Can I go to Airborne School after basic and AIT without an Airborne contract?

2018-03-23T22:42:02-04:00

I’m set to go to basic at Jackson and ait at Sam Houston for 68W and my recruiter said I couldn’t get airborne in my contract and get 68w so it was either pick a new mos or stick with medic. I’ve heard of people volunteering for airborne but I’ve not seen any information on how to do so or if you even still can today.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2018 10:48 PM

2018-03-23T22:48:15-04:00

Private RallyPoint Member Below are the requirements for Airborne School along with "Contact Information." 68W, Combat Medic, is an outstanding MOS.

https://www.goarmy.com/soldier-life/being-a-soldier/ongoing-training/specialized-schools/airborne-school.html

https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/medical-and-emergency/combat-medic-specialist.html

Airborne School

Airborne School teaches Soldiers the techniques of how to jump and parachute safely from airplanes.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2018 11:29 PM

2018-03-23T23:29:56-04:00

Hell yeah, you can. When the Ranger recruiters come to your AIT just volunteer. If none are scheduled talk to your platoon sergeant in AIT to get an Airborne physical and a school slot.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2018 12:16 AM

2018-03-24T00:16:14-04:00

They tried the same thing with me. I said, I don’t want to waste your time. If you can’t change my MOS to 11B, Airborne School, and 82nd Airborne then don’t waste my time. That’s when I started go get up off the seat. So if you really want airborne and 68W then you have to be willing to go to Bragg or Vicenza. Otherwise don’t waste yours or their time.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2018 5:11 AM

2018-03-24T05:11:09-04:00

Typically in 68w AIT you will be offered RIP opportunity somewhere past NREMT exams. You have to be doing really well for cadres or drill instructors both physical fitness and exams to be accepted

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2018 7:32 AM

2018-03-24T07:32:05-04:00

Yea Rangers and 160th usually come to recruit to every class and sometimes the DS/PSG will have offer some of y’all the chance to do Airborne PT for a slot.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2018 7:40 AM

2018-03-24T07:40:20-04:00

They offer airborne contracts in AIT. It's limited ans it's only for active duty so work on your PT

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2018 12:47 PM

2018-03-24T12:47:42-04:00

To be more honest, now in recent times, due to the amount of people they are pushing out from the school house itself during AIT. A lot of recruiter from ARSOF groups do not arrive, your best bet is to either get Insanse high PT so you stand out even from other Option 40 people. Then ask if you can slotted during school which is mostly likely not happening but once you get to your first duty station just be an outstanding solider and keep high standards and always have military bearing. The minute you let yourself look undisciplined your leadership will remember. But it’s a lot more likely to get sent from your unit or even contacting ARSOF recuiriters and usually their requirements are Airborne so during their pipeline process you’d go.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Mar 24 at 2018 1:09 PM

2018-03-24T13:09:06-04:00

Back during Vietnam Airborne could be chosen while in basic, AIT or any time thereafter. I am not familiar with "contracts' as are being used in today's military. The "contact" we had was very limited in scope, date to report, AIT choice, the end.

Response by SSG Kasius McCall made Mar 26 at 2018 6:42 AM

2018-03-26T06:42:39-04:00

When I went to AIT, they were looking for ranger and airborne folks to volunteer. If they aren’t doing that then you won’t get airborne. Go to your first unit and get airborne or re-enlist for it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2018 1:47 PM

2018-03-26T13:47:37-04:00

Hell yeah, I just got out of Airborne. I got it at AIT. 25 slots for my company. Mind you this was November when I graduated ait. Work hard and show em your worth the slot

Response by SGT Aric Lier made Mar 29 at 2018 6:51 PM

2018-03-29T18:51:41-04:00

tell him you won't sign without it and talk to the other recruiters.... he will find it

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2018 2:35 PM

2018-04-07T14:35:44-04:00

When I got to AIT at Ft. Gordon (Sig Corps) the first day of in processing the ranger liaison pulled the few of us with Opt 4 or Opt 40 contracts plus everyone remotely interested to the side and put us in a horseshoe and chatted with us. Basically when you get there you talk to the liaison, get your physical and med pros taken care of and tell your platoon sergeant as early as possible. They will set you up to get a spot in airborne in stead of pushing for your orders to your first duty station. Its damn near guaranteed to get it as long as you dont become a sloppy soldier during the long ait wait.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Apr 7 at 2018 3:16 PM

2018-04-07T15:16:58-04:00

It depends on too many factors. However, if you see arirborne recruiters after basic or AIT you might have a chance. Otherwise, you can put in paperwork after you have been in and ask. You are only airborne when you are assigned to a unit on jump status. 5 jump commandos are not airborne just wing wearers.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2018 6:20 PM

2018-04-09T18:20:24-04:00

Only for active duty. Reserve or guard, it has to be in your contract before leaving. You'll love Ft Sam, and don't do the Bullis challenge. Bravo Bulldogs leading the way!

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2018 10:22 AM

2018-04-10T10:22:19-04:00

Be a PT stud and the platoon sgts will pick ya

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2018 9:16 PM

2018-04-12T21:16:43-04:00

So I’m AIT if there are available airborne slots there will be an opportunity to volunteer. If not it’s harder but you might be able to go TDY when you get to your unit. Also opportunities may arrive to go to SOAR

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2018 11:54 PM

2018-04-12T23:54:19-04:00

We never had anyone come and offer a single soldier jump, RIP, W1, or M6 when I was at Fort Sam, but that was a long time ago. What I can tell you is that EVERY Medic that went to jump school, from my training unit (C Co 232), failed the initial PT test. Fort Sam was a joke for PT and if you want additional school, workout on your own and run a ton. Good luck

Response by SFC Gary Pierce made Apr 13 at 2018 7:49 PM

2018-04-13T19:49:24-04:00

Only if your CoC approves your 4187. most likely No. If you get assigned to an Airborne unit then yes of course. Try and get into an airborne assignment. I retired after 22 years, i loved being called "Doc" but your gonna have to earn that son.

Response by SPC Joshua Smart made May 9 at 2018 5:48 PM

2018-05-09T17:48:59-04:00

Some might get you in. But youll be stationed in south korea. Most likely 2nd infantry

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2019 11:39 AM

2019-11-06T11:39:20-05:00

I am a 42A I am Puerto rican so I apply?