Pararescue - 1T2X1

Published August 28, 2006

Air Force Pararescuemen, also known as PJs, are the only
DoD elite combat forces specifically organized, trained, Related Links
equipped, and postured to conduct full spectrum Personnel
Recovery (PR) to include both conventional and Air Force Recruiting
unconventional combat rescue operations. These
Battlefield Airmen are the most highly trained and
versatile Personnel Recovery specialists in the world. Pararescue is the nation's force of choice to execute the
most perilous, demanding, and extreme rescue missions anytime, anywhere across the globe. The 500+ PJs
are assigned to Guardian Angel and Special Tactics Squadrons throughout the Active Duty, Guard, and
Reserve Air Force components. They operate most often as independent teams but routinely serve alongside
with other US and Allied Special Operations Forces.

Mission
To rescue, recover, and return American or Allied forces in times of danger or extreme duress. Whether shot
down or isolated behind enemy lines; surrounded, engaged, wounded, or captured by the enemy; PJs will do
whatever required to deny the enemy a victory and bring our warriors home to fight another day. "Leave no
Airman, Marine, Soldier, or Sailor behind" is our nation's supreme promise and responsibility to our brave
war fighters. The Air Force holds true to this moral imperative. Personnel Recovery is an Air Force Core
Function; one of twelve functions the Air Force provides the nation. The PJs are the elite ground forces that
provide our nation with the capability to execute this noble responsibility.

Capabilites
To execute the PR mission, Pararescue teams assault, secure, and dominate the rescue objective area utilizing
any available DoD or Allied, air, land, or sea asset. Their qualifications and capabilities are extensive. All PJs
are qualified experts in Advanced Weapons and Small Unit Tactics, Airborne and Military Free Fall, both
High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) and High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) parachute operations,
Combat Divers, High Angle/Confined Space Rescue operations, Small Boat/Vehicle Craft utilization, Rescue
Swimmers, and Battlefield Trauma/Paramedics. All can fast rope/rappel/hoist from any vertical lift aircraft to
both land and open ocean rescue objectives. All PJs can perform both static line and HALO jump operations
utilizing boats, vehicles, or other equipment from any fixed wing aircraft. In addition, 1 in 12 personnel are
tandem jump qualified and can HALO/HAHO both equipment and non-jump personnel into the objective
area. As required, all PJs can jump in with and utilize extrication devices to remove war fighters or civilians
trapped in wreckage or collapse structures. PJs also utilize the latest subsurface technology to locate and
recover submerged equipment or personnel.

Recent History
Since 9/11 alone, these elite warriors have executed over 12,000 life saving, combat rescue missions. They've
also eliminated and captured numerous enemy combatants during the execution of these missions.
Additionally, because of their unique capabilities, they have been called upon to rescue over 5000 civilians
worldwide during catastrophic natural disasters and other responses.
Decorations
PJs are the most highly decorated Air Force enlisted force. They've been awarded one Medal of Honor, 12
Air Force Crosses, and 105 Silver Stars.

Their motto, "These Things We Do, That Others May Live," affirms Pararescue's dedication and commitment
to saving lives and self-sacrifice. As of January 2012, 10 pararescueman have been killed in action and paid
the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

PHOTO DETAILS / DOWNLOAD HI-RES

Senior Airman Eric Humphrey (left) and Staff Sgt. Andrew Rios, both 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron
pararescuemen, arrive on scene to attend to simulated casualties at a mock crash site during a training mission
in the Grand Bara Desert, Djibouti, Oct. 21, 2011. After parachuting into the drop zone, Rios' team had to
locate casualties, provide care and evacuate them to safety as a part of the scenario. (U.S. Air Force
photo/Staff Sgt. Renae Saylock)
 PHOTO DETAILS / DOWNLOAD HI-RES

A U.S. Air Force pararescueman, 58th Rescue Squadron, perpares to land during a military freefall jump Jan.
11, 2012, at Wendover Field, Utah. Pararescuemen are trained to provide emergency medical treatment in
adverse terrain and conditions in combat or peacetime. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Daniel
Hughes/Released)

PHOTO DETAILS / DOWNLOAD HI-RES

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Staff Sgt. J. Pierre Griffin observes flightline activities during training here.
The 31st Rescue Squadron trains, equips and employs combat-ready pararescuemen worldwide. They also
use any means available to provide combat and humanitarian search and rescue and medical assistance in all
environments. Sergeant Griffin is a pararescueman from the 31st RQS here. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master
Sgt. Val Gempis)