I've been hearing about this SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape) school in the military. It seems pretty interesting and intense, but is it something that every branch goes to, or is it exclusive to certain branches?
SERE School, or Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape School, is an intensive training program intended to provide military personnel with the skills necessary to evade capture, survive in survival scenarios, resist interrogations, and escape from captivity. While SERE training is primarily recognized and heavily associated with the U.S. Air Force, the training itself is not exclusive to one branch.
Every branch of the military does have some form of SERE training, however the extent to which this training is required varies depending on the military occupational specialty (MOS) and mission of the individual. For instance, it's particularly crucial for roles where there's a high probability of being captured or operating behind enemy lines, such as pilots and special operations forces. These personnel typically go through High-Risk SERE courses. On the lower end of the spectrum, basic SERE principles are usually taught as part of standard training across all branches as well.
So, to directly answer your question, while every branch does have SERE training available, the exact individuals who go through the intensive SERE school generally depends on their role within the military. As always, if you're interested in SERE school or a particular aspect of military service, it's wise to speak directly with a recruiter who can answer your questions based on your exact circumstances and interests.
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