Moody hosts combat rescue officer selection course

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (ACCNS) --  Individuals from different military backgrounds endured a series of mental and physical challenges during phase two of the combat rescue officer selection course held at Moody March 22 to 27.

The six-day course is designed to scale down the number of candidates before they are selected for the CRO career field training pipeline, which consists of nine courses lasting 12 to 18 months total.

"The Air Force invests a lot of time and money to train combat rescue officers," said Capt. Pat Gruber, CRO selection program manager. "The selection process ensures these individuals will have a good chance of being successful during the training pipeline."

During phase one of the process, each candidate was required to submit an in-depth application that included a board review of all applications based on medical qualifications, academic achievement and leadership abilities.

Phase two contains more of the intense portion of the selection process. For the first day of phase two, there was a physical training test made up of a three-mile run, 1,500-meter surface swim, 25-meter underwater swim and various callisthenic exercises.

Candidates who passed the PT test moved on to endure more running, swimming and six-mile rucksack marches, all of these with mental stressors.

"We're looking for candidates who can lead, communicate and solve complex problems," said Captain Gruber. "When they're on the battlefield, they need to make smart decisions quickly enough so they can get the message out to their troops.

"They're put through all types of stressful scenarios so when they are in a combat environment, they are able to survive, think and act properly in order to help save lives," he added.

Potential CRO candidates can range from U.S. Air Force Academy and Air Force ROTC cadets to servicemembers from any of the military branches.

"I really want to be a combat rescue officer," said Cadet Thomas Haney from James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va. "I love the mission and I want to help save lives. This whole week has been difficult because it tested our perseverance and determination to complete every task."

Those select individuals who pass the course are invited to join the CRO training pipeline located at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.

Individuals who were medically disqualified or not selected must return to their respective career fields or go back to school. However, some not selected are given another invitation to try out again during the next phase two selection course.

This year, 34 candidates began the course, but only 11 were chosen to attend the training pipeline.

"Someone's life is in the hands of the combat rescue officers," said Captain Gruber. "He must be physically and mentally capable of taking care of his own life as well as the lives of others."