AFH10-351 — Pararescue Procedures

AFH10-351 governs pararescue procedures, including mission planning, individual combat skills, and combat marksmanship.

Search AFH10-351

  • Publication number: AFH10-351
  • Title: Pararescue Procedures
  • Date: 2026-08-11

View AFH10-351 on armypubs.army.mil


AFH10-351 covers troop leading procedures, warning and operations orders, movement, sustainment, command and signal, weapons safety, and combat marksmanship. It requires practices such as rehearsals and inspections, positive target identification, trigger-finger discipline, and weapon zeroing in the configuration used for employment.

Applies to: This publication applies to individuals at all levels with a 1Z1 (Pararescue (PJ)), and 19ZXC (Combat Rescue Officer (CRO)) Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC), including the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard, except where noted otherwise.

Topics covered

  • Troop leading procedures
  • Warning orders
  • Individual combat equipment
  • Weapons safety
  • Combat mindset
  • Target zones
  • Sighting systems
  • Weapon zeroing

Questions and answers

What information may a warning order include?

The WARNORD mirrors the five-paragraph OPORD format, see Table 2.3, and may include: type of operation, general location of the operation, initial operational timeline, reconnaissance to initiate, movement to initiate, planning and preparation instructions (including planning timeline), information requirements, and Commander’s critical information requirements (CCIR).

What does the leader do when time does not allow a personal reconnaissance?

When time does not allow, the leader makes a map reconnaissance. (paragraph 3)

What inspections are conducted during preparation for combat?

ELs should conduct initial inspections shortly after receipt of the WARNORD and spot checks throughout the unit's preparation for combat. (paragraph 3)

What is the rule for pointing a weapon?

Never point your weapon at anything you are not willing to destroy. (paragraph 2)

When should the trigger finger enter the trigger guard?

The trigger finger is held straight and placed flat on the outside of the lower receiver or slide above the trigger opening and does not enter the trigger guard until the shooter has sights on target and is ready to fire. (paragraph 4)

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