Join CALSAR

Self Pre-Check: Are You Ready to Apply?

Before you begin your application, please review the following requirements carefully. To ensure a successful experience with CALSAR, all applicants must meet all of the criteria listed below and attend ALL recruiting events and training weekends. There will be no make-up events or trainings.

If you cannot commit to ALL recruiting events and training weekends, please check back here next year for the 2026/2027 recruiting class.  Thank you for your interest in CALSAR!

Minimum Requirements                                      

✅  You must be 18 years old by September 6, 2025

✅  You must have no felony convictions and be able to pass a criminal background check

✅  You must pass our Physical Fitness Qualification (4 mi with 1,300 ft elevation gain, carrying a 25-lb pack, within 95 mins)

✅  You must attend ALL Recruiting Events and Training Weekends (see dates below)

Mandatory Recruiting Dates                               

• Introduction Session
  Attend one:

  • Saturday, Sept 6, 2025 (SF Presidio) — 10:00–13:00

  • OR Sunday, Sept 7, 2025 (Berkeley) — 10:00–13:00

• Physical Fitness Qualification
  Attend one:

  • Saturday, Sept 27, 2025 (Novato) — Time slots between 08:00–12:30

  • OR Sunday, Sept 28, 2025 (Novato) — Time slots between 08:00–12:30

• Mock SAR Mission Tryouts

  • Likely Saturday, Oct 11, 2025

  • Possibly Sunday, Oct 12, 2025

  • Full-day commitment; location TBD

• Interviews

  • Saturday, Nov 1, 2025 — 30-minute time slots (scheduled individually)

• Candidate Onboarding

  • Sunday, Nov 2, 2025

Mandatory Cadet Training Dates (if selected to move forward)

You must attend ALL of the following training weekends

• SAR1: Jan 24, 25

• WFA: Feb 21, 22

• SAR Nav: Mar 21, 22

• SAR2: Apr 18, 19