Introduction to US Army Airborne School
The United States Army Airborne School, also known as Jump School, is a training program that teaches soldiers the skills necessary to conduct airborne operations. Located at Fort Benning, Georgia, the school is open to all branches of the US military, as well as to selected allied military personnel. The school’s primary mission is to train soldiers to become paratroopers, and its graduates are awarded the coveted Airborne Badge.
History of Airborne School
The US Army Airborne School was established in 1942, during World War II, as a response to the need for specialized training in airborne operations. The school’s first commander was Colonel William C. Lee, who is considered the “Father of the Airborne.” Since its inception, the school has trained over 2 million paratroopers, including many famous military leaders, such as General Colin Powell and General Norman Schwarzkopf.
Training at Airborne School
The Airborne School is a three-week course that consists of three phases: ground week, tower week, and jump week.
- Ground Week: During this phase, students learn the fundamentals of parachuting, including the proper wear and use of the parachute harness, the use of the reserve parachute, and emergency procedures.
- Tower Week: In this phase, students practice jumping from a 250-foot tower to simulate the experience of exiting an aircraft. They also learn how to navigate the drop zone and use their parachutes to control their descent.
- Jump Week: During this phase, students make five actual jumps from an aircraft, including a night jump and a combat equipment jump.
Physical and Mental Challenges
Airborne School is notorious for its physical and mental challenges. Students must be in top physical condition to withstand the rigors of the training, which includes running, obstacle courses, and jumping. They must also be mentally tough to overcome their fears and push through the challenges of the training.
🚨 Note: Students who fail to meet the physical or mental demands of the training may be recycled or dropped from the course.
Graduation and Airborne Badge
Students who successfully complete the three-week course are awarded the Airborne Badge, also known as the “Jump Wings.” The badge is a symbol of excellence and is highly respected throughout the military.
Airborne School Statistics
- Over 2 million paratroopers have graduated from Airborne School since its inception in 1942.
- The school has a 50% dropout rate, making it one of the toughest military training programs in the world.
- The average age of students attending Airborne School is 25 years old.
- The school has a 95% graduation rate for students who make it past the first week of training.
| Year | Number of Graduates | Dropout Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 25,000 | 45% |
| 2019 | 22,000 | 50% |
| 2018 | 20,000 | 55% |
Conclusion
The US Army Airborne School is one of the most challenging and prestigious military training programs in the world. Its graduates are highly respected and sought after by military units around the world. For those who are up for the challenge, Airborne School offers a unique opportunity to develop the skills and mental toughness necessary to become a paratrooper.
What is the dropout rate for Airborne School?
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The dropout rate for Airborne School is around 50%.
How long is the Airborne School course?
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The Airborne School course is three weeks long.
What is the average age of students attending Airborne School?
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The average age of students attending Airborne School is 25 years old.
Related Terms:
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