Fact Sheet: SERE Specialist Volunteer

Congratulations on your decision to volunteer for the Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and
Escape (SERE) Specialist career field. This document is provided to ensure that your
decision to volunteer for SERE Specialist duties is as well-informed as possible. Your
signature on this document acknowledges that you have discussed each topic with your
recruiter and understand each statement.

1. I have thoroughly reviewed the SERE Specialist recruiting web site: gosere.com and
acknowledge that it is highly recommended that I make contact with the SERE Specialist
Orientation cadre by either emailing them at sereic@lackland.af.mil or calling 210-671-
3881.

2. I have met the standards of the SERE Physical Aptitude and Stamina Test (PAST) and
will continue to maintain the standard.

3. I will re-accomplish the SERE PAST during week two of basic military training to
ensure I’m physically fit for SERE Specialist Orientation.

4. Immediately following basic military training, I will attend SERE Specialist

Orientation. The purpose of the SERE Specialist Orientation is to introduce me to the
SERE Specialist career field and assess my potential for success as a SERE Specialist.
SERE Specialist Orientation lasts ten days and is conducted on Lackland AFB, Texas and
in a remote field training location. SERE Specialist Orientation includes: physical
training, backpacking, basic public speaking, outdoor living skills, fire building, shelter
building, food and water procurement and preparation, and improvising.

5. I understand that 50% of the people who start the SERE Specialist Orientation do not
become SERE Specialists and are re-classified to another Air Force Specialty.

6. Following the SERE Specialist Orientation, successful candidates are assigned to the
SERE School at Fairchild AFB, Washington for SERE Specialist Training. Prior to
SERE Specialist Training, I will complete the Air Force’s basic SERE and water survival
courses (also at Fairchild AFB) for 20 days. SERE Specialist Training is a five and one-
half month course; classes begin each January and July. Because six SERE Specialist
Orientations feed each SERE Specialist Training class, I may be required to await
training at Fairchild AFB. During this time I will work on basic SERE Specialist skills in
preparation for SERE Specialist Training. SERE Specialist Training is conducted on
base and in remote field training locations in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.
 Fact Sheet: SERE Specialist Volunteer

7. I understand that 25-40% of the people who start SERE Specialist Training do not
become SERE Specialists. Those who do not qualify are re-classified to another Air
Force Specialty. Those who self-eliminate during SERE Specialist Training are either re-
classified into the first available job, regardless of personal desire, or are separated from
the Air Force.

8. I understand that during SERE Specialist training and throughout a SERE Specialist’s
career, duties are conducted outdoors in remote locations regardless of weather
conditions. During SERE Specialist Training I will be in the elements, in remote field
training locations, for up to 11 continuous days.

9. I understand that basic SERE Specialist duties involve teaching SERE tactics,
techniques, and procedures to other military members.

10. I understand that SERE Specialist duties will require me to be responsible for others’
learning and safety in challenging conditions. Besides knowledge and skills associated
with SERE Specialist duties, I will be expected to display and learn responsibility,
attention to detail, communication skills, leadership, and a willingness to persevere.

11. Following SERE Specialist Training, I will be assigned to the SERE School at
Fairchild AFB for two to three years to teach in the basic Air Force SERE courses and
hone my skills before transitioning to duty stations throughout the world. I may,
however, like any Air Force member, be required to deploy to a combat zone during this
period of my career.

12. I will be expected to perform military parachutist duties.

13. I understand that primary SERE Specialist duties do not include direct combat but
SERE Specialists do deploy to combat zones throughout the world.

Again, congratulations on your decision to volunteer for the SERE Specialist career field.
It will be a challenge like you’ve never experienced but the rewards will be great!
We look forward to you joining us to ensure America’s warfighters “Return with Honor.”

SERE Specialist Candidate Signature/Date:____________________________

Recruiter Signature/Date:___________________________________________
Fact Sheet: SERE Specialist Volunteer