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Combat Rescue Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Air Combat Command

$76K - $98K/yr

... Combat Rescue Officers, and other specialty AFSCs in the performance of their core specialties, mission sets, or advanced skills. Serves as the instructor in specific training phases for the Combat ...

City of Fife

Entry Level Police Officer

Fife, WA · On-site

$6.8K - $8.9K/mo

... aggressively combat crime. VISION STATEMENT Fife is a community of choice for residents and ... rescue services at crime scenes, accidents and other emergency situations. • Communicate with ...

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Combat Rescue Officer information

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How much do combat rescue officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for combat rescue officer in the United States is $26.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $31.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Combat Rescue Officer?

A Combat Rescue Officer (CRO) is a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force who leads and manages personnel recovery operations, including combat search and rescue missions. They are responsible for planning, organizing, and executing missions to locate, recover, and provide medical care to isolated personnel in hostile or challenging environments. CROs work alongside Pararescuemen (PJs) and other specialists, often deploying in high-risk situations to ensure the safe return of military personnel. Their training covers leadership, survival, navigation, and advanced rescue techniques, making them critical to the Air Force's personnel recovery capabilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Combat Rescue Officer?

To thrive as a Combat Rescue Officer, you need exceptional leadership, physical fitness, and a background in military operations, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree and completion of rigorous Air Force training programs. Familiarity with advanced navigation systems, survival equipment, and specialized rescue tools is essential, along with certifications such as SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape). Outstanding decision-making, resilience, and teamwork skills set top performers apart in high-stress situations. These abilities are crucial for ensuring mission success, safeguarding lives, and leading rescue teams effectively in dangerous environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Combat Rescue Officers in coordinating personnel recovery missions?

Combat Rescue Officers often face challenges such as rapidly changing mission parameters, complex communication across multiple units, and the need to make high-stakes decisions under pressure. They must quickly assess risks, adapt plans in dynamic environments, and ensure the safety of both rescue teams and isolated personnel. Coordination with aircrews, medical teams, and ground forces is crucial, requiring strong leadership and problem-solving skills to achieve mission success.

What is the difference between Combat Rescue Officer vs Pararescue Jumper?

AspectCombat Rescue OfficerPararescue Jumper
Required CertificationsMilitary rescue training, CPR, first aidSpecialized pararescue training, EMT, combat rescue certifications
Work EnvironmentMilitary rescue missions, combat zones, air force basesCombat zones, rescue operations, military and civilian settings
Employer & IndustryU.S. Air Force, military rescue unitsU.S. Air Force, special operations, rescue units

Both Combat Rescue Officers and Pararescue Jumpers serve in the U.S. Air Force and participate in rescue missions, often in combat zones. While they share similar certifications and work environments, Pararescue Jumpers undergo more specialized rescue training and EMT certification, focusing heavily on medical rescue skills. Combat Rescue Officers typically oversee rescue operations and coordinate missions. Understanding these differences helps clarify their distinct roles within military rescue teams.

How do I become a combat rescue officer?

To become a combat rescue officer, candidates typically need to meet military or agency-specific requirements, which often include completing basic training, specialized rescue and combat courses, and obtaining relevant certifications such as CPR and first aid. Physical fitness, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work in high-stress environments are essential for this role.

How hard is it to be a combat rescue officer?

Becoming a combat rescue officer requires meeting strict physical fitness standards, completing specialized training such as survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE), and obtaining relevant certifications. The role involves high physical and mental demands, often including challenging environments and emergency situations, making it a demanding career path.

How much do combat rescue officers make?

Combat rescue officers typically earn a salary ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and location. They often receive additional benefits such as hazard pay, specialized training, and overtime compensation due to the demanding nature of their rescue missions.

What does a combat rescue officer do?

A combat rescue officer is responsible for locating, extricating, and providing medical aid to personnel in combat or hazardous environments. They conduct search and rescue missions, often working in challenging conditions, and are trained in survival, first aid, and tactical operations. The role requires physical fitness, specialized training, and the ability to operate rescue equipment in high-risk situations.
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What job categories do people searching Combat Rescue Officer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Combat Rescue Officer jobs are:

Combat Rescue Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Combat Rescue Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,017 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Fire Rescue Officer, Probationary

Killeen, TX • On-site

City of Killeen (TX)
501 - 1,000 employees

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 851 rated public administrative organizations

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about City of Killeen (TX)external

$64K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Description
Please attach education verification documents (high school diploma, college transcripts, GED, etc.) and DD214, if applicable.
ATTENTION: Fully certified Firefighter and Paramedic and/or EMT personnel can receive up to a $15,000 hiring bonus!! Certifications must be submitted to fd-hiring@killeentexas.gov to be eligible.
Fire & Rescue Officer
To protect life and property by performing firefighting, emergency aid, hazardous materials, and fire prevention duties. Maintain fire equipment, apparatus, and facilities.
The employee will have the responsibility of:
• Performing firefighting activities including driving fire apparatus, operating pumps and related equipment, laying hose, and performing fire combat, containment and extinguishment tasks
• Performing emergency aid activities including administering first aid and providing other assistance as required
• Participating in fire drills, attends classes in firefighting, emergency medical, hazardous materials, and related subjects
• Operating radio and other communication equipment
• Participating in the inspection of buildings, hydrants, and other structures in fire prevention programs
• Maintaining fire equipment, apparatus, and facilities. Performing minor repairs to departmental equipment
• Performing general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire facilities and equipment; cleans and washes walls and floors; cares for grounds around station; makes minor repairs; washes, hangs and dries hose; washes, cleans, polishes, maintaining and tests apparatus and equipment
• Performing salvage operations such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris
The work environment will require the employee to:
• Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, in high, precarious places, and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, and vibration
• Be periodically exposed to situations which represent a danger to health and life
As an employee with the city of Killeen some benefits are:
• Health insurance from Blue Cross Blue Shield of TX
• Dental and Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement through KFRRA (Optional 457(b) Accounts)
• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
• 13 paid holidays
• Wellness Events & Free Gym Membership
Requirements
Required Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must be a minimum of 18 years but not older than thirty-six (36) by the date of hire
• Must have successfully completed the necessary training and be certified as at least a Basic Firefighter by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection Personnel Standards and Education
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License without record of suspension or revocation in any State by date of hire
• If employee is a certified Firefighter prior to hire date; must obtain a Texas Class B drivers' License within 15 days of hire. For employees hired to attend the Fire Academy; must obtain a Texas Class B drivers' license within 15 days of graduation from the academy
• Must not have any felony convictions or disqualifying criminal histories
• Must be able to proficiently read and write the English language
• Must meet the Civil Service requirements of the City of Killeen and must successfully pass entry-level fire examination
• Must pass a medical exam which includes a vision exam and hearing exam
• Must pass the Department's physical agility and drug test
• May be required to pass a psychological test
• Must meet City of Killeen response time requirements
Special Requirements:
• Special requirements include valid basic firefighter certification
• EMT certification within four (4) months of becoming a Fire & Rescue Officer
• Must qualify for entry and be enrolled into the paramedic program within 2 years of hire date
• Must attain certification as a paramedic within 90 days of completion of paramedic classes
Certifications are not required, but preference may be given to applicants who have:
  • Structural Firefighter Certification from Texas Commission on Fire Protection and Licensed/Certified EMT - Basic, Intermediate, Paramedic from Texas Department of State Health Services, or
  • Paramedic from Texas Department of State Health Services without fire certification or
  • Structural Firefighter Certification from Texas Commission on Fire Protection

License/Certifications must be valid at date of hire. Hiring incentive or service credit may apply - contact Deputy Chief Justin Kemp at (254) 501-7616 for details.
Please attach education verification documents (high school diploma, college transcripts, GED, etc.) and DD214 if applicable.

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