Prepare for the Drop

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College before Pararescue? Jul 22, 2026

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Paul spent 7 years racing mountain bikes professionally on the World Cup circuit. Now he's walking away to become a Combat Rescue Officer. In this episode we tackle the decision every PJ and CRO candidate faces: finish your degree first, or enlist now and let the Air Force pay for it.
I break down the key route no one typically knows about. That you can knock out your bachelor's (and even your master's) while you're on the teams, how programs like IPAP paid for me to become a PA, and why front-loading your life in your 20s pays off for decades.
We also cover:
- The PJ to CRO transition and how it works
- What deployment life really looks like (mission tempo, downtime, training)
- The degree programs the military will fund — IPAP, nursing, medical school
- Why the enlistment age went up and what that means if you think you're "too old"
- The mindset shift from competing against others to competing against yourself

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The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this show belong solely to Brian Silva and his guests and do not represent the views, thoughts, or opinions of the DoD. The content here is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. The use of information or materials linked from this show or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychologist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment.

You Only Fail IF You Quit Aug 14, 2024

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Today we are talking with Jordan who is a candidate in his late 30s and He has been through multiple unit specific selection events and was selected after multiple attempts but unforeseeable circumstances he had to give up his spot.
Now he is looking to come back in again and give it another shot. Through this conversation he discusses all of the challenges and tests he had to go through in order to be selected as well as the key traits the units were looking for in selecting a member to their team.
Not only does he discuss key selection criteria from the cadre perspective, but also the feedback his team gave to him during the process. An important and often overlooked aspect of selection is the peer review process. What happens at selection does NOT stay at selection and will likely follow you through your career. Make sure you are putting your best foot forward.
This episode is great for any candidate to listen to what got him selected but especially for those who are looking to go into a guard or reserve team as an older candidate. In addition we will discuss three key traits of what makes a person a good candidate in special operations.

To use your degree or not May 28, 2024

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Brett, is an outdoor and hockey enthusiast with a degree in biochem, who is trying to decide between going Combat Rescue Officer or Pararescue (enlisted). There is certainly pressure from everyone around him and from himself to join as an officer due to his degree. He is looking for a little more clarification on what each job entails before he makes his decision. This is an individual who is extremely driven as evidenced by his previous accomplishments.
The choices between the more hands on job of a Pararescueman and the strategic command of a Combat Rescue Officer is one that I have discussed many times with people throughout the many consultations I have done. The biggest factors we talk about are family, what you want to be doing in 10 years, and if there are any specific financial obligations that need to be covered. As we dissect the complexities of rank progression and pay scales, we reveal the surprising prevalence of college graduates in special operations, debunking myths and uncovering the synergy between academic discipline and elite military achievement.
As you listen to the episode I want you to remember it is your responsibility to make the best decision possible for yourself and your current or future family. You are the only one who has to walk down the path. No one will ever care about your dreams as much as you do, figure out what you want and make the decision, it doesn't get easier when you get older.

Welcome to Prepare for the Drop! Mar 04, 2024

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Brian Silva has spent the last 10 years of his life helping thousands of candidates prepare for Air Force Special Warfare. On the Prepare for the Drop show, Special Warfare candidates ask Brian questions about Special Warfare, Selection, workout routines, military life, and much more. Brian uses his expertise as a Pararescueman, Selection Instructor Supervisor, Physician Associate, and Human Performance/Strength and Conditioning Coach to give candidates direct answers, mentorship, and inspiration.

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