What is a CRO?

          When most children are asked what they want to be when they grow up, very few would say an officer part of US Special Forces. I am part of that few, as my dream job since I was young was to one day become a Combat Rescue Officer in the US Air Force. But some people may ask, what is a CRO? Dictionary definition: Officers in charge of conducting USAF personnel recovery and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operations. In layman's terms, they rescue downed pilots or other personnel in need of extraction.  It is a career field I have been very passionate about for years now, and have been training endlessly for. During the indoctrination phase (sort-of like their own boot camp), the trainees undergo training that mimics Navy SEAL training. Despite always being overlooked and living in the shadow of SEALs due to the media's portrayal, Pararescue men are just as tough and just as badass, with medical certification, something SEALs do not get. In the rest of these blogs, I will post updates of my training and any news that pertains to it.