Posted on Jan 15, 2015
SGT Battalion Senior Medic
19.9K
31
19
2
2
0
905572a6
Benefits of going Airborne.
Posted in these groups: 3203 Airborne School
Avatar feed
Responses: 16
COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM
16
16
0
Some quick notes on advantages and disadvantages of being Airborne after six years on status (in various units deployable and non deployable):

Advantages:
+ Great esprit de corps within the unit.
+ Everyone does PT, including the GOs, who are seen doing PT.
+ Extra $150/month comes in handy.
+ Best NCOs (as a general statement) that I have ever worked with.
+ Competency focused not rank focused (all follow the jumpmaster's commands regardless of the rank of the jumpmaster).

Disadvantages:
- Wear and tear on the body. It only takes one bad jump to bust your butt or break your back.
- Being airborne is a young person's game. Ties to above comment. Not many old Paratroopers on the line.
- Travel light, freeze at night. Ensure you have your whoobie with you at all times.
- On a short leash when on DRB/DRF1 (old terminology).
- Several jumps on nights/weekends. Be prepared to waste 8+ hours of your life only to find out winds are too high on the DZ. Be prepared to do this several times in your career.
(16)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
Sgt Packy Flickinger
5
5
0
Acrophobia would be a good thing to consider. ;). Benefits, good practice if you fly Malaysian airlines.
(5)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SFC Michael Hasbun
4
4
0
Think of all the amazing civilian careers that open up when you're airborne! There's skydiving instructors, and freefall firemen! And....uh......hmmmmmmm.... But those are cool!
(4)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close