News 9's Emily Wood Joins Elite Forces Training

Emily Wood, News 9 and News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- One of the military's most elite groups trains right here in Oklahoma City.

The United States Air Force Pararescuemen are trained to go behind enemy lines and rescue servicemen and women, as well as civilians. Peter Burgos recently graduated from Midwest City High School and joined the Air Force, and is now preparing to be a part of the elite forces group.

"I always wanted to be in the Air Force because my dad was in there. Just seemed like the right thing to do," Burgos said.

Staff Sgt. Brendan Brustad pushes the recruits as hard as he can. Fewer than 10 percent of those who qualify and train for the Pararescuemen will ever make it.

"You have to break them down and build them right back up afterwards," said Staff Sgt. Brustad. "They put their lives on the line so others may live."

No women have ever gone through the special training for the Air Force Pararescuemen, but the military allowed News 9's Emily Wood to join the training for a few hours. And just as expected, the training was extremely difficult.