Question about Airforce SAR and SEER folks

// | Dead Dog

[Dead Dog]

I've got a fiend of a friend who is claiming to be AF Spec. Forces. He claims to be some sort of SAR troop, who has just returned form 'stanland with a taliban bullet wound in his butt.

I'm calling this as BS for a number of reasons. But wanted to make sure. The dude has two years in, and says he now trains survival skills to pilots, (S.E.E.R) would be my guess.

How long does it take to train for any Spec Ops force? Any chance that one has even receieved a flesh wound without being a media poster child? And, what is the MOS used to instruct SEER?

I appreciate all your (non-classified only) input.

Dead Dog

[mystery-ak]

What's his rank?.....only 2 years in and already an instructor...Im doubting?

[Dead Dog]

Staff Srgt. or similar.

[Wu]

Sounds like BS to me. SERE Instructors are not taken from the rookie ranks.

[boomop1]

Sounds like a bit of ego inflation, he could be attached to survival school duty teaching some survival techniques, who knows.

[Tijeras_Slim]

The PJ (parajumpers - rescue downed pilots) train here ar Kirtland AFB in N.M. That might be of use. Since we heard of just about every hangnail that occured to our forces, I find it strange that a gunshot wound hasn't been reported. Perhaps a "quickdraw" contest with the TV?

[Dead Dog]

I suspect he's quickdrawing something. But a sprained wrist would be the only probable injury.

[Salgak]

If he's been in only 2 years, he is NOT a Staff Sergeant. . . SSgts are typically 5-10 year vets in the USAF, or were, back when I was in. . .

OTOH, my instructors in Survival School were Airmen First Class, 2-year types. . . .

[Duke809]

Not positive but I believe PJ training takes 1 1/2 to 2 years. If he says AF Spec Ops, then he would have to be on a Combat Control Team. I think he's a sidewalk commando, personally.

[Cadstuff]

Reminds me of a two-striper in my barracks back in 1974. Was actually a qualified heart surgeon and was only in the AF as a carpenter because he liked the work. Or was he an undercover CIA operative, I think it depended on the day of the week.

[WindMinstrel]

in the Army SERE teachers cover a wide array of disciplines: traditional SF people, interrogators, MP-types, etc.

[Blacksmith]

SAR is Air Force for "Search and Recovery". Each base has an SAR tean for recovering bodies from downed planes. It is normally done in addition to any regular job they may have in the Air Force. A SSgt in two years-NO WAY unless he had prior service in the AF or another branch. One is lucky to make Sgt in 6 years in the AF.

[mystery-ak]

I agree...no way he is a SSgt in two years....if he has a bullet wound he should have received a Purple Heart...ask to see it!

[Tennessee_Bob]

Staff Srgt. or similar

That's his rank and he's only been in for two years? Sorry, your friend is full of sh!t. I made Staff after testing the second time, and put it on just short of six years active duty.

If he's saying he's SAR (Search and Rescue) or a PJ, do me a favor and ask him which unit he's with. Freepmail me or post the answer here, and I'll be happy to let you know if he's telling the truth.

I worked with the 66th ARS several times as a volunteer (played a shot down pilot), and have a lot of respect for those guys. My former First Shirt, Chief Salome (rest in peace, Chief) was a PJ, and if some guy is banking on their image to improve his own self image....well, that's chickensh!t.

[Tennessee_Bob]

Here's a website where you can get answers to all your questions:

USAF Pararescue Page.

If this guy is faking it, these are the folks to talk to.

[piasa]

I don't know about AF- all I know is Navy and not much of that, and the only folks I know there were in longer than two years before they got in the SERE program. Try these guys...

SIT-REP forum

or ask this guy, he was a SERE instructor in the Navy:

Mel

[Squantos]

Give me his name and 48 hours........My brother is an active duty PJ, he'll know if the individual is valid or not. CCT and or PJ's are pretty much in the pipeline for almost 2 years of training BTW.

Stay Safe !

[Squantos]

Sorry forgot to ping ya to post # 17......

Stay Safe and thanks for the link !

[Dead Dog]

I'll get his name this afternoon.

Personally, I think he's trying to score babes. I'm just getting my ducks in a row before I deal with him.

[Dead Dog]

I'll have it by this afternoon.