"Yep, anyone who wants to try for the PJ's has to be in the AF already."
I'm not sure where you're getting this from... the AF has offered GTEP for pararescue for a long time now for both active duty and in the ANG/res. Most people who try out for pararescue are non-prior service guys fresh off the street out of basic training.
"Although my experience there is a little dated since I have been out since 95."
Be careful about the information you posted here... even in 1995 what you said was not factually correct. I'm talking to 2 PJ's right now who came into pararescue in the 90's who can verify. You're making some statements that are not true and could mislead people.
At least back in 86 you could not sign a enlistment contract that had a guaranteed job as a PJ. Yes, in basic, everyone back then had the opportunity to go through the orientation and then further qualification testing. But if you did not make it past that initial qualification, then you either ended up with the career field (AFSC) that was in your guarantee or if you did not have a guaranteed job, then you got placed into a career field.
But it was my understanding that as long as you were Active Duty Air Force, Air National Guard or AF Reserves you could try for PJ selection.
BACK THEN - if you wanted to become a PJ and you were in another branch of the military, you had to enter into an enlistment contract with AF, ANG or AFR before you could even go to the selection.
It was not my intent to mislead! As I stated my information was dated.