United States Air Force Pararescue
| USAF Pararescue | |
|---|---|
U.S. Air Force Pararescue Beret Crest (colorized) | |
| Founded | May 1946 – active |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Type | Special operations force |
| Role | Combat search and rescue Direct action Raiding Hostage rescue Close-quarters combat Tactical emergency medical services Medical evacuation |
| Part of |
|
| Nickname(s) | "PJs", "Maroon Berets", "Rescue Rangers", "Air Commandos" |
| Motto(s) | "These Things We Do, That Others May Live" |
| Color of Beret | Maroon |
| Insignia | |
| Maroon beret with Pararescueman Crest | |
Pararescuemen (also known as Pararescue Jumpers or PJs) are United States Air Force special operators who conduct personnel recovery and combat search and rescue operations as well as other missions for the U.S. military and its allies. Highly trained special operators, PJs are generally assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and Air Combat Command (ACC).
Personnel recovery includes rescuing and providing medical treatment to injured or stranded personnel in hostile or remote environments, such as behind enemy lines or in the wilderness. Combat search and rescue operations recover personnel from enemy-controlled territory.
They are attached to other special operations units from all branches to conduct other operations as appropriate. PJs have also supported NASA missions, and have recovered astronauts after water landings.
Long an enlisted preserve, the Pararescue service expanded to include Combat Rescue Officers early in the 21st century. Of the roughly 200 Air Force Cross recipients, 12 are Pararescuemen.