Introduction to Airborne Operations in the Army
The United States Army is known for its elite airborne units, which are trained to conduct a variety of missions, from rapid deployment to combat operations. Becoming airborne in the Army requires a combination of physical and mental toughness, as well as specialized training. In this article, we will explore the different ways to become airborne in the Army.
1. Enlist in an Airborne Unit
One way to become airborne in the Army is to enlist in an airborne unit. The Army has several airborne units, including the 82nd Airborne Division, the 101st Airborne Division, and the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. To enlist in one of these units, you will need to meet the Army’s basic enlistment requirements, which include being a U.S. citizen, being between the ages of 17 and 35, and meeting certain physical and medical standards.
In addition to meeting these basic requirements, you will also need to volunteer for airborne duty and meet the Army’s airborne enlistment requirements, which include:
- Airborne Physical Fitness Test: You will need to score a minimum of 260 on the Army’s Physical Fitness Test, which includes push-ups, sit-ups, and a 2-mile run.
- Airborne Medical Screening: You will need to pass a medical screening to ensure that you are physically fit for airborne duty.
- Airborne Enlistment Bonus: You may be eligible for an enlistment bonus, which can range from 10,000 to 20,000, depending on the unit and the length of your enlistment contract.
2. Attend Airborne School
Another way to become airborne in the Army is to attend Airborne School, which is located at Fort Benning, Georgia. Airborne School is a three-week course that teaches soldiers the skills they need to become airborne qualified. The course includes:
- Ground Week: During the first week of the course, you will learn the fundamentals of parachute operations, including parachute safety procedures and exit techniques.
- Tower Week: During the second week of the course, you will practice exiting a mock aircraft and landing safely using a parachute.
- Jump Week: During the third week of the course, you will conduct a series of jumps from an aircraft, including a day jump, a night jump, and a mass tactical jump.
To attend Airborne School, you will need to meet the Army’s airborne enlistment requirements and volunteer for airborne duty.
3. Join the Army National Guard or Army Reserve
You can also become airborne in the Army National Guard or Army Reserve. The Army National Guard and Army Reserve have several airborne units, including the 143rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne) and the 414th Infantry Regiment (Airborne).
To join an airborne unit in the Army National Guard or Army Reserve, you will need to meet the Army’s basic enlistment requirements and volunteer for airborne duty. You will also need to attend Airborne School and meet the Army’s airborne enlistment requirements.
4. Attend Officer Candidate School (OCS)
If you are interested in becoming an officer in the Army, you can attend Officer Candidate School (OCS), which is located at Fort Benning, Georgia. OCS is a 12-week course that teaches officer candidates the skills they need to become Army officers.
During OCS, you will learn about leadership, tactics, and military operations. You will also have the opportunity to volunteer for airborne duty and attend Airborne School.
5. Attend the United States Military Academy (USMA)
Finally, you can attend the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, New York. The USMA is a four-year college that teaches cadets the skills they need to become Army officers.
During your time at the USMA, you will have the opportunity to volunteer for airborne duty and attend Airborne School. You will also learn about leadership, tactics, and military operations, and you will have the opportunity to earn a commission as an Army officer.
📝 Note: Becoming airborne in the Army requires a significant amount of training and dedication. It is not a decision to be taken lightly, and you should carefully consider the risks and challenges involved before volunteering for airborne duty.
Conclusion
Becoming airborne in the Army is a challenging and rewarding experience that requires physical and mental toughness, as well as specialized training. Whether you enlist in an airborne unit, attend Airborne School, join the Army National Guard or Army Reserve, attend Officer Candidate School, or attend the United States Military Academy, there are several ways to become airborne in the Army.
What is the minimum score required to pass the Airborne Physical Fitness Test?
+
The minimum score required to pass the Airborne Physical Fitness Test is 260.
How long is Airborne School?
+
Airborne School is a three-week course.
Can I become airborne in the Army National Guard or Army Reserve?
+
Yes, you can become airborne in the Army National Guard or Army Reserve by joining an airborne unit and attending Airborne School.
