Being Non-Airborne In An Airborne Unit Isn’t A Bad Thing

2016-06-07T11:39:10-04:00

Soldiers often carry the concern that they are being assigned to or are in an airborne unit despite not being airborne qualified, and how this could impact their career.

Well, it won't negatively impact anyone’s career - unless they want it to. Being in an airborne unit, yet not being qualified, does not impact your career in any way actually. There are too many factors that limit airborne qualification. There are medical issues, such as knee problems, back problems, or not being able to pass the airborne physical for whatever reason. There’s also the modified table of equipment (MTOE) allowance; this is where soldiers are not slotted or allocated an airborne position in the unit.

Being non-airborne in an airborne unit really just means the following. When a Soldier is not in a designated airborne unit, they typically will not get a slot to attend the course. That is unless they reenlist for an airborne option that will then send them on to an airborne unit upon completion of the course.

Sometimes they may return back to the previous unit with an airborne tab, but not actively on airborne status.

The genetic makeup of the unit I was in was not airborne, but the other companies in the battalion were airborne units. We spent a lot of time supporting their airborne missions when they happened. I was assigned to the 95th Chemical Company, 6th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Engineer Brigade, 4-25 Infantry Division, located on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) in Alaska. Outside of being the Pacific Command asset for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) matters, we also assisted the battalion with their airborne operations, ranging from providing transportation, shaking 'chutes, recovering parachutes, and other associated equipment procedures as necessary. This may be viewed as a negative thing because the word "detail" is associated with the task, but in reality it’s not. Being on this detail actually frees up soldiers to participate in operations and not cause a personnel strain. Often, airborne units need to rotate their jumpers due to inadequate amount of personnel available to support the “jump”, thus putting their “jump pay/stats/status” in jeopardy. Think of it as taking care of other soldiers and being a battle buddy. After all, this mission is bigger than you!

From a personal career standpoint, soldiers who are in these types of units and qualify to become airborne can request their Chain-of-Command to fill a vacant slot and attend airborne school. If you are haphazardly assigned to an airborne unit, but cannot be airborne for whatever reason, you can always request to be assigned to a support unit on the installation and carry on with your career as normal. This is normally the case when you are assigned to installations like Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Fort Drum in New York, Joint-Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, and Fort Campbell in Kentucky.

The next time you come up on assignment or request an assignment that involves an airborne qualification mandate, don’t fret about it. Unless you are abhorrently against the idea of being an airborne soldier, there is no shame in not being airborne, and equally there is no shame in not being qualified to be airborne.

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Jun 7 at 2016 11:43 AM

2016-06-07T11:43:31-04:00

Thanks for sharing, I am sure you will some discussions on this one...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 11:48 AM

2016-06-07T11:48:52-04:00

I'm a Leg....and I'm proud of it.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jun 7 at 2016 11:51 AM

2016-06-07T11:51:54-04:00

Excellent essay, SFC Randy Purham, and it all makes perfect sense. However, were I in an airborne unit (and I was), I'd want to be airborne qualified (and I was).

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made Jun 7 at 2016 11:53 AM

2016-06-07T11:53:30-04:00

It can imact your career... You get extra pounts for the badge and Airborne advantage.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 12:54 PM

2016-06-07T12:54:14-04:00

I will not send a SPC or SGT to a board if he is not airborne qualified in an airborne unit. You are pro oting him to lead Soldiers. How can he lead Soldiers on the DZ if he can not jump out 9f the plane with has men. Good luck finding a BN Commander that would bless off on that promotion as well. Now I have seen legs assigned to an airborne unit, but if they wanted to stay they had to attend the school.

Response by SFC Luis Colon made Jun 7 at 2016 1:39 PM

2016-06-07T13:39:54-04:00

when I first got my assignment to fort bragg I was a young SSG, and I told myelf if I am going to be lead troops in an airborne environment I have to be airborne, so I got to the 82nd replacement as a leg, I was sent to my unit before going to Jump school and boy what an impact on my life that was, I was treated like a redheaded stepchild, but once I went to the training and show that I can hang I was very welcome to the unit.......... when I left the airborne and went to an non airborne unit, I found out that been in the airborne unit will get you molded for the rest of your life, and your attitude is totally different,

Response by SFC Marcus Belt made Jun 7 at 2016 1:46 PM

2016-06-07T13:46:51-04:00

My job required me to be Airborne, and I have served in the 82nd (82d? Depends on what the current CG likes). I don't necessarily like jumping from aircraft in flight, but I like that the guy next to me has another level of "volunteering" under his belt just to stand in formation with me.

Is it the be-all, end-all? Of course not. But say I'm tasked with leading a detail, and I've got two SSGs that I've never worked with. Which one will I lean on first: the one with the wings or the one without?

But I'd feel the same way if one had Air Assault wings and the other didn't. It's an indicator, not the final word.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 3:57 PM

2016-06-07T15:57:38-04:00

When I was in the 82D, everyone who wasn't Airborne in any of the BCTs had to sign this paper saying whether they would or wouldn't attend the next Airborne course. Those that didn't got orders out within a month.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 7 at 2016 4:00 PM

2016-06-07T16:00:47-04:00

Being a leg in an airborne unit means you're not going to get hurt on a jump. Bonus in my mind.... And at the end of the day, and the doo-doo totally hits the fan, if the rest of the unit is jumping into WW3, you're going with them regardless if you've been to school or not. Hope you're a quick learner..... ;o)

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Jun 7 at 2016 4:04 PM

2016-06-07T16:04:18-04:00

When I was in an airborne unit, the non-airborne personnel normally got assigned chute shake-out duty. It made sense since they weren't jumping, but at the same time it didn't seem right to me that they had to stay late for that duty.

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made Jun 7 at 2016 4:33 PM

2016-06-07T16:33:03-04:00

You know, I am not sure I get the point of this post... You say it wont negatively hurt your career but you fail to mention how it can positively help your career. More than likely you will be promoted ahead of your peers, more diverse duty assignments, more school and leadership options, and of course more pay.

Response by SSG Christopher Freeman made Jun 7 at 2016 5:27 PM

2016-06-07T17:27:42-04:00

I know the feeling. I serve in the 82nd Airborne Division, and being in the Combat Aviation Brigade, there is a stigma since we are non-jumpers in the Division. Once they see what we can do and how well, that stigma quickly goes away. I give respect to those who do jump, because it takes a special kind of person to look at a perfectly good airplane and say you know what sounds fun, jumping out of that.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Jun 7 at 2016 9:13 PM

2016-06-07T21:13:03-04:00

Spent time in two different Airborne Units as NAP (non-Airborne Personnel). Never even got called a leg once... And my Platoon Supported Corps HQ...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 11:08 PM

2016-06-07T23:08:20-04:00

Let's clarify some points. If you are in a unit with an airborne tab over the unit patch BUT the unit is not on jump status, then it's not really airborne and doesn't matter if you attend the school. It's a bonus, not mandatory. HOWEVER, if you are in an airborne unit that is on jump status, then that unit is expected to conduct a combat jump if called upon. What good is a soldier in an airborne unit if the soldier cannot show up on the drop-zone to execute their war time mission. If the soldier isn't airborne qualified, then they better get to school and graduate as soon as possible. That's a unit priority. There will be command level visibility on this soldiers airborne school date. If the soldier cannot physically go to airborne school, they should not be, nor should they ever have been, in the unit. If the soldier is capable but not going to airborne school, there will be negative repercussions until they do. That's a general statement. Of course, context applies to every case. One example may be the soldier is willing and able but the command cannot send them at the moment. That's not the soldiers fault. There is a negative stigma if they are in an airborne unit but unwilling. To jump-masters, which are basically all leaders in airborne units, the soldier is a daily jump refusal and unwilling to be apart of the units mission. That's negative. That soldier cannot succeed in my unit as a result of the attitude.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2016 7:19 AM

2016-06-08T07:19:51-04:00

Bunker DZ!!! Airborne! Nice Photo for the post.

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Jun 8 at 2016 9:53 AM

2016-06-08T09:53:58-04:00

True very true

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2016 9:52 AM

2016-06-09T09:52:35-04:00

Being Airborne-qualified for 8 years, I know the positive and negative feedback you may receive from this post. But let me say this, people who jump out of Airborne are not necessarily BETTER Soldiers than NAPs or Non-Airborne Personnel's. Personally, I think the mindset we Airborne have of NAPs are that we are better. Ideally, I've been on both sides of the spectrum. On jump status at Bragg and in a Light Mech-Infantry Unit in Regular Army, and to tell you the truth, it's no difference. I would say though, being Airborne broadens your opportunities on a career standpoint. It opens up schools and assignments, you wouldn't necessarily get with being Non-Airborne qualified. Physically, it can be challenging. Over time, your body breaks down from all the forced impact of jumping out of planes and landing with no regard to bodily harm. I loved being Airborne and wearing my maroon beret, but would I make a different decision if I knew the physical headaches I'd go through now? Maybe. But to get what you want in life and your career, you have to take calculated risks. And understand what you're getting yourself into. Yeah a measly $150 a month does not become all that glamorous once you've been jumping a few years. You maybe become ridiculed by your unit or even threatened because you're the lone NAP in your unit. You've probably been threatened to either go to Airborne School or go to Drum or some other disinterested post. Constant derogatory name-calling such as: "You're a dirty, nasty LEG" and others could cause verbal or physical altercations, but honestly their no better than you. As long as you can hump your rucksack, qualify with your weapon and Soldier, bro you're A-Okay in my book. Don't let "them" force you into something you don't want. Nobody can force you to do anything that you don't want to do, regardless of rank. Worst case, they'll just reassign you and kick you out of the unit to the Needs-of-the-Army. At that point, you'll be sent to a Regular Army unit and then once those Airborne guys PCS to your unit, then you can poke fun back. So make the best decision for you!

Response by SGM Robert King made Jun 9 at 2016 2:54 PM

2016-06-09T14:54:30-04:00

What matters is the MTOE slot. Not all slots require a soldier to be jump qualified. If you are in a P slot you should go to Jump School if you want any hope of being competitive for promotion.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2016 4:14 PM

2016-06-14T16:14:53-04:00

If it was such a big deal then all NAPs would RCP/QMP/be passed over for promotion while serving in an Airborne unit.
Unless you are on a post like Bragg or in Italy you most likely wont even encounter this type of question. I was on Bragg for nearly 6 years and am not airborne. I was even in USASOC and had to wear a red beret.

Response by SFC David Pratt made Jun 17 at 2016 1:58 AM

2016-06-17T01:58:50-04:00

What being a non airborne personel (NAP) in an airborne unit is? Well, it means that you're a nasty leg.

Response by SFC David Pratt made Jun 17 at 2016 1:59 AM

2016-06-17T01:59:29-04:00

And that is never good

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2016 9:50 PM

2016-06-30T21:50:37-04:00

Right, but you miss out on a lot of cool stuff like jumping, and... jumping!

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2016 11:53 AM

2016-07-12T11:53:28-04:00

I couldn't agree with you more on this. I came from a SOF unit and this seems to be the debate for the low density MOS soldiers. I don't think that airborne is needed for personnel that are assigned to a SOF unit as support though as it is a waste of money and resources for the military to keep those soldiers current on a skill they will most likely never use. I understand that all SOF soldiers may need to be on airborne status for mission readiness purposes.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2017 6:22 PM

2017-10-04T18:22:35-04:00

My thoughts regarding airborne? "No thanks - I'll keep my back and knees for after I retire. You have fun w/ your jumps."

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Oct 4 at 2017 10:10 PM

2017-10-04T22:10:22-04:00

IT'S all about "attitude!" I was assigned to Ft Campbell, KY at one time, being non-airborne...and BOY!...my life was made a "living hell!" I was finally able to get reassigned to a supporting unit...the "attitude" wasn't any better. Being a civilian now...that former-airborne soldier, who is now a veteran himself/herself, is NOT any better than I am!

Response by 1LT Peter Duston made Oct 5 at 2017 2:42 PM

2017-10-05T14:42:14-04:00

I was attached to a Special Forces group as a ----legg LT. While I took crap, they needed my expertise as a linguist for their mission designated area so I got respect and especially when we did a mountainous maneuver as I was an experienced climber and backpacker.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2017 5:50 PM

2017-10-05T17:50:22-04:00

Spending eight years on Bragg, I have seen quite a few individuals inprocess as non-airborne personnel. We were always briefed that you had to be airborne or volunteer to go upon assignment to the unit. Now some did attend, graduate and come back to the unit as airborne. Others either failed for one reason or another, or had something going on medically. End result from my experience was that everyone stayed regardless. Personally I think it is a scare tactic to get more qualified personnel but that is my opinion.

I'm not trying to be a recruiter for airborne personnel but I loved my times there and would want to gain another airborne jump buddy anytime. I was mentored to love jumping, and it molded my way to being a jumpmaster by my superiors.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Oct 5 at 2017 6:19 PM

2017-10-05T18:19:20-04:00

"The next time you come up on assignment or request an assignment that involves an airborne qualification mandate, don’t fret about it. Unless you are abhorrently against the idea of being an airborne soldier, there is no shame in not being airborne, and equally there is no shame in not being qualified to be airborne."

And " it won't negatively impact anyone’s career"

Lets set some known points to the discussion first.
There are Airborne units and "Airborne"
and there are Airborne coded slots and non airborne coded slots

If you are in an Airborne coded slot and non airborne qualified, or not volunteer status and current , YES it will effect your career..to say otherwise is disingenuous and just bad advice as well.

If your in an airborne unit in a non airborne coded slot, then it matters less...but it still matters. Like it or not, your surrounded by jump qualified SM and leaders, who are doing that deal monthly or so..Unless you have some required skill NO ONE else has you will not be considered the best person for the job...and if it comes to a you or "them" decision for an "extra" you likely will not get it.
Cry "unfair" all you want, its still reality.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 8 at 2018 5:12 PM

2018-10-08T17:12:32-04:00

After 20 years, I realize the braggarts are always the young soldiers.

Response by SGT Robert Neblett made Jan 11 at 2019 7:42 PM

2019-01-11T19:42:16-05:00

Sounds like a leg making an excuse for being a leg. Whatever gets through the night bro'.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2021 7:18 PM

2021-09-26T19:18:28-04:00

The problem with the Army is that they have the wrong mentality in the upper levels of leadership. There is no problem having NAPs ATTACHED to an airborne unit, but they sure as hell shouldn't be allowed to wear the maroon beret or even the unit patch. They should be administratively assigned to a direct support unit where individual soldiers are given follow on orders attaching them to an airborne unit. They should wear the black beret and patrol cap, and the direct support unit patch that they belong to. The Army has taken a dump on the airborne community while protecting the traditions of SOF operators (Ranger, SF, and other SOF units). Under no circumstances should a "leg" wear the maroon beret and 5 jump chumps shouldn't be called "Paratroopers".

This shouldn't even be a question because it makes no sense to put soldiers in these units wearing the maroon beret and walking around with an airborne unit patch with no intention of becoming a Paratrooper. That is why we wore our maroon berets in SF because SF is an airborne unit, not just Special Forces. They learned years ago that only the SF qualified soldiers should be allowed to wear the Green Beret and it made sense. They need to reverse the decision to allow NAPs to wear what is traditionally airborne uniform items and allow them to serve in the unit with their own "leg" patch and headgear. If they get motivated to join, they should have the freedom to attend jump school and then become a Paratrooper to get full assignment to the unit. You have to maintain the integrity of being a Paratrooper and afford them the same protections that is given to the Rangers and SF. You should have wings in order to wear the beret and unit patch. No exceptions.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2022 11:14 PM

2022-10-03T23:14:46-04:00

If you are assigned to paid parachutist position and refuse to attend Basic Airborne School then you are reducing the capabilities of unit by means of infil therefor you should not be assigned to the unit. It’s frustrating as a Senior NCO to deal with 1SGs or any leader in an airborne unit that is not willing to go yo airborne school. Leaders in these units are expected to lead their troops out of an aircraft but cannot even do so if they are not qualified. Again they are reducing a capability because they want to wear the patch, beret or even just have bragging rights. They need to take themselves out of the seat and make way for leaders with personal courage.