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Combat Rescue Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

SURFACE WARFARE OFFICER - FL

Naples, FL

$4.0K - $6.0K/mo

Combat ships with a wide array of missile and fire power capabilities providing anti-air, anti ... rescue capabilities through fleet support ships. * Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and ...

U.S. Navy

SURFACE WARFARE OFFICER - FL

Stuart, FL

$4.0K - $6.0K/mo

Combat ships with a wide array of missile and fire power capabilities providing anti-air, anti ... rescue capabilities through fleet support ships. * Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and ...

U.S. Navy

SURFACE WARFARE OFFICER - FL

Davie, FL

$4.0K - $6.0K/mo

Combat ships with a wide array of missile and fire power capabilities providing anti-air, anti ... rescue capabilities through fleet support ships. * Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and ...

U.S. Navy

SURFACE WARFARE OFFICER - FL

Plantation, FL

$4.0K - $6.0K/mo

Combat ships with a wide array of missile and fire power capabilities providing anti-air, anti ... rescue capabilities through fleet support ships. * Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and ...

U.S. Navy

SURFACE WARFARE OFFICER - FL

Sarasota, FL

$4.0K - $6.0K/mo

Combat ships with a wide array of missile and fire power capabilities providing anti-air, anti ... rescue capabilities through fleet support ships. * Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and ...

U.S. Navy

SURFACE WARFARE OFFICER - FL

Hollywood, FL

$4.0K - $6.0K/mo

Combat ships with a wide array of missile and fire power capabilities providing anti-air, anti ... rescue capabilities through fleet support ships. * Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and ...

U.S. Navy

SURFACE WARFARE OFFICER - FL

Boca Raton, FL

$4.0K - $6.0K/mo

Combat ships with a wide array of missile and fire power capabilities providing anti-air, anti ... rescue capabilities through fleet support ships. * Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and ...

U.S. Navy

SURFACE WARFARE OFFICER - FL

Tampa, FL

$4.0K - $6.0K/mo

Combat ships with a wide array of missile and fire power capabilities providing anti-air, anti ... rescue capabilities through fleet support ships. * Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and ...

U.S. Navy

SURFACE WARFARE OFFICER - FL

Hialeah, FL

$4.0K - $6.0K/mo

Combat ships with a wide array of missile and fire power capabilities providing anti-air, anti ... rescue capabilities through fleet support ships. * Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and ...

U.S. Navy

SURFACE WARFARE OFFICER - FL

Sunrise, FL

$4.0K - $6.0K/mo

Combat ships with a wide array of missile and fire power capabilities providing anti-air, anti ... rescue capabilities through fleet support ships. * Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and ...

U.S. Navy

SURFACE WARFARE OFFICER - FL

Brandon, FL

$4.0K - $6.0K/mo

Combat ships with a wide array of missile and fire power capabilities providing anti-air, anti ... rescue capabilities through fleet support ships. * Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and ...

U.S. Navy

SURFACE WARFARE OFFICER - FL

Doral, FL

$4.0K - $6.0K/mo

Combat ships with a wide array of missile and fire power capabilities providing anti-air, anti ... rescue capabilities through fleet support ships. * Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and ...

U.S. Navy

SURFACE WARFARE OFFICER - FL

Homestead, FL

$4.0K - $6.0K/mo

Combat ships with a wide array of missile and fire power capabilities providing anti-air, anti ... 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 Jun 20, 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.

Where do Combat Rescue Officers get stationed?

Combat Rescue Officers are typically stationed at military bases around the world, including domestic and overseas locations, depending on operational needs. They may be assigned to specialized units that conduct rescue missions in various environments, often requiring readiness for deployment and training in survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) skills.

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 housing allowances, specialized training, and overtime pay due to the demanding nature of their rescue missions and military environment.

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 assessments, including physical tests, interviews, and background checks.

How do you become a Combat Rescue Officer?

To become a Combat Rescue Officer, candidates typically need to meet specific military requirements, complete basic training, and attend specialized rescue school such as the Pararescue or Combat Rescue Officer course. Physical fitness, leadership skills, and prior military experience are important, along with obtaining necessary security clearances and certifications in emergency medical procedures.

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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 36% Full Time, and 64% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,017 per year, or $26.9 per hour.
SURFACE WARFARE OFFICER - FL

SURFACE WARFARE OFFICER - FL

U.S. Navy

Winter Haven, FL

$4.0K - $6.0K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

America’s Navy has the most modern, advanced fleet of ships in the entire world. Surface Warfare Officers (SWOs) are trained extensively to maintain and operate these ships, their crews and their systems. SWOs learn and apply the critical leadership and technical skills of junior executives and professional naval officers. As a SWO, you could do any of the following: 

  • Directing personnel operations aboard Navy vessels, such as aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, amphibious warfare ships, mine warfare ships and frigates
  • Managing shipboard vertical launch systems and weapons systems
  • Using computer displays and advanced technology in battle and ship defense
  • Providing support to Navy expeditionary forces, Theater Air Missile operations, anti-submarine warfare, surface-to-air warfare, and support and supply missions

You will lead some of America’s finest men and women, taking charge of highly skilled professionals and millions of dollars’ worth of high-tech equipment. Providing direction. Leading by example. As the backbone of fleet leadership, you have the opportunity to use your skills on ships throughout the fleet. A career as a SWO could eventually lead you to becoming a Commanding Officer of a navy warship. Surface Warfare Officers are assigned to ships in one of five groups:

  • Aircraft Carrier Forces: Provide air defense and shore bombardment from conventional and nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
  • Cruiser-Destroyer Forces: Combat ships with a wide array of missile and fire power capabilities providing anti-air, anti-submarine and surface warfare support, escort and shore bombardment.
  • Amphibious Forces: Embark and transport vehicles, cargo and troops for amphibious assault operations.
  • Combat-Logistics Forces: Provide combatant ships with fuel, ammunition, food and spare parts through underway replenishment ships and repair, maintenance and rescue capabilities through fleet support ships.
  • Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and neutralize threats to maritime forces from hostile use of mines.

PAY, BENEFITS & EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Our people are our most valuable assets, so we care for them well. With world-class training, opportunity to pay for college and advanced degrees, access to the best health care in the country, retirement plans, tax incentives, and more perks than you could have imagined, Navy active-duty benefits are the most competitive out there. 

  • Earn up to $150,000 while finishing your degree
  • Regular monthly income ranging from $4,000 to $6,000 prior to your graduation   
  • Free graduate education through Post 9/11 GI Bill
  • 30 days of paid vacation time each year
  • Competitive and pay and bonuses: Total compensation at 4 years of service for Lieutenant in San Diego, CA ($130,000)
  • Automatic Promotions based on ability and performance
  • Comprehensive medical and dental care at no cost to sailor
  • Low-cost childcare services
  • Opportunities to travel the world
  • Excellent retirement benefits including Blended Retirement System/Pension and 5% 401K Government matching contribution
  • Food allowances
  • A housing allowance that is based upon the location of the school you attend

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

To be an eligible candidate, you must be:

  • A U.S. citizen
  • 19-29 years old (age waiver may be approved on case-by-case basis)
  • Bachelor’s degree or be in pursuit of a bachelor's degree with at least 60 credits hours and be currently enrolled full time to a baccalaureate degree from a non-NROTC affiliated institution accredited institution
  • Prior Service Navy and other branches of service are welcome to apply

Makeup of a competitive candidate:

  • GPA > 2.8,
  • Physical fitness
  • Extra-curricular activities
  • Community involvement
  • Outstanding character
  • Great leadership potential
  • Excellent communication skills

What United States Navy employees say

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About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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