Wing members learn about PJ career field

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Louis Vega Jr.
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, ARIZ. --  Members from the 944th Fighter Wing Medical Squadron were offered a rare chance to hear about the Air Forces elite pararescuemen, also known as PJs, in a recruitment effort here October 19.

Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Tellsworth, 306th Rescue Squadron (Air Force Reserve) chief enlistment manager, at Davis Monthan Air Force Base shared some of his experiences from his 21 years as a pararescueman.

After telling the group stories about the type of missions PJs participate in, the extensive training they go through, and the selection process, Tellsworth opened the forum up to any questions the group might have. The 944 MDS responded with a barrage of queries about the career field.

"The audience was very receptive and had a lot of good questions," said Tellsworth. "Hopefully they learned something about a career field they probably didn't know very much about before."

 Lt. Col. Chris Lyons, 944th Medical Squadron deputy chief nurse, organized the event.  "Some unit members know that I have a brother who served 24 years as a PJ and wanted to learn more." 

"My brother Michael Miles retired as a PJ in 1990" said Lyons. "He was with the 302nd Rescue Squadron here at Luke Air Force Base from 1967 to 1972 until the PJ unit moved to Selfridge, Michigan. It was because of him that we got Chief Tellsworth to come speak to our group.

"Chief Tellsworth did an excellent job," continued Lyons. "I know of at least three of our medical technicians who are seriously considering exploring the career field."

Air Force PJs are the only Department of Defense elite combat forces specifically organized, trained, equipped, and postured to conduct full spectrum Personnel Recovery (PR) to include both conventional and unconventional combat rescue operations.

These Battlefield Airmen are the most highly trained and versatile PR 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.

There are over 500 PJs 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.

"Do your homework and research on what this career field is all about and ensure your physical fitness is where it needs to be," Tellsworth advised those who were interested in the career field.

The mission of the 306th Rescue Squadron is to rescue or recover injured or isolated personnel, recover sensitive material, and reintegrate/return isolated personnel to duty.