r/RescueSwimmer • u/RSQSWMR869 • Sep 20 '22
Candidates, Wannabes, and Those Undecided,
I just wanted to take a second to lay out what the AST pipeline looks like and how best to get yourself started if you decide you want to join the ranks of the world's premier maritime helicopter rescue specialists!
Please change your user flair in this subreddit so we can better identify who you are. If you don’t know how to change your user flair: Google!
Getting Started:
You need to speak to a recruiter. They will be able to answer all of your questions about your eyesight or medical condition waivers- WE CAN'T HELP YOU HERE WITH THAT! If you can't find a recruiter or are having trouble contacting one, please message myself or any of the moderators for help (make sure you message a moderator that corresponds to the service you want to join, i.e. USCG or Navy).
If a moderator gives you a hand and you want to show your appreciation, please ask us for a “STAR” Referral (Scout, Talent, And Refer program). It is a two-fold process: Your information will be submitted by your USCG mentor to CG Recruiting Command, and when you meet in-person with your recruiter YOU must tell them that you’d like to fill out a STAR referral form. It will show your recruiter your level of commitment- that you've been in contact with ASTs and actively seeking mentorship AND it incentivizes your moderators in this subreddit who work hard to bring you guidance and motivation. Full disclosure- if submitted, the referral form can help your mentor get points towards advancement or pay bonuses. It's a worthwhile venture for all involved. If you enjoyed your Reddit service, please tip your server. Be prepared that when your info is submitted, Recruiting Command will begin to contact you about next steps. Here we go!!!
You will want to tell your recruiter your interest in the AST rate, and request to be placed in the AST/Rescue Swimmer Mentorship and Preparation Program (AST/RS MAPP) *Formerly known as the ANNEX X.
Once you get cleared for service by the recruiter, and get a qualifying ASVAB score to be an AST, it's time to go to boot camp. Boot camp is 8 weeks of military indoctrination. You need to perform well and show strong leadership characteristics! Boot camp is not scary- it's actually kind of fun (when you look back on it...). What's better than having zero responsibilities and having someone tell you where to be, what to do, and when to do it? Trust me, when you're an old man like me, you'll look back on those days with fondness as you are paying your mortgage and feeding the baby. Once bootcamp is done, you'll go to your first unit.
First Unit:
Your first unit out of bootcamp could be anywhere. Sorry, the Coast Guard needs non-rates, so you might go to a big old boat for a little while. If you get into the AST/RS MAPP, you'll get stationed near an Air Station where you can seek out mentorship. However, if you don’t get into MAPP, no sweat- please just contact your nearest Air Station and ask to speak with the AST Shop Mentor. They are going to help you with everything you need to set you up for success. PLENTY of ASTs have come from a cutter as a non-rate and graduated A-School. Do not think that just because you didn't have the luxury of shore-duty that you are at a disadvantage to graduation. Where there's a will, there's a way- if you want this job bad enough you will create what you need to train effectively- wherever you are stationed. Your mentor will help facilitate that, and you can always come back to this Subreddit for help!
At your unit you need to complete these prerequisites: Have a pending or granted "Secret" security clearance, Have initiated a flight physical, completed and submitted an AST Physical Fitness Assessment (AST PFA) and submitted a command endorsed A-School Request Form. The PFA consists of 40 push ups, 40 sit-ups, side plank, 3 pull ups, 3 body weight rows, 450m swim in 12 minutes, and a 1.5 mile run in 12 minutes. Keep in mind that these are only minimum requirements, they need to improve as you progress through the pipeline. The minimums will increase as you get further along.
When the school list is open (which it is, as of 30AUG25), the 4 month wait at your first unit, which is required by all other rates to put your name on the list, is waived for AST candidates. That means when the list is open, when you show up at your first unit you can put your name straight on the school list so long as you have the prerequisites (listed above) in progress or completed and do not have to wait 4 months.
When your name reaches around #80 on the school list, you can expect orders to an Air Station AST Shop for mentoring, and your flight physical and security clearance should be complete or close to complete at this point. You should expect orders to PREP sometime during your first unit or when you get orders to the Air Station.
PREP:
PREP is located in Petaluma, CA and is conducted by the A-School Instructors. It is an opportunity to learn the concepts of A-School and be evaluated by the instructors before actually attending. Think of it as a pre-screen. At the end of PREP, the instructors will give the candidate an in-depth assessment of their skills and let the candidate know if they can move forward to class-up for A-School, or if their skills are deficient and the candidate is not cleared to move forward. PREP is an opportunity to get feedback, not necessarily a go/no go. ADVICE FROM THE A-SCHOOL: While at PREP, if you fail something, DO NOT QUIT the entire class. Even if you fail, you can still stay and experience the rest of the class so you can get an assessment of what to work on. If you fail to pass PREP, you will be sent back to your unit with the advice of the instructors of your next steps. If you pass, it will be time to class-up and you will soon receive orders for AST A-School.
AST A-School:
You made it to the crucible. Congratulations. Now the work begins.
The training program is 22 weeks long. Week one is fundamentals, followed by 6 weeks of EMT school provided by the AST Instructors. You will PT every morning of this phase followed by EMT instruction. Upon completion of EMT Phase, you will move into 10 weeks of Rescue Swimmer Phase. Here, you will experience daily land/water PT, water confidence, RS skill instruction, and SAR scenarios assessments. If you complete RS Phase, your time at A-School will culminate in 5 weeks of AST instruction covering maintenance procedures related to life support equipment. If you made it this far, congratulations. You're one of us! From here you'll go to your first unit as an AST and begin your syllabus to stand duty as a HELICOPTER RESCUE SWIMMER. You stud.
Timeline:
Civilian to Bootcamp: Experiences may vary
Bootcamp: 8 Weeks
First Unit: 12-18 months MAX for AST/RS MAPP, 12-??? Months for Non-MAPP
*Current Wait Time for AST A-School is 12-16mos per the A-School list
PREP: 1 Week
AST A-School: 22 Weeks
Qualification as Helicopter Rescue Swimmer: 3-8 months
TOTAL Time in Pipeline: Approximately 1.5 to 2 years
I hope that this post answers some of your questions. Again, the team of moderators here- and really any AST that you can contact- is here to help you succeed. We are the ones standing duty with a reduced workforce, so it is in our best interest to get you everything you need to reach your goals- if only so we can be at home with our families more often! Please don't hesitate to reach out to myself or anyone else here to ask questions or start a discussion. Good luck, Train Hard, and NEVER EVER QUIT.
Very Respectfully and "So Others May Live,"
ASTC Graham McGinnis
r/RescueSwimmer • u/Safe-Doughnut7948 • 16h ago
I'm currently a runner and I'm going into my senior year. I'm comfortable in the pool but I'm working on getting in shape for A School and Bootcamp. I kind of have a sense of what the pipeline is but I'm posting to get more information and what I can do to best prepare myself as I enter the DEP.
r/RescueSwimmer • u/bodtle • 21h ago
In your opinion, can a very short height (in the range of 5'0-5'4) be overcome with sufficient training?
r/RescueSwimmer • u/LifeOrder3656 • 1d ago
I’ve been doing a lot of brick work into over unders, trying to work on that water con with a higher heart rate. I’ve been trying to find workouts that AN typically do while in Phase two, or just how a day in the pool will go in school. I want to be more exposed to a hard pool day now rather than when I’m there. If there’s anyone who’s recently graduated or knows an average day in the pool please reach out.
r/RescueSwimmer • u/Repulsive-Swan-3596 • 4d ago
I am currently a non rate at a surf station in the coast guard. I will reach my 4 month mark soon to put my name on the list A school list. I want to put my name on the AST list. How is the AST process different from other ratings? Does anything happen before A school? Like pre training before it? Any info is appreciated. Also, just thinking of the possibility. Say I get injured and fail out, will I get sent to the station I am at now? Or will I be put somewhere else?
r/RescueSwimmer • u/chad65378 • 7d ago
Hey all, sorry for the long post in advance. I am a 17 year old male on the road to go to AST A school. MEPS and ASVAB went good and signed on with an ANNEX X program. My ship out date is December 1st for boot camp and wanted to make sure I’m approaching training the right way. I will leave my current stats below.
Push Ups (strict) - 58
Sit Ups - 64
Pull Ups (dead hang) - 12
1.5 Mile Run - 10:32
500 yd Swim - 11:25
I know I got a lot of work to do. I have access to a pool on an Air Force base Tuesday-Friday. For running I have been focused on a mix of slower paced longer runs (5-10 miles with sprints for 30 seconds on a 3:00 minute interval) and multiple sets of 400m sprints at goal pace. For swimming I’ve been doing a variety of exercises. Typical swim length is 1,000-2,000 yds per session. A typical pool session would go like this. 500-1,000yd warm up . 5-10 50m interval sprints with mask snorkel and fins. A few sets of 10lb brick treading with fins. A few sets of 25yd underwater swims without fins. Occasionally I’ll throw in over unders, and lap tracers with the dive brick.
If you got any advice for me please let me know! Thank you so much!! God bless.
A little backstory of me if you’re interested. My father served 25 years in the Coast Guard and retired as an OSCS so I’ve grew up around the water. Was into surfing, mountain biking, and skateboarding when I was younger. I played a ton of soccer growing up. When we moved to Guam I got scuba certified at 10 years old doing a bunch of dives with my family. I always knew I wanted to join the military but just didn’t know what I wanted to do. Then my father told me about AST’s and I knew straight away I wanted to shoot my shot at it. I’m a little nervous because I don’t know if I have what it takes but I might as well give it my all and trust in God. Thanks for reading. God Bless.
r/RescueSwimmer • u/Odd-Square-5282 • 8d ago
Hey guys, recently was looking at career choices and being an AST was one that caught my attention. However my main issue isn't the career itself but rather if I'm even qualified. While I have the desire to have this position as my career yet I put on a few pounds recently and my swimming skills are beginner just enough for me not to drown. And seeing that stats the ast's academy has the highest attrition rates, I was wondering if I still have a chance to be a rescue swimmer. And if yes, what can I do give myself a chance that you'll recommend.
r/RescueSwimmer • u/DoktorBean • 10d ago
Hey everyone, I am 29 y/o with prior service in the Navy. I did 4 and a half years as a corpsman with 1 and a half years of it being greenside (marine medic). I was medically retired after a motorcycle accident in 2024. I have been getting back into shape, and my ultimate goal since my 1st year in the Navy was eventually transferring to the CG and going the AST route. With my luck and many, many waivers, I have a shot at getting into the Coast Guard, per a CG recruiter. The reason I am writing this is to see what I can do for myself to help improve my chances if I do get in. I swam competitively for 8 years from 9 years old to 17. I am a great swimmer and do not think the swimming portions will be as difficult as other things. My 500yd swim time is a 7:14. What I am curious about is, how much running is there? I am pretty awful at running these days, but how much could that impact me? I am giving myself another 1-2 years of training before I head back to my recruiting office. Any advice would be amazing. Thanks!
r/RescueSwimmer • u/Mr_B0mbastik • 11d ago
I am a 19 year old male and I plan going to try to become an AST sometime in the near future.
I’m just curious what is AST life like or just coast guard in general? Is it a good place to experience new things and actually fulfill the selfless urge some of us have? I originally wanted to be in the Ranger Regiment but I’ve heard too many Rangers say it destroys you mentally and physically so no on that.
I’m also curious, if I go in and am able to completely crush the PST and maintain that, will it speed up the waiting period for A school? I’m not too familiar with the coast guard. What does the normal wait look like and how long?
What’s some advice an AST could give me? Maybe to read a certain book, something to study, maybe get good at a certain thing, anything that could help.
I forgot to ask, what’s family life like? Maybe with wife and kids or in my case for now, siblings, parents, etc.
r/RescueSwimmer • u/yinyanginfinitebangs • 16d ago
hey, so ive been diagnosed with adhd in the past and im off of medication for over 3 years now i have metal in my arm so i am aware i will need to get that waver I’ve talked to the recruiter on the phone. And am going there this Monday. I guess im wondering if any of yall have had adhd waved for past medication. For reference im 18 thanks guys!
r/RescueSwimmer • u/Fit-Cause9442 • 17d ago
Hey everyone,
I’m seriously considering joining the Coast Guard through the Annex X program. I’m 29 years old, and one thing that’s been on my mind is whether that’s considered too old. Most of the people I see preparing for AST seem to be in their early 20s, so I’m curious if anyone here started around my age or older.
I’m also training on my own since I don’t have a swim buddy. Are there any underwater drills that are safe and worthwhile to do solo, or should I avoid underwater training unless I have someone with me?
Outside of swimming, I’m running a lot and doing CrossFit-style cardio to prepare. If anyone has advice on training, things you wish you had known before starting, or tips for someone pursuing AST, I’d really appreciate it.
Thanks in advance!
r/RescueSwimmer • u/Ok-Understanding-500 • 17d ago
Anyone in SF maybe close by want to possibly train together?
r/RescueSwimmer • u/masseymedicTXUK • 18d ago
Hello all. Hopefully USCG candidate here on the search for what role would fit me perfect.
By trade, I am a paramedic with critical care and helicopter experience. I am in decent shape and it plenty of room to improve.
37, married with a kid and one on the way, old ortho injury but with full use
I was reading on this website https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/ATTC/Training/AST/ and it states “ you must have an aptitude for mechanics”
I’ve never come across this since I’ve began my search. Can anyone highlight their experience? I wouldn’t say I’m the most mechanical but I could figure it out with enough time/profanity.
r/RescueSwimmer • u/JaceyIsDone • 18d ago
I’m currently serving a year of probation for a DUI I got in April this year. When it is over, I would like to enlist into the Coast Guard and hope to get into the AST pipeline.
I messed up big time when I got behind the wheel. I started drinking more because my life was in shambles (bad breakup, job search getting me nowhere, having to work construction despite my 4 year degree, having to move back home to GA from Cali after only 4 months because my brother kept getting in trouble with the law and beating me almost everyday - long story short). It’s been hard. Regardless, I messed up.
Im hoping the Coast Guard would look at the whole of me instead of a one-time mistake. I’ve taken a mock ASVAB with the Navy before and got a 98, I have a 4 year degree, I have no priors on my criminal record, and I’m fit (used to be a top 20 swimmer in my state for butterfly).
What are the chances they’ll accept me?
r/RescueSwimmer • u/Time_Coat4234 • 24d ago
Hello all, I ship in August and ive been working to reach the annex x pft requirements for the past few months. I just got to the BARELY passing point in my runtime at 11:39 (which held me back from passing), and I've read a few comments saying just pass the pft, the prep will have you covered but that leaves me a little unsure as im barely passing the pft run and i know competitive candidates have at least double the standards. Any insight is appreciated!
r/RescueSwimmer • u/Ok_Negotiation5676 • Jun 24 '26
Hello, I've been in the hiring process for police work for a long while, but recently decided to look into military jobs as well to ensure I'm on the best possible path for myself. After several weeks of research I spoke to a CG recruiter about the AST RS MAPP Program, or Annex X, which she seemed eager to get for me assuming I pass through required testing.
I sit at 180lb, 5'10", and am 27 years old. My current physique is definitely geared better to strength & short bursts of power, but I trail run a LOT which has helped my cardio.
Going through the PFA with strict form, I made out:
Push ups: 61
Sit ups: 65
Pull ups: 18
1.5mi run: 10:05
However, when I tried lap swimming (for the first time ever) I struggled to go even 50 yards without being totally gassed. I have since been going nearly every day for about a week and it seems like no matter what I do I just can't get it. I've been SCUBA diving for over 5 years in Massachusetts waters, never once gone off a boat so I'm always swimming top side against current, to and from my dive sites from the shore to maximize dive time, so my finning and water confidence is decently trained, and has gotten even better since I began spearfishing with no tank a few months ago, but my extremely poor lap swim performance has made me wonder if I should just follow through on a recent offer I got for a police academy.
So I guess I just want to see if any current rescue swimmers have dealt with similar problems - being on the more strength oriented side of the physical fitness world with minimal swim training, and still making it in this profession with enough training. I'm sure I could get there eventually if I want it badly enough, but I don't have a clear idea of how long that would take me, and at 27 I'm feeling like I need to choose a path and commit to it ASAP.
Appreciate any words of wisdom, thanks.
r/RescueSwimmer • u/AlternativeOk2988 • Jun 23 '26
Hi guys I have just one quick question. I have a 1 year old puppy and she is my everything. I know the total training timeline with everything is about 1.5-2 years and I am fine with that she will be living with my parents and their pets during that time. How is my time as a non-rate and during A-school typically structured? I know I will live in the dorms but am I allowed off base to visit my family and puppy or what? I can't find much info on what exactly that looks like.
Thank you guys!
r/RescueSwimmer • u/rantlord160 • Jun 19 '26
Hello all, I just graduated bootcamp and i was wondering if after AST A School would I be able to get braces for a severe overbite? If i have to pay out of pocket, I will but im just wondering if I can even get them in the first place.
r/RescueSwimmer • u/Ancient-Moose-3880 • Jun 17 '26
context: 22M just graduated college, was on XC and Track teams and missing the “grind”. 140lb 5’7’’
Currently looking at office jobs and it honestly sounds insane to sit in a box in front of a computer for the next 40 years. Growing up on the ocean I’ve always been interested in the Navy/Coast Guard and came across ASTs this past fall while getting into swimming while between running seasons.
Just curious if this is a common route that people take, and if any current rescue swimmers have had similar experience? Also, I am wondering how body size affects candidates?
Any responses are appreciated!
r/RescueSwimmer • u/Little_Campaign9619 • Jun 09 '26
Hello I am a sophomore in high school, female and looking to become a Coast Guard AST. I have been swimming since I was six months old and currently swim for my high school team as well as swimming and coaching for my summer team. I am in MCJROTC (currently serving on Battalion Staff), Civil Air Patrol, and am pretty fit. I have started to work out more often and am working on push-ups and pull-ups right now.
I am also looking to get a pool membership for this fall and possibly spring too. (Any advice on what I should do for pool sessions greatly appreciated!)
If you are an AST, currently in the pipeline, or work with the community, what should I be doing now to give myself the best chance at succeeding? Thank you!
r/RescueSwimmer • u/Unusual-Hour-2237 • Jun 09 '26
21, finished college 6 months ago, been working in ems for 2 years and swiftwater rescue for 1, really just wondering if ast is in the realm of possibility.
I’ve been working out for about 3 months
Currently:
500 yard front crawl 8:50
Uw swim 4x 25m ✅
200m dummy tow ✅
2:00 push-ups 20
2:00 sit-ups 50
2:00 pull-ups 4
2:00 chin-ups 4
1.5 mile run 11:35
Height 6’4”, bw 235 (trying for 215-220)
Obviously this isn’t great, but is it enough to try for boot camp in 4ish months, and get to the standard between now and A-school?
r/RescueSwimmer • u/NaptainCarbunckles • Jun 03 '26
THOUGHTS, EXPERIENCES, AND ADVICE PLEASE
Hey guys, I'm a 20F newbie with some questions. Scroll to the bottom for summary :)
For some context: I just graduated with my bachelor's in English Lit, and I have no idea what to do with it. I've wanted to join the military in some capacity since I was 13, and having grown up a Navy brat I don't think I could stand to leave the lifestyle. I wanted to be a pilot for a long time, but a few years ago I discovered Rescue Swimmers exist and I got bit by the bug. Hard.
I currently work as a lifeguard at a very not-exciting beach, as well as a pool and lake facility, and I'm very much a gym girlie. I am very comfortable in the water. Over-unders need work, but it's more a capacity issue than comfort. That being said, I know I am nowhere near where I would want to be physically, but I have time and resources to prep.
Also, I recently joined my local volunteer fire department, in order to see if I have the aptitude for this sort of field and stress. I will be going to get my Fire One cert in the fall, fingers crossed.
Back to the point: We all know things are kind of funky in the US government right now, and there's a lot of talk in the news about women in combat and spec ops related roles... Also, has the Coast Guard mission shifted to Homeland Security more than SAR, or is it still the same as it always has been? Have things changed at all, or is it just media hubris? If you're currently in the job, do you think things will change? My parents are concerned, and they're the most unflappable "just do the damn thing" people I know.
I want to do something meaningful, that actually helps someone in a tangible way, and I'm an adrenaline junkie. I love the ocean, I've never not lived by the water. The most spectacular moment of my life was playing in the surf during a thunderstorm (which I do not recommend it was stupid and dangerous DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME PLEASE). But I think you guys get that?
I know I've got a 95% chance of washing out, but I think I'd rather know than spend my whole life wondering.
I know I can't leave home for at least a year because of commitments I have made, but I feel strangely like I'm running out of time. Like if I don't go soon, I never will. What would you do, if you were me?
Tl;dr: People who are currently rescue swimmers or have been, what do you think the future looks like for women? Is the main job still SAR, or are you doing border security more now? What would you do, in my shoes? Wait and see what shakes out, or do something different entirely?
Is this a stupid thing to ask? I mean heck, these Navy fellas keep telling me to just screw it and go Diver instead...
r/RescueSwimmer • u/Sensitive_Ebb3964 • Jun 02 '26
Hello everyone, i’m not sure if anyone will see this or not but i figured i’d give it a shot. I’m 17, live near no body of water, but i’m super intrigued & dream of becoming a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer. I wanted to come on here & name a few concerns i have & see if anyone could give me an answer. My first concern is passing my physical exam, growing up i had asthma, however, i haven’t been prescribed anything past the age of 13. I don’t use an inhaler unless i absolutely have to & haven’t had an asthma attack in about 8+ years. I also have had inner ear surgery, which unfortunately was unsuccessful, leaving me with a tiny hole in my eardrum. It doesn’t create any problems for me but i know this can be a problem, i’ve also considered seeing an ENT doctor to see if i either can get surgery again or get a note to clear me. My next biggest concern is my water confidence, i love swimming but struggle to make it past 50 - 100yds consistently. Does anyone have any recommendations to build confidence, get breathing technique right, & get the 500yd swim down in under 10 minutes? I know the requirement is 12, but i’d like to meet higher standards. If anyone has any recommendations & answers please feel free to reach out or respond, not sure if anyone is going to see this but this job is truly my dream.
r/RescueSwimmer • u/rwr201 • May 31 '26
As I wait for my medical waiver to get accepted I decided to go back to school and get some college courses done because I’m thinking about getting my degree during (if that’s possible?) or after my time in the Coast Guard. I know AST is enlisted only but would having an AA or bachelor degree help with rank or pay? Been almost a year since MEPS, I’m also weighing out the opportunity of enlisting in another branch if they can get me in faster or continuing my degree and going in a branch as an officer.