Ones Ready Ep 465: The PJ Rodeo, Hurricane Katrina...and INDOC with Pararescueman Ivan Ruiz
Strap in, team—we're back in the team room with retired Chief Ivan Ruiz, legendary PJ, Katrina rescuer, INDOC instructor, and all-around certified badass. We’re talking about the upcoming PJ Rodeo, but let’s be honest, this episode quickly turns into a firestorm of nostalgia, brutal honesty, and unapologetic takes on what’s going right—and VERY wrong—with Air Force Special Warfare.
From the high-angle ropes event at South Point Casino to shooting comps, Monster Mash med drills, and jump events open to the public, this year’s rodeo isn’t just a reunion—it’s a mission. We highlight why the Association and Foundation still matter, why the new pipeline model might be wrecking community culture, and why having your mom at your recruiter meeting might be the red flag of the century.
We also get real about silent professionals, the identity crisis in AFSPECWAR, and the gut punch of watching “toughness” get traded for lab coats and PowerPoints.
🔥 Key Takeaways:
- PJ Rodeo 2025 is live in Vegas, June 16–21—public welcome. Bring your boots.
- Open call: small businesses, sponsors, and silent pros—support your own or stop complaining.
- The old INDOC course? Brutal. Legendary. Respected. Still undefeated in shaping warriors.
- Rocks in pools, buddy drags, and mask/snout punishment weren’t hazing.
- PJs aren’t granola-eating hippies. Except maybe a few.
- Hurricane Katrina rescues = 240+ hoists. Real ops vs Instagram ops.
- Want to be a PJ? Don’t chase the unicorn. Show up, shut up, perform.
- If your parents are talking to your recruiter... you’re not ready.
⏱️ Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Hardy Studios plug, gear discounts, intro to Ivan Ruiz
- 03:30 – What the PJ Rodeo actually is (and why it’s badass)
- 05:00 – Events rundown: jumps, shooting, ropes, Monster Mash
- 07:40 – Public welcome + building community culture
- 09:10 – Sponsorships, vendors, and how to support
- 11:30 – Association vs Foundation: who saves who
- 13:20 – Real-world impact: brain bleeds, hurricanes, grant checks
- 17:15 – Katrina rescues: 240 hoists, young guys in the fight
- 20:30 – Retirement thoughts: missing the X, not the queep
- 25:45 – Operators worry
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