Airborne or Air Assault; which is more prestigious?

2015-07-12T13:35:09-04:00

Which one are you or are you double stacked? In your opinion, which one is more prestigious than the other?

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jul 12 at 2015 1:36 PM

2015-07-12T13:36:10-04:00

Yes!

As stated in other threads, Vertical Envelopment is a concept of the past (at least for large ops).
The most important thing about Airborne training is the generation of Airborne Trooper mentality.
Helos are apparantly the better way to deploy troops, but again, does not scale well into the Regimental size.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Jul 12 at 2015 1:45 PM

2015-07-12T13:45:30-04:00

I am Airborne and the Parachutist Badge in any class is the most prestigious of the two.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Jul 12 at 2015 2:11 PM

2015-07-12T14:11:06-04:00

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 3:44 PM

2015-07-12T15:44:33-04:00

This is a trick question I bet. Ranger is the Answer for sure. RLTW!

Response by SPC David S. made Jul 12 at 2015 3:54 PM

2015-07-12T15:54:07-04:00

AA only - If you look at the number of AB inserts for OIF and OEF and then look at how many moved about via a bird, AA is more likely to be relevant. However the lack of AB drops could be terrain driving.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Jul 12 at 2015 6:59 PM

2015-07-12T18:59:59-04:00

Personally, I think that Airborne wings are more prestigious. Back when I earned my Air Assault wings the popular nickname for them was "wop-wop wings".

That said, I think that the lessons of Air Assault School are more militarily useful, because it covers a lot more than just how to arrive on the battlefield.

Response by CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2015 9:01 PM

2015-08-31T21:01:16-04:00

As a former MP, obtaining the coveted Airborne badge was near impossible. I tried to get an Airborne slot in my contact and that didn't happen. Tried to get an Airborne slot en-route to Korea, but that didn't happen either. Air Assault school was a realistic goal and came easily for a high speed soldier enveloped within a large Infantry Division. I have only encountered a double-stacked or at least Airborne MP very rarely in my career.

Response by CPT Chris Loomis made Aug 31 at 2015 9:01 PM

2015-08-31T21:01:56-04:00

Air Assault

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made Aug 31 at 2015 10:25 PM

2015-08-31T22:25:14-04:00

Both are good to me, i seen more airborne then air assault.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2015 11:17 PM

2015-08-31T23:17:09-04:00

I am a Paratrooper that happens to be Air Assault qualified. I was mortified when I got to Campbell and was asked to put my jump wings under my air assault wings. I sure as hell did no such thing. I would have preferred not wear anything.

Response by SPC George Rudenko made Aug 31 at 2015 11:25 PM

2015-08-31T23:25:55-04:00

I hated the landing from my one unofficial jump, but I loved loved loved rappelling. Air Assault.

Response by SGM Mike Barbieri made Nov 6 at 2015 7:14 PM

2015-11-06T19:14:35-05:00

First in, last out!

Response by MAJ Steven Szymurski made Dec 9 at 2015 11:01 PM

2015-12-09T23:01:07-05:00

CW3 Hayes, from your pose question I think you subject line should have been "Parachutist Badge or Air Assault Badge." Since both badges are in the same group classification neither has precedence. The order of wear is up to the individual. I have both but my "jump' wings are a Senior Parachutist Badge and it was the first skill badge I was awarded, so I wear the Senior Parachute Badge to the right of the Air Assault Badge. I also was awarded the Ranger Tab after jump school, and then several year later. So from right to left I wear Sr Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab and then Air Assault.

In my option the Sr Parachutist Badge is more prestigious. Not because one skill is more important than the other. Rather because the Parachutist Badge have three levels: basic, senior and master parachutist. To earn a Senior Parachutist Badge one must be jump master qualified, jump mastered a number of jumps and amassed a number of jumps. The earn a Master Parachutist Badge one needs to be jump master qualified, jump mastered a number of jumps and amassed even more jumps. Perhaps a change in the regs could be made to create a similar Senior and Master Air Assault Badge.

For those parachutist who make a combat jump there are stars added on their wings for each combat jump. But Air Assault Badges aren't authorized similar stars on their wings for individuals making "combat" air assaults. Maybe a change in the regs is warranted here.

"Let's Go", "Currahee" and "Strike"

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 9:41 AM

2016-02-14T09:41:15-05:00

I ha e been through both schools. I tend to lean toward the airborne side. But I thinking really depends on where you are stationed at which one is more prestigious. I am currently at Fort Campbell so it is all about Air Assault.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 9:42 AM

2016-02-14T09:42:13-05:00

History and tradition will always say Airborne!

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 9:42 AM

2016-02-14T09:42:18-05:00

On the line. In the Army. No one cares about your badges. So prestige might be easier for a retiree to address. Usefulness, air assault for sling load ops and general info about the Army's rotary wing. And airborne to qualify to go on jump status at an airborne unit. I'd look into what you want to do in the future and pick based on that. If you want to remain light and jump then airborne. If you want to learn some practical military knowledge on sling loads and birds... Air assault.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 9:43 AM

2016-02-14T09:43:48-05:00

Having earned both of these, I would say that the prestige belongs to the airborne community. This is not because I am currently in an airborne unit, it is because of the history and tradition of the paratrooper. If the question was which is more useful or which is harder to earn, I would go with aor assault.

Response by CW4 Juan Morales made Feb 14 at 2016 9:44 AM

2016-02-14T09:44:39-05:00

Anyone who has graduated these courses should be proud of the badge. That said, the parachutist badge has a longer history. It's also a bit of a 'niche' skill. The Air Assault badge was designed in the seventies to look like the old school glider badge. An Air Assault trooper comes out of the school prepared to operate in and around helicopters confidently, but to do any of the specialties covered requires additional schooling. The curriculum at Air Assault is also a bit hodge-podge, making one wonder why it's relevant to the course. All training in Airborne School is focused on parachute operations. You come out of Airborne School qualified to exit aircraft in flight. You don't need Air Assault to ride in a helicopter.

Response by CW2 Ted Turner made Feb 14 at 2016 9:45 AM

2016-02-14T09:45:50-05:00

Airborne. Air Assault were my first wings with 101st for Six years but after doing time in 82nd I have a whole new respect for Airborne.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Feb 14 at 2016 9:47 AM

2016-02-14T09:47:06-05:00

I have both, I prefer Air Assault as i am rappel master qualfied and used the skills more than jumping, just because of the load qualifications and flexibility of helicopters and these platforms.

Response by SGT(P) Eric L. made Feb 14 at 2016 9:47 AM

2016-02-14T09:47:30-05:00

Go to Airborne school then Ranger school then Pathfinder school, and then after all that if you have time; go to Air Assault school....that's how little Air Assault matters.

Even if you aren't Air Assault qualified and your in a high speed infantry unit you will get Air Assault training and use it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 9:50 AM

2016-02-14T09:50:18-05:00

Non are prestigious....it's if you use them.
Airborne....if you don't ever go into an airborne unit, why are you wasting the Army's money?
Air Assault- while I'm not AA qualified, I have preformed a few in training and in combat, but I guess if you have the badge people think your cool.haha

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 10:05 AM

2016-02-14T10:05:55-05:00

There are a lot of good comments here. And my comments are basically covered below but here goes anyway. I think airborne is probably prestigious, and harder to earn, but for conventional troops is basically useless. I don't think we are going to jump into any battlefield and time soon, or possibly ever again. Air assault training on the other hand is useful. We conduct slingloads daily in combat and move troops into combat via helicopters many times a day. True the repelling and fast roping part is rarely done anymore but the knowledge base is still useable. Just my two cents.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Feb 14 at 2016 11:11 AM

2016-02-14T11:11:30-05:00

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member, in my opinion, airborne wings are much more prestigious, due to history and tradition. In terms of practicality, I might have a different response, but you didn't ask that question!
The photo is the obverse of a vintage Sterling silver parachutist badge with jeweler's clasp. These jump wings were manufactured sometime after the original Bailey, Banks & Biddle strike in 1941, but still sometime during WWII. I wore these on my uniform from the time I purchased them until I retired, and I was proud not only of the wings, but also of the unknown history behind them.
I don't think you'll find a Bullwinkle badge with that kind of pedigree.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 11:15 AM

2016-02-14T11:15:16-05:00

Airborne of course

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 11:19 AM

2016-02-14T11:19:47-05:00

Airborne and one can do sling load operations with out being air assault qualified. But you can't do airborne operations with being airborne qualified.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 11:43 AM

2016-02-14T11:43:02-05:00

neither

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Feb 14 at 2016 12:08 PM

2016-02-14T12:08:48-05:00

I went to Airborne school and it was so fun after you finished your training and receive you wings and were no longer considered a LEG. I was proud to be it the brother hood. I was stationed at Fort Campbell also and I watched so of the training that Air Assault students go thru. I was older at this point and the body wasn't in as good of shape as when I came in the Army. A friend of mine was was the OIC there and told me I could come and go thru the school to get my wings, but I had to pass. I say both schools are great and there are the best at what they do. They each have different missions and can get behind the enemies lines and get equipment and troops in without a lot of optical in there way. So I'll say there both just as important.

Response by PFC Stephen Eric Serati made Feb 14 at 2016 12:32 PM

2016-02-14T12:32:09-05:00

Air Assault.Their both equal,just different tools for different jobs.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 12:46 PM

2016-02-14T12:46:48-05:00

The Air Assault Badge is way after my time. That being said, if I had both I would be proud of both. But, since I don't, my heart belongs to my jump wings. I probably did more jumping than I would have ever done with Air Assault wings. Being Airborne qualified and and actually jumping out of a fast moving fixed wing, or hovering and jumping our of a rotary wing, is like being in an international private club. If a paratrooper notices your jump wings, it's an automatic conversation. I wear my cherry wings wings around my neck. Back then you wete supposed to give them to someone you love, so I gave mine to my mom. When she died I got them back, so mine are over 50 years old and mean the world to me. AATW, Oooah

Response by SPC James Dollins made Feb 14 at 2016 12:52 PM

2016-02-14T12:52:50-05:00

I think both are pretty accomplished. Obviously some units look at not being jump qualified as a HORRIBLE injustice, but I think that's just tradition. I never had the opportunity for either one. Would've gone to both given the chance. Personally I look at them both the same to be honest.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Feb 14 at 2016 12:58 PM

2016-02-14T12:58:12-05:00

Having graduated both courses, I can say that Air Assault requires much more knowledge, and physical ability than does Airborne School... On the other hand in Airborne school we get to jump out of planes and helicopters... So my vote goes to Airborne.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 1:11 PM

2016-02-14T13:11:24-05:00

Yes. Depends on person.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 1:20 PM

2016-02-14T13:20:47-05:00

At Campbell you have to be Air Assault qualified especially as a leader. You will do air assault operations, moving your people and equipment, just depends where your going to be stationed, if your going to an air borne unit then get air borne qualified

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Feb 14 at 2016 1:35 PM

2016-02-14T13:35:00-05:00

I have Air Assault (from my Army days). But if I could do it over again, I would get both. I see a lot more Airborne wings then Air Assault on uniforms though. Just by the number of individuals who have been to Air Assault school alone, I would say that air assault is more prestigious, but I am clearly biased.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 2:20 PM

2016-02-14T14:20:05-05:00

Come on man, seriously?

Response by 1SG David Niles made Feb 14 at 2016 2:31 PM

2016-02-14T14:31:15-05:00

I thought air assault was more varied and diverse, air born is centered on teaching you to survive the jump. Both have their merits but to me they are not related.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 4:23 PM

2016-02-14T16:23:37-05:00

Airborne all the way

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 6:43 PM

2016-02-14T18:43:31-05:00

Air assault is know to be much harder
Airborne cooler and more fun.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 6:51 PM

2016-02-14T18:51:27-05:00

AIRBORNE... All the way!

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Feb 14 at 2016 9:36 PM

2016-02-14T21:36:37-05:00

Because of their history, I would say that the Parachutist badge is most prestigious. For me, I went to Airborne school as a cadet and that is what I consider my first real "Army" experience. I also had a Lieutenant from my ROTC program give me blood wings in front of Iron Mike. That being said, I used Air Assault skills much more in my career and actually found that course more mentally challenging due to having to know how to prepare and sling load equipment and vehicles. I am glad that I was able to earn each badge and wear both proudly.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Feb 14 at 2016 11:01 PM

2016-02-14T23:01:58-05:00

Though I have answered the question previously, I just remembered, CW4 Private RallyPoint Member your question is actually technically incorrect - It should be Parachutist or Air Assault; which is more prestigious? That is the question. They are both Airborne because they are both forms of vertical envelopment, as is glider-borne and air-land operations. And for you doubters or non historically inclined, there have been combat air-land operations conducted.
I will even one up most if not everyone that has answered so far-

The Parachutist Badge is the most prestigious of the two, since it can also be earned in combat operations without having gone to the school.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 11:03 PM

2016-02-14T23:03:18-05:00

Double stacked. Airborne school is more prestigious, but air assault school is harder.

Response by SSG Timothy McCoy made Feb 15 at 2016 12:35 AM

2016-02-15T00:35:31-05:00

When you have even Bawlheaded Jump wing you don't need Bullwinkle badge.
AAslt badge was created in 1974 and there is only one level or one skillset.
The Parachute badge was created in 1941. There are three levels of this skillset. As a paratrooper evolves their skillset and experience as a leader, that soldier can then attend Jumpmaster course and become responsible not only for the development of their soldiers on the ground but being able to put them out the door. after a min of 24 months on Jump status and making the requirements to receive their Senior Jump Badge denote by a star over the canopy of the badge, Master Parachutes badge is the next or top level of this skillset.
The Master Jump wings are denoted by a wreath encircling the star from the Sr. Jump wing.
If I would have to explain the difference between a Novice and Sr. Jump wings then you haven't be on status. Since this would be a Jump thaing you wouldn't understand and haven't be on status

Response by PO2 Rob Wallace made Feb 15 at 2016 1:08 AM

2016-02-15T01:08:24-05:00

Airborne

Response by GySgt John O'Donnell made Feb 15 at 2016 11:05 AM

2016-02-15T11:05:39-05:00

Prestige is based on how you carry yourself. As Navy/Marine Corps Parachutists we wear our "Gold Wings" with pride and honor, and there definite prestige reflected from others (if we are doing the right thing, for the right reasons, at the right time). That said, as Marine Pathfinder and Helicopter Rope Suspension Master - HRST (Marine Corps Equivalent to Air Assault) I do not wear / not authorized wear any recognition / devices / wings for those earned qualifications, which in my opinion does not lessen the prestige or accomplishment because in the end, with "wings" or "no-wings", the real prestige is gained from being a defender of freedom, in and out of uniform which is the opportunity given to all who serve in the military.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 11:33 AM

2016-02-15T11:33:50-05:00

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made Feb 15 at 2016 12:21 PM

2016-02-15T12:21:44-05:00

For the win

Response by CPT T. Scott Haddix made Feb 15 at 2016 4:27 PM

2016-02-15T16:27:32-05:00

Airborne will open more doors, but you'll learn more from the toughest 10-days in the Army. Obviously the guys that gave Air Assault school, never went to RANGER school

Response by SGT Ben Hilger made Feb 16 at 2016 1:31 AM

2016-02-16T01:31:49-05:00

Airborne

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 9:15 AM

2016-02-16T09:15:16-05:00

Omg! You just started a badge war!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 9:20 AM

2016-02-16T09:20:53-05:00

I personally think it is Air Assault . mainly to stay airborne you have to be in a airborne unit once you pcs out of that unit you'll lose your status after a certain time, once you get you AA wings you never lose status and there are more AA units to train in.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2016 12:07 AM

2016-02-17T00:07:44-05:00

AATW

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2016 1:44 PM

2016-02-17T13:44:28-05:00

I look at it this way. I don't need to go to school to do an "air assault mission", which vary greatly and not too many involve fast roping, but I did have to go to school to jump out of an Airplane. Case Closed AATW!!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2016 7:39 PM

2016-02-17T19:39:42-05:00

Double stacked. Airborne all the way!!! Air assault school in my opinion is harder but airborne is more prestigious. And being a Jumpmaster is the best thing I've done in the army. JUMPERS HIT IT!!!!!

Response by SSG Seanc Jordan made Feb 18 at 2016 2:51 PM

2016-02-18T14:51:17-05:00

I have both, airborne is more prestigious with a longer history, but air assault is much more difficult of a school.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 3:26 PM

2016-02-19T15:26:05-05:00

AIRBORNE

Response by CW4 Lloyd Strickland made Feb 21 at 2016 10:30 AM

2016-02-21T10:30:29-05:00

Proud to have earned both. AB training great but AA training harder

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 10:30 AM

2016-02-23T10:30:19-05:00

TJ, you really stirred up a hornet's nest here! You could have just asked me and I would of told you there is nothing more prestigious then to be a paratrooper in the 82nd!

Response by SFC Marcus Belt made Mar 27 at 2016 12:34 PM

2016-03-27T12:34:34-04:00

The one the Army pays you for.

Response by SFC Marcus Belt made May 12 at 2016 6:42 AM

2016-05-12T06:42:11-04:00

The 82nd has NOT conducted any Airborne Assaults ISO OIR/OEF/OIF, but it has sure as hell conducted air assaults. Further, Airborne represents a STRATEGIC capability that requires our enemies to alter their defensive measures to for it. Like nuclear missiles, only more precise.

Even the 101st is deeply (and rightly) proud of the actions of its LGOPs during the initial phases of OP Overlord.

Also, Airborne is a basic requirement and qualification for all ARSOF.

So:
Strategic value vs tactical (with that advantage being mitigated by the fact that all 3 BCTs of the 82nd can and have executed up to BN sized air assaults)

History. Even the Air Assault Division's finest hour was when they were AIRBORNE.

Stepping stone to other stuff.

Airborne! All the way! H-Minus!

Response by SFC Carlos Gamino made Aug 5 at 2016 6:39 PM

2016-08-05T18:39:10-04:00

It is a matter of personal opinion. At the end of the day what matters is if you have completed the mission. But badges are cool.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2016 10:28 PM

2016-08-05T22:28:12-04:00

Response by SPC Richard Stengline made Aug 6 at 2016 5:07 AM

2016-08-06T05:07:08-04:00

My 2 cents Recondo you had an element of both, had to chopper insert or drop in. Did not get the badge for either did get my Recondo.

Response by SSG Brian Kresge made Aug 6 at 2016 10:18 AM

2016-08-06T10:18:24-04:00

True story: you can graduate from Air Assault school without actually rappelling from a bird. My class back in 95 is proof positive.
Riggers and Pathfinders have more exacting sling load training. Rangers and graduates of BMMC have better experience on rope. Any pinhead can set up an LZ. So you do a 12 mile road march with a rubber duck rifle. Very exciting. In the infantry world, this is otherwise known as "Thursday."
I was both with the Rakkasans and with 1/501 in Alaska, later PAARNG LRSD. Being a paratrooper was far more prestigious. I didn't need the wings to ride in a helicopter, and as a PFC or SPC, I wasn't out there inspecting sling loads. We need to acknowledge what the air assault badge is...while the school is physically challenging, at Campbell it's a means to build a smidgeon of familiarity, but mostly about esprit de corps. Outside of that, it's a hooah badge designed to bolster leg inferiority complex. There's no air assault lifestyle. Marines and units besides 101st do helicopter insertions and extractions. Deep air assaults are cool and all for the amount of personnel and equipment that can be moved, but the rapid mobility of the paratrooper is still our nation's QRF and should be until we build teleporters or some sci fi level jizz jazz.
I'm proud to be double stacked, but my air assault pride is really about having been a Rakkasan than it was about that school. But my outlook on further, faster, more was shaped by my time as an Arctic Paratrooper. No one tells stories about that one time you hooked a YOHE rig under a Chinook. You tell stories about jumping out of a C-130, because even in training, it's 10x more spectacular.

Response by SGT Lou Meza made Aug 6 at 2016 9:53 PM

2016-08-06T21:53:08-04:00

Airborne silver wings because I earned mine . My son has air assault wings but airborne has a longer history . So I have to go with airborne .

Response by SPC Nathan Barnes made Aug 13 at 2016 3:14 AM

2016-08-13T03:14:24-04:00

YOUR QUESTION do i chose to be AIRBORNE or a dirty nasty stinking leg
lol easy question that need not be answered but one way ALL THE WAY SIR HOOAH

Response by SPC Richard Stengline made Aug 18 at 2016 1:08 PM

2016-08-18T13:08:00-04:00

Response by SSG Timothy McCoy made Aug 26 at 2016 10:57 PM

2016-08-26T22:57:43-04:00

Is this even a fair question? Would be like 'Which is better Jumpin' Junkies or Dope's on a Rope'?
One can jump from Airplane while in flight at a greater altitude than being "On Repell". They just don't make Rap ropes that long.
AATW

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2016 1:11 PM

2016-09-01T13:11:45-04:00

I'm double stacked and I was an air assault instructor. Air Assault school is much harder to pass, in my opinion. But, I am a paratrooper through and through.

Response by SGT Drew Clark made Jan 27 at 2017 12:53 AM

2017-01-27T00:53:54-05:00

Airborne All The Way!

Response by SPC Stefan Pociask made Jul 22 at 2017 5:11 PM

2017-07-22T17:11:04-04:00

I heard that only fish and tampons hang from strings. And Air Assault ain't no fish, dammit!
Hoo-ah! 1/508th!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2017 5:09 PM

2017-08-01T17:09:44-04:00

Airborne above everything if you are Paratrooper (which means serving in a airborne unit, not simply attend the course). And don't come to me about Ranger school because I wouldn't trade being a Paratrooper for a tab for simply surviving a suckfest for 2 months. Lol

Response by PVT Raymond Lopez made Aug 1 at 2017 8:24 PM

2017-08-01T20:24:49-04:00

I like my Air Assault wing much better. Yes I am that damned old!!!!

Response by SFC Jim Farr made Aug 17 at 2017 8:25 PM

2017-08-17T20:25:17-04:00

I have both, so they receive equal attention

Response by SGT James Belcher made Aug 18 at 2017 7:49 AM

2017-08-18T07:49:54-04:00

Double stacked...not even close. Airborne !

Response by SSG Patrick Leete made Aug 18 at 2017 1:16 PM

2017-08-18T13:16:39-04:00

Mustard stain......

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made Aug 19 at 2017 12:21 AM

2017-08-19T00:21:00-04:00

I have both badges, however i would have to say that the Airborne or Parachutist badge is far more prestigious primarily due to the history behind it.

Response by SSG Donald Kenitzer made Oct 21 at 2017 11:29 AM

2017-10-21T11:29:55-04:00

Will I hate to admit but IMO the Jump Wings are are more prestigious, as LTC Stephen put it so well in his remarks. I tried very hard to go to jump school but, being Heavy Artillery that was a no-go. At Fort Campbell that all changed so yes I love my Air Assault wings.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2018 7:21 PM

2018-02-15T19:21:52-05:00

Some units require you to wear one above the other such as 82nd would be airborne on top and 101 would be air assault on top. If you’re unit doesn’t specify it’s up to your discretion.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2018 4:04 AM

2018-02-16T04:04:12-05:00

loaded question, lol.
Air assault in many ways in more applicable to modern tactics in combat.
Airborne take a certain courage and ability to follow orders under an extreme situation which makes for good warriors. Plus its just bad ass to throw yourself out of a perfectly good airplane. AIRBORNE!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 11:16 PM

2018-03-07T23:16:20-05:00

None more than the other, just be proud of what you do.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Mar 8 at 2018 10:17 PM

2018-03-08T22:17:55-05:00

I'm a leg but I consider the jump wings to be more prestigious. The wings are older and the school is longer so, at least in theory, its tougher. I'm sure the guys in the 101st would disagree but that's their issue.

Response by CPL Jimmy Carter made Jul 25 at 2018 7:19 PM

2018-07-25T19:19:15-04:00

it's Airborne...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2018 4:06 PM

2018-08-11T16:06:20-04:00

Double Stacked, but I’m more proud of being a paratrooper.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2018 8:40 AM

2018-10-05T08:40:09-04:00

They are equally huah...

Response by SPC Duncan McGuire made Oct 12 at 2018 5:03 PM

2018-10-12T17:03:39-04:00

I would say Airborne, but being in the 101st, Air Assault took over as i was more proud to be in the 101st than go to jump school

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2019 3:08 AM

2019-01-05T03:08:32-05:00

Airborne.

Response by MSG James Devereaux made Mar 2 at 2019 10:08 AM

2019-03-02T10:08:05-05:00

The question should be “which has any prestige”. Only one and that’s after it has a star on it.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Apr 4 at 2019 12:56 AM

2019-04-04T00:56:00-04:00

Ranger.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Apr 4 at 2019 12:56 AM

2019-04-04T00:56:49-04:00

You have to eat snakes or rat's

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2019 5:57 AM

2019-04-04T05:57:45-04:00

I know this is an old post, but holding both badges I’ll say this; both are fun schools, but being a parachutist is a way of life, Air assault was just a fun school.

Response by SFC Keith Bailey made Dec 11 at 2019 9:47 PM

2019-12-11T21:47:09-05:00

Which one is most effective in todays modern battlefield ..? Every major Paratrooper operation during WW II, Was a strategic failure . Air Assault is todays Airborne ..

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2020 7:50 PM

2020-12-12T19:50:27-05:00

It is not about prestige, it is about building your skill set to be a valuable warfighting tool. Stack 'em and use them.

Response by CPT Al Picon made Apr 12 at 2022 4:08 PM

2022-04-12T16:08:01-04:00

Double stacked!