What it's like for an Army Paratrooper to step into the air over a drop zone

NETHERLANDS
Video by Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Hornby
82nd Airborne Division
U.S. Army Jumpmaster, Staff Sgt. Paul O'Brien, assigned to 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, provides a point-of-view perspective as he leads his chalk during Exercise Falcon Leap. Here he drops onto Ginkelse Heide drop zone, Netherlands on 17 September, 2021.
Exercise Falcon Leap is part of the remembrance ceremonies for Operation Market Garden's 77th anniversary and is currently NATO's largest technical airborne exercise with 12 different Allied and partner Nations participating. 82nd ABN DIV conducts airborne training with partner nations in the Netherlands during Falcon Leap 2021.
U.S. Army product by Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan D.D. Hornby

[@KentuckyWaterfall13]

I recently met a WW2 veteran a couple weeks ago. He was a paratrooper who landed in Normandy I can’t imagine what went through his head jumping out to France during that time. He’s 104 years old and still with us. Respect to the men who fought in WW2.

[@LeCarneAsada]

Go on… stories from a 104 year old ww2 vet is rare nowadays. Try to get as much info out of him as possible. I’m sure he has TONS of stories to share that would be gladly looked upon by historians.

[@amberheardsdog]

@@LeCarneAsadamy cousin’s great grandpa jesse marion masters was in auschwitz concentration camp when he was 11. the germans killed his parents because they thought they were jewish but they were not jewish. the guards of the camp forced him to cook and skin rabbit but instead of him doing that he’d find rats and feed that to the guards lol. somehow he escaped and went to europe somewhere then came here to the united states. he first fought the polish underground or something like that but after that in one of his battles he was shot in the neck with a gun but it did not fall him he ended up running at the guy who shot him and scalped him because he was on a rampage of them killing his parents. the weapon he used to scalp the enemy is at his daughters house right now. also he slit a guy throat and threw him down a hole. when he fought the koreans the koreans (i think koreans) would stay up in trees and shoot down at moving enemies. jesse though, he would be very stealthy and silent and wait near trees. the koreans would get sleepy and a branch would move because the dozed off and jesse and his mates knew instantly where the koreans were in the tree. he passed away from cancer but he had it like 9 times and beat them all before his passing in 2009. he even beat brain cancer my father said. but later on in life cancer got him back and he passed. he was 81 or so. his highest achieved rank was master sergeant and got a purple heart medal i think alive? not sure how it works. you can find his online obituary by looking up the name jesse marion masters. his real name was zdzislaw marian modrzejewski. he was born in lodzkie poland in 1928.

[@xFlared]

Jesus 104. Most men don't make it to 60. He was basically born a second time at his half point.

[@KentuckyWaterfall13]

@@LeCarneAsada I didn’t ask him for stories since it was loud where I was and again he was 104. I went up and said “Thank you for your service sir” and asked him where he was stationed during the war and he just said he was stationed in The Europe Theater for 3 years. Insane to think he might’ve been around some the guys from Band Of Brothers!

[@zeee2872]

All the while getting flak guns fired at you im sure it was a sight to see and one we hope doesnt happen soon

[@metaglypto]

My first jump, I thought there was a good chance I could die if I made the slightest mistake. After the exit it was mostly quiet, except for the Blackhats (training cadre) on their bullhorns, and an amazing view. After what seems like just a few seconds, the ground comes speeding towards you. You tense up while trying to remain relaxed, but poised for impact, then you make your PLF or Parachute Landing Fall. My first thought after landing was, "I want to do that again!"

[@sergiorubio1311]

Hey metaglytpto, there is a typo in your comment.. it should read "i wont do that again!"

[@aaronmcamis5950]

What does the initial 6 seconds feel like?

[@jackdaniel7465]

@@aaronmcamis5950 total chaos, actually it's 4 Seconds until your chute deploys open.

[@aaronmcamis5950]

@@jackdaniel7465 yeah I caught that when I jumped. Faster with an MC6

[@jackdaniel7465]

@@aaronmcamis5950 All good buddy!!

[@malicant123]

I met a WW2 paratrooper who was fired upon during a jump. He simply had to watch whilst the tracer rounds scattered around him an hope that he wasn't hit. He was, but thankfully it was not a fatal shot, and he wasn't captured by the Germans afterwards. I think he only passed away a few years ago. Remember, WW2 will soon be beyond living memory.

[@Constance_Igo]

Yes WW2 weren’t good in 1939-1945 because a lot of people died approximately 66,000,000 people died I think

[@sabko8091]

​@@Constance_Igobro what

[@benargee]

​@@Constance_Igoit was more than a year.

[@wescald]

Why would I wanna remember a whole bunch of innocent people dying for no reason.

[@RedFail1-1]

@@wescald History is history. Ignoring any part of it just leads to the same mistakes.

[@frantictoast3741]

Was a paratrooper from 2012-2016. First time watching a video like this since I've been out. This certainly brought back amazing memories.

[@Jw-no7id]

I got out in '95. I miss my brothers and the adrenaline. I do not miss the stoooooopid.

[@TRUTHaintHATING]

Question what is the purpose of this training?

[@86Kera]

Were the landings as painful as this looked lol this made my herniated disc hurt

[@stevenpaynter4215]

where did you paratroop? or was it just always training

[@frantictoast3741]

@@stevenpaynter4215 nope. 509th down at Polk.

[@Bald_Zeus]

Looks absolutely terrifying. Big respect to paratroopers for basically defying all instincts while doing these jumps over and over again

[@spartacus3246]

you are trained to do it so this actual jump isnt that bad.

[@AnthonyBlamthony]

@@spartacus3246 that doesn’t mean that you’re still not thinking “I’m jumping out of a freaking airplane”😂 that’s like saying because you trained for war you’re not at all scared of dying. You can’t just turn off your survival instincts dude

[@agustinbarquero8898]

​@@AnthonyBlamthonyAgain, you are trained to do it.

[@hampus7474]

@@AnthonyBlamthonyThat’s not the same thing at all. Jumping out like this is not a situation of life and death. And even if it was a deployment where there would be a risk of death it still wouldn’t be the same since you’re afraid of dying from being shot or something else and not from the jump itself.

[@jonnysnipes3123]

It’s actually really fun

[@stephen7571]

My grand dad was para trained in the 2nd world war. He said he always ensured not to be the first in line as you had to stare out of the plane and wait for the instruction to jump. He said it was far easier to follow the soldier in front of you.

[@traceynorcross5666]

Being number 1 in the door is the best position as you get a good exit, less chance of a rivet count and less chance of a collision with a member of the opposite stick if due to bad despatching.on my basic para, the day I turned 22 years the PJI was most considerate that day putting me to jump first.

[@tomxaak]

Can’t comment on behalf of paratroopers albeit my grand dad was also a para in ww2, but as skydiver I always hated most going last. Those planes are stinky noisy machines I couldn’t wait to leave. Going first, for skydivers, is typically also safest and the view is actually very nice.

[@bigblue207]

@@tomxaakyeah but if you’re going first you’re a belly bitch the back is where all the fun stuff happens

[@Haze1434]

I'd prefer to be first survival wise... I would guess it would take an enemy a few seconds to realise what was happening, by that time you could be a good bit further towards the ground when they opened fire.

[@rattek2749]

@@Haze1434 yeah i guess if they're deaf that could work

[@sd5712]

Look at the coordination needed to jump like this, especially without ground fire hitting the plane. I cannot fathem what those poor souls that dropped in WW2 had to go through, god bless them. ❤

[@kilroy2517]

At night, under fire, from planes that were flying too fast and/or too low, and nowhere near where they were supposed to be. An ironic thing is that the drops were so badly scattered that German command didn't believe initial reports because they were coming from everywhere, plus we had dropped fake para-dummies that had been found and identified as such, so the Germans were fooled by a near catastrophe.

[@cameronkedas3375]

My great grandpa was a paratrooper in the 504/82 in World War II. He was at Sicily, Salerno, and Anzio with the 504th. After the 504th was withdrawn from Anzio in March ‘44, he was assigned to the 101st Airborne and fought at Normandy, Holland, Belgium, and Germany. He was honorably discharged at the rank of T/4. He passed away in 2006 before I got a chance to meet him. Because of what he did, I want to join the 504/82nd a year or two after I turn 18 and graduate HS. Rest in peace John J. Lower🇺🇸

[@TofuTeo]

Thank you for sharing your great grandpa’s amazing story ❤

[@DrPeculiar312]

Crazy how every ww2 vet says they were a paratrooper, i’ll bet he never left basic 😂

[@lelouchvibritannia4028]

Crazy how no one asked for your backstory.​@@DrPeculiar312

[@jimmylieb5225]

you're great grand father. my step father. time is flying!!

[@puppykitty6100]

Every now and then you read a KZbin comment that you know is full of shit. This ain't that.

[@Existntlangst]

I was a paratrooper in the Army. I served from 1997 to 2017. Life as a paratrooper was the best damn time of my life

[@xander2541]

AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY! FURY FROM THE SKY! 🪂🪂🪂🪖🪖🪖🎖🎖🎖🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻💯💯💯

[@Existntlangst]

@@xander2541 hell yeah Airborne!

[@newagain9964]

1/319 here. I think it still exist. Tho I just found out yesterday they changed Bragg to liberty??? Lmao.Tens & tens of Millions $$$ for nothing!👎

[@Existntlangst]

@@newagain9964 I know. Damn I know brother. I was with USASFC. Bounced around SF groups. I really wish they would renamed Bragg to the US Federal Army of our Civil War

[@xander2541]

@@newagain9964 1/319th 3BCT 82nd ABN is the unit that kicked me out for possession of a handgun 🫣😳😩🙄🫤😔 was a good soldier, deployed to Afghanistan 🇦🇫, was E4, wanted to be SGT and become a Jumpmaster asap after making SGT, wanted to go SF but “good soldiers don’t make mistakes” my leadership

[@surgio154]

My Dad was in the 82nd in WW2 , he got to D day but was wounded coming down , a bad drop , shot in the stomach but saved by the local French people , he drank the rest of his life , the mental part never healed , he was a good Dad

[@surgio154]

I went to Vietnam , helped save many POW's in 73 , now its my turn to be a good Dad

[@busted1396]

sounds like a shite life

[@azz6550]

Respect to the both of you❤️

[@drumraider]

Your father bore scars to save a country he likely hadn't ever been to, until dropping in as one of its liberators. The courage to be there was more than many will ever have a chance to exhibit. Bless your dad

[@brinkbooks3492]

He was.

[@tyrarathje1032]

Thank you. I have a serious spine condition and have always wanted to jump. Thank you for allowing me the experience through you. And thank you for helping us remain free.

[@tonypine3434]

The only people stopping you from being free are your government. Not some Taliban geezer or Russian. Don't get it mistaken.

[@incryption]

? bros parachuting

[@theunknowngamer2954]

@@incryptionwhat you talking bout

[@SlyFireVR]

I feel like you would love VR

[@maureenwilson6031]

This was so special to me as my Dad was 101st Airborne in WW11. He jumped in all the major battles. Thank you to all our heroes in the military. You are very much appreciated.

[@Captainrex5321]

damn your dad must be from the future we havent even had ww3 yet and he fought in ww11

[@ozanguner658]

I do not know with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War XI will be fought with water gun......ALBERT EİNSTEİN

[@Immured4]

@@ozanguner658 He didnt say that

[@pragyanmohanty8417]

I think it’s WW II. The roman numerals are replaced by 11

[@Immured4]

@@pragyanmohanty8417 woooooooshh! that's the sound of the joke flying over your head

[@RTFLDGR]

my lifelong best friend was Darrel Drumright. He jumped with the 82nd Airborne in the 80s. Drumright became a chiropractor, married, his wife bore three children. @ 56 years, he suffered and died a massive heart attack while running in the treadmill to prevent the same. He was the best friend a man could ever have. GODSPEED, Darrel Drumright.

[@Ajesen]

I'm sorry for your loss, Man, idk how i would Feel if my Best friend would die, or my brother. Probably heartbroken. R.I.P. Darrel

[@restanibalu]

I know that feeling. Not with a best friend tough, but I can imagine how hard it must be. RIP Darrel

[@regulator9268]

❤

[@RileyBanksWho]

RIP to your buddy

[@vertigo2930]

God bless

[@erikdam8850]

Nice to see Italian, Dutch and German paratroopers on this jump, especially over the Netherlands. Great footage and mad respect for you guys!

[@Avarent01]

Made me really happy when I saw the different nationalities as well! Nice work!

[@Tay12345]

NATO

[@This_Apastolic-guy]

@@Tay12345N.A.T.O N-not A-a T-tiddy O-onboard

[@victorcarvalho5836]

and Portuguese!

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

Oh shit didnt realise, this drop made me think of a Bridge Too Far. The Arnhem museum is criminally small and under-visited for how large and significant MarketGarden operation was

[@Novemberrain111]

My dad was a paratrooper 101 Airbourne Army. Served vietnam x2 purpleheart. Retired major. He passed last year @81 yo. I miss him so. Iam a army brat and proud of it. I have the highest respect for my father and all that served our country. My father made me the woman Iam today. Army Strong

[@dangifford2710]

Made about 60 static line jumps, always seemed land about 2 miles to the turn-in point, humping that 'chute. Then I went to HALO/MFF school, and on my 1st jump, with that steerable square canopy, I landed about 20' from the turn-in point and said to myself "this is the shit right here,"

[@kevinpedz]

They do that on purpose in AS, any opportunity where they can add in some leg strengthening exercises they will 😂.

[@RizaldoMullings]

did the VA tell you that your knee pain was non-service related?

[@socialclubmusic_]

How did your officers react to the landing ? I would of been amused and impressed myself

[@randomyoutubecommentersecu7639]

How are your knees? Edit: No , genuinely...How are the knees , no joke. Do you feel any serious wear on them from so many landings?

[@Fishslayer007]

Can't expect much from the old T-10s.

[@aldocarulli3054]

Did this training back in 2012 in italy. I used a T-10 Mertes as a parachute and at the third jump we hit a pocket of hot air coming up and me and a couple of guys literally stood still in the air for something like 30 seconds. The image of the shiny sea in front of me and the green mountains behind me is burned into my brain. What a beautiful moment. Wholesome, filled with adrenaline and cameraderie. Miss you Captain Pucci

[@way75mit9]

I jumped with the 1/509 th. in Vicenza back in the early 80s, then again when the unit changed to the 4/325 th. jumping in Germany, Italy, Greece, Belgium, and many other NATO countries, and the wind did the same thing, in northern Italy all the time, went on to 1/75 Rangers in Georgia but it never happened there RLTW !!!

[@Dinadino994]

🫡

[@CharonOfDeath]

Made in Heaven

[@maninredhelm]

A mere 4 second delay jumping after the last soldier created a big gap between him and the rest of the group. Really shows the importance of these drills and keeping everyone packed tight together, especially if this had been at night in unfamiliar territory.

[@PP-js2fy]

Thanks for posting this. Loved seeing some of our NATO allies jumping with you.

[@sadoldgit313]

10 years as a C130 ALM/Dispatcher. The best years of my life watching these brave kids take that first step after being conditioned to jump into the unknown! Had to do the basic course myself to be a dispatcher!

[@shaneoballs]

The unknown?? Calm down, most jumps would be practice jumps into farmland like the video. This isnt D Day. Also they are paid a wage, there is no obligation

[@jaredrogers7863]

hey, thanks for the sage words@@shaneoballs

[@criSOME1]

Would love the opportunity to be drafted to fight bill gates mosquito robot army. That’s the only threat you losers really have in the modern era

[@jakobfriedrich5117]

How are they being conditioned/trained before their first? I jumped right into a cloud once that was insane, just the white void below me

[@sadoldgit313]

@@shaneoballs Just noticed your stupid reply! Clearly you’ve never parachuted otherwise you would know that when you step off you really have no idea of what will happen!

[@williamrussell6260]

I graduated Jump School in 1986, then went to the 82d Airborne Division. After a few years, I went to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). I jumped every chance I got, and finished with 129 jumps. It's the most fun I've ever had with my pants on...

[@pwhales264]

We probably in the 82nd Airborne at the same time I graduated Airborne School in June of '87 and went straight to the 82nd Airborne Division airborne

[@donralston7599]

I can't remember what company I was in. It was right after basic and AIT, but we had that crazy "Charlie Mike" guy for a BC. He joined us a couple of PT runs and then he would always mention his book. I think he wanted us to buy a copy. And of course who remembers the "Hidden Door?" I loved jump school.@@shawnr771

[@MrUnknown-wf1xf]

Laughing that's a good one lol

[@Fishslayer007]

Ha, we probably bumped shoulders when I was outprocessing in 86, 1st/505th, and then did 3 years with 1St/75thRgt.

[@donralston7599]

Had to look at a calendar. I went jump school in middle of May. Then went to 82nd in June. Ended up on Graves street A co. 2/505 PIR and was there for 4 years. @@Fishslayer007

[@jasonwilson9406]

Huge props to all you MEN! God bless you all for what you do!!!

[@markweiss4327]

Great vid..thxs for sharing. Looks like Sicily DZ in NC Ft Bragg. Spent time in 1/75 Ranger and 82nd ABN…made 82 static line jumps…always enjoyed reaching the ground in one-piece…pissed like a race-horse as soon as I hit the ground…and moved to the assembly area with a smile on my face always!

[@ronbelldvm]

Wow, that brings back memories. I went to jump school in 74, and jumpmaster school in 77. The point of view video brought it all rushing back.

[@maxwill6408]

I went to jump school in 1971and jumpmaster school in 1979.

[@Chuck8541]

Thank you for your service, folks!

[@jaigray5422]

Can't imagine what it was like over Normandy the courage can't be described in words

[@Shazzadut1]

Indeed. Seems like fun there but no so much fun when you’re being fired at by the enemy, or jumping at night I would imagine.

[@jamesflaherty59]

With 1940's gear as well.

[@moose9211]

Geez

[@memo134]

It seems surreal thinking about that. And they were kids also back then

[@royceb4814]

What’s the yellow straps for ? That’s connected to the plane

[@Zaber_Za]

Loved it,thank you for sharing.😊

[@tjeff51]

In 1971 I went through jump school. That was pretty much how it was for us back then. I did get to be the first one out once, very cool. Great video.

[@Rickflairshair]

Exchange jumps were always awesome. The camaraderie and after parties were always memorable

[@bobavalle927]

Germans looks like

[@davidgill3356]

I was wondering about the full beard then I saw the German colors.

[@Fischbroetchen2k]

There are Italians, Germans and Dutch as far as I can tell

[@MarcillaSmith]

Amen! Got my Honduran jump wings like that :: clears throat :: Not that the United States has ever had troops in Honduras, of course :: coughs ::

[@Rickflairshair]

@@MarcillaSmith i actually lived there for few years in comayagua

[@ralphemerson497]

I stood in the door on my third practice jump in Airborne School. Scary AF but peaceful and quite on the way down. My next ten or so jumps after Airborne was from various helicopters. Several from the old Hueys, a few from the Black Hawk and one from the Chinook. The good old days. Young, dumb, full of c*m, no money, traveling the world and loving life.

[@TheJimtanker]

Only time I was #1 man was my first jump in school Quite the rush. I loved Chinook jumps.

[@pfdrtom]

I was in Cco 509th Pathfinders at Ft. Rucker in the 80s and then went to 1/75th. 90% of our blasts at Rucker were from choppers. I'm 60 years old now but at least once a day I think about those days!

[@AW-zy1kw]

Five jump chump here; was always back in the stick and didn't have to look out the door and contemplate. Probably a good thing. One minute your shuffling and the next your azz is out the door Lol. Those planes at Jump school were hot AF and packed full. Real quiet and cool when your were out. I'm big though so the peace only lasted about 45 seconds it seemed Lol

[@rimuladas3466]

@@AW-zy1kw yeah, i was told in the air that heaviest goes first...wait... WHAT?!! pretty sure i made up some new swear words.

[@TheJimtanker]

@@AW-zy1kw My first jump was in the door. I prefer to be in the middle of the stick so I’m closer to the bleachers or the rally point.

[@lpdog82]

my dad was in the 82nd airborne back in the 50s, he said he absolutely loved it and it was one of the best times in his life , , no fear , no BS , just follow your buddies out that door , TEAMWORK!

[@lisashawley7643]

❤Thank you for your Service

[@robertjames8220]

I love that calm "going backwards again", like he's out for a quiet stroll.

[@AlaskaErik]

Retired C-130 loadmaster here. During night drops in winter I always felt sorry for the jumpers. My flight pay was more than their jump pay and two hours later I would be in my nice warm bed while the jumpers would be playing army all night long in the freezing cold Alaska winter night.

[@FighteroftheNightman]

Not to mention yall get crew rest and the Army thinks 2 hours is enough 😂

[@AlaskaErik]

@@FighteroftheNightman 12 hours of crew rest. And our own rooms on a TDY. Preferably in a beachfront hotel.

[@grayharker6271]

My brother was a hercy bird LM 23 years. I was never on the same AC with him, but we were in a flight of 3 once. I always thought it would be so cool to have my brother kick me out of an aircraft in-flight!

[@martin5504]

I did an Arnhem commemorative jump from a Hercules C130 with 10th (V) Battalion The Parachute Regiment, Territorial Army in summer 1971. Maybe on that same DZ, it looks a bit familiar. I was 18, I loved it, helped me grow up.

[@joelopez633]

Thank you for all you do 👍👍💪💯

[@timbrown8038]

Looked like a bunch of smiles headed for the door. God Bless Our Troops!

[@TheKadanz]

This was an international exercise including multiple countries. You can see the different flags on the soldiers's uniforms when they jump.

[@rascal0175]

Those were sport jumpers or military guys on a non-military jump. The jumpmaster even had to be coached on the jump commands. A military jump is quite a bit different.

[@ralphgreenjr.2466]

I was 19 when I first "hung my knees in the breeze!" I had 60 more jumps. I did crawl away from 2, total malfunction on my main and road the reserve in. Riding a reserve, that is an adventure to live to tell!

[@mattluszczak8095]

My gosh on the reserve!

[@BHARGAV_GAJJAR]

Did you have to cut the reserve with a knife stashed in your boots ?

[@inthedarkwoods2022]

Whatever... no one cares.

[@mattluszczak8095]

@@inthedarkwoods2022 you replied. Are you retarded. You said no one cares

[@pxl_official]

​@inthedarkwoods2022 jealous that you arent the center of attention? People like you are the worst

[@earlrasmussen4487]

Outstanding! Thanks for the memories! Airborne All the Way!

[@craigcooknf]

That is always phenomenal. NEVER. CAN NEVER. GET OLD.

[@rrl4245]

Looks like you get a much softer opening and a more controlled ride than we did with the old T-10s (back in 1973). Airborne!

[@RivetGardener]

I jumped a T-10 during the Panama Invasion December 1989 With the Rangers.

[@rrl4245]

Good man! I was a civilian by then.@@RivetGardener

[@francavable]

We were still jumping T-10D when I was in around 2008.

[@NikNik-gd6uv]

We had the T 10 a lot longer than you 🤣🤣🤣🇩🇪 German Army Para. 78-82. Glück ab. 👍🏼.

[@Rickflairshair]

Wooooooooooooooooo. We still had T-10s when i went through jump school in 94. Delta Co. The Rock

[@kevinintheusa8984]

This brings back so many memories. I jumped for over 10 years until a malfunction left me with a hard landing and a bit of a back injury. Now I fly paramotors to get in the air but I sure do have some fond memories of my time jumping out at 1,250 feet at Fort Benning.

[@thecamocampaindude5167]

What was the malfunction, and did someone figure out how to prevent it?

[@imstupidbut]

kitler

[@Sumermak]

The same thing happened to my husband in 2000. Both of his parachutes failed. He doesn’t remember hitting the ground, but he amazingly somehow walked away from it. I think it has something to do with his weight 100# and 5’3” so pretty small. Today he is disabled. he started having neurological problems with his right side (side he landed on). Migraines, bone spurs, etc.

[@adamv9831]

@@Sumermak oh, i am so sorry... as a 15 year old at home, tell your husband i appreciate him. im praying for him.

[@IsidroJoe]

this was so fun to watch thank you!!!! the speed at which you"re coming down is a lot faster than I imagined!

[@82ndAbnVet]

Yeah, we were told that with a fully deployed parachute, we were still falling 22 ft per second, or about the same impact as jumping off a 10 ft ladder.

[@joannecunliffe8067]

I am morbidly afraid of heights. This makes me feel so ill! 🤮What brave guys and such brilliant training to be honest. They make it seem easy. 🥰

[@RealAadilFarooqui]

Reminding me of Paratroopers who jumped and landed in Normandy. Those guys were the bravest.

[@accelerationquanta5816]

Their bravery was wasted in service to Zion.

[@hockeyguy5619]

​@@accelerationquanta5816L

[@charlespaterson9714]

I was the Ass't Stick Leader during Jump Week. I lead my stick onto the aircraft which put me at the back end during the jump so I was always the last one out the door. I had a Mid-Air Entanglement phobia so as soon as I was out the door, I would pull a rear riser to get as far away from everyone else as possible. The other thing that concerned me was what you saw at the end of the video. One of my jumps was fairly gentle so I landed and my chute settled on top of me. I was very worried about the next plane coming around and didn't want anybody landing ontop of me while I was on the ground tangled in my risers. Fortunately, another trooper was able to hustle over and help me climb out from under my chute as the next cycle of guys began landing. They trained us so thoroughly that from the moment I stepped out of the door, it was pure robotics until I settled down under the chute. I had the sense of the initial several seconds of the fall but never "experienced it". Probably for the best. I went in thinking Airborne School would cure me of my fear of heights, but in reality, they taught you that the fear was good. Fear kept you cautious. They taught you not to "not afraid", but to function through your fear. I went from Benning to Campbell to be with the 101. From then on, it was only sliding out of helicopters.

[@punipuk8507]

Thank you for sharing this, the fear that guides you and necessarily doesn't need accomplishing. Wow, never thought of it in this way. Useful tool, ty.👍 ~Alaska

[@ckmoore101]

This video brought back so many memories. Not from jumping, but from being a C-130 electrical system specialist in the USAF. I spent a lot of time in that aircraft for 9 years. Good times and good memories (90's). I was surprised how I instantly could recall every component that was visible in the video. Its a little different, as these are J models, and I worked on H models. Crazy how some memories are seared so deep, that no amount of time will reduce their clarity. Greatest aircraft ever conceived. I may be biased..... but I doubt it. lol

[@jchastain789]

I'm from nc right outside fortbragg. I had a paratrooper as my life coach teacher. The impact he had on me will never be forgotten

[@TheSixStringGuy]

My great uncle Mark Suggs was in the 82nd Airbourne panther division...he passed away from Covid last year passing away at 41 after fighting leukemia for a year before. His immune system went to shit but he was the strongest man i knew other then my father. God bless these guys ❤ 🇺🇸

[@679corvette]

Thank all of you for your service!

[@2847Katie]

I always wondered what it is like. Thank you for getting me down safely!

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Wow that's incredible big props to the para troopers for sure

[@spacejunk2494]

That is such an incredible sound. I don't know if I could ever have the courage to just jump out of a plane. But it looks awesome!

[@jackdaniel7465]

I served with the 82nd Airborne division as an infantryman with 3rd Bn 325th Inf. What an incredible experience jumping, it was the landings that sucked alot of times because you hit the ground hard.

[@jackdaniel7465]

The landings were no joke.

[@jackdaniel7465]

It was a controlled crash at 18 to 22ft per second.

[@justinclyne9746]

​@@jackdaniel7465q

[@onepocketpaddy]

nobody jumps out of an airplane- they instead step out of the jump plane. World of difference.

[@scottpowers5191]

U paratroopers have 🏈🏈s!!! Much respect!! From a Submarine sailor!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@user-ci6ts3eo1h]

Gorgeous ! These large grassy areas are a blessing for this type of activity. They jump into the void like I jump out of my bed or go out into my garden.

[@samsnephew3209]

Safe jump completed. That looks intimidating. That many parachutes makes me think somebody's in deep doodoo. Paratroopers are gonna make a big mess.

[@jamesray2000]

"I'm going backwards again!" Used to hate that.

[@beermuscles1]

One of the best videos I’ve seen of this sequence. Very well done!

[@MatthewGill-nv4tb]

I was stationed in germany in 2000. I was put on a commemorative road March detail with a pilot that dropped guys over Bastogne Belgium. We actually drew old equipment from a ww2 museum. It was one of those things you don't think about when you're young. He never got my name right and kept calling me a name I reminded him of

[@HakenMods]

these shots are amazing!

[@tungstenkid2271]

"Show me a man who can jump out of an airplane and I'll show you a man who can fight"- Gen.James Gavin, 82nd Airborne Div, WW2

[@crashburn3292]

The paratrooper at 3:42 about to jump with the giant smile on his face is my hero of the day!

[@jasonvaliant5746]

That was a great video!

[@AishawithanEye]

I've never seen happier soldiers! Look how excited they are!

[@jordannerdboy4117]

That was amazing thanks for the incredible video man!

[@slayer4501]

I love how most of them had smiles on their faces the whole time

[@becca53444]

Since I’m terrified of going skydiving, this is the closest I’ll get to experiencing it.

[@stevethompson3083]

You can do a VR simulation of skydiving on an Oculus headset. It’s the best you will get without actually doing it.

[@mysteriousfleas]

Some things such as skydiving aren't for everyone.

[@zarrowthehorse]

​@@stevethompson3083or one of those indoor skydiving places

[@Thewarhorse47]

You can experience the landing by jumping off your roof. Its about the same.

[@badkittymama6508]

My Dad was in the 82nd late in WW II. I have photos and his patches but nothing like this. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@jeanpaultongeren125]

these men are fearless

[@thegeneral5716]

To all in this video, thank you for your service.

[@allendaoust5844]

Man how awesome, the memories came flooding back. I wish that I was young again to put my knees in the breeze.

[@RivetGardener]

No. If you were in the 82nd then no, you would not want that again. Remember the hours and hours at Green Ramp?

[@allendaoust5844]

@@RivetGardener Thankfully I was 1/75th and not 82nd.

[@Heart2HeartBooks]

Youth is wasted on the young. How sad.

[@eac26114653]

True. Sometimes we waste precious time or opportunities. But maybe it is all part of the learning. (Even with the regret.)

[@ybgl7965]

@@RivetGardener Glad I read your post, man those hours at Green Ramp, however those naps I was able to take after all the checks were done we the best.

[@ThatGuyDarkLord]

Could not even imagine how those guys have the guts to even stay calm while jumping out, much less staying calm before hand. Mad respect for the army and Air Force, and all the other branches of military. 👍🏻 3:25

[@coomslayer7937]

Training trains you 😂

[@UnluckyCucumber]

it’s badass to see service members from different countries jump together

[@215618680]

Few things equal a daytime Hollywood jump! Note how the canopy landed directly on top of the jumper: indicates little or no wind.

[@boli4203]

And it beats the heck out of being dragged while trying to collapse that sucker... :>)

[@juliannenoll8225]

Wow! Great footage! Stay safe. Done in such an orderly fashion too.

[@JPyo365]

such an epic view of that second plane with even more paratroopers. At first glance it looks like poofs of smoke until you realize its parachute canopies. Big salutes to y'all

[@007gunlogo]

Whew...just completed my first jump. Was a little tense at first, but then I got more relaxed as I saw the ground coming up at me. Thankfully, my leather recliner remained upright upon landing. Great video! Will watch it again...but with a snack on the second jump. Hope I don't spill my beer...

[@3rscrafting]

Funny!😅

[@KittyKarenpoo]

Noticed they didn't have to drop any gear a second before landing, so this was a light-load day. I used to be deployed at jump school at Ft. Benning for a couple months, but spent most of my time at Huachuca. Anyway, I got to watch lots of jumps, but the best was at Ft. Bragg where my son-in-law was a combat engineer, ranger, company commander and jump master in the 82nd. His wife, my daughter, was a Lt. in the Air Force control tower, and she got to see him off. Those planes come over real low, and everyone's out in a half minute, sometimes hitting the ground in a minute, too, dropping packs prior to landing then disappearing into the woods. There's no time to figure out if you need the second parachute. They just count off and bang, hit it, if they need to (nobody does). The system is so rigid that they are never any mishaps, other than weird stuff like sprained ankles or in the case of my son-in-law who grabbed his harness too tight and pulled his shoulder out when the chute opened. Ambulances are lined up for those kinds of possibilities. Anyway, the daughter's a colonel, now, and the son-in-law twice a battalion commander, once a brigade commander, and now a general, both deployed multiple times.

[@zuzuspetals9281]

Thank them. My niece and her husband live near the jump zone and their kids love watching the planes fly over. Her husband was stationed there when they met and works there now as a contractor. Lots of respect in all of NC for Bragg and the 82nd.

[@cole3179]

Your son in law isn’t a Ranger if he’s in the 82nd.

[@thegreenberetlife0191]

@@cole3179, exactly he most likely went to Ranger school. Ranger school is just a leadership school with tab. You have to go through Ranger Assessment and Selection to get into Ranger Battalion and be a Ranger.

[@Capitan_Doug_Keith]

This brings me back great memories, love it

[@shaunthompson8943]

2:17 Yes that is a perfectly made plane, feels good, think I might just jump out of it... My Father served as a paratrooper in Korea in the 50s, (The Kings own ) passed away 15th Aug 2023 aged 91. The stories he told me as a kid were something else. Thanks to all of you brave people whoever you are.

[@cameronkedas3375]

He would’ve passed away on the anniversary of the Southern France Invasion’s D-day. I’m sorry to hear that you lost him. My dad passed away (along with my brother simultaneously) when I was 13 on 23 June, 2021.

[@Constance_Igo]

RIP your father and His Service is much appreciated

[@californiamartins]

1977 was my 3-week stint at Ft Benning for jump school. I went as an ROTC cadet and the experience didn’t disappoint. With the Airborne jump wings we received after our 5 jumps (2 in C-141 and 3 in C-130 ((1 at night) we entered active duty with the same wings the Zoomies at AFA had. Very few ROTC cadets got those wings -I just had to have them! Hats off to those who were active duty Airborne soldiers! Airborne! All the way and then some!

[@Chuck8541]

C-141! Now that's an airframe I've not heard about in a while. lol When I first got to Charleston AFB to work C-17s in the 90's, there were still some 141s there. Later, I remembered always seeing them taxiiing into the Boneyard at Davis-Monthan, in Az. The taxiiway passed by our Sq smokepit. We would all stand up, and render a salute to them as they went into the Boneyard. They served the country for decades, and deserved it.

[@robertlyman2278]

I was at Benning in the early part of 77. I had some wild times in Columbus. Airborne!!!👍👍👍

[@lilannegirl03]

​@@Chuck8541My dad was stationed at Charleston AFB in the 90's...small world! 🙂

[@Mein_KampfyChair]

Fort Benning, Georgia? They just recently changed the name to Fort Moore because the old name had Confederate origin

[@edbouhl3100]

In 1981 I went to Fort Knox for 6-week Army ROTC. The Green Beret SSGT advisor for our platoon actually advised against going to jump school before being commissioned. He said if you’re injured as a cadet, you’re just out of the program (game over). But once you’re on active duty you’d be eligible for benefits for injuries in the line of duty.

[@jimo680]

Thanks for doing this, Jon. And thanks for your service. Damn good vid. 'goin backwards' , lol. HATED that. Brings back memories. Thanks, Again. God Bless, from former C co, 2/75.

[@Jeudaos]

Absolute BALLS OF STEEL. Wow, thank you for your service!

[@Skorpse]

You could never pay me enough to jump just once in my life. Massive respect for those who do it on the regular, or even just occasionally. Y'all are crazy!

[@AoiTsuki_]

It really isn’t that bad

[@82ndAbnVet]

Hell, I would have paid them to let me jump. It's really not bad at all, most of the time.

[@Broccoli134]

It’s so much fun. And an extra couple bucks on your paycheck

[@cremonster]

They do it for about $150 extra a month lol

[@Broccoli134]

I’m well aware

[@brianpahlas7596]

Great video. Sure do miss those days.

[@sergioleone4215]

Gotta respect the Airborne troops. It takes massive balls to jump out of perfectly good aircraft. Salute!

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

Always thought i would never jump voluntary out of a perfectly functioning plane. Now I know for sure :-)

[@JELLY_F1SHY]

I admire your courage and the courage of all the other soldiers.

[@Kenziiag7]

This is so cool I work by an airport where our army base has soldiers jumping out I’ve always wondered what the experience was like

[@backwaterskinny]

I was waiting for a nice three point landing. Nice work getting there safe.

[@543dp3555]

Love this! My dad was an 82nd Airborne D-Day paratrooper. Takes a different kind of guy to do this job. Hats off to the 82nd, "All Americans!"

[@l.a.raustadt518]

My uncle was a 17th ABN Paratrooper in WW2. At 52 I did a Advanced Free Fall and one jump after that. So freaking cool!

[@DavidHuber63]

Awesome! Thank you Brother.

[@daneandersen8488]

Wow, very impressive! It takes a lot of guts and skill to be a paratrooper

[@giraffesinc.2193]

Wow. I dated a HALO trainer from the Army briefly, and his videos were so amazing to watch! Thank you for this!

[@slightlyseen6767]

My first jump was in 99' after 17 years of doing it, I'm proud to say the VA told me all my injuries to my cervical spine thoracic spine and knees are "non service related" yay me. All jokes aside best time of my life. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

[@trevorlichtenstein3505]

That was the coolest video I ever seen.

[@mwales2112]

Watched many of these jumps, but from inside the mighty Herc... More power to them...

[@TinMan0555]

Great video! I have over 200 jumps and would do it again tomorrow.

[@pepper6253]

My son was 82nd I thought he was insane for doing this yet very proud and scared for him . I couldn't understand why he would want to jump out of a plane lol. Bless these young soldiers and bless the USA

[@cremonster]

For that extra $150 a month lol

[@RavenburnX]

Much much respect to all these folks