Airmen try Special Forces physical training standards Published May 15, 2013 By Airman Megan Friedl 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Special Forces are made up of Airmen who want to go above and beyond, and the organization is looking at Team Scott to boost their numbers. Tech Sgt. David Overton, Special Forces recruiter, answered questions about cross training into the Special Forces career field and he administered the Physical Ability and Stamina Test, or PAST, for potential recruits May 6 here. Overton, a former Navy SEAL, became an Air Force combat controller, and now as a Special Forces recruiter he seeks candidates to join the special tactics careers of Combat Control, Pararescue, Special Operations Weather, and Tactical Air Control Party. To be accepted into those career fields, recruits must meet several requirements. They must first take and meet the minimum standards of PAST--a test to determine physical ability, stamina, strength, speed and endurance. The test consists of two 25-meter underwater swims, a 500-meter surface swim, 1.5-mile run, pull-ups, sit ups and push ups in three hours. Dustin Strickland, 15th Operational Weather Squadron weather forecaster, said he took the test to measure his physical strengths and see where he needed to improve. He was one of the few who passed the test that day. Once an individual has passed the test they're highly encouraged by Overton to train intensively because passing the minimum requirements will not guarantee that applicants are physically fit to successfully undergo the training pipeline. Once selected, training varies for each career field, but can last up to three years. Some of the training requirements include Airborne school, SCUBA training and survival school. Airman 1st Class Jordan Vanderflier, 375th Contracting Squadron, wants to cross train into pararescue. "I have to spend a lot of time dedicated to training," he said. Strickland said, "If you want to pursue a career in Special Forces you should come up with a statement of why you want to do this ... one that you truly believe in. When it becomes difficult in training and you want to quit, just remember that statement you made." For more information about Special Forces visit www.afsoc.af.mil/specialtactics or contact Master Sgt. Angelique Rigsby at 256-5296.