Any advice on chasing foreign jump wings?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 20:15:56 -0400

So I'm in my second Airborne unit. I've have been in Airborne units for over five years. I'm still chasing foreign jump wings. I wish there was a roster like they do for EIB with foreign jumps. I know Bragg has their toy jump but they don't have that at Benning. What have you done to chase them?

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Aug 8 at 2017 8:25 PM

CSM Chuck Stafford — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 20:25:55 -0400

Increase your odds by going to jumpmaster school and look for an operations officer position in a 3 shop -- those circles have a greater chance than luck of the draw.

Response by MAJ Tom Hutton made Aug 8 at 2017 8:30 PM

MAJ Tom Hutton — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 20:30:17 -0400

I'd reach out to the Airborne and Ranger Training BDE and see if there's any that occur that might not be publicized. Maybe see if WHINSEC has an airborne presence anymore and inquire if they have any opportunities. You could always request your command allow you to go PTDY to Bragg for Toy Drop and hope you get picked.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Aug 8 at 2017 8:46 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 20:46:40 -0400

It takes luck, as in right place right time, or a hook up...someone in the know of a Jump and the ability to get you on the manifest.

So you either wait on luck, or your get in with the hook up.
You just have to decide how bad you want it. CORPS and DIV G3 SGM know when and where, but why would they hook you up if your not in their shop, have something to trade (nothing immoral or illegal.. but I have "traded" something somebody wanted a school slot, a TDY mission for something they had access to ..."SGM we need 8 60mm mortars to support the 11B ALC MTT next month, and there are none on post, not just in the division, no unit on post has those anymore. ..."
OK, wellllll hmm I know a guy in the TX NG and............

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2017 9:08 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 21:08:04 -0400

I know the European Paratroopers Association host events around the world! Now there is a cost involved but, if you are only concerned with earning foreign wings then they are your most expedient course of action as they host several events throughout the year and get alot of countries involved in each events so in the course of a couple of weeks you have the opportunity to earn 3 or 4 badges. Now with all of that being said you still have to submit any certificates you earned through the proper channels for approval to wear them on your ASUs but, overall from the people I know that have participated they have really enjoyed the professionalism and experience!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2017 9:28 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 21:28:53 -0400

i had 4 years at bragg and never got one, good luck

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2017 9:30 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 21:30:06 -0400

Leapfest in RI?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2017 10:01 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 22:01:37 -0400

PCS to Bragg? While at group we had lots of foreign jump opportunities.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Aug 8 at 2017 10:17 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 22:17:10 -0400

Unduly I have something constructive to add to the conversation, but in this case all I have is a comment because I have no experience with this. My comment is, why are all of the foreign wings so large and ornate whereas ours are dinky and boring... just an observation.

Response by CPT Andrew Wright made Aug 8 at 2017 10:35 PM

CPT Andrew Wright — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 22:35:39 -0400

Active Duty units are routinely tasked to send officer and enlisted personnel to Joint Task Force Bravo at Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras. Its usually a six month short tour. If you get down there at the right time you might participate in the multi-nation jump and earn Honduran, Guatemalan, and El Salvadoran wings with one jump. I only picked up the Honduran wings while there jumping with their Army individually. The Honduran Wings are identical to the Marine Corps wings so when I wore them I usually got confused looks from Marines. The NOE approaches to the drop zone in a mountainous country like Honduras are an adventure in themselves. Also earned Canadian and Turkish wings while at Bragg. Good luck with your quest!

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 8 at 2017 10:46 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 22:46:11 -0400

Used to be you could arrange for a jump with the IDF via the back pages of Soldier of Fortune magazine. It was a trip to Israel, 2-3 days of ground training if you were already Airborne qualified and then several jumps and an IDF parachutist badge.

I would try and go to Bragg on permissive TDY for the toy drop. That gets crazy. I had a buddy that was a pilot for the Black Daggers and he was flying turns so more guys could jump.

Go to the 173d, proximity has a quality all its own.

Response by CSM Eric Biggs made Aug 8 at 2017 11:29 PM

CSM Eric Biggs — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 23:29:31 -0400

Get stationed in Italy or Germany with the 173rd. I was there for 4 years from 00-03, and didn't even try; I have 3 different foreign wings (Italian, Tunisian and Hungarian).

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2017 2:35 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 02:35:39 -0400

Whatever you do, try to chase ones that you can wear on your multicam as well as your Dress Uniform if possibe.
I have the German bronze wings and while they look great on my dress uniform they have no cloth patch to sew onto the "field" uniform. I wish I could go back in time and say YES to my 1SG's request to go TDY to get three sets of wings in Europe.
He real bottom line is take EVERY opportunity to get foreign wings, no matter what Nation they're from. They are all cool in one way or the other!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2017 7:32 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 07:32:57 -0400

I've gotten the Australian, British, Belgian, Danish, Canadian, Latvian, Malawi (NCO), Polish, Swiss, German (Bronze/Silver/Gold), and Greek since I've been in. While I've been lucky to help run a number of International Jump Weeks, I think it's important to look out for junior Soldiers and Officers to ensure that they're afforded the opportunity to earn a foreign badge if they haven't yet. I think that they can be a great opportunity to build relationships with partners and allies, and that it can directly increase Jumpmaster proficiency. I just wish they would allow the wear of one set of cloth jump wings from the currently authorized list of badges on the utility uniform.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2017 10:00 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 10:00:55 -0400

I am going on 7 years, still chasing my wreath as well, however knowing the S3 air at BDE and BN will increase your chances, be a jump master to help the unit and they may help you back.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Aug 9 at 2017 10:04 AM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 10:04:50 -0400

I was on jump status something like 12 years and Master rated before I earned my first set of foreign jump wings. Oh yea, I was on Bragg the entire time. Once I got my first set, they started coming yearly. Now I have 6 but can only wear one, so the only one I will chase, are the Mexican wings. Other than that, the young troops can have them.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2017 4:14 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 16:14:18 -0400

Got Canadian Jump Wings jumping with the CSOR and 3 RCR in Ft Harrison, MT with Group. Also got to do the Norwegian Foot March and German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge events with Group. We just found local foreign liaisons, like the German Intel Liaison at Huachuca, and asked them what it took to make it happen. Things just went from there.

Response by MSG Dorsel Boyer made Aug 12 at 2017 1:21 PM

MSG Dorsel Boyer — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 13:21:54 -0400

Definitely an airborne unit in Germany. I have 8 sets from 7 countries in the last two years. Sometimes you are just surprised by scoring a foreign jump.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2017 1:29 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 13:29:26 -0400

Leapfest https://www.leapfest.com/ There are always foreign JMs that stick around for a wings exchange after the competition.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2017 2:01 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 14:01:35 -0400

Excellent question, sir. Well, when I was in USACAPOC (Airborne), it seemed that the way most setvicemenbers that their foreign jump wings were either by going out of their way to get them (ie, attaching to an active unit) but more commonly, it was the luck of the draw. For example, a unit in USACAPOC could be selected to jump with an allied country's airborne forces in a training exercise. So essentially, your options are to go out of your way, research, and network your way into a position where you coulr earn them, or just leave it to luck, sir.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2017 2:27 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 14:27:53 -0400

Don't.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2017 4:07 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 16:07:36 -0400

So from what I'm seeing, its either utilization of rank for personal gain, or quid pro quo. I guess if it isn't sex they are asking for, its ok.

Response by SSG Will Phillips made Aug 12 at 2017 4:38 PM

SSG Will Phillips — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 16:38:04 -0400

Been there ... Done that..... Heh.

Response by SGT James Prattini made Aug 12 at 2017 8:12 PM

SGT James Prattini — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 20:12:31 -0400

Don't be a turd and beg for them.... I was the only one who didn't beg so my 1sgt took me to the Toy drop... I got Estonia jump wings which are really hard to get... I guess I was just lucky.. mine are serial-numbered with 0390

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Aug 12 at 2017 8:34 PM

Cpl Dennis F. — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 20:34:08 -0400

I think ya gotta get up in the air to get them.....chasing just wont cut it.

Response by SGT Robert Humble made Aug 12 at 2017 9:36 PM

SGT Robert Humble — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 21:36:41 -0400

You take leave and go to Ft. Bragg during the toy jump just take your jump log to show that your're currently on jump status and bring a high dollar toy. I have been in the 82nd for years so you just need to show up.

Response by SFC Forrest Parks made Aug 12 at 2017 10:50 PM

SFC Forrest Parks — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 22:50:08 -0400

I am one of four soldiers to ever earn Belarusian Airborne wings. I was the OPSCO (Operations Coordinator) in the US Embassy in Belarus. I know of many other soldiers that have earned foreign jump wings because they volunteered for service in the Defense Attache System. There are some steps you have to take (permission from DIA for one) but it is a great way to earn some wings that many will never have the chance to.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2017 12:38 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 12:38:51 -0400

I got my Italian Jump wings at the toy drop and then the Columbian Jump wings the very next year. I just got lucky and always did the lottery.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2017 2:37 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 14:37:50 -0400

Join SOF, we get opportunities to jump with them all the time, and the MC-6 is soooooo much better

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2017 8:59 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 08:59:05 -0400

Toy drop at bragg is your best bet. The toy does not have to be the most expensive. About 4300 Soldiers will be selected to jump this year with about 13 different countries.

Response by MAJ Scott Collins made Sep 27 at 2017 2:20 PM

MAJ Scott Collins — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 14:20:49 -0400

Don't bother.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jan 25 at 2018 8:01 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 20:01:46 -0500

Get with the Post/ School Air NCO buy him a couple of beers and weasel your way onto the manifest- they know who is jumping and when.

Response by SPC Mike Lake made Feb 7 at 2018 10:43 PM

SPC Mike Lake — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 22:43:33 -0500

When I was in it was just luck and timing I guess because they would come to Bragg and train and we would get the opportunity to jump with them and train with them also multinational Force coalition we jumped with the Egyptians and when we went to Honduras we got to train and jump with them

Response by SP5 Kirk Price made Jan 31 at 2020 6:17 PM

SP5 Kirk Price — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 18:17:48 -0500

Do you earn foreign wings by jumping with a foreign unit or jumping in a foreign country?

Response by 1LT Rob James made Jan 31 at 2020 9:51 PM

1LT Rob James — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 21:51:13 -0500

I was in USASOC my last tour and got my my Malaysian wings by accident. I was a pay hurt after being in Panama for a deployment. I got sent to jump with 3rd group and realized it was a foreign jumpstart and equipment when I got there. I could have gotten others but my platoon sergeant and wanted to spread the wealth and would send deserving troopers. The best was the Thai balloon wings...but our company was never in the rotation while I was there.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2020 6:46 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Feb 2020 06:46:00 -0500

PCS to the 173rd

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2020 11:28 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Feb 2020 23:28:02 -0500

PCS to Italy and the 173rd

Response by CPT Tom Talbott made Feb 4 at 2020 2:08 AM

CPT Tom Talbott — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 02:08:08 -0500

Wow....I was stationed in panama and Bragg's. I got 7 different countries wings. It was really not that hard.

Response by MAJ Arvie McDaniel made Feb 7 at 2020 3:58 PM

MAJ Arvie McDaniel — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 15:58:51 -0500

Get assigned to 173rd, go SF or get involved with SOF thru 75th or CA/Psyops. I have Thai, Venezuelan, Italian, and French wings.

Response by SGM Patrick Kirby made Oct 6 at 2020 1:20 AM

SGM Patrick Kirby — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 01:20:30 -0400

Stop