Air Force Special Warfare (AFSPECWAR) candidates endure some of the most demanding physical and psychological conditions in the military. From long rucks to underwater knot-tying, every task tests both physical ability and attention to detail.
Gear doesn’t make a candidate successful, but the wrong gear can make success impossible.
This guide outlines the actual training and selection gear used by Pararescue (PJ), Combat Control (CCT), Tactical Air Control Party (TACP), and Special Reconnaissance (SR) candidates, including the land, water, and loadout essentials that define professional-level readiness.
Core Gear Philosophy
AFSPECWAR pipelines emphasize simplicity, durability, and efficiency. Candidates quickly learn that high-end, complex gear fails faster than reliable, battle-tested equipment.
Selection instructors notice how you maintain your equipment, clean, squared away, and ready at all times.
1. Footwear and Ground Gear
Feet are mission-critical. During selection, you’ll cover 50+ miles a week between rucks, runs, and movement drills.
Recommended Boots:
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ATACLETE P.U.L.S.E. Boots
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Rocky S2V
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Nike SFB Gen 2
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Belleville C790
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Oakley Light Assault Boot 2
Training Shoes:
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HOKA Clifton or Speedgoat
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Brooks Ghost
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Altra Lone Peak
Socks:
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Darn Tough (Merino Midweight)
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Fox River Wick Dry
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Thorlo Combat Boot Socks
Pro Tip:
Break in boots for at least 50–75 miles before selection. Never wear brand-new boots for long-distance rucks or movement days.
2. Ruck & Load-Bearing Equipment (LBE)
Rucks in AFSPECWAR prep typically range from 45–65 pounds dry weight. The frame, shoulder straps, and hip pad setup make the difference between durability and disaster.
Standard Rucksacks:
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ALICE Pack (with Tactical Tailor frame upgrade)
- MALICE Pack
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Mystery Ranch SATL / 3DAP
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Down East 1606 Frame
Loadout Tips:
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Heavy items (water, ammo, sandbags) high and centered on your spine.
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Lighter gear (snacks, extra socks) in lower compartments.
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Always secure straps with 100 mph tape to prevent noise and snags.
3. Water Confidence & Pool Gear
AFSPECWAR candidates spend hours underwater, from drownproofing and buddy breathing to finning drills and treading evolutions.
Proper water gear makes or breaks your training progress.
Core Water Gear Setup:
| Item | Description / Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Dive Fins | ATACLETE Jet Fins (These are the current ones used) | Provides thrust for long fin swims (1–2 miles). Stiff blades build ankle and posterior chain endurance. |
| Dive Mask | ATACLETE Bermuda Spec War Dive Mask (These are the current ones used) | Low-volume, wide-visibility mask for underwater confidence drills and open-water swimming. Built for seal integrity during buddy breathing. |
| Snorkel | ATACLETE J-Style Snorkel | Simple, no-valve snorkel required by all SOF courses (no purge valves allowed). Builds calm breathing patterns under water stress. |
| Booties | ATACLETE Neoprene Booties, Scubapro 3mm Short Boot | Protects ankles and feet during pool and fin sessions. Prevents blisters from long finning sets. |
| Rope & Line Gear | 2 - 3 ft 3/8” nylon rope | Used for underwater knot-tying, surface-to-pool drills, and load-carry practice. Essential for confidence events. |
| Swim Shorts / Jammers | Standard issue or compression fit | Reduces drag, ensures full mobility during water evolutions. |
Pro Tip:
All water gear must be stripped of mechanical valves and kept clean of chlorine and sand buildup.
A lot of the gear you will use in selection and water training is now ATACLETE. ScubaPro is now being phased out for our gear. So it's your best bet to use the same gear you will train with.
4. Strength & Conditioning Equipment
Physical readiness training relies on simple, functional tools.
Common AFSPECWAR Training Tools:
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Weighted sandbags (40–100 lbs)
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Pull-up bar or gym rings
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Weighted vest (20–30 lbs)
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Kettlebells (35–70 lbs)
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Ruck plates (20–45 lbs)
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5-gallon water cans (for team carries)
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Sled drag setup (rope + tire or plate sled)
Pro Tip:
Your best training tools are the ones you can move, lift, and carry repeatedly, not machines.
6. Tactical Gear and Radios (Pipeline-Specific)
| Pipeline | Tactical Gear Used |
|---|---|
| Pararescue (PJ) | Medical ruck, oxygen tank, rescue litter, trauma kit |
| Combat Controller (CCT) | AN/PRC-117 & 152 radios, laser rangefinder, GPS, SOFLAM, target marking devices |
| TACP | Radio packs, map boards, JTAC target designators, AN/PRC comm systems |
| Special Reconnaissance (SR) | Surveillance optics, environmental sensors, UAV controls, data collection devices |
Pro Tip:
During training, you’ll use training-grade versions of this gear to simulate comms, rescue, and reconnaissance under stress.
7. Maintenance and Gear Discipline
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Clean and dry gear after every session.
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Wash and rinse dive gear to remove chlorine and salt.
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Tape and tie down all loose straps. You will get smoked on this if you do not make it a habit.
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Store rucks upright to protect frame integrity.
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Label gear clearly (name, class number, and gear ID).
Professionals are recognized by how they maintain their tools, not by what they carry.
AFSPECWAR pipelines demand physical and mental excellence, and disciplined gear management.
From Jet Fins and Bermuda dive masks to rucks and radios, every piece serves a purpose.
When you treat your gear like a tool, not a prop, you start training like a professional.
That’s the difference between training to pass and training to serve.
