How does one get the Military Freefall Parachutist Badge?

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 14:01:34 -0400

So I'm going Airborne once I get to my first duty station at Fort Bragg and one thing I've been extremely interested in is going to Military Freefall School (formerly known as HALO/HAHO). I know that usually only specific Special Forces Units get to do this, but I was just generally wondering is there a way for other MOS to get attached to units that do it, or is there a way for me to get into the school to do it? It seems like an extremely cool thing to participate in.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2022 2:15 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 14:15:45 -0400

Truly the only other MOS besides obviously the Spec Op Mos would be to be a Parachute Rigger. There are other ways to go but it’s a slim chance in your MOS. Unless you’re lucky or very skilled in your job and apply for a SMU (Special Missions Unit). Good Luck and hopefully you get to achieve your goal.

Response by SGT L Jasso made Apr 22 at 2022 2:56 PM

SGT L Jasso — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 14:56:29 -0400

I doubt the Army needs a HALO qualified soldiers to do PowerPoint presentations, without a combat arms mo's it's extremely unlikely. You said you're "going airborne when you reach your first unit". Why didn't you go to jump school after ait?

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 22 at 2022 2:58 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 14:58:29 -0400

To try for a slot, you must either be airborne qual, and assigned to a SF unit, or occasionally a LRSU-D or C.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2022 6:44 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 18:44:15 -0400

It's not "FKA" HAHO or HALO, those are specific drop techniques. You'll most likely go to Bragg on your first duty assignment and can head over to the Raeford Drop Zone and get your Free Fall Parachute license under Accelerated Free Fall for about $1500.

MFF is a school run under USASOC, meaning that they own all the class seats. The majority of the class seats go to people coming out of the Q Course and in the pipeline for Freefall. The second priority goes to people have slots because they are on MFF teams. Next you have riggers assigned to SF Groups, then below that you have Walk-ons. Only people assigned to an SF unit can walk on, and most walk ons are turned away, but that varies by course.

TL/DR you aren't walking onto MFF as a 25R

Response by LTC Ray Buenteo made Apr 22 at 2022 6:46 PM

LTC Ray Buenteo — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 18:46:35 -0400

Hmmm. Yeah doubt it. It’s a delivery method you are not in anmos that requires that delivery option.

Response by LTC Ray Buenteo made Apr 22 at 2022 6:49 PM

LTC Ray Buenteo — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 18:49:47 -0400

I think this guy SPC Foster is not in the military he seems to be gathering info for something. I could be wrong but his questions are more phishing

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Apr 23 at 2022 6:29 AM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Sat, 23 Apr 2022 06:29:56 -0400

NOT Positive, But Have You Ever Fallen Out Of A Tree?..

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Apr 23 at 2022 1:36 PM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Sat, 23 Apr 2022 13:36:37 -0400

WHY Would I Jump Out Of a Perfectly Good Aircraft,
Several 1,000's Of Feet In The Air, ?
If I Was Forced To,
I'd Be Packing My Own Chute ....
A Spare Chute, An Emergency Chute,
Some Chocolate Candy Bars & Several Sizes Of Pantie Hose..

Response by LTC Ray Buenteo made Apr 23 at 2022 6:19 PM

LTC Ray Buenteo — Sat, 23 Apr 2022 18:19:07 -0400

So you have not finished AIT?

Response by SFC Jeremy Darnell made Apr 28 at 2022 10:31 PM

SFC Jeremy Darnell — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 22:31:58 -0400

I was fortunate enough to go while I was in the 82nd because I was with the 313mi LRSD . Other people on the 82 had been part of the free fall teams or the Golden Knights. As others have said, beside these and SF slots, riggers get the other slots.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2022 10:35 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 May 2022 10:35:02 -0400

MFF is one of the few schools that truly lives the "need" for attendance. ABN, AASLT, Ranger....those are schools people want and likely never use that stuff again. MFF if you go, you're going to actually do it

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Oct 13 at 2022 12:44 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 12:44:24 -0400

Interesting question.

Slight to none. Although a 25V (Combat Camera) from the Reserves graduated from the course over 5 years ago. Not from a SOF assignment. So who knows!!!!!