How high do I have to reach for the anchor lines on the C-130?

Chris Hang — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 04:37:04 -0400

Looking to enlist soon after finishing up school with an Airborne contract. I heard that there is a mock C-130 where airborne students go through to see if they can reach the anchor cable; and if the student cannot reach the cable they would be dropped. How high exactly is the anchor cable? Worried that I might not be able to reach it as I am kind of short. I am under 5'3.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2021 8:48 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 08:48:10 -0400

Let me just say that I have seen some pretty short airborne students as well as on jump status troopers. The only height requirement that I am aware of is for jumpmasters having a minimum reach of 84 inches.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2021 9:37 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 09:37:07 -0400

MEPS is required to make sure you can reach first. AS 1SG Private RallyPoint Member stated its something like 84 inches. If I was at work I could tell you exactly, but I remember it's in the 80s

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2021 11:14 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 11:14:20 -0400

your fine. I am 5'11 and the anchor line is just above eye level for me. It might be a bit of a reach for you, but nithing you wouldmt be able to grab with your hand, let alone hook a static line to

Response by BG Edward Burley made Sep 6 at 2021 11:40 AM

BG Edward Burley — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 11:40:57 -0400

World War II paratroopers were an average of 69" (5' 9") tall, and we've continued to make sure that the parachute systems accommodate women and shorter men as well.The anchor line cable is generally approximately 70" (5'10") when strung, and drops as the weight of the static lines are added to it to about 66" (5'6"). This depends on the aircraft, of course - the C130 strings it lower, but has a shorter overall length than a C17, so it "sags" less on the C130 than on the C17. Regardless, you just have to be able to reach the anchor line cable with your arm extended. Unless you have T-Rex arms, you'll be fine!

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Sep 6 at 2021 3:19 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 15:19:49 -0400

Chris Hang you might have a problem. The Static Line cable is above 6 feet off the floor. It may be pulled down slightly lower when the paratroopers are all hooked up, but it starts out above 6 feet as I recall. I often used is to help balance myself as I walked through the cargo compartment in flight. Recall always reaching up for it. I'm 70 inches tall.

Hopefully there's a C-130 Loadmaster on Rally Point. They might know the exact specification.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2021 10:04 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 22:04:37 -0400

I'm only 5'7" and I was able to reach it no problem and had a bunch of buddies around 5'1" to 5'3" and they weren't dropped and were still able to reach it, worst case stand on the tips of your toes