Special Tactics opportunity knocks at McGuire July 16 Published July 9, 2007 314th Recruiting Squadron MCGUIRE AFB, N.J. -- The opportunity to experience the physically and mentally challenging career fields of the elite Air Force Special Tactics force has made it's way to McGuire, and individuals itching to find out what a day in the life of a ST operator is like will soon have their chance. The 314th Recruiting Squadron will conduct a briefing on the Physical Ability Stamina Test July 18 at 11 a.m. at the Community Center, Bldg 2705 for personnel interested in obtaining information on taking this test. "Males holding a qualifying medical physical with no restrictions, who have or are able to obtain a Secret clearance, have 12 years or less time in service and receive permission from their supervisor are eligible to take the test," said Master Sgt. Ron Orr, 314th Recruiting Squadron. Sergeant Orr said the PAST test "is a way for individuals in all career fields to see what they've got, take the test and walk away and say either 'Wow, that's a tough test; I have a lot of respect for those guys' or 'I did really well, maybe I'll think about Special Tactics as a career field.'" The PAST test is the first step military members can take toward a career field in Special Tactics, said Sergeant Orr. "The briefing is an awareness thing. For individuals interested in special tactics, or even those who are not, they can come out and listen to the briefing. Then if interested sign-up and take the test the next day. We will be offering the opportunity for those individuals wanting to experience what ST operators go through on a day to day basis to take the PAST on July 19," he said. "The briefing will cover more specifics regarding aspects of our job, to include Combat Control, Pararescue and Combat Weather career fields. We will also touch base on Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Instructor and Tactical Air Control Party fields," said Staff Sgt. Dustin Fink, 22nd Special Tactics Squadron, McChord Air Force Base, Wash., and who is currently serving as an augmentee for the 360th Recruiting Group at Hanscom. The test is broken down into seven parts, Sergeant Fink said, including two 20-meter underwater swims, a 500-meter surface swim, a 1.5-mile run, one minute of chin ups, two minutes of sit ups, two minutes of push ups and two minutes of flutter kicks, administered in that order. "During the PAST test, participants will be allotted a specific rest period between each event," Sergeant Orr said. Sergeant Orr said that even if participants don't qualify with this PAST test for a specific career field, there are other career fields within Special Tactics that require a less stringent PAST test, and they may qualify for one of those. "By taking the test, it gives them the opportunity to learn more about the Air Force." "If the challenge of parachuting, scuba diving, outdoor life and a fast-paced lifestyle appeal to you, then you will probably be successful in Special Tactics," Sergeant Fink said. "This test has 'no obligation,' and really is a win-win situation. Individuals will leave the test with a validated, certified copy of the PAST test to show that they completed it. This gives individuals a chance to 'do something amazing,'" Sergeant Orr said. "A career as a Special Tactics Operator may not be for you, but feel free to come out and participate in this event. Those who are interested and motivated in becoming a ST Operator will have the opportunity to talk to a recruiter and discuss what it takes to become an elite member," Sergeant Fink said. For more information on the test, contact Master Sgt. Ron Orr or Tech. Sgt. Dawn Roby at (609) 239-4900 ext. 230, or e-mail ronald.orr@rs.af.mil by July 16.