How do I pass Jump School with a Fear of Heights?

2018-11-04T02:08:23-05:00

I’m hoping to get Airborne on my contract when I re-enlist but I’m worried about the jumps. I can’t even do a free climb (no ropes) at a rock climbing gym without starting to freak out about the climb down. I’m not afraid of heights so much as the actual fall from heights. Is there anything I can do to truly surpass this fear and make it through Jump School if given the opportunity?

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Nov 4 at 2018 3:13 AM

2018-11-04T03:13:17-05:00

How much climbing have you done on the rock wall? Have you considered taking lessons from a civilian skydiving school? You may have to force yourself to keep climbing and find other ways to safely put yourself in a position where you feel that fear. It's ok to feel the fear, but you need to learn how to control it so it doesn't control you. I understand your fear because when I was little I was climbing up a cliff at a local park and got caught on a ledge. I sneaked away when my father was preoccupied with my little sister and started climbing because I thought I could do it on my own. Years later I was terrified of just standing on the staircase at school. I hope you get control of your fear soon so you can attend the course.

Response by SGT Mark Halmrast made Nov 4 at 2018 6:55 AM

2018-11-04T06:55:11-05:00

Jumping is different. Height isn't a big deal.

I dont like heights, either, but it is easier for me to jump than climb a ladder.

Just chute up, hook up, and go.

Response by MAJ David Wallace made Nov 4 at 2018 7:30 AM

2018-11-04T07:30:17-05:00

I wouldn't so much worry about the jumping, and falling into nothingness: It's the sudden stop that will kill you!! Best way to prepare is to arrive at Ft. Benning in good shape with a well above average APFT score. Listen to your instructors and take training seriously, but still have fun along the way. You will get a little sick and queasy, but that comes with anything that you do the first time in the Army. That's natural. Channel that nervousness into something useful, like checking and rechecking your gear, and that of those around you. When you stand up, hook up, and shuffle to the door, the adrenaline will push away your fears......move to the door, think about getting a good door position, and then you'll be mercifully sucked out of the plane. Your parachute and gravity will do the rest. Make sure that you check your canopy, and steer clear of other jumpers around you. Enjoy the ride, but concentrate on getting into a good and proper landing position. Ground rush is for real!! Get ready for it. If you are lucky enough to make it to an airborne unit, learn to embrace everything about it. It will get better and you will learn to love it. Airborne, All the Way!!

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Nov 4 at 2018 9:54 AM

2018-11-04T09:54:11-05:00

I’ve always looked at heights and altitude differently, PV2 Reza Satari. My palms start sweating on the third rung of an eight foot step ladder! However, looking out of the window of an aircraft, I’ve never had that feeling. Was I scared when I first started jumping? Sure, but it wasn’t that sweaty palms, vertigo like feeling I get when I’m on the roof of my house cleaning my gutters!
Go to jump school and let them train you. You’ll be fine.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2018 10:46 AM

2018-11-04T10:46:31-05:00

The fall won't hurt. Just the sudden stop if your chute doesn't open. At roughly 125 mph you won't feel it though. So, no fear. Full disclosure - I've never done it but although I'd be apprehensive at the door, I think I could do it. A fellow idiot and I jumped off a bridge at Cherry Blossom Festival, Iwakuni Japan in 79. Maybe 80 ft. but lasting only a second or two. Hardest part was waving arms for balance and trying to breathe while falling. No hesitation because the longer you think about it, your mind has second thoughts. The water was cold and thankfully deep. Good luck.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2018 10:55 AM

2018-11-04T10:55:45-05:00

Understanding that it is not natural to jump out of a perfectly good airplane is something you must realize, and being afraid for most people is a reality at Jump School. There are a very small group of folks who are not fearful-if you are in the majority then embrace the following:

1. You will be fully trained before you jump and ready for the challenge

2. You will be physically ready for the challenge

3. Your equipment is the best and well maintained to protect you.

4. The most dedicated cadre will be there for you through the process

5. Being afraid is normal,and expected...your there to overcome your fears and become confident and courageous.

6. When you put the wings on your chest you will be in a new category militarily speaking; and it will follow you your whole life.

7. Fear is the enemy and it will foster doubt and doubt creates failure. ZFocus in one day at a time, and the task at hand and the next thing you know you will be landing your fifth jump!

8. Then know many Soldiers who earn their wings never jump again...but hopefully you will find a renewed courage inside you that will lead you to a unit that does jump so you can build upon your skills and knowledge!

Truth in Lending-I am deathly afraid of heights since a young man; went to Jump school to prove to myself I could overcome the fear, passed and served in three on status units and became a Jumpmaster...if I can do it; I know you can Brother-look forward to seeing you on a DZ very soon-ATW!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2018 12:00 PM

2018-11-04T12:00:35-05:00

I was afraid of heights when I went to Airborne School. In fact, I still am. Now I'm a Master rated Jumpmaster.
Looking at the ground from that height is more surreal than anything. It's scarier to be on a high dive than 1000 feet in the air.
As the jumper, you just sit in the plane and distract yourself. Sing a song, sleep, think of anything but how scared you are. It's good to have a ritual. There was a certain song I sang to myself for the first ten jumps or so.
After that, you just have to walk to the door. The JM will help you get out if you stall. I'm not saying I've thrown anyone out.... But I've definitely never had anyone who stalled in my door not make it out lol.
The fear never goes away, but you learn how to overcome it, and that is a skill that you can apply to every fear in your life.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2018 12:05 PM

2018-11-04T12:05:31-05:00

Every human being has a fear of heights.
The reason why there is a 34' tower at Airborne school is because that is the specific height of a fall that should be fatal, invoking your fear of heights, and giving you the whole second week of school for the opportunity to overcome the fear with trust in your equipment, similar to a top rope or belay in climbing.
You also have two parachutes to get you safely to the ground, every time.
No one ever loses their fear of heights, regardless of how many jumps you rack up, the fear is a survival mechanism that keeps you alive, and makes you do the right thing if you ever do have a malfunction, bump into another jumper, or are unable to avoid trees, wires or water before you land.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2018 12:06 PM

2018-11-04T12:06:20-05:00

I dont like heights but I'm a Junpmaster. And I love my time hanging outside the plane.
I've also been a mountaineering instructor, and I hated climbing the rock with 8 ropes on my back to set up the climbing lanes.
It's a different kind of heights. Once that green light comes on, you just go. Dont worry about height till it comes time to land. Then you just keep your feet and knees together.

Response by MAJ David Brand made Nov 4 at 2018 12:23 PM

2018-11-04T12:23:32-05:00

I was on jump status for 17 years and was afraid of heights. Just take a deep breath and realize how many folks have been on jump status and how few have been killed or injured. Anyone with any sense would be afraid - you just have to learn to control it and not let it control you. Trust in your equipment and the fellow Soldiers around you!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2018 1:22 PM

2018-11-04T13:22:45-05:00

I don't like rappelling or free climbing at all. I don't have a fear of heights, but I have fallen free climbing and it is just plain scary. So you could say I am 'averse' to falling :)
Jumping is a different thing altogether. First you must be determined to complete the course. How bad do you want it? The more you want it, the more you are likely to succeed. Tower week will be the hardest for you as it was for me. The heights there will be very real to you (because they are so low). Actual jumping (I found) is pretty easy. It takes on a sense of unreality with an Adrenalin dump. You will do what is necessary, because you don't want to shame yourself in front of your classmates by being a "refusal". Keep your knees together and look at the horizon (not down).
Pay VERY close attention as they discuss the characteristics and procedures surrounding the T-11 chute. I haven't jumped a T-11 but everyone I know (for the most part) who has, say it is a vast improvement.
AIRBORNE!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2018 4:14 PM

2018-11-04T16:14:16-05:00

Close your eyes like others did at the 82nd., we called it a day/night jump.
No really, just follow and do everything that you are taught in jump school, you'll be OK. Latch on to someone that is more scared then you, and put in your mind, " If he can do it, I can". And, once you're out the door, you're dedicated to the fall, and all your training will kick in.
"All the Way, and Then Some!"

Response by CPL Richard Flagg made Nov 4 at 2018 8:56 PM

2018-11-04T20:56:16-05:00

Remember it’s not the fall that kills you; rather it’s that sudden stop at the end that does.

Response by PO2 Kevin Parker made Nov 4 at 2018 11:33 PM

2018-11-04T23:33:10-05:00

Jumping never bothered me. Heights only bother me when they aren't that secure.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2018 4:11 PM

2018-11-05T16:11:55-05:00

Just take one step out the door. Gravity will take over from there. I made it and got over my fear. I was #1 in the door for the first jump and shacking so bad I looked like I was having a seizure. You exit, traing kicks in, and after landing you can't wait to get back in that ironbird for your next jump.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2018 10:07 PM

2018-11-06T22:07:27-05:00

Trust in your training and the camaraderie of doing a duty of an unnatural act that a soldier in front of you just found the courage to do and you jump out that door also because the soldier behind you is depending on you to do the same. Trust me...climbing down a wall is more dicey difficult than participating in an airborne operation. Jumping out the door takes courage..yes..but once out...it's the bast part of your day and is too easy..the real work begins when your on the ground...remember...FEET AND KNEES TOGETHER..

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2018 6:36 PM

2018-11-07T18:36:53-05:00

I have a fear of falling from heights too. The only real advice anyone can give you is to sack up and get out of the bird. They don't care if your first 5 or 50 jumps are night jumps (eyes closed). Just lock out your elbow and press your knuckles against the guy in front of you. Try to exit with a half-decent body position. Gravity will take care of the rest. ATW!!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2018 6:52 PM

2018-11-08T18:52:45-05:00

To echo what a good number of senior NCO’s and Officers haves said, I too am afraid of heights. I was both airborne and air assault and used to lead climb a lot. It is all about trusting your equipment.

Response by SSG Carlos Garcia made Nov 8 at 2018 9:42 PM

2018-11-08T21:42:03-05:00

The way I look at your question is that; 1) Jump School is not ready for you. 2) you need to face up your fears and man up to it. Now, your fear is not of jumping, or the height that you have to do it, but you're afraid self-confidence. You need to have a deep based of confidence on the training, and your abilities. So, if you cannot confront those issues? Please, don't waste Jump school's black hats time and tax payer's money when there are many that are resolute to complete the school.

Response by LTC Charles "Pappy" Patchin made Nov 9 at 2018 10:52 PM

2018-11-09T22:52:45-05:00

Don't worry about the jumps. That's what Airborne School is. You are taught how to jump and how to land. If you don't get it right you stay a dirty legg for all of your time in service.
I was on parachute status for 33 years and never missed the earth once. That's gotta be talent.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2018 12:12 PM

2018-11-12T12:12:55-05:00

Don’t worry about it, either you have a good jump, or it’s suddenly not your problem anymore! The school is easy, just listen to your black hats. You can literally forget single thing they teach you, just remember to keep your feet together and let gravity take care of the rest.

Response by SGT Scott Henderson made Nov 14 at 2018 8:42 AM

2018-11-14T08:42:51-05:00

You deal with it or you leave. Simple as that.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Nov 14 at 2018 2:03 PM

2018-11-14T14:03:11-05:00

I know this is going to sound glib and simplistic, but just suck it up and do it. The jumps themselves will be a form of "immersion therapy". You won't have an opportunity to seize up at the door, so don't worry about that part. ;-)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2018 7:18 AM

2018-11-19T07:18:19-05:00

Simple. Feet and knees together. You’ll be on the DZ before you know it.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2018 3:14 AM

2018-11-25T03:14:34-05:00

The best advice I can give is that it’s ok to be afraid, but you can’t allow your fear to control you. I’m afraid of heights as well, to the point where in have difficulty climbing ladders even, but it hasn’t stopped me from jumping. I went to Airborne School in 97, and have been a Jumpmaster since 2004, and I would change any of it.

Fear is perfectly natural, and as a matter of fact I won’t jump with people who aren’t at least a little afraid. That little bit of fear causes people to be cautious and attentive to the little details that can save someone’s life. Someone who says they aren’t afraid is either lying to everyone, including themselves, or will end up being reckless because of false bravado.

Be afraid, but be in control, conquer your fear and it will never be able to stop you from doing anything.

Response by SPC Robert Passini made Nov 29 at 2018 2:49 PM

2018-11-29T14:49:55-05:00

I went to Airborne School with a guy who was afraid of heights, I thought he must be crazy. My advice: Don't let your "fear of heights" or "fear of falling" occupy your mind. I can tell you that no one is really all that thrilled about splattering on the ground. But, if you do exactly what they tell you to do during training, you will build up a muscle memory that will serve you well during your first exit. There is a whole routine that when performed over and over again during training will help you greatly. Biggest of all. Look at the horizon - don't take your eyes off until that canopy opens. If you are like many, you will have more trouble with the 34' tower than with the actual jump. Here is my irrational fear that I eventually over came.... I didn't want to fall out before I jumped out. LOL I avoided the door position and just put my eyes on the guy in front of me and followed him.
What aircraft are they using now at Airborne? We jumped C-130's and a C-141. I can tell you that the only thing my training did not prepare me for was the C-130 prop wash. It was like jumping into a tornado. One more thing...Maj. Wallace is right. Be in top physical condition - it is a lot easier if you are not struggling just to make the minimums. and then.... "BEAT YOUR BOOTS".

Response by MAJ Jack Kelly made Dec 12 at 2018 4:06 AM

2018-12-12T04:06:12-05:00

Tower week will handle that

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2018 9:37 PM

2018-12-16T21:37:07-05:00

It should not be an issue. I am terrified of heights but Airborne and Air Assault Q'd. It is just different.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2019 4:35 PM

2019-03-10T16:35:11-04:00

Be the first jumper or last jumper. The towers are much worst than the actual aircraft exits. Feet knees together and don't be a jump refusal

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2020 11:50 PM

2020-08-16T23:50:09-04:00

A previous post about fear of heights. The search feature is great on finding similar posts.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-i-pass-jump-school-with-a-fear-of-heights

How do I pass Jump School with a Fear of Heights? | RallyPoint

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2020 12:01 AM

2020-08-17T00:01:49-04:00

This is one of those things that you have to build up the courage to get over your fear. No one is really ok with jumping out of an airplane. It is not natural but we just have the ability to overcome our fear. You get used to it. Just think of all of the jumps in the Army and really no one ever gets killed. The times it does it is due to a major error. The last was the Marine that had an improper exit. If you do what is expected of you you will be fine.

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Aug 17 at 2020 12:59 PM

2020-08-17T12:59:41-04:00

PV2 Reza Satari check your equipment. Get on the aircraft. Hook up. Listen to the jump master. That third step he/she tells you take will be a bit scary. Enjoy the view.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2020 2:32 PM

2020-08-17T14:32:05-04:00

For me, it was realizing once I got on that bird there was only one way out. Once I left the bird, it was rhe craziest feeling knowing I'm falling out of the sky, but all the training immediately kicks in. On the bird, I just placed my trust in the JMs. Every jump after was more pleasant but there's always a bit of fear. It helped keep me from getting complacent

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made Aug 17 at 2020 5:55 PM

2020-08-17T17:55:13-04:00

good question, i was/am terrified of heights but jumped for 20+. i have no idea how many times i did but more than 2 or 3. Hell i'm jump master, which i recommend for anyone who is not comfortable during airborne ops, changes everything. face your fear and do it, or just i can't and don't even consider it

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made Aug 17 at 2020 6:49 PM

2020-08-17T18:49:43-04:00

Its already been stated by another but I to had and still have a fear of heights. I had jump school BAS in my contract when I enlisted in 77 at 17yrs old and din't give it much though as I was following in my dads footsteps. In Infantry training at Benning we went out to Victory lake and I started climbing up the towers over nth lake to crawl out on a rope and tap the ranger tab on the rope ( I think it was there then as it was when I went to Ranger school) when I said to myself "OH SHIT" I can't do this. The DI whispers sweet nothings into my ear with a bull horn and I did it. After graduation I went over to BAS 43rd CO and believable it or not you forget about your fears until they open the doors, then you get no time to think about it as your chalk pusher helps you get out. Even with my fear of Jumping I went to Jumpmaster school and made my Senior and Master wings and many years later took myself off of Status right before I retried because I started to lose my fear and almost got hurt. Fear is a strong motivator to double check your actions and be hyper alert as well as extra safe. Embrace the fear, mock it use it to become a better jumper. After 253 static line jumps and butt load of fear of heights, I would gladly do it again today.

As for the fall, if you have ever been on a roller coaster when it crests a hill thats close to what you will feel, my first jump my ears were clogged and when I exited the bird it was like windy silent movie. You will be far to busy checking your canopy, gaining canopy control looking out for other jumpers and preparing to land to be worn ing about your dear of heights . It takes a special kind of nut job to jump, be that nut job we have cookies and milk with Motrin at our meetings :)

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Aug 17 at 2020 10:05 PM

2020-08-17T22:05:49-04:00

OK so first I never went Airborne but I did go skydiving, I know it is not exactly the same but ....., there is NO SENSATION of falling when you jump out of a plane. It's more like your floating on air and it is pretty quiet as the plane zooms away rapidly. The sensation your descending does not really kick in until the last 75-100 feet and your parachute better be open by then or else your probably a goner. Additionally they will fill your head with so much damn procedure before your first jump that your going to be going over that in your head mentally on your first jump to make sure you get everything right, your not going to even think about the splat if the parachute does not open. Your first jump is exhilerating, Jumps 2, 3 and 4 and so on not so much. Anyhow thats how it worked for me. I jumped at 3500 feet not the lower altitudes they jump at Fort Benning so that is one difference. Also, I had to climb out on the wing strut and position myself first in the strong headwind wind before letting go, very limited time to get in that position because the plane has to increase power or it will stall.....at least the single engine plane I jumped from, I think I had like 20 sec to get in position and let go. Those struts are slippery too......none of this luxurous dive out the door BS (just kidding...airborne folks). Plus no equipment on my back was in a jump suit so nothing to fall off or fall past me from other jumpers.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Aug 17 at 2020 10:07 PM

2020-08-17T22:07:20-04:00

Fear is a natural instinct of the body. Putting that fear aside to accomplish the mission, is true courage.

Everyone is scared. I was too. I was even more scared when I went to HALO school. Man up and be special.

Response by MSG Roy Cheever made Apr 22 at 2021 3:47 PM

2021-04-22T15:47:08-04:00

Stand in the door and you will lose your fear.