How can I prep for Airborne School? What's the formation run pace? Is 8:30-9:00 per mile accurate?

2018-12-21T10:52:13-05:00

I have the opportunity to go to Airborne school and I plan on taking it. I'm trying to set up a plan of action to prepare. What should I expect? Also what's the formation run pace? I read 8:30-9:00 is that accurate?

Response by MAJ Tom Hutton made Dec 21 at 2018 11:18 AM

2018-12-21T11:18:05-05:00

I think so (I went back in 92). You should be able be quicker than the pace because there might be a time where they surge a bit to psych people out. The runs will finish within the time that correlates with the published pace.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Dec 21 at 2018 11:39 AM

2018-12-21T11:39:13-05:00

That sounds about right. Pretty easy. Not very many people got dropped for that.

Response by SPC Logan Daniels made Dec 21 at 2018 12:07 PM

2018-12-21T12:07:48-05:00

The run: sure the over all mile pace is 8-9 mins BUT you don’t run at a constant pace so be ready to run faster than that. Prepare for the PT test. The pushups get most people. Maintain perfect form throughout the pushups and make your chest hit the ground. Besides that everything is super straight forward. But really run. Run a lot, for distance at a steady pace.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2018 1:28 PM

2018-12-21T13:28:41-05:00

If you do some fartlek training also known as Indian run

https://youtu.be/iDkGA7leaFE

HOW TO RUN A FARTLEK WORKOUT! SPEED RUNNING TIPS AND TRAINING TECHNIQUE | SAGE RUNNING

Putting the "art" back into "Fartlek" SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/Vo2maxProductions?sub_confirmation=1

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Dec 21 at 2018 1:40 PM

2018-12-21T13:40:04-05:00

Along with running, properly recover. You normally get nights and weekends off, but use the free time effectively. A small number who got dropped in my class in 2001 either partied or heavily drank alcohol which adversely affected performance.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2018 1:42 PM

2018-12-21T13:42:26-05:00

Be able to run painfully slow for several miles. I mostly remember it as so slow that it gave me shin splints.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2018 1:44 PM

2018-12-21T13:44:11-05:00

Work on being able to due at least 4 miles in 36 minutes. Along getting accustomed to having your ACH on in uniform while you fun to include a canteen. Also start knocking out pull ups at least 20 a day. Other than that always remember to keep your feet/knees together, knees partially bent, elbows tucked and chin on chest and you'll be fine.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Dec 21 at 2018 2:47 PM

2018-12-21T14:47:23-05:00

The run pace was set earlier. Your overall fitness is more important in order to prevent injury, with which you cannot complete the program. Thank you for your service.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2018 3:16 PM

2018-12-21T15:16:29-05:00

Yea that's generally accurate. I graduated in April, and if the same CSM is there your biggest risk of getting dropped after the PT test is if you dont sing cadence on the runs. He runs around the entire formation looking and he's sneaky so just make sure you keep your voice up.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2018 3:51 PM

2018-12-21T15:51:08-05:00

As other stated, the runs will speed up and slow down. Farther back in the formation, more you'll experience it. Fartlek training method, as mentioned, is very effective.
I went in 1994, and we also ran to training sights with uniform and boots. Do some, not alot, some in boots so you know if you need to make adjustments to how tight or loose you lace them.
Double tie running shoes and boots.
Pull ups, practice those, you'll need that upper body strength.
If you're already around paratroopers, learn how to do a PLF, and practice. Not necessary, but may help avoid injury.
Many have passed it before you, train, keep a good attitude, and keep your feet and knees together. You'll do fine.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2018 5:39 PM

2018-12-21T17:39:20-05:00

That's pretty accurate. The runs aren't going to be a problem. As long as you can at least knock out 10 pull up (after eat meal). You get evaluated on how you perform from the different apparatuses that test your ability to proper conduct parachute landing falls. People that tend to be uncoordinated and difficult to learn have actually failed those making those soldiers recycle to the next class. Condition yourself physically but most important be prepared to learn with an open mind and take everything they say seriously. Because once it culminates, and you have to conduct 5 qualifying jumps, the last thing you want to think about is whether or not you actually learned anything throughout the course. JUMPMASTERS LEAD THE WAY!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2018 6:02 PM

2018-12-21T18:02:59-05:00

And you must sing cadence while running at a faster pace.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Dec 22 at 2018 7:44 PM

2018-12-22T19:44:06-05:00

Congratulations on taking the first steps to no longer being a leg.

Response by SGT Scott Henderson made Dec 26 at 2018 10:21 PM

2018-12-26T22:21:35-05:00

Make sure whatever job you want after the military doesn't require a good back or set of knees. Other than that have fun spending 3 weeks learning how to fall correctly and causing needless injury to yourself all in the name of a shiny pin, a funny hat, and an extra $150/mo

Response by SGT Aric Lier made Dec 27 at 2018 7:52 AM

2018-12-27T07:52:45-05:00

be prepared to run ... and when your ready to quit, Don’t !!! They told us one more mile at the finish ( many dropped out) they went 100 yds and stopped. It’s about being mentally prepared as well as physically fit

Response by SGT Richard H. made Dec 27 at 2018 2:43 PM

2018-12-27T14:43:18-05:00

Airborne school isn't hard. Be able to pass a PT test, and it will be fairly easy. Be at the point of scorping 270 (90-ish in each event) and with will be a breeze. Also, do work on your pullups.

Response by Van Amberg made Jan 10 at 2019 6:25 PM

2019-01-10T18:25:52-05:00

10 feet per second

Response by SPC Lewis Griffin made Aug 24 at 2020 8:16 PM

2020-08-24T20:16:53-04:00

9 minute mile pace (airborne shuffle) plus or minus 15 seconds.

Response by SPC Lewis Griffin made Aug 24 at 2020 8:18 PM

2020-08-24T20:18:40-04:00

Also, do tons of pull-ups. You’ll understand when you get there and start training.