Air Force PAST Calculator . PJ, CCT, Special Warfare Screening
AIR FORCE SPECIAL WARFARE . PAST SCREENING
Air Force PAST Calculator
Score your Physical Ability and Stamina Test for Pararescue, Combat Control, Special Reconnaissance, CRO, STO, and TACP pipelines. Underwaters, 500m swim, pull-ups, sit-ups, push-ups, and 1.5-mile run.
Overall PAST Tier
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How the Air Force PAST works
The Physical Ability and Stamina Test (PAST) is the entry-level fitness screening for every Air Force Special Warfare pipeline . Pararescue (PJ), Combat Control (CCT), Special Reconnaissance (SR), Combat Rescue Officer (CRO), Special Tactics Officer (STO), and Tactical Air Control Party (TACP).
The same PAST is used across all pipelines, but selection-level fitness inside the pipelines gets substantially harder. PAST is the first filter . if you can't crush it, you don't get to fail at selection.
PAST minimum + competitive standards
| Event | Minimum | Competitive |
|---|---|---|
| 2× 25m Underwaters | Complete both | Complete smooth |
| 500m Swim | 12:30 | ≤ 10:00 |
| Pull-Ups (2 min) | 8 | 15+ |
| Sit-Ups (2 min) | 48 | 60+ |
| Push-Ups (2 min) | 40 | 70+ |
| 1.5-Mile Run | 10:20 | ≤ 9:30 |
How to train each event
Underwaters: Train in a pool 3× per week with a qualified swim coach. CO₂ tolerance drills, breath-holds, and calm underwater technique. The underwaters are psychological as much as physical . candidates fail by panicking, not by lung capacity.
500m Swim: Combat sidestroke is the pipeline preferred stroke. Drill technique more than fitness. Most candidates cut more time from form improvements than from conditioning.
Pull-Ups: Grease the groove . 30-40% of max spread across the day, every day. Weighted pull-ups twice weekly once you're past 12. Band-assisted if under 8.
Sit-Ups & Push-Ups: Daily high-volume clean reps. 300+ of each spread across sets of 25-50. Train to failure at 2 minutes weekly.
1.5-Mile Run: Zone-2 aerobic 3× per week plus one interval session (400m repeats at goal pace). Weekly tempo run. No running the easy days hard.
About this calculator
Scoring reflects current Air Force Special Warfare PAST standards (DAFMAN 36-3208). Official testing is administered by Special Warfare Recruiters, PAST administrators, and pipeline cadre. Use this to benchmark your prep and identify weak events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PAST the same for all AF Special Warfare pipelines?
Yes. PJ, CCT, SR, CRO, STO, and TACP all take the identical PAST. Selection inside each pipeline gets specialized and harder, but the entry test is uniform.
What happens if I fail the underwaters?
The underwaters are pass/fail. Breaking surface on either 25m lap = full PAST failure. You typically get another attempt within 30-90 days. Multiple failures reduce your competitiveness.
What score do I need to actually get through selection?
Minimum qualifies. Competitive gets you selected. Elite gets you through. Top PJ/CCT candidates enter pipeline with 8:00 swim, 20+ pull-ups, 100+ sit-ups/push-ups, sub-9:00 run.
Can women take the PAST?
Yes. All AF Special Warfare roles are open to women. PAST standards are gender-neutral.
Does PAST score carry through the pipeline?
Your PAST score is your entry ticket. Once in pipeline, you'll face much harder physical challenges . the PAST is the lowest bar. Pipeline cadre log everything.
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