The US Army Airborne School, also known as Jump School, is a rigorous training program that teaches soldiers the skills necessary to conduct airborne operations. Located at Fort Benning, Georgia, the school is open to soldiers from all branches of the military, as well as international students. The goal of the program is to equip soldiers with the knowledge and skills necessary to jump from an aircraft and navigate to a designated landing site. In this guide, we will provide an overview of the US Army Airborne School, including the requirements, training phases, and tips for success.
Requirements for Attending US Army Airborne School
To attend the US Army Airborne School, soldiers must meet certain requirements. These include being a member of the US military or an international partner, having a minimum GT score of 100, and passing a physical fitness test. Additionally, soldiers must be able to swim and have a minimum of 12 months of service remaining. Meeting these requirements is crucial to ensure that soldiers are physically and mentally prepared for the demanding training ahead. The pre-jump training is also an essential part of the preparation, where soldiers learn the basics of parachute operations and safety procedures.
Training Phases
The US Army Airborne School consists of three phases: ground week, tower week, and jump week. During ground week, soldiers learn the fundamentals of parachute operations, including how to don and doff their equipment, navigate, and communicate. They also learn how to properly exit an aircraft and deploy their parachute. In tower week, soldiers practice jumping from a 250-foot tower, simulating the experience of jumping from an aircraft. Finally, in jump week, soldiers put their skills to the test, conducting five jumps from a C-130 or C-17 aircraft.
| Training Phase | Description |
|---|---|
| Ground Week | Parachute operations, equipment, and safety procedures |
| Tower Week | Simulated jumps from a 250-foot tower |
| Jump Week | Five jumps from a C-130 or C-17 aircraft |
Tips for Success
To succeed in the US Army Airborne School, soldiers must be physically fit, mentally tough, and willing to learn. Here are some tips for success:
- Arrive in top physical condition. The training is demanding, and soldiers who are not in shape will struggle to keep up.
- Pay attention to detail. Small mistakes can have serious consequences in airborne operations, so soldiers must be meticulous in their preparation and execution.
- Stay focused and motivated. The training is challenging, and soldiers must be able to stay motivated and focused to succeed.
Common Challenges
Soldiers attending the US Army Airborne School often face several common challenges. These include fear of heights, parachute malfunction, and landing injuries. To overcome these challenges, soldiers must be able to stay calm and focused, follow procedures, and trust their training. The parachute landing fall (PLF) technique is also essential to learn, as it helps reduce the risk of injury during landing.
| Challenge | Description |
|---|---|
| Fear of Heights | Overcoming acrophobia to successfully complete jumps |
| Parachute Malfunction | Responding to equipment failures during jumps |
| Landing Injuries | Preventing and treating injuries sustained during landing |
What is the drop zone like during jump week?
+The drop zone during jump week is a designated area where soldiers land after jumping from the aircraft. It is typically a large, open field with several landing zones marked with flags or other indicators. Soldiers must navigate to their designated landing zone and follow established procedures for landing and securing their equipment.
How do I overcome my fear of heights during training?
+Overcoming a fear of heights during training requires a combination of mental preparation, physical conditioning, and trust in your equipment and training. Soldiers can start by gradually exposing themselves to heights in a controlled environment, such as the tower, and then progressing to higher altitudes. Additionally, focusing on the task at hand, following procedures, and trusting their training can help soldiers build confidence and overcome their fear.
In conclusion, attending the US Army Airborne School requires a combination of physical fitness, mental toughness, and a willingness to learn. By understanding the requirements, training phases, and tips for success, soldiers can set themselves up for success and earn their wings. Remember to stay focused and motivated, pay attention to detail, and trust your training to overcome the challenges of airborne operations.
