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