Opportunity to learn, experience Special Tactics career field July 16

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. C. Michaela Walrond
  • 66 ABW Public Affairs
Hanscom AFB --  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 Hanscom, and individuals itching to find out what a day in the life of a ST operator is like, will soon have their chance. 

For individuals wanting to learn more about this career field, the 360th Recruiting Group will be conducting a Physical Ability Stamina Test July 16 at 9 a.m. at the Base Pool for Hanscom personnel interested in participating. 

"Males holding a qualifying medical physical with no restrictions, which have or are able to obtain a Secret clearance, have 12 years or less of time in service, and receive permission from their supervisor, are eligible to take the test," said Master Sgt. Larry Stewart, 360th Recruiting Group. 

Sergeant Stewart 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 Stewart. 

"The test is an awareness thing. For individuals interested in special tactics, or even those who are not, they can come out and take the test and see what the personnel go through on a day to day basis," he said. 

"Prior to the test we'll be providing a briefing to go over 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, at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., and who is currently acting as an augmentee for the 360th Recruiting Group at Hanscom. 

The test is broken down into seven parts, Sergeant Fink said, to include two 20 meter underwater swims, a 500 meter surface swim, a 1.5 mile run, 1 minute of chin ups, 2 minutes of sit ups, 2 minutes of push ups and 2 minutes of flutter kicks, to be administered in that order. 

"During the PAST test participants will be allotted a specific rest period between each event," Sergeant Stewart said. 

Sergeant Stewart 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 Stewart 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, or to sign up to take the test, contact Master Sgt. Larry Stewart at (781) 377-0509 by July 12. Those interested in attending need to bring appropriate swimming attire, running shoes and Air Force Physical Fitness gear. Goggles are authorized but not mandatory to bring.