Combat Rescue Officers (CROs) lead and command personnel recovery operations as direct combatants. They perform duties as mission planners and provide personnel recovery expertise to command and battle staffs on recovery operations, to include survival, evasion, resistance, and escape programs. The demands of this specialty are high and outstanding leadership qualities are fundamental to success. Excellent physical fitness, maturity, and exceptional personal responsibility are essential characteristics of the CRO. Cadets may apply for this duty during their junior year. Selection is a two-phase process. Phase I is a application board review and Phase II is an in-person assessment. Phase I applications are due no later than (NLT) 1 January and 1 August each year. Cadets participate in Phase II of the CRO selection process each spring at Moody AFB, GA and in the fall at Fairchild AFB, WA. CRO Phase II consists of a 1-week evaluation to include intense physical activities in possibly inclement and humid conditions, as well as, writing and briefing skills.