 

Lift/Top is a needs-based financial assistance program. If selected as a Lift/Top recipient, your activity tuition will be paid by NHQ and you may have the option to receive a partial travel reimbursement towards round trip transportation to and from the activity. Lift/Top recipients must accept their slot in writing in order to receive this financial support.

CAP Cadet Scholarships: Through the generosity of our supporting donors, some CAP scholarships focus on supporting cadet attendance at NCSAs through a merit-based application process. Please see the Scholarship page to see the full list of available Activity Scholarships.

How to apply:

• Applications for both Lift/Top and CAP Scholarships are located in Registration Zone.
• You must apply for each program for which you wish to be considered.
• Lift/Top and each CAP Cadet Scholarship have their own individual Registration Zone events, separate from activity applications.

Important:

• Applying for these financial support programs does not guarantee financial assistance will be offered.
• 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.

The deadline to apply for these financial support programs is 15 January at 12pm Central. No late applications will be accepted. 

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

• 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 Albuquerque bus or train stations and the activity location.