Physical Ability and Stamina Test (PAST)

This test will be conducted in a 3-hour time frame and in the order listed below. This test is comprised of 7 events, and there is one go/no-go event and six point-scaled events. The candidate must receive a combined total of 270 points for the six events.

NOTE: The PAST requirements are designed to test for a minimum fitness level necessary to insure safety. Candidates should train, throughout their cross-training application process, to exceed these minimums in order to enhance their chances of success in the overall training process.

1. 20 meter underwater swim: (Go/No-Go)

The 20 meter underwater swim should be demonstrated first either through actual demonstration or by use of the training video that has already been supplied to recruiting squadrons. If members surface or break the water surface during any portion of the swim, the test will be stopped and considered a failure for the entire PAST. Swimsuits and swim goggles/SCUBA mask are the only equipment items allowed. After completion of the underwater allow a 5-10 minute rest before the next event. Members should carefully stretch for the swim during this break time.

2. 500-meter surface swim: (See Point Scale)

This swim is conducted using the freestyle, breaststroke or sidestroke. Use the point system. There is no maximum time limit. The swim is continuous (non-stop). If a member stops any time during the swim, the test will be stopped and considered a failure for the entire PAST. Swimsuit and goggles/SCUBA mask are the only equipment items allowed. After completion of the swim, allow a 30-minute rest prior to the next event. Members should carefully stretch for the run during this break time.

3. 1.5-mile run: (See Point Scale)

There is no maximum time limit. PT clothes and good running shoes are the only required items. This run must be continuous (non-stop). If a member stops anytime during this run, the test will be stopped and considered a failure for the entire PAST. Members will be given a 10-minute break prior to the next event. Test should be conducted on a measured running track.

4. Calisthenics:

Four calisthenics exercises are evaluated, each with specific time parameters and specific exercise form mechanics. All members will exercise to either muscle failure or time completion, whichever occurs first. The intent here is to have members do as many "good form" repetitions in the time allotted or when muscle failure is reached. NOTE: in performing all calisthenics, the exercise's proper form must be followed. Deviation from the form to allow extra repetitions will be to the member's disadvantage. Allow a 3-minute break between each calisthenics exercise.

5. Chin-ups/Pull-ups (1 minute): (See Point Scale)

There are no minimum repetitions required. Chin-ups/Pull-ups are a two-count exercise. Starting position is hanging from a bar, palms facing the candidate, or away from the candidate, with no bend in elbows. Hand spread is approximately shoulder width. Count one; pull the body up until the Adam's apple clears the top of the bar. Count two; return to starting position. Legs are allowed to bend, but must not be kicked or manipulated to aid upward movement. If the candidate falls off, stops, or releases the bar, the exercise is terminated. Candidate will exercise to muscle failure or time completion.

6. Flutter-Kicks (2 minutes): (See Point Scale)

There are no minimum repetitions required. Flutter-Kicks are a four-count exercise. Starting position is laying flat on back with the feet and head approximately 6 inches off the ground. Hands are under the buttocks with fists clenched to support the lower back. Count one; raise the left leg off the ground to approximately a 45-degree angle, keeping the right leg stationary. Count two; raise the right leg off the ground to approximately a 45-degree angle, moving the left leg to the starting position. Counts three and four are repeats of the same movements. Legs must be locked, with the toes pointing away from the body. If the member rests his legs on the ground, or stops the exercise movement to rest, the exercise is terminated. Member will exercise to muscle failure or time completion.

7. Push-ups (2 minutes): (See Point Scale)

There are no minimum repetitions required. Push-ups are a two-count exercise. Starting position is hands shoulder width apart with arms straight and directly below the chest on the ground; the legs are extended, and the back and legs remain straight. Count one; lower the chest until the elbows are bent at a 90-degree or lower angle. Count two; return to the starting position. The only authorized rest position is the starting position. If the knees touch the ground the exercise is terminated. The member will not raise his buttocks in the air, sag his middle to the ground, or raise any hand or foot from their starting position. If a hand or foot is raised, the exercise is terminated. Member will exercise to muscle failure or time completion.

 8. Sit-ups (2 minutes): (See Point Scale)

There are no minimum repetitions required. Sit-ups are a two-count exercise. Starting position is back flat on the ground, fingers interlocked behind the head, head off the mat, and knees bent at approximately a 90-degree angle. Another individual only holds the feet during the exercise. Count one; sit up so that the shoulders are directly above the hip/pelvis area or 90 degrees to floor. Count two; return to the starting position. There is no authorized rest position for this exercise. If the member rests, the exercise is terminated. If the member's buttocks rise from the ground or his fingers are not interlocked behind his head during the repetition, the repetition is not counted. Member will exercise to muscle failure or time completion.

 

POINTS SCALE FOR CCT PAST Note: A combined total of 270 points and completion the 20 meter underwater is required to successfully pass the PAST
SWIM		RUN		CHIN UPS		CALISTENICS Note: Points are awarded for each area
500m Time	Points	1 ½ mile Time	Points	Chin ups Repetitions	Points	Sit Ups Repetitions	Push Ups Repetitions	Flutter Kicks Repetitions	Points
16:01 or higher	10	14:01 or higher	10	1	3	1-5	1-5	1-5	3
15:41-16:00	20	13:01-14:00	20	2	5	6-10	6-10	6-10	4
15:21-16:40	40	12:21-13:00	30	3	7	11-15	11-15	11-15	5
15:01-15:20	60	12:11-12:20	40	4	10	16-20	16-20	16-20	8
14:41-15:00	70	12:01-12:10	50	5	15	21-25	21-25	21-25	11
14:21-14:40	75	11:51-12:00	60	6	20	26-30	26-30	26-30	14
14:01-14:20	80	11:41-11:50	70	7	23	31-35	31-35	31-35	17
13:41-14:00	85	11:31-11:40	75	8	25	36-40	36-40	36-40	20
13:21-13:40	90	11:21-11:30	80	9	26	41-45	41-45	41-45	23
13:01-13:20	95	11:11-11:20	85	10	27	46-50	46-50	46-50	25
12:01-13:00	100	11:01-11:10	90	11	28	51-55	51-55	51-55	26
11:01-12:00	103	10:51-11:00	95	12	29	56-60	56-60	56-60	27
11:00 or below	105	10:31-10:50	100	13 or more	30	61-65	61-65	61-65	28
		10:11-10:30	103			66-70	66-70	66-70	29
		10:10 or below	105			71 or more	71 or more	71 or more	30

Combat Control Pipeline
~ 35 weeks, various locations

With a  mission to deploy, undetected, into combat and hostile environments to establish assault zones or airfields, while simultaneously conducting air traffic control, fire support, command and control, direct action, counter-terrorism, foreign internal defense, humanitarian assistance and special reconnaissance in the joint arena, combat controllers are among the most highly trained personnel in the U.S. military. The "Pipeline" is the first leg of the candidates journey to becoming a a full-fledged member of the special operations community and is required to earn them the right to wear the scarlet beret.

Combat Control Orientation Course
2 weeks, Lackland Air Force Base, TX

This two-week orientation course focuses on sports physiology, nutrition, basic exercises, CCT history and fundamentals. 

Combat Control Operator Course
15.5 weeks, Keesler AFB, MS

This course teaches aircraft recognition and performance, air navigation aids, weather, airport traffic control, flight assistance service, communication procedures, conventional approach control, radar procedures and air traffic rules. This is the same course that all Air Force air traffic controllers attend and is the heart of a combat controller's job.

U.S. Army Airborne School
3 weeks, Fort Benning, GA

This three-week course teaches basic parachuting skills required to infiltrate an objective area by static line airdrop.

U.S. Air Force Basic Survival School
2.5 weeks, Fairchild AFB, WA

This course teaches basic survival techniques for remote areas. This includes instruction of techniques in survival, evasion and escape.

Combat Control School
13.5 weeks, Pope AFB, NC

This is the final CCT qualification. Training includes physical training, small unit tactics, land navigation, communications, assault zones, demolitions, fire support and field operations including parachuting. At the completion of this course the graduate is awarded the scarlet beret and flash.

Special Tactics Advanced Skills Training (AST):
~ 12 months, Hurlburt Field, FL

Advanced Skills Training (AST) is a program designed to afford the most opportune training for newly assigned Special Tactics operators. AST also provides STS operators the ability to become mission ready prior to joining individual STS teams.  This course will test the trainee’s personal limits through demanding mental and physical training. You will only succeed by giving 100% at each and every training event.  The training schedule is broken down into four phases of training; these phases are designed to provide each student with the necessary skills to advance to the next phase of AST. Upon completion of the various phases and service schools included in the training, the AST produces mission-ready special tactics operators for the US Air Force and US Special Operations Command. 

In addition to the training you receive at AST, you will attend the service schools listed at the bottom of the page.

The four phases are:

Phase I - Water
Duration: 90 Days

The mission of the water phase is to prepare Special Tactics operators for the Combat Diver Course and prepare operators for continued stress induced waterborne operations through their career. During this phase you will participate in extensive physical conditioning with emphasis on swimming, running, and calisthenics. This phase will help prepare you for the rigors of training and the demands of this career-field. The first two weeks of this phase will involve base and squadron in-processing. Academic training accomplished in this phase includes dive physics, decompression dives, dive tables, dangerous marine life and terminology. Completion of Pre-SCUBA is your "ticket" to attend SCUBA School and earn your SCUBA badge. At the Combat Diver Course you will become a combat diver and learn to use SCUBA to infiltrate areas surrounded by water undetected. This course provides training to depths of 130 ft, stressing dive physics and development of maximum underwater mobility.

Phase II - Ground
Duration: 90 Days

This phase is conducted at Hurlburt Field, FL and Fort Bragg, NC as well as other locations. Ground phase will teach various skills that are essential for a Combat Controller to know. You will accomplish the majority of Career Field Training Program objectives in this phase to include: command and control, Air Traffic Control, fixed and rotary wing call for fire (CFF) training, portable and vehicular communications, and demolitions. Additionally, you will become familiar with survey techniques including: AUTOCAD and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). You will become well versed in assault zone procedures, including actual Drop Zone (DZ) and Landing Zone (LZ) assault training missions at various locations around the continental US.

Phase III - Employment
Duration: 90 Days

This phase is conducted at Hurlburt Field, FL. Students will be exposed to various methods of employment that Special Tactics operators use to include: Static line and Military Free Fall airborne operations. Alternate Insertion/ Extraction methods with helicopters to include fastrope, rappel, rope ladder, and hoist operations. During this phase students also learn military dive operations that include compass and search dive procedures. Small boat operations include preparation for employment, capsize drills, intercostals, riverine, navigation. Small unit tactics skills are sharpened with weapons, dismounted patrols, and tactical vehicle operations. As in the other two previous phases of instruction, PT will consist of full battle dress uniform, LBE, weapon, swimming, running, rucking, trail runs, and obstacle course.

Phase IV - Mission Qualification Training
Duration: 70 Days

At MQT, students learn the skills encompassing mission planning that includes various types of orders, planning considerations, ST Intel support capabilities, and use of mission planning software. They will use this planning process during every Full Mission Profile (FMP). Students develop recall procedures and assume an alert posture with a 30 minute response time. Students will travel to Sandrock, AL, where they learn military mountaineering techniques to include: basic securing/hauling systems, stokes litter, single man pick-offs, rappelling, bouldering and rock climbing skills. Students also receive classes on the history, purpose and detailed planning consideration required to successfully execute a full blown airfield seizure. They learn how to build bike-bundle packages and conduct a day Jump Clearing Team operation. A night airfield seizure FMP is conducted with 5-8 fixed and rotary wing aircraft at OLF Choctaw, FL or Tonopah Test Range, NV, followed by a detailed aircrew/instructor debrief.