questions about being a combat controller [Archive] - SOCNET: The Special Operations Community Network

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SECFOROMAD

13 June 2010, 02:18

I'm very interested in being a combat controller, I plan on cross training to CCT when my window opens up, but I am questioning myself about the combat diver course and the air traffic control course in keesler. I can swim, but since I was 5 years old I became afraid of the water after almost drowning in a pool. and air traffic control to my understanding is one of the most stressful jobs in the world, under fire I cant even imagine how stressful that could be. but I feel in my heart the I have to do this, I feel like Im not serving my country enough unless I'm an AFSOC operator, but my question is, is air traffic control as hard as they say it is, and if it is how can learn more about it and be prepared for the course, and my other question is how can I prepare myself for water confidence?

Ranger1

13 June 2010, 03:14

I'm awake before the AF mods, so please post an intro here as per your welcome email:

http://www.socnet.com/showthread.php?t=73033&page=187

And while I'm not a CCT, it's one of the coolest jobs on the planet. If I had to do it all again, (after 13F in the Regiment) it's what I'd pick.

With all due respect, and simply from the spirit of what you've posted (and you actually feeling you had to post it), you won't make it. Just not the right attitude. Stick to your day job and be happy to be allowed to serve.

Edited: Being an AF Security guy is a huge responsibility. You are definitely serving your country and doing something immensely important. You should be damn happy with that.

13 June 2010, 11:40

I find the easiest way to gain more confidence in something is to practice it more. In this case, the easiest way for you to gain confidence in the water is to spend more time in it. Lots more. Just my two pesos worth.

SECFOROMAD

13 June 2010, 12:00

thank you for the advice, even though I didn't show the right attitude I still want to do it, Ill do whatever it takes to make it. I will definitely spend more time in the water, and I will definitely try to learn more about ATC. I want this job because even though its a stressful and very risky job, it still has to be one hell of a rush, and I feel I'm up for that challenge, I want to do something that is bigger than me, since I was a kid I wanted to be a hero, to me combat controllers, PJ's, Green Berets, etc. they are the heroes, and I want to be one of them. Ill make sacrifices Ill push myself more and more as days go by. I'm giving myself my own word that I will make it, and a man who breaks his own word is a man who breaks himself, this is the career field I want, and its what I'm going to get. besides, in any pipeline everyone will find something in the pipeline that there either afraid of or weak at, and you know what that moment is a test to see how I will operate under that kind of stress. it seems that no matter what I'm going to have to face my fears eventually, so Ill face them head on.

Danno

13 June 2010, 14:28

Good Luck,

And for whats it worth, like Kirk said, there is nothing wrong with AF Security Forces. I did it and loved every minute of it before I got out. :biggrin:

13 June 2010, 16:30

Nuke

13 June 2010, 18:31

since I was a kid I wanted to be a hero, to me combat controllers, PJ's, Green Berets, etc. they are the heroes, and I want to be one of them.

Your above statement is concerning. Don't join to be a "Hero"!

SECFOROMAD

13 June 2010, 19:47

Have you considered TACP, Aerial Gunner, or another Aircrew gig? There are a lot of non-AFSOC positions contributing to the war. IIRC Your career field has been in the top 10% deployed wise since day 1.

I actually tried to get TACP after I got eliminated from SERE, I got screwed over, and after a while I put thought into TACP and I guess I kind of figured I wanted to do something a little more challenging, there is no doubt TACP is a tough job, but from what Ive heard lately is that TACP's haven't been seeing much action lately. Im concerned that Ill become a TACP and wont experience anything down range, I could be wrong though, these are all rumors I heard from other MP's who claim to have deployed with them. they could be just talking trash. I don't know what to believe anymore

SECFOROMAD

13 June 2010, 19:48

Your above statement is concerning. Don't join to be a "Hero"!

what do suggest my mentality should be?

Floyd

13 June 2010, 20:05

How did you get eliminated from SERE? You realize that CCT has to attend SERE School too right?

SECFOROMAD

13 June 2010, 21:01

How did you get eliminated from SERE? You realize that CCT has to attend SERE School too right? over the weekend we had to do a sewing project, they gave us a piece of paper that told us to make a water back, a pouch and a knealing pad out of gortex. everyone got it done within 2 days, I did not pay attention to the directions and I messed it up, so I had to redo the project, I got 4 days without sleep doing doing that project, and I was going on my fifth day without sleep on the first day of field training, I started halucinating after a while and passed out while everyone else was preparing for inspections. I woke up the next morning and the cadres told me I was done because I had no shelter made and my tools werent cleaned, so they pulled me out of the class and they drove me in the middle of nowhere and left me with a box of MRE's, I had to build my own shelter, dig up grass so I could start a fire and stay warm. I was there for the remaining 2 days of the indoc course. I know for a fact I could of made, but I was stupid, I made poor choices, and I didnt ask for help when I needed it. I learned from my mistake but I also realized SERE wasn't what I wanted to do, I didn't know it was all about teaching, I knew there was some, but I was hoping for them to be combative's too. my recruiter never told me about tacp, otherwise I would have picked tacp over sere in a heart beat. save the fact that at that time I couldn't swim, till now. but now since I can swim, Ive been thinking about Combat Control for a while now. I know I have the heart for it, I just need to get my head out of my ass, and pay attention to detail and learn to work as team and stop trying to be commando trying to do everything by myself, that was what got me kicked out of SERE. and I don't want to make that mistake again.

13 June 2010, 23:44

I actually tried to get TACP after I got eliminated from SERE, I got screwed over, and after a while I put thought into TACP and I guess I kind of figured I wanted to do something a little more challenging, there is no doubt TACP is a tough job, but from what Ive heard lately is that TACP's haven't been seeing much action lately. Im concerned that Ill become a TACP and wont experience anything down range, I could be wrong though, these are all rumors I heard from other MP's who claim to have deployed with them. they could be just talking trash. I don't know what to believe anymore

Army MP's don't know the full picture about TACP, why not go to http://www.romad.com and lurk there. Some are stuck in the TOC, but there are others outside the wire doing the deed.

Your mindset needs to be less focused on heroics, and more focused on the mission at hand. TACP, SOWT.CCT and PJ are all great careers, but they are demanding, and you have to stay focused o the mission.

Good luck.

SECFOROMAD

14 June 2010, 00:41

Army MP's don't know the full picture about TACP, why not go to http://www.romad.com and lurk there. Some are stuck in the TOC, but there are others outside the wire doing the deed.

Your mindset needs to be less focused on heroics, and more focused on the mission at hand. TACP, SOWT.CCT and PJ are all great careers, but they are demanding, and you have to stay focused o the mission.

Good luck.

your probably right, its a big commitment, and people cant know about what they do, so I might as well let go of the heroics. I'm still unsure of what I want to do but I know I want to do either TACP or CCT. thank you all for the advice, it keeps me motivated to talk to people who are actually in special ops, I have looked at the romad sight though, I haven't read too much but I have read about training, and a basic understanding of what they do. it is definitely a career field Id be interested in doing.

Nuke

14 June 2010, 22:18

what do suggest my mentality should be?

OK, you state that you "Got kicked out" of SERE school. Now you want to be a hero and go where the action is!
You also state that you did not know SERE was just instruction and thought they had a Combat role!
Did you not ask questions? Did you not research the career field you were cross-training into? Did you not read anything on what you were going to do for your career?

SERE Instructor! Kind of says it all! Instructor!

I suggest you stay where your at. Do the best job that you can, and be proud of the role you are performing for the mission. Serve with pride.

SECFOROMAD

15 June 2010, 00:16

OK, you state that you "Got kicked out" of SERE school. Now you want to be a hero and go where the action is!
You also state that you did not know SERE was just instruction and thought they had a Combat role!
Did you not ask questions? Did you not research the career field you were cross-training into? Did you not read anything on what you were going to do for your career?

SERE Instructor! Kind of says it all! Instructor!

I suggest you stay where your at. Do the best job that you can, and be proud of the role you are performing for the mission. Serve with pride.

I did research the job, I even asked questions, I even talked to a guy who claimed his brother was a SERE specialist and he said that they did go into combat, obviously he lied but I believed him at the time. and for the job Im in now, honestly I hate it. its not the job I wanted its not what I want to do. standing around for 12 hours checking ID's, 7 days straight with only 2 days off. gets old pretty quick. probably the only thing good about my job is deployment, that's it. now Ive never been on one yet, so I don't know what its like over there, but its still something I look forward too. I just want to do this job, I really want to do this job, I want it so bad I'm afraid of messing it all up again and losing my chance. you mess up once as a re-trainee your done for good. I want to be prepared. I guess I might have chosen the wrong words and you probably think that I think its just a game, I dont, I recognize that it is risky job, and I also recognize that they are a huge asset to not only the air force but other branches of the military, I recognize how important they are to the US war-fighting capabilities, I also recognize that many PJ's, CCT's and even TACP's Die, I know that if I sign up I could die, but this what I want to do. maybe I'm doing it for the wrong reasons, maybe the right ones, either way I still want to do the job, and that should be enough. and if its not, who says I cant make the effort, if I dont make it I stay as an MP, I cant go on without knowing I gave it everything I could to make it through the pipeline

floydjones

15 June 2010, 04:45

I did research the job, I even asked questions, I even talked to a guy who claimed his brother was a SERE specialist and he said that they did go into combat, obviously he lied but I believed him at the time. and for the job Im in now, honestly I hate it. its not the job I wanted its not what I want to do. standing around for 12 hours checking ID's, 7 days straight with only 2 days off. gets old pretty quick. probably the only thing good about my job is deployment, that's it. now Ive never been on one yet, so I don't know what its like over there, but its still something I look forward too. I just want to do this job, I really want to do this job, I want it so bad I'm afraid of messing it all up again and losing my chance. you mess up once as a re-trainee your done for good. I want to be prepared. I guess I might have chosen the wrong words and you probably think that I think its just a game, I dont, I recognize that it is risky job, and I also recognize that they are a huge asset to not only the air force but other branches of the military, I recognize how important they are to the US war-fighting capabilities, I also recognize that many PJ's, CCT's and even TACP's Die, I know that if I sign up I could die, but this what I want to do. maybe I'm doing it for the wrong reasons, maybe the right ones, either way I still want to do the job, and that should be enough. and if its not, who says I cant make the effort, if I dont make it I stay as an MP, I cant go on without knowing I gave it everything I could to make it through the pipeline

Out of my lane, but as one Security Forces member to another; have some damn pride in the job your doing! Our career field is a rough one in terms of job, but it's a very necessary one for the mission. You will be hard pressed to find someone in the military that DOESN'T appreciate what we do. We may not be the tip of the spear but we're definitely vital to the spear! You understand that everyday you go to work and arm up, your taking on the huge responsibility and risk when shit goes down at your CONUS base YOUR the balls. Look what happened just last night at Macdill! A few years back there was an armed barricaded suspect that garnished a ton of public attention at YOUR base. If you want to crosstrain out of 3P to go 1C2 then DO IT, talk is cheap get out there and train. Link up with the local PT guru's and train your heart out, if your uncomfortable with swimming and water; swim until you are! Just my two cents.

Oh yea, when your sitting on post inevitably miserable and hoping you can do better than this silly career field. Think of these names:
1st Lt. Joseph D Helton

SSgt Travis L. Griffin

A1C Jason D. Nathan

SSgt. John T. Self

A1C Leebernard E. Chavis

SSgt Brian S. McElroy

TSgt Jason L. Norton

A1C Elizabeth N. Jacobson

Danno

15 June 2010, 06:47

I did research the job, I even asked questions, I even talked to a guy who claimed his brother was a SERE specialist and he said that they did go into combat, obviously he lied but I believed him at the time. and for the job Im in now, honestly I hate it. its not the job I wanted its not what I want to do. standing around for 12 hours checking ID's, 7 days straight with only 2 days off. gets old pretty quick. probably the only thing good about my job is deployment, that's it. now Ive never been on one yet, so I don't know what its like over there, but its still something I look forward too. I just want to do this job, I really want to do this job, I want it so bad I'm afraid of messing it all up again and losing my chance. you mess up once as a re-trainee your done for good. I want to be prepared. I guess I might have chosen the wrong words and you probably think that I think its just a game, I dont, I recognize that it is risky job, and I also recognize that they are a huge asset to not only the air force but other branches of the military, I recognize how important they are to the US war-fighting capabilities, I also recognize that many PJ's, CCT's and even TACP's Die, I know that if I sign up I could die, but this what I want to do. maybe I'm doing it for the wrong reasons, maybe the right ones, either way I still want to do the job, and that should be enough. and if its not, who says I cant make the effort, if I dont make it I stay as an MP, I cant go on without knowing I gave it everything I could to make it through the pipeline

First,

The job your in is nothing short of Honorable. Even if you feel it’s not, or if others around you feel the same. I'm not saying that you’re not going to hear a few cracks/jokes from others about what you’re doing. Hell, I still get comments from when I was in. However you learn to deal with it and you learn not to take it so personal, because usually it’s just in fun and nothing personal to begin with (Most of the time).

You’re new, and the guys before me on this thread have laid down priceless information/wisdom to you. I would hope that you will take their advice, and try and dig deep and push on with what you’re doing NOW as a MP. Down the road when you’re able to cross train, and if you still have the dream of perusing something more awarding, then go for it.

Till then try to not be so hard on yourself or so dramatic rather. It’s not the end of the world, and I can see that you’re motivated, and that’s great but instead of whining, use that motivation and grow within the service and your current title now.

So that when it comes to tackle whatever you choose to do next, you will be more level headed, and less likely to repeat the same mistakes you did the first time through selection. I wish you the best with whatever you choose, PJ/CCT/TACP, or if you find that being a Security Forces Member is really not that bad. But understand that there is more to your current field than just sitting at a dock watching a plane. Yes, this maybe the case for now, based on that you’re new and you have to start from the bottom. But you can eventually work your way into many exciting fields. Like K9, OSI, Raven, and many other awarding jobs within the Security Forces Umbrella.

Stay Safe!

KamoKid

15 June 2010, 06:54

Secfo,

The kind of information you seem to need you won't be able to really find out on the internet. The thing about Special Ops is, what they need to teach you, they will during your training. You don't need to show up knowing how to do JTAC or ATC or HALO or Combat Diver stuff. That's what those schools are for, to teach you those things. You don't get to test out of them, you go through them with the rest of your team.

The thing you need to do is start to train physically and mentally. Show up being able to conduct PT at the higher levels compared to your peers now. Show up with your personal life straight with no crazy ex-wives/ex-girlfriends or drug habits, etc... Show up with a clear mind focused on the task, training.

Like you, I had a fear of water growing up. So bad, that I refused to have my head touch water in the shower and used to wash my face with a cloth afterwards. At 7 yrs old a young man tried to drown me at a pool in our community. I entered the military and eventually the CCT pipeline with that fear. I passed (& without ever failing any training) due to the fact that I went into each training evolution with a clear mind and stayed focused. I knew the instructors knew what the hell they were doing when they grab and held me underwater scaring the crap out of me. I knew they wanted to train me to certain level and not just kill me for shits and giggles.

Bottom line has been stated above but I will restate... Start NOW getting your personal life straight. Start NOW with extra PT. Go to your leadership and tell them you want to call Hurby and talk to one of the STS recruiters. Get a hard retraining date from them. That way you know how hard you have to train for how long. Don't over train and get hurt... Show up physically and mentally 100% and show the instructors you have the heart to be trained. They can train you to be a PT stud, they can train you to do all the cool guy stuff, but they CANNOT train you to have the heart it takes... That's all on you...

Good luck and never quit.

SECFOROMAD

15 June 2010, 12:04

wow...
you guys are right I'm sorry for being so dramatic. I will take your advice's to heart. I will do my best to be more motivated about my current job, I'm currently training for PT with a retired CMSGT combat controller, and from what he tells me I just need to work on my breathing when I swim. but yeah thank you all for pointing me in the right direction. that's all I was really looking for.

KamoKid

15 June 2010, 12:14

Secfo, the information I gave was an honest 2 cents from my personal experience. If there is something specific, then ask and I'll give you an honest response.

As for swimming... The Chief can help you out a lot, so listen to what he has to say. Start getting used to breathing with a snorkel. Work on your underwater (keyhole) strokes. Do relaxed breathe holds on the gunnel until you can get up to a respectable time (at least 90 secs). Work on swimming with rocket fins, building your ankles and hip flexers up.

SECFOROMAD

15 June 2010, 12:55

SECFOROMAD

15 June 2010, 13:04

17 June 2010, 05:43

Just wondering, out of my lane here, are you Security Forces guys calling yourselfs "MP's" now? I am old, you know, in my day you were called SP's, and then SF's. Just wondering.

Danno

17 June 2010, 07:12

Just wondering, out of my lane here, are you Security Forces guys calling yourselfs "MP's" now? I am old, you know, in my day you were called SP's, and then SF's. Just wondering.

KJ,

Your correct it’s still considered SF (Security Forces) I just hated saying SF because I felt silly saying that and unworthy. So I always say that I was a MP.

For me, it makes for an easier conversation between military members, and even outsiders. A lot of people confused the term SF with the Army Special Forces.

I never did like the term they gave us when I was in. Especially when you’re wearing a sleeve cover with "SF" in big letters followed by a much much smaller "Security Forces" displayed on the bottom.

Let’s just say it created a lot of unnecessary and embarrassing conversations at the main gate when fellow service members came through.....:o

SECFOROMAD

17 June 2010, 07:34

KJ,

Your correct it’s still considered SF (Security Forces) I just hated saying SF because I felt silly saying that and unworthy. So I always say that I was a MP.

For me, it makes for an easier conversation between military members, and even outsiders. A lot of people confused the term SF with the Army Special Forces.

I never did like the term they gave us when I was in. Especially when you’re wearing a sleeve cover with "SF" in big letters followed by a much much smaller "Security Forces" displayed on the bottom.

Let’s just say it created a lot of unnecessary and embarrassing conversations at the main gate when fellow service members came through.....:o
that's exactly what I was gonna say actually, no need for me to add anything else

RichTales

8 July 2010, 07:38

Hey,
OK, I've read all of this and thought I'd make a comment.
First, I was in CCT from '66 to '73.
And I was, am still am, afriad of heights. But you know, the only fear I can ever remember having was being afraid that I'd chicken out of that first jump at Benning.
But, just like Pavlov's dogs, when they hit my ass and yelled, "hit it", I responded and the next thing I remember was saying, "six one-thousands, seven one-thousands..." LOL! Good thing the damn shute opened!
And as far as Sere training? Well, it's just training and nothing to fear.
OK, last note..., the stress you hear about Air Traffic Control is what guys encounter at the big centers. I never remember any stress from the actual controlling of aircraft in the field.
Well, hope I've helped a little.
Good luck to you,
Rich

And, btw..., I was raised just south of Tinker! :)

Sharky

8 July 2010, 08:16

I guess the chutes back then took twice as long to open. If I was in freefall for seven seconds on a SL jump at BAC I would probably have shit my pants.

Guy

8 July 2010, 10:35

Just wondering, out of my lane here, are you Security Forces guys calling yourselfs "MP's" now? I am old, you know, in my day you were called SP's, and then SF's. Just wondering.As of 08JUL10 they've been calling themselves "cops." At least the ones here have.:cool:

Stay safe.

RichTales

11 July 2010, 06:16

Hey Sharkey,
Naw, they opened just as fast..., I just didn't realize it was open yet! LOL!
I wonder what type of chute they jump at Benning these days? I can remember going there TDY a bunch of times when I was in (to work the DZ) and they still jumped T-10's from C-119's. Surely they've upgraded both by now!

KamoKid

11 July 2010, 07:33

I went through in the late 90's and we jumped the C141's and used T10's (if I remember correctly. I'll have to look at my jump log sometime)...

But even that now was over 10 years ago...

11 July 2010, 11:50

When I went through in 77', it was T-10's and the first jump was from a C-123. The next four were from C-130's though. Stay safe. :smile:

AC3(AW/SW)ClearedHOT

22 August 2010, 15:41

Is there a chance that any real CCT would take the time to PM and give me some details about what you guys do?

Sharky

22 August 2010, 16:38

Is there a chance that any real CCT would take the time to PM and give me some details about what you guys do?

Not a CCT guy but you asked about the training that CCT goes through. Here ya go...brought to you by....

http://www.afsoc.af.mil/specialtactics/ccttraining.asp

- Combat Control Orientation Course, Lackland AFB, Texas. This 10-day orientation course focuses on sports physiology, nutrition, basic exercises, CCT history and fundamentals.

- Combat Control Operator Course, Keesler AFB, Miss. This course is taught in two phases. Phase 1 is Combat Control Fundamentals consisting of 28-training days. Phase 2 is Combat Control Apprentice-Tower and runs for 52-training days. The course teaches aircraft recognition and performance, air navigation aids, weather, airport traffic control, flight assistance service, communication procedures, conventional approach control, radar procedures, and air traffic rules. This is the same course that all other Air Force air traffic controllers attend. This is the core skill of a combat controller's job.

- U.S. Army Airborne School, Fort Benning, Ga. This 15-training days course teaches basic parachuting skills required to infiltrate an objective area by static line airdrop.

- U.S. Air Force Basic Survival School, Fairchild AFB, Wash. This 17-day course teaches basic survival techniques for remote areas. Instruction includes principles, procedures, equipment and techniques, which enables individuals to survive, regardless of climatic conditions or unfriendly environments and return home.

- Combat Control School, Pope AFB, N.C. This 84-training day course provides final CCT qualifications. Training includes physical training, small unit tactics, land navigation, communications, assault zones, demolitions, fire support and field operations including parachuting. At the completion of this course, each graduate is awarded the 3-skill level (journeymen), scarlet beret and CCT flash.

- Special Tactics Advanced Skills Training, Hurlburt Field, Fla. Advanced Skills Training (AST) is an 11-12 month program for all Combat Controllers before they are assigned to an operational squadron. AST produces mission-ready operators for the Air Force and United States Special Operations Command. The AST schedule is broken down into three phases: formal training, core skills training and operational readiness training. The course tests the trainee's personal limits through demanding mental and physical training. Combat controllers also attend the following schools during AST:

U.S. Army Military Freefall Parachutist School, Fort Bragg, N.C., and Yuma Proving Grounds, Ariz. This course instructs trainees in free fall parachuting procedures. The first week of the course consists of wind tunnel training at Ft. Bragg, N.C. The instruction focuses on in-air student stability, aerial maneuvers, air sense, parachute opening procedures. The students then relocate to Yuma, Ariz., where they begin freefall parachute jumping. The jumps progress from lower to higher altitudes, day to night jumps, "slick" to combat equipment configuration with weapon attached and use of supplemental oxygen.

U. S. Air Force Combat Divers School, Panama City, Fla. Trainees become combat divers, learning to use open circuit (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus - SCUBA) and closed circuit (LAR-V, Draeger Underwater Breathing Apparatus) diving equipment to covertly infiltrate denied areas. The course is run in two phases. Phase 1 is 21 days in length and consists of pool training and diving to depths of 130 feet, stressing development of maximum underwater mobility under various operating conditions. Phase 2 is 13-days in duration and consists of equipment familiarization and diving using the closed circuit system.

And thats just to get MOSQ'ed.

So, no, not THAT much different from being a regular air traffic controller I guess. :rolleyes: Your name isn't Chan Brown by chance is it?

AC3(AW/SW)ClearedHOT

22 August 2010, 20:55

Yea I've done all of the above minus the jump and dive school but add VBSS, terminal attack control, FARP/RGR setup, Advanced CQB, usmc mixed martial arts, surface combat air control, and naval gunfire support... I know that jump school is pretty tough and im only a second class swimmer so that is a pretty sizable seperation. Thanks a bundle for the details Sharky.. very informative.. I thought our training was pretty similiar but it seems as though their mission set differs slightly, seeing as though they learn all of these advanced insertion techniques...

SOTB

22 August 2010, 21:31

....I know that jump school is pretty tough....You know this because....?

AC3(AW/SW)ClearedHOT

22 August 2010, 21:48

bm2bob

22 August 2010, 22:16

I talked to alot of guys who've gone thru it.. and I've seen enough jumps, where the shit looks wild lol. I could only imagine a HALO or HAHO jump.... when I say pretty tough, im speakin for myself, not the Tier-1 Operators out there lmao...

Dude, quit now while you're not so far behind. You are a tier nothing Sailor. The primary difference between CCT and you is that they are SOF and you are not. The only similarity is you were once an Airman and so were they. I've read your intro, all that means is you did a deployment on a Gator Freighter. Nobody is fooled. Good job being dual warfare qualified as a 3rd class, be proud of that.

Hotmike

20 July 2011, 15:25

Reload

23 August 2011, 20:00

After going through the Dive School down in PC I can tell you a few things.. All it takes is a little bit of practice. Go get your Civilian SCUBA cert somewhere. Become comfortable with the rig, get used to breathing and being in the water. Then all you have do during pool week is hold your breath until your hits over . If you can PT and that won't make you quit.. then that's all you have to worry about. Learn Dive Medicine.. Dive Physics.. and you'll be good to go. I haven't a god damn clue about Air Traffic control, but dive school can be easy if you just stay calm underwater and realize that you always have air if you need it from your safety diver #1, and #2.. you're in 12 feet of water.. in a training environment.. you aren't going to die.

Spot379th

1 September 2011, 08:29

First,

The job your in is nothing short of Honorable. Even if you feel it’s not, or if others around you feel the same. I'm not saying that you’re not going to hear a few cracks/jokes from others about what you’re doing. Hell, I still get comments from when I was in. However you learn to deal with it and you learn not to take it so personal, because usually it’s just in fun and nothing personal to begin with (Most of the time).

You’re new, and the guys before me on this thread have laid down priceless information/wisdom to you. I would hope that you will take their advice, and try and dig deep and push on with what you’re doing NOW as a MP. Down the road when you’re able to cross train, and if you still have the dream of perusing something more awarding, then go for it.

Till then try to not be so hard on yourself or so dramatic rather. It’s not the end of the world, and I can see that you’re motivated, and that’s great but instead of whining, use that motivation and grow within the service and your current title now.

So that when it comes to tackle whatever you choose to do next, you will be more level headed, and less likely to repeat the same mistakes you did the first time through selection. I wish you the best with whatever you choose, PJ/CCT/TACP, or if you find that being a Security Forces Member is really not that bad. But understand that there is more to your current field than just sitting at a dock watching a plane. Yes, this maybe the case for now, based on that you’re new and you have to start from the bottom. But you can eventually work your way into many exciting fields. Like K9, OSI, Raven, and many other awarding jobs within the Security Forces Umbrella.

Stay Safe!

You beat me to it. Security was okay but working with a four-legged partner, that was outstanding.

Of course, a handler has to be observant at all times - you can't depend on the dog to do your work too.