Army Airborne School | First Jump | What Is It Like

[@reddevilparatrooper]

Update. I went through Airborne 31 years ago. I was in my Airborne Unit in Panama and made 20 jumps along with the 5 from Airborne School. Last weekend I went to my company reunion in Texas and made my first jump since May 1990. That is over 28 years ago. I jumped out of a vintage DC-3/C-47. I surprised myself by remembering every PLF and actions in the air during our 4 hour jump sustainment. It was amazing how fun and exciting it was just to jump again. Brought back a lot of memories. Never regretted going through Airborne...

[@adamkhan3279]

A lot of you guys I've noticed comment here, I feel like the vets from before the 21st century prefer the old school airborne school.

[@mikebox]

I went thru in 87. went to Batt, LRSD in Germany, and then Bragg. 83 jumps. Jump School was a blast. wasn't difficult, and the Black Hats were pretty kool. Never got treated bad, don't remember sleeping, but i know I got plenty of sleep. Ground Week, Tower Week, and then Jump Week. My first three jumps were 1st in the Doors. I live in Europe now, and get offered to go jump all the time, but after two back surgeries, I always have to decline. I'd love to try this new T-11 Chute. and my last two military jumps were from the Test Jumping of the C-17 at Bragg.

[@mikluvin4633]

@@mikebox airborne school is pretty similar now a days aswell. Except for the 250ft towers dont Sgt used as often as they used to. Not every class does them due to changing wind conditions causing injury or loss of life. That combined with the fact that there very time consuming. Also the T11, is deff an upgrade from the t10, but my personal favorite is the MC 6 steerable canopy. Its generally not used in mass exits though because you can imagine the chaos of 30 to 60 nee jumpers in the air with steerable chutes lol

[@mikebox]

@@mikluvin4633 I well remember. I don't think it's changed that much since i attended. BUt we also didn't do the 250ft tower.

[@10207ret]

I went through jump school in 1970, and would absolutely do it again today, even though I'm almost 70 now.

[@nipnan8417]

Haha I’m just imagining the guy behind James seeing him slam into the door like “oh shit”

[@jamesaguilar8783]

😂😂😂😂

[@lotuscoma4127]

id be more scared of not jumping out of the plane properly and hitting the door or side than landing wrong

[@codythrive5154]

Marlboro Hunnids the landing is much worse.

[@talesoftheredpill7542]

The chances of hitting the side of the plane are slim.....but the chances of hitting the ground and getting fucked up in the process are high

[@ricksanchez1079]

As long as you don't have a weak exit, you shouldn't hit the sides. My advice aim for the engines, obviously you wont ever make it that far jumping into 200+ winds. However it does make sure you jump far enough out. Landing is where people really get muffed up, including me. Best jump ever was out of a CH-47 Chinook. 0 prop blast, easy to feel the "jerk" from the chute opening. Highly recommend.

[@talesoftheredpill7542]

@@ricksanchez1079 I never hit the side of a plane. But my feet/legs flew over my head jumping out of a 141...that was scary af

[@ricksanchez1079]

@@talesoftheredpill7542 I had a PL caught in my chute, I was swinging like a pendulum. No PLF on earth could have saved me. Herniated disks, and some fractures. I still walked(shuffled) my own chute out. Fun times.

[@williamcabrera3948]

I went Airborne in 1978 I just turned 18 and was in my prime, It wasn't hard if your in shape, many push ups and run to the sun. Only it was scary when actually jump,. There's nothing to grab or break your fall, once airborne prepare for PLF. Back then it's was an option for recondo school pre-ranger training. Love It ALL THE WAY. AIRBORNE IS FOR THE BRAVE AND BOLD.

[@japanvintagecamera8869]

I remember my first jump. I was a recycle, doing my second trip through jump school, and ended up remaining in my original company. As I had been housed in the same company for 10 weeks before my first jump, all of the cadre knew me, they nicknamed me "Private Airborne." On that first jump, I was about halfway back in the first stick. The doors opened, and the jump master, Staff Sergeant Marshall, saw my roster number on my helmet. He yelled "Hey, Private Airborne, you wanna stand in the door!" I would have rather eaten week-old roadkill, so I answered "Not clear, sergeant Airborne!" He smiled, and said "Get you ass up here!" He hooked me up at the front, and stood me in the door. The light near the door turned from red to green, he screamed "Go-go-go!" and I jumped. I kept my eyes open, and counted, the wind blast whipped me around, and I could see the C-130 flying on, and watched two more guys jump out before my chute opened. The risers pulled across the back of my neck, and yanked my helmet off, I managed to grab it, and push it back on. On the DZ the black hats were yelling through megaphones "Feet and knees together a$$hole!" and other encouraging things. I hit the ground and immediately puked up the corned beef hash MRE I had eaten for lunch. How is that for pleasant experience?

[@drk_hrs_of23]

Japan Vintage Camera But did you die?

[@japanvintagecamera8869]

@@drk_hrs_of23 Still here, RLTW

[@japanvintagecamera8869]

​@Alex Winterborn You must have been in around the the same time I was. I would have gone to Delta company, but my physical records were lost in transit, so I had to get another physical, and wait 2 weeks to start with Alpha company. Delta company's normal barracks were being remodeled, so they weren't on the same block as us, If I remember right, they were across the way next to the OCS. I used to walk by OCS just to make the cadets jump up as I passed by. I had 2 week of details, then 2 weeks of jump school, I sat out the last week, and spend the next 2 weeks on detail again, but this time doing linen issue. The cadre were kind to me, as I had to issue linen for half an hour each morning and evening, and had the rest of the days to myself. I had Thanksgiving Dinner at the mess hall with Captain "do you have any burning questions" Volkman. My second go and jump school was not so bad, other than throwing up every jump. Do you remember your supply corporal's name? Our "supply sergeant" in Alpha company was a former E6 or E7 who had been busted down to corporal. You could still see the outline of his old stripes on his uniform. He drove me and others out on details, often delivering MREs and stuff, anything left over he would stop by his pickup and put it in the bed. Not exactly the most honest guy, but he thought he had gotten screwed by the Army, and didn't care anymore. The bad part about jump school taking so long is that the guys I had trained with in basic and AIT graduated one or two cycles ahead of me, and I didn't not anyone other than the cadre, and no one at all in RIP.

[@metaglypto]

I too was scared as hell on that first jump, thinking, "I could die, I could really die!" Where we differ was on the landing. My thought immediately after landing was, "I want to do that again!" And I did.😊

[@gregbrowne6539]

FUCKN AIRBORNE

[@danf2]

Not scare anyone, my brother in law landed in a ditch breaking his leg. I forget how many pins it took to fix it up. He went on to be a Captain.

[@MattWard89]

danggg

[@tmcgrenere]

you were obviously a positive influence to you brother. I look back and wish I was.

[@tcbaldwin2000]

My son just graduated and got his jump wings. This was so fun to live this through your conversation with your brother.

[@AnnArborIsAWhore]

I had read Tom Clancy's "Airborne" as it came out just prior to joining up. It scared the hell out of me, it made me think that jump school was going to be insanely difficult. It was not, barring injury of course whether you pass or fail is up to you. If you want to pass you will, if you don't want to you will not pass. It is just that simple. Jump school is intentionally a low stress environment, all you have to do is make the decision to jump or not. For my second jump I was one of the guys who had to stand in the door for a while, it was scary but soon after a strange sense of serenity came over me and in retrospect I'm really glad I was lucky enough to do it. Later on in the Army I saw a jump refusal when we were jumping out of Hueys. Paperwork moves at the pace of a glacier in the Army but by the time we got back to the company area he was already gone, it was quick and it was cold. Shockingly, I know, he was a former National Guard guy who went active. Cool video, and you guys are definitely brothers. Keep your feet and knees together and your powder dry.

[@thechief26]

JMPI = Jump Master Personnel Inspection. It is the inspection that a JM gives to a jumper to verify that the jumpers rig does not have any minor and/or major deficiencies before exiting the aircraft. You keep you feet and knees together because it is part of your 4th point of performance which prepares you for the 5th point of performance which is "Land". Also, it will reduce the chance of injury(IMO).

[@IMandalorianI]

I was still hitting the gym while I was at jump school, but I did feel sore around my body. Had great SGT Airborne instructors there. Met many great men from different branches. Definitely miss it.

[@RemainsUnnamed1]

My son just enlisted and signed up for Airborne. This was some awesome info! Thanx! Hooah!

[@MattWard89]

+Hugh Deskins good luck to him and glad it helped!

[@wilsonhallman5708]

My nephew is in the middle of airborne school right now. He loves it. We're very proud of him.

[@dawgboyzskater]

Yes! Shootemup89 the next military KZbinr on the come up! Keep up the good work you have great content

[@MattWard89]

Haha I wish, but I'm super happy with what I have right now! Thanks for the support though. I'm glad you guys are enjoying the videos.

[@dawgboyzskater]

Shootemup89 just give it time with steady quality content like this I have no doubt you'll start to blow up

[@MattWard89]

Nostradamus over here... 🤔

[@towjeff8211]

@@MattWard89 hi

[@Brantley169]

He didn't go through the same jump school I did. I went through jump school in 1966 and it was rough as hell.

[@andrea42066]

AIRBORNE, ALL THE WAY! My jump school was during the summer of '83, Aug. Our class started off with a 650 ppl, finished with 250 paratroopers. It was one of the hardest schools that I went to in the army. My body was very sore, I had 3 broken toes on my left foot that happened on 3rd jump. I finished with my class, then sick call. I wanted my jump wings badly and got them. We didn't have the free time, instead it was use to get ready for the next day. My boots where black and had to be highly polished for 1st formation, 0400 hrs. Pt was a killer, it was one of the many reasons on why we lost so many guys. Falling back or falling out, you where gone as with push ups. Hit it, meant "placing your hands" on your reserve chute where one there or not, wrong placement of your hands, in training did get you kicked out. There's more to say, but for another time. AIRBORNE!

[@craftyhandyman9757]

Wow...things have really changed since I went to jump school in 1965. It was 4 weeks, only one Sunday off at week 3. Stayed in old wood barracks with no electricity or hot water for 4 weeks. Went 4:00am till 8:00 pm 7 days a week. Tons of running and pt. Did 250' tower 3 times. Had a guy killed on 4th jump because he failed to tuck lap belt under his ass and was sitting across from door and when stood up belt caught reserve D-ring and it opened sucking him out door where he hit his head on door and killed instantly. 82nd Airborne 1965-1968 all the way. 101st in Vietnam. Enjoy.

[@davidwood-g2o]

Three weeks in July of 68, same ol junky wooden barracks and we never stopped,, except Sunday.

[@markn2615]

Complete inversion running 8 knots backwards plus windspeed at 750 ft night tactical CE airfield seizure training. Toggle right and I go left, left go right. Hit the tarmack so hard, blew the stitching on my boots. Still the first dude to the assembly area. A-I-R-B-O-R-N-E!

[@prestonross6942]

Airborne School was like a holiday. Easiest thing I did in the Army.

[@onearmy942]

Airborne School '92... First jump was great, the one I remember most, everything was in slow motion on my way out of the bird, but your mind is racing before that thinking about everything that can possibly go wrong. Just keep those feet and knees together and you'll be alright.

[@marksmusicplace3627]

JMPI stands for jump masters pre inspection JUMPERS HIT IT. five points of performance. Partial vs Major malfunction. Lower jumper has the right away. Slip left or slip right if jumping 10Ts. toggle left or right if dash 1 Bravo or Charlie. SFT10A. watch the forward edge of the drop zone. first five jumps are at Fryer DZ. which is not bad. Its the DZs at bragg or other bases where it can really get harder on the body. Keep a good body position. tuck your head down so you don't get riser burn.

[@Dharmanarchist]

Alpha Co., Class 6-86. I spent two years on jump status after that. Good times.

[@MattWard89]

Haha, yeah I bet that was fun

[@reddevilparatrooper]

I was in Charlie Co. Class 8-87 Nov-Dec 1986. I was in the 1/508th INF (ABN) in Panama 1989-90. Yes I had fun at Airborne School.

[@snapstring3134]

You graduated a little less than a year after me . I was in Charlie Company. Class 10-85

[@nfthero4280]

Jump School felt like a vacation from my unit. Easy PT, fun training and a good chow hall.

[@RivetGardener]

My first Jump I was at the door. Such a cool view, like I was looking at a small RR train set up. At go, I jumped and was immediate;y caught up in in a hot updraft, so I rose as all of the other jumpers fell. I was scared. I was kinda light, so my canopy kept going up and down. Staid in the same spot though, but still. I was afraid of being taken by the wind. I kept going up and down. I eventually fell to the drop zone well after all other jumpers from the aircraft landed. I was so relieved!

[@tristenbryant3934]

I'll be leaving soon to start my journey to become a Ranger and your videos are a huge motivator for me. Thanks man and keep them coming!

[@MattWard89]

Will do, good luck!!!!

[@justsomedude111]

Did you complete RASP?

[@mightyernest]

When I exited the aircraft for the first time it I had a few twists I had to get out. Then it started raining and all I could think was, “They never talked about rain!”...it was fine. Soaking wet chutes weight over 100 lbs. So carrying everything back sucked. Best job in the world.

[@enpassant7358]

I got to Jump School at the end of 1983 and they close the school for the holidays. It was a BLAST! It took about 2 days for me and my buddies to realize, they're not even keeping track of us. They would have a huge formation in the morning and break everyone up in this big groups to walk around and police an area. They had no idea who was in the groups and didn't care. After a couple of hours of that they would release us back to the barracks till the next morning. After the 2nd day we would leave after formation and go bowling or even hang out in town. On the weekends I could have actually went home but I didn't have the nerve to push it that far. lol

[@andrewwright8507]

Got my wings Sept. 21st of 2007, and at that time they still gave us our blood wings right after graduation

[@MattWard89]

haha Dang

[@kirklandheslop6835]

Airborne👌🏾

[@CPTdrawer22]

Andrew Wright - Good to hear the term "blood wings" again! I never gave mine to anyone, not even my (now ex-) wife. Still have 'em, from graduating on the DZ in February 1966. De Oppresso Liber

[@ricksanchez1079]

Were you in C company? I think we graduated together.

[@davidwood-g2o]

I do not think that in 2007 they actually passing out "BLOOD WINGS" - Army and troppers got soft. Old Blood wings "stuck" into chest, is why they pointy on one end you know. NONE the less I know of what you speak.................Got ours at Graduation, yep still got mine.

[@cypher3874]

Any paratrooper gets my respect. It's one tough course. There's no doubting that for sure.

[@fadelmuthana]

The most informative video. Thank you for sharing. I’ll definitely try to go to airborne one day.

[@BigTuna94]

Haha! That goes all through the window when you go to 82nd! I spent 4 n half years as an Airborne. They just make you stay quiet to make even more miserable. But once you’re in your unit. You can take off your helmet, sleep, take a piss. And if you get a cool Jumpmaster he will try to get you to rig in the closest to TOT time. So you stay in the harness for the shortest time.

[@johnleon7300]

Hello fellow Airborne! Not sure how many more jumps James did since Jump School or if he went to Jump Master School...so please forgive me if you already know this or if someone else posted this earlier. I am a Jump Master (to give some background) and I can tell you when we do JMPI and we hit the canopy release assembly, we are not really listening for any tell-tale click. The hitting checks to see if the assembly is properly engaged amd will not come apart mid-jump. If it comes apart by simply tapping it, it was not properly seated to begin with.

[@SciFiRo]

Airborne all the way! I am a paratrooper too! And every time I get to be the guy with the long run! :) Clear sky, brother!

[@gordonwalker7625]

1st jump is the easiest. (like a "slow-mo" dream for me) Easy landing. After that......... I'm addicted. (class of May of "79")

[@jacobrivera6196]

Ill be going to airborne school 10/29/2018 so thanks for the advice. #FeetAndKneesTogether

[@chico73274]

be sure you guys are physically fit.

[@jasonhollandbasstrombone]

Jacob Rivera 619 how was it?

[@bigtiny1571]

I see you’re out

[@spino-_-raptor9728]

@@chico73274 well you don't have to be in great shape to be honest. The most physically demanding thing was the run from where you landed to where you had to report saying you didn't die.

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

I went to Airborne School in January - February 2017. It was a good experience. The cadre were professional. It was unbelievable how well they knew their craft. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask.

[@thechillmaster5836]

How likely is it that I'll be put into an airborne unit after airborne school?

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

@@thechillmaster5836, it's pretty likely. The Army typically won't send you unless you're going to an ABN unit.

[@thechillmaster5836]

@@JumpRopeVeteran do airborne units LIVE abroad?

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

@@thechillmaster5836, yes, some are stationed overseas.

[@thechillmaster5836]

@@JumpRopeVeteran what are the chances of that happening? Not trying to live abroad and my mos is cyber

[@OmniHeIix]

Sounds much different from Airborne School I went to in 2000. Should have mentioned the runs. 82nd Airborne, All the Way

[@MattWard89]

He glossed over that part because he’s a pt stud so to him it was all super easy

[@thechief26]

OmniHeIix Airborne!!!

[@terencebanyahudah5691]

Hooah Brother! I went to Airborne School in February 2001. Ran everywhere!!! The first week the barracks was filled with the smell of Bengay! Hahaha. I miss the military and my LRSD Team. Rangers Lead the Way! Airborne All the Way!

[@ChipEstrada]

Anyone remember Cardiac Hill?

[@jamesfoster7735]

@@terencebanyahudah5691 '99 for me. Miss it so much

[@Cre8Thought41]

I think I was too scared to remember my first jump but that was in '69 with a T-10. I do remember the second one for sure. The other three were so so. My cherry jump was a night Hollywood from a Huey on St. Mere at Ft. Bragg. All up hill after that. Total of 92 jumps, jumpmaster school at Ft. Devens and Master wings in '74. Loved being a paratrooper. Airborne All the Way.

[@jamesfoster7735]

All the way!

[@davidwood-g2o]

You a year old than I, Benning in July of 68, then Bragg and the 82nd of course, Cherry was a Hollywood out of a 141 - which scarred the hell out of all the older fellows, their first jump from a jet. . Had 141s at Benning, Air Force Academy students there, so I got them all C - 119s, 130s and 141s in Jump School. ALL THE WAY

[@RutMoe]

I dont remember my first jump but i remember the Traffic Light on victory drive.

[@davinsmith9319]

Rut Moe 🤣🤣

[@DaVisionEIGHT2ENTLLC]

P.L.F's by the numbers sucked.. My neck was killing me the rest of the week..lol

[@garycole520]

Yeah those endless practice PLF’s did a number on my neck also. Especially when you had to hold your head up during the “ by the numbers “ drills.

[@charlesodonnell2993]

When I went to parachute school, I was so pleased because the barracks had central heat, endless hot water, and all the window panes were intact. It was like being in heaven! A different time so long ago....

[@CPTdrawer22]

What? On which planet? The water in the butt-cans in our barracks was frozen every morning, and our helmets froze to the ground while we Airborne-shuffled off to morning chow! (Is "central heat" when one shivers on smoke break?) De Oppresso Liber

[@TheMichi2377]

Thank you! My daughter is going into jump week next week. Great video guys. 👍

[@randycheow5311]

3 miles up, 3 miles down HI HO SILVER

[@G45K1LL]

Makes me more excited to leave soon!! thanks for all the videos, keep up the good work!!!

[@MattWard89]

Thanks!

[@RoachDoggJr2112]

I'm enlisting in two years, after college. My desired MOS is 12B. I'm hoping to be a Sapper, Airborne, and Ranger. I know it'll be hard, but I think I can make it.

[@erin19030]

I only did one jump. Everything that could go wrong did. Good thing I had a second chute on my chest. I landed in a field that had just been fertilized, in Germany, if you understand what that means. My landing was way off target due to turbulent air pockets. When they picked me up by truck the Sgt. said leave all your gear right on the ground. I never jumped again.

[@jonnyjae8447]

Currently I’m in AIT right now at Fort Gordon I’m a 25U just got airborne on my contract now headed to Fort Benning right after I graduate

[@leofuentes2324]

I'm leaving for basic in 3 weeks as 25U bro, how do you add airborne during AIT?

[@CPTdrawer22]

@@leofuentes2324 - Ask your Drill Sergeant, starting in BCT (Basic Combat Training; "basic") and going up the chain of command until you get satisfaction. If that isn't accomplished in BCT, do the same thing in AIT. If you want to be a Paratrooper, you'll push for it until you're Airborne and look back in scorn at the dam-legs you left behind. De Oppresso Liber

[@zulu1316]

How does it feel when your bro calls you a leg?

[@nevillevanrensburg1799]

This was so cool man, I am a proud South African war vet from the 80s, and understanding what the others have to do is sometimes funny, like when after the check, you can not touch your face or adjust your kit, same with Infantrymen. once you have cleaned your Mortar and oiled your bombs, no motherf@@@@@r must touch it!

[@reddevilparatrooper]

I had fun at Airborne School for me. That was 31 years ago though.

[@nunyabusiness9633]

45th Co. Grad 14 Mar 85. Then 8 1/2 yrs as a Blue Devil. God Bless Ya Bro!

[@CPTdrawer22]

Only 53 years ago for me, but I remember that fist jump from a C-119 like it was yesterday. Same for when I finally joined the Jet Set from a C-141. De Oppresso Liber

[@jeremeygloyd2894]

Where did your brother go to Jump school? I went to Ft.Benning Ga in like 2002. Right after Sep 11th. I was in an Airborne Ranger unit for almost 4 years and they run Everyday. But I still remember that the runs in Airborne school were some of the hardest and fastest runs I've ever had to do. Also the reason for keeping your feet and knees together is that it doubles the strength or thickness of your bones so they dont break when you land. Those parachutes are Garbage lmao. They all have huge holes in them that make you fall to the ground so much faster. Thanks for the video though. AIRBORNE!

[@jamescook7872]

I jumped.from Huey up to C141...loved going off of a.Huey

[@legiongamers99]

i haven't even enlisted yet and im nervous watching this video XD I grew up watching Band of Brothers so many times when i was little so everyone who does airborne just looks like heroes to me!.

[@tkso.philly3879]

Nothing but respect for these young men.Did he forget to mention,shotgun jump?Also.When another jumper lands on your chute,possibly causing a collapse of your canopy?---Hey',all other branches come to OUR schools.Army.Airborne ALL THE WAY-

[@teresakennedyharris4600]

Ah Shootemup89 my granddaughter is there right now. The only thing you didn't tell prospective Paratroopers was the timed running! One of her friends who she knew from MEPS through Basic and now there at Airborne didn't make it through the last run. And they are now reclassifying her. There was a Captain running next to my gdaughter who didn't make it up cardiac hill. So its awesome the stuff you have given out, but let them know about the physical part that they have to pass as well. Thanks!

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Cardiac hill is a beast. I ran it multiple times during my first year in the Army and then again at Airborne School. Good times!

[@jamesfoster7735]

Makes me reminisce about 1999. Man.. good times

[@damienstein5504]

HEY MATT! Can you guys talk a little about fort sill I leave July 23. And I go to fort sill, I’m so curious on what it is like there, i would really appreciate it if you could would release all this anxiousness. Thank you for your time man

[@davidinnes247]

I went to Jump School in 1978 as a cadet & they did put us through it. My scariest jump was my fourth; I was terrified I would break my leg & after all that would not get my wings. My least scary jump was five. I figured if I died I would still get my wings, so nothing to worry about.

[@calebowens8955]

I'm interested in hearing about close calls and collisions. How much control do you have over a situation like that.

[@AnnArborIsAWhore]

In jump school I "walked" on another guy's chute. I don't remember the direction he came from but I didn't see him until the last nanosecond. I wasn't pulling on my risers so I assume he was but still, me not seeing him was entirely on me. It was over before I had a chance to register what was happening, I was fine one second then I was "walking" on his chute and I had green beneath me the next. I didn't even have time to get scared. In my unit we had a guy get tangled up with our 1SG. That happened before I got there so I didn't witness it myself, they were both fine as they somehow got untangled. The SPC always joked about getting a tattoo of them tangled up and showing it to the 1SG but he never did, that was probably a good move seeing as how my buddy insisted it was the fault of the 1SG in the first place.

[@SciFiRo]

It happens so fast you do not get to register much of the event. Good training, self control and cold blood will get you out well! Once I landed on a roof edge passing through a tree, the canopy "embraced" the tree and pulled me down like 4-5 meters getting the middle of my spine just 5 cm high over a big rock. If you do not keep you're legs tight you will get to count at least one set of balls minus. In order to get back the chute two guys had to cut off the unlucky tree for I had to jump two more times and had to make a very long run to the airplane. A buddy of mine landed on a 5 levels building's rooftop and got a good grip onto an antenna till he got help removing the chute: the wind was pulling him off that building otherwise! Later he told me at first he laughed seeing me going towards the radio antenna's area knowing I was fearing for my butt integrity than he saw what was waiting to happen to him...

[@YourMomsMuff69]

AnnArborIsAWhore What happened when you walked on his chute?

[@AnnArborIsAWhore]

brandon b Nothing appreciable, thankfully, since it happened too fast. It was over before I could really take in what happened and react which was probably a good thing given that I hadn't even had my five jumps at that point. There is a process known as "stealing air" or "stealing wind." Think of it as in the aerodynamics of a NASCAR race (turning left isn't a sport and blah blah blah but anyways) where each car reduces the drag on the car immediately behind it. All things being equal, the second car can go faster than the lead car because the lead car reduces the drag that the second car has to deal with. The chute of the lower jumper reduces the drag that the higher jumper has to deal with, thereby increasing the rate of descent for the higher jumper. That could create a catastrophic situation were the higher jumper to descend into any part of the equipment (chute and risers) of the lower jumper. Since I don't remember exactly how it happened I can't say I was to blame but the lower jumper has the right of way as a general rule. I've seen some (non-fatal) accidents on KZbin but I've really no interest in searching for what I'm describing but I've no doubt they're out there. I'm also sure some scientist or a Black Hat would pick apart my description of the effects of "stealing air" but it works well enough for our purposes. I hope that answers your question.

[@CPTdrawer22]

@@AnnArborIsAWhore - Your description is basically correct. On my 2d jump, I was looking up to see my 'chute inflate when I felt the sickening feeling of 1.1oz ripstop olive drab nylon under my feet. My main hadn't fully inflated. I ran like my life depended on it, slipping and slidding until dropping off the 'chute I'd landed on - only to land on the 2d 'chute that day! More running until slipping off of *that* 'chute! My own main inflated fully just before landing, but I'd been preparing for one heckuva PLF! Those were the only times I landed on another canopy, so 2 times in 1 jump must have used up all my allotted "'chute walks" for a long Airborne career! To answer Caleb Owens' question of how much control one has: Sometimes one has some control, though that's only after your canopy has deployed and fully inflated. Prior to that, the only control one has on a static line jump is how fast you count to 4, and you may not be fully in control of that, depending on your sphincter tightness. On night jumps, there's less to control, if only because visibility is reduced. Landing in trees can be less than comfortable, but you're trained in how to keep injury to a minimum. On one Special Forces night training jump, I came down right next to a telephone pole, which put the entire county out of electricity and telephone contact for a week! (The residents were accustomed to Special Forces doing such things, so they had plenty of stories for me!) On another jump, I landed in a foxhole on Fort Bragg's Sainte-Mère-Église DZ; try doing a PLF in a foxhole! (I banged my knee on a rock and limped off of the DZ, Airborne shuffling with my aviator kit bag.) Had plenty of other minor mishaps, but it all comes with the territory. Either you're worthy of the silver wings of a United States Army Paratrooper - or you aren't! You can terminate at any time and become a dam-leg again. A very few former legs have tried to tell me I'm former Airborne, though I never terminated; they became temporarily incapacitated - and I'm still Airborne! De Oppresso Liber

[@WheelsandWallets]

Got a helmet to the knee in high school broke my patella I could not imagine the army parachute land way too fast but they have to because the commercial parachute would be dramatically slower

[@_mason_s]

My contract is also for 13F with Airborne school. Your brother has my hair too. Thats me.

[@sydneywatson1108]

I'm scared of heights, i would freak out my first jump

[@CPTdrawer22]

Sydney Watson - Not so! I'm "scared of heights" to the extent that sleeping on a top bunk or climbing a footstool to change a lightbulb aren't favored activities. Some 85 jumps later (along with being a Parachute Rigger, Pathfinder, and Special Forces, as well as a skydiver, just for fun!), I wish I were still on Active Duty with a jump unit, so I could get in more time under a canopy. That first jump was the best, as it felt like standing on top of the world! De Oppresso Liber

[@johnnyhandsome3424]

@@CPTdrawer22 Special Forces contract. Ship date in september. Any advice? I'm 24.

[@David-ue9cs]

Airborne School 1985 served 19th Special Forces. 44 jumps out of Perfectly Good Airplane s Helicopters.

[@10207ret]

I went through jump schol in 1970. Our first week was called Hell Week, and that was appropriate. The black hats were trying their best to make you quit.

[@10207ret]

On day 4 of Hell Week, they made me go take another color vision test. It took about 3 hours before I got back, having passed the color vision test. Because I missed three hours of training, they recycled me and I had to go through Hell Week again with another company. Of course I could have quit, but I didn't.

[@richardthompson8207]

I also went through in 1970. I was young and fit so it wasn't to bad for me. When we finally boarded the C-119 for the first jump, I wasn't afraid but I knew, the only way I was getting off that plane was by jumping. That was a strange feeling.

[@stephenhaney9337]

Graduating today from jump school, no longer a dirty nasty leg

[@harrykuheim6107]

You can go to many small Airports that have a Sport Sky Diving Class and take a morning class and then jump static in the afternoon....

[@CPTdrawer22]

Harry Kuheim - I notice that you don't mention how poor the "morning class" is, compared to the intensive training of Jump School. I also note that you don't mention the higher rate of injuries and parachute malfunctions in these casket orientations by civilians. 'Course I'm only a Special Forces Master Blaster and Parachute Rigger who has also done some skydiving when off-duty (and watched civilian skydivers doing insane things to shorten their lifespans), so what do I know‽ De Oppresso Liber

[@vazz22]

Congrats James! Airborne All The Way!

[@tramtran178]

Can someone in the Reserve go to Airborne school?TIA

[@MattWard89]

Yepp!

[@robertisham5279]

Are you in the reserves?

[@jonyork7303]

It was so cold the day of my first jump that my hands were so frozen that i had to use one hand to detach the other from the riser. That and my buddy sky sharked me and I ended up falling the last 50-100ft without a canopy. Black hat yelled at me because he thought I died lol. My third jump I fell out the door because the plane dipped right as I was exiting which caused me to get slammed into the doorway and roll off the side of the plane. The entire left side of my torso was black and blue for weeks. I was so worried about untwisting my risers that I ended up doing a perfect stand up landing by mistake. I didn't mind so much though because we ended up getting to jump 3 times that day which normally doesn't happen.

[@Crazyben87]

Wait til you kick boots with the guy in the other door. Fun times haha. Look out for those sky sharks ha!

[@newtonmichael]

Don't pay the guy to shine your boots, Do it yourself :)

[@Beezi.]

When I went through on my first jump the chick in front of me stopped at the door and didnt want to jump. The jump master pushed her to the door and then put his foot on her ass and pushed her out. she was resisting and barely made it out and rolled against the side of the plane. I made sure I didnt hesitate after that. My first landing was hard, harder than I expected. I didnt fear jumping after that it was landing. That was in 2006 with a T10 shute.

[@shakyleg5929]

Shootemup89 i leave for basic in a like 8 days. My mos is 25s and I'm very interested in airborne school. Can you tell me requirements and steps to take to help somebody get to airborne school?

[@MattWard89]

Do you have Airborne school in your enlistment contract?

[@manny4218]

You're going to Fort Gordon for ait lol good luck 😂😂😂

[@mikluvin4633]

The easy way to get to jump school is pick an MOS with Airborn attached to it, or pick an MOS that requires you to be Airborn certified. I was fortunate enough to enlist as a 92r which is a parachute rigger and that requires me to be Airborn qualified, so they send me to Airborn school right after my BCT.

[@thatdroneguymarsh9361]

Ronnie Anderson ow was basic

[@thatdroneguymarsh9361]

B L i

[@airbornestoner3077]

aco 82nd airborne 2000 to 2005 airborne infantry sgt.

[@airbornestoner3077]

not a pog.

[@geese5695]

“Drop down, and the wave hit, WAPOW”

[@ethankyler2104]

Count to six thousand?

[@juliansaiz5714]

awesome can't wait

[@113tidbits]

Charlie Co. 8/86 82nd Abn.,SOCEUR 6 of 8 years on jump status

[@ligma2337]

now i have to wair a few years but i wanna be in the airborne so bad and im scared i wont be able to get into it 😞

[@billywray4524]

got my wings 1968 in weisbaden germany jump school. was in the 2nd 509 lee barracks mainz germany

[@billywray4524]

@Alex Winterborn i thought the 509th moved to italy shortly after i left in 1970. my last jump was in italy the 173rd is now in italy i believe

[@billywray4524]

@Alex Winterborn lee barracks isn't even there any more.i ran into a guy in the yaak montana that was in the 509th also. he was younger than me. have a lot of good memories there. we were mechanized. we had 113's and 114's.airborne my friend!!!

[@dylanhelmsd1281]

How much are the parachutes and what do they do with damaged parachutes.

[@VIKINGHUN]

We were more afraid of the Black Hats. Back in '81, they could still manhandle you. PS-Don't fall asleep in malfunctions class...And everyone made at least one trip to the gig pit. Just curious if they still have the "boot blacks" there.

[@johnbrady1211]

I went through in June '79. The very first day, a Black Hat gave us the "orientation" speech. The very first thing he said, actually, it was a question, was, is there anyone here that has a problem with me putting a boot to your ass or laying hands on you to straighten you out? Meaning, making sure you are positioned right during all phases of training. Then he said, if you have a problem with that, get up and leave now. When we had first formation of the day, there was a clearly marked area called quitters square. That was where all the quitters had their formation. Separate from the class. Very humiliating and embarrassing if you had to be there facing the class getting briefed for the day. I heard from more current graduates that they don't do this anymore because it's politically incorrect and it hurt the quitters feelings. Those who were medically dropped or recycled while recuperating from an injury did not have to stand in quitters square. I had a great experience on the day of our last jump. After we turned in our chutes at the collection point, we stood in formation beside the drop zone and listened to some brass congratulate us. Then he said look up, there is a surprise for you. The Golden Knights jumped and we could see them as little specks at first because they haloed in. But, they landed right beside our formation with small sacks tied to their sides full of silver jump wings! They went down each row and pinned on our jump wings and shook our hands. I don't know if they did this again, but I never heard another paratrooper say they saw this happen. I think usually they moved you back to Benning, formed up there and handed out your wings.

[@Dan-rw7ze]

Feet and knees together yes. But more importantly, don’t reach for the ground.

[@nicholasrogers8472]

Do they not do suspended agony during ground week anymore? I graduated ABN just before 9/11. Sounds like much has changed.

[@Ohanna_Gaming]

So I took my practice ASVAB the other day take the actual one today and after bct how do I go for airborne for The Illinois National Guard

[@kevinjohnson9146]

You will have the opportunity to volunteer for jump school some time late in AIT

[@Jaffed34]

Can you make a video explaining Airborne school the common day by day PT and the PT scoreS APFT and ACFT

[@chico73274]

I went to Airborne School back on 1985

[@mickmcgoldrick5453]

If you get airborne in your contract do you go to 82nd ?

[@Waynedontgame]

Mick McGoldrick better hope so that’s where I’m at and it’s magic

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Not necessarily. There are other Airborne units out there. You could go to to Alaska, Italy, or Germany as well. It's all about current needs of the Army.

[@CPTdrawer22]

Mick McGoldrick - Nothing in the Army is a sure thing. As a Special Forces, combat-experienced, Parachute Rigger, Pathfinder, and Master Parachutist, my last Active Duty assignment was to a dam-leg unit. It was a good unit, despite being leg, so I got out and joined a Reserve Special Forces detachment and got back to jumping. Don't like civilians much, 'cause most of 'em are dam-legs. (My wife barely passed muster, 'cause I gave her a 'chute for her wedding present, taught her to pack it, trained her, and was there on the DZ for her first jump.) De Oppresso Liber

[@gbell8199]

@@Waynedontgame are you in a airborne unit

[@chico73274]

I wonder how many jumps this kid has.? FEET and KNEES TOGETHER, ANKLES AND KNEES ARE STRONGER AND HAVE A HIGHER CHANGE OF NOT BRAKING.

[@MattWard89]

Well that's what they teach now, "Feet and knees" and this was right after he graduated Airborne school Now he has several jumps a combat tour deployment under his belt.

[@chico73274]

i HAVE 28 JUMPS, i REALLY ENJOY YOUR VIDEOS, it reminded me back in my days. AIRBORNE

[@MattWard89]

Thanks! And yeah that's what a lot of Vets tell me haha

[@quabronner98]

How high was James bro?

[@Crazyben87]

Delta ROCK! How many flutter kicks did you do?

[@Atmosbolt]

How hard would it be to get into airborne school if you already signed your contract? If it makes a difference, I'm going 11B and leaving for BCT in September (National Guard).

[@CPTdrawer22]

Atmosbolt - Since you're already in, this info comes too late for you to change your contract. HOWEVER, keep putting in for it, and if you meet resistance, go up your chain of command until you get what you want: Airborne! De Oppresso Liber

[@briankfs]

Sure... feet and knees together, that's great... but, if you aren't BENT at the knees upon landing, you may be seriously screwed!

[@luiscarreno4027]

Could you get deployed being airborne ?

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Yeah, you can get deployed whether you're airborne or not. It doesn't matter.

[@CPTdrawer22]

Donkey Chest - As a Paratrooper, it took me 3½ years of volunteering for combat deployment before finally calling DA (Department of the Army), tallying up how many millions of dollars they'd spent on my training, and threatening to get out on my upcoming ETS (Expiration Term of Service; end of contract) date if I didn't get deployment orders ASAP. They let me have deployment orders, but I was only allowed to serve 2 back-to-back tours. The "needs of the service" generally have priority over one's personal desires, so find whatever leverage you can to be able to get deployed, whether you're Airborne or not. De Oppresso Liber

[@wendykalman3661]

My husband told me the worst aspect of basic parachutists school was all of the constant running. He went through O.S.U.T. and jump school in 1984.

[@CPTdrawer22]

Wendy Kalman - After the first 5 miles, it's not bad at all - and I dislike running! De Oppresso Liber

[@shakamakana8492]

'69 jump school 👍 as soon as you step out of a building, barracks, etc, you will be running, until you reach another building, barracks, etc, or formation 😁😀🙃!!!

[@oliviaschmidt103]

super random question, but can you ask your brother if he had his phone during Airborne school?

[@MattWard89]

+Olivia Schmidt that's not too random lol. But I know for a fact he did because I was talking to him throughout Airborne School. You won't have or even need it during the training day but after that you are good.

[@grantbatson7180]

Im torn between airborne and infantry but i dont want messed up knees and back do im thinking after graduation going 11b infantry

[@aaronalbert8953]

Where can your first duty station beif you graduate from airborn school?

[@GhostRanger75]

You guys are cool brothers

[@sean2299]

I'm thinking about being a 11b

[@AXCV1995]

SEAN a if you want to be airborne get option 4 in your contract and make sure you score atleast 110 on your gt score when you take the asvab

[@ajaykaranveer2069]

SEAN a I got option 4 it's Lit infantry OSUT was tough specially The company I was in was really tough but its badass when you find out how easy pogs have it and it's really rewarding at the end

[@gbell8199]

@@ajaykaranveer2069 are you in airborne

[@kohnyisland6160]

I leave for basic in a few weeks for 92R. I am pretty nervous about airborne school. What is the 5 mile run like? Basic is pretty intimidating but I'm honestly more nervous for airborne.

[@thechief26]

Hannah Kohn when I went through you were only allowed to fall out of a run one time. And if you fall out of the 5 mile run then you'll be dropped from airborne school. I believe the last run is 5 miles at 9 min mile pace.

[@Clayvalue]

Ez