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Combat Rescue Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... combat systems to navigation. Communicate your mission and goals with your crew to ensure ... rescue capabilities through Fleet Support Ships. ● Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and ...

... combat systems to navigation. Communicate your mission and goals with your crew to ensure ... rescue capabilities through Fleet Support Ships. ● Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and ...

... combat systems to navigation. Communicate your mission and goals with your crew to ensure ... rescue capabilities through Fleet Support Ships. ● Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and ...

... combat systems to navigation. Communicate your mission and goals with your crew to ensure ... rescue capabilities through Fleet Support Ships. ● Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and ...

... combat systems to navigation. Communicate your mission and goals with your crew to ensure ... rescue capabilities through Fleet Support Ships. ● Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and ...

... combat systems to navigation. Communicate your mission and goals with your crew to ensure ... rescue capabilities through Fleet Support Ships. ● Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and ...

... combat systems to navigation. Communicate your mission and goals with your crew to ensure ... rescue capabilities through Fleet Support Ships. ● Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and ...

... combat systems to navigation. Communicate your mission and goals with your crew to ensure ... rescue capabilities through Fleet Support Ships. ● Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and ...

... combat systems to navigation. Communicate your mission and goals with your crew to ensure ... rescue capabilities through Fleet Support Ships. ● Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and ...

... combat systems to navigation. Communicate your mission and goals with your crew to ensure ... rescue capabilities through Fleet Support Ships. ● Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and ...

... combat systems to navigation. Communicate your mission and goals with your crew to ensure ... rescue capabilities through Fleet Support Ships. ● Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and ...

... combat systems to navigation. Communicate your mission and goals with your crew to ensure ... rescue capabilities through Fleet Support Ships. ● Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and ...

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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 2, 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.

Are cro special forces?

Combat Rescue Officers are not part of special forces units; they are specialized military personnel trained to conduct rescue operations in combat environments. Their training includes advanced medical skills, survival techniques, and operating in high-risk situations, but they are distinct from special operations forces like Navy SEALs or Army Green Berets.

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 opportunities for advancement within military or emergency service environments.

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

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 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 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 hard is it to become a CCT?

Becoming a Combat Rescue Officer (CRO) is highly challenging, requiring rigorous physical fitness, advanced medical training, and completion of specialized selection processes. Candidates typically need prior military or rescue experience, and must pass demanding physical and psychological assessments, along with extensive training programs. The process is competitive and demands a high level of commitment and resilience.

How do you become a combat rescue officer?

To become a combat rescue officer, candidates typically need to meet military or agency-specific requirements, including completing basic training and specialized rescue school. They must also demonstrate physical fitness, leadership skills, and proficiency in rescue techniques, often gaining experience in related roles before applying for the position.

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.
Infographic showing various Combat Rescue Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $56,017 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

AIRCRAFT FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR (UH-60)

Army National Guard Units

Eastover, SC • On-site, Remote

$131K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Army National Guard rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
This is a National Guard Title 32 Excepted position for a AIRCRAFT FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR (UH-60), Position Description Number PDD0610000, and is part of the SC AASF, South Carolina Army National Guard.
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Duties
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This position is located in the Training Operations Branch of an Army National Guard Army Aviation Support Facility (AASF). The position is responsible for providing instruction, evaluation and examination of rated pilots, instructor pilots and aeroscout observers in flying techniques and methods of instruction, examination and evaluation. Instruction involves basic and advanced techniques for flying aircraft using instruments.
Positions in this series involve piloting or co-piloting aircraft to carry out various operational programs and functions of the Army and Air National Guard. The work provides ground and flight instruction and evaluation in aircraft piloting. The positions perform staff work concerned with planning, analyzing, or administering agency specific aviation programs, where the work requires primarily the application of pilot knowledge and skills. The Series encompasses all functions performed by rated pilots to conduct or directly support flying operations and training missions. Inherently included in this Series are supervisory and staff functions such as commanding, inspection, contingency planning, and policy formulation. The career area encompasses utilization fields that directly employ weapons and supporting weapon systems to accomplish the Army National Guard and Air National Guard operational missions. It encompasses flying operations and non-operational aviation positions concerned with the employment and support of aviation units and elements. This Series directs and coordinates the employment of aviation units in support of land combat operations. It provides expertise at all levels of command to develop doctrines and plans essential to the successful employment and deployment of aviation systems. Included in this Series are Operations Commanders, Pilots, Combat Systems Officers, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilots, Special Tactics, Combat Rescue, Space, Nuclear and Missile Operations, Maintenance Test Pilots, Cyber Operations, Operations Security, and Operations Support.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED. This is a Title 32 Technician Vacancy that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the employing state's National Guard.
  • Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform.
  • Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment.
  • Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • For positions requiring the operation of motor vehicles, candidates must have a valid state driver's license for the state in which they live or are principally employed.

Qualifications
THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION OPEN TO THE FOLLOWING AREA OF CONSIDERATION (AOC):
Area of Consideration:
This position is open to Areas 1 & 2 Only.
Area 1: Current employees of the South Carolina Army National Guard (Tenure 1 and 2)
Area 2: Current members of the South Carolina Army National Guard
Area 3: Any individual eligible for membership in the South Carolina Army National Guard
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: An applicant must have a competent understanding of the occupation's basic principles and concepts. Applicants should have a minimum of one year on-the-job experience in the grade (or a comparable military rank) immediately below the next higher level.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Is experience that prepares the applicant to perform the Dual Status technician duties and responsibilities. To qualify, an applicant's educational-degree study program, military professional and technical training schools or academies, and aviation certifications may apply as substitutions for some specialized experience factors.
OTHER QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
1. Prior to appointment, an applicant's military medical record must indicate a completed and current medical physical, flight physical, medical profile, and completed/cleared drug test.
2. Possess a valid state driver's license to operate government motor vehicles, for the state in which they live or are principally employed, in accordance with Army and Air Force Vehicle Operations Directives; and,
3. Qualify to operate government motor vehicles and vehicular equipment for "Maintenance Purposes Only" according to Army or Air Force Vehicle Maintenance Operations Directives.
Applicants must have the following:
1. Must have the appropriate security clearance: a. In regard to the aviator position's Series GS 2181 and the DoD criteria for the technician position's compatible military skill classification security clearance requirements. NOTE: Refer to the military services' specific classification directives for the military skills' required security clearance levels;
OR
b. Awarded a current Single Scope Background Investigation according to Army or Air Force Personnel Security Program Management Directives. Award of entry level to the technician position's compatible military skill, without a completed SSBI, is authorized provided an interim Top Secret security clearance was granted. NOTE: Refer to the military service specific directives for various authorized interim clearance levels.
2. No record of claustrophobia or claustrophobic tendencies.
3. To maintain the position - The incumbent must have a current Network License according to Army or Air Force Directives, Licensing Network Users and Certifying Network Professionals.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT & NOTES:
1. Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position.
2. This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
3. Ability to establish effective professional working relationships with coworkers and customers, contributing to a cooperative working environment and successful accomplishment of the mission.
4. May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours; overtime may be required.
5. The duties and responsibilities of your job may significantly impact the environment. You are responsible to maintain awareness of your environmental responsibilities as dictated by legal and regulatory requirements, your organization, and its changing mission.
Education
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
GS-10 through GS-13 Army National Guard Warrant Officer Positions Must have a high school diploma or general education development (GED) diploma. An undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university is optimum. Must have Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation programs or must have aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools.
GS-12 through GS-13 Army National Guard Officer Positions For Army National Guard Second and First Lieutenants must be actively pursuing an undergraduate degree with at least 90 validated credit hours in a specified program. For Captains and above, must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university. A Graduate Degree from an accredited civilian academic college or from an equivalent professional military education school is optimum. Must have Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation programs OR must have aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools.
Additional information
If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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About Army National Guard

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The Army National Guard, headquartered in Arlington, VA, is a key constituent of the United States military, falling under the sector of Defense and Public Safety. Since its founding in 1636, it has served dual roles as both a state and federal military force that is activated in response to domestic emergencies and overseas combat missions. The Army National Guard embodies core values, including loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage, intending to uphold peace and serve the nation with unwavering dedication.

Industry

National security and international affairs

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US