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A Delayed Enlistment Program member swims the timed distance portion of the Physical Ability and Stamina test July 12, 2017, at the YMCA pool in Dover, Del. There are six Air Force Specialty Codes within Air Force Special Operations and each has specific swim tests that must be completed for acceptance into that job field. (U.S. Air Force photo by Mauricio Campino)

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Tech. Sgt. David Cloninger, 314th Air Force Recruiting Squadron, keeps time during the running portion of the Physical Ability and Stamina test July 12, 2017, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. Although some portions of the test are scored by the number of repetitions completed each portion of the test also has a time limit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Mauricio Campino)

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Ryan Brodton, U.S. Air Force special operations veteran, coaches Delayed Enlistment Program members through the pull-up portion of the Physical Ability and Stamina test July 12, 2017, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. Brodton currently works for T3i, a company that helps develop potential Air Force special operations candidates. (U.S. Air Force photo by Mauricio Campino)

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Tech. Sgt. David Cloninger, 314th Air Force Recruiting Squadron, monitors the pull-up portion of the Physical Ability and Stamina test July 12, 2017, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. Exercises that are not performed according to the strict guidelines are not counted for score. (U.S. Air Force photo by Mauricio Campino)

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A Delayed Enlistment Program member completes his final push-up of the Physical Ability and Stamina test July 12, 2017, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. DEP members who pass the test are accepted into special operations training once they complete Air Force basic training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Mauricio Campino)

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Delayed Enlistment Program members complete the sit-up portion of the Physical Ability and Stamina test July 12, 2017, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. DEP members waiting to ship out to Air Force basic training will meet about once a week to help improve physical fitness and nutrition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Mauricio Campino)

Passing the PAS

Published July 18, 2017
By Mauricio Campino

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Dover Air Force Base, Delaware hosted recruiters from the 314th Air Force Recruiting Squadron and Delayed Enlistment Program members attempting the Physical Ability and Stamina test for acceptance into the U.S. Air Force Special Operations July 12, 2017. The Air Force Specialty Codes that make up special operations are:

Pararescue
Survival Evasion Resistance Escape Specialist
Combat Control
Tactical Air Control Party
Special Operations Weather Team
Explosive Ordnance Disposal

Candidates who successfully complete the PAS move straight to those tech schools after completing Air Force basic training.

Ryan Brodton, U.S. Air Force veteran with 10 years of service as a Combat Controller in Air Force Special Tactics, was present to help motivate the DEP members during testing and coach them on proper form and technique. Brodton currently works for T3i, a company that helps develop potential Air Force special operations candidates.

“We never had this in the past when I was going through…I didn’t know what to expect,” said Brodton.

The testing started out at the Dover YMCA pool where the DEP members attempted various swim tests including a 500 meter timed freestyle swim. To be accepted into special operations, each of the six job fields has a specific swim test that must be completed. “I would say the biggest challenge is the water portion. It’s a little bit harder to prepare for,” said Brodton.

The group then headed over to Dover AFB in 95 degree heat to finish the test which consists of pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups and the 1.5 mile run. Testing is closely monitored and the rules allow only short, timed breaks between the different events. The test also has very specific rules on how to perform the exercises. Any repetitions not performed correctly will not be counted for score.

Brodton met with potential Air Force special operations candidates about once a week to help them prepare for the PAS test. He will continue to meet with them even after they passed to help them physically improve until they ship off to Air Force basic training and eventually to special operations training. “We’re not making things easier, we’re just training smarter,” said Brodton.