445th AES reservist selected to join pararescue

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Robert Nelson
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Staff Sgt. Eddie Mulkey, 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, was selected to join the ranks of the elite USAF Pararescuemen. He'll be assigned to the 920th Rescue Wing and has a projected Pararescue Indoctrination school date sometime in January 2011.

On Aug. 30, 2010, Sergeant Mulkey, along with 15 other candidates, began their final selection phase at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. The 16 applicants consisted of Army, Marines, Air Force, and non-prior service members.

The 920th Rescue Wing wanted to narrow down the applicant field by testing their endurance through physical challenges that lasted a week. The week of physical activities involved ruck-sack marches around Patrick AFB, push-ups and sit-ups with and without a giant log, running, and water confidence. Although these exercises may seem somewhat normal, the PJs do not do things the easy way. During these exercises the PJs would come by each applicant and spray them with water along with other distracting techniques. They were testing the applicants to find the mentally and physically toughest.

During the training, Sergeant Mulkey reflected back on what he went through and his emotions.

"I could quit on Monday because it was the first day. I couldn't quit on Wednesday because the week was half way over. I couldn't quit on Thursday because I only had one day left. And I sure couldn't quit on Friday. The only day I was worried about was Tuesday," Sergeant Mulkey said.

Sergeant Mulkey said the training was grueling and that after the first day concluded, only 10 of 16 remained. After the second day, only eight remained.

On the final day only six remained. They were required to complete and pass the Air Force Special Operations Command Physical Ability Stamina Test. Only three of the six passed the test. Sergeant Mulkey was one of the three who passed and then he was interviewed by a panel of PJs. He was bombarded with questions about his reasons for joining the PJs, what kind of skills he can bring to the table, and will he be ready for what is to come.

"I trained hard going into this; it was worth every bit of sweat. You could tell who was ready and who was flying by the seat of their pants," Sergeant Mulkey said.