I was offered Airborne School in my contract. Should I go?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 17:55:51 -0500

Apparently I’m a really good shape my recruiter offer me go airborne only thing the scared me is jumping out the plane any who has been or went thru airborne school can give me advice

Response by SFC Josh Weatherbie made Dec 20 at 2018 6:00 PM

SFC Josh Weatherbie — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 18:00:58 -0500

Yes! Suck up your fears and JUMP!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2018 6:01 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 18:01:47 -0500

Start applying those Army Values-Personal Courage!!!
I dont like heights or the moment right before the green light comes on. But nothing will replace jumping out of the plane when I get out.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2018 6:12 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 18:12:44 -0500

Go-you will be very proud of your accomplishment once you complete the Training. I am afraid of heights, fearful of jumping out of perfectly good aircraft and knownits crazy to jump-but overcame my fears, became a Jumpmaster and it made me much more confident and capable to do anything in my life. You too won’t regret it!

ATW!

Response by LTC John Shaw made Dec 20 at 2018 6:14 PM

LTC John Shaw — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 18:14:06 -0500

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member People have been going to Airborne school for 75+ years. I went through Aug, 1987 and loved it! Relax soon to be soldier and know you stand in the shoes of some of the greatest people who ever engaged in combat!
Go through the training and give it all your effort.
By the time you get to jump week, you won't even think about it, you will just do it.
God Speed to all Airborne Soldiers!

Response by SGT Lou Meza made Dec 20 at 2018 6:45 PM

SGT Lou Meza — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 18:45:01 -0500

Go for it don't let that fear stop stop you . You will always remember the day those silver wings were pinned upon your chest . I went through jump school in 1966 and still have my original silver wings .

Response by SSG Will Phillips made Dec 20 at 2018 7:49 PM

SSG Will Phillips — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 19:49:29 -0500

Go for it! Besides … Most jump related deaths are related to what happens after you do your PLF (parachute landing fall). High wind gusts on the drop zone are the usual killers.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2018 8:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 20:11:17 -0500

Go for it. I was afraid of heights when I went too. Nothing like overcoming your personal fears for personal growth.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Dec 20 at 2018 9:29 PM

LTC John Mohor — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 21:29:37 -0500

PV2 M Ramos it was by far the best three weeks I served in the Army. It's a great well conducted Army School. Don't you wanna be just a little bit above the average Soldier? Long term I think you'll find it was well worth it!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Dec 20 at 2018 10:26 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 22:26:24 -0500

GO !

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Dec 20 at 2018 11:01 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 23:01:15 -0500

Go!! Get any and all training you can!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2018 11:17 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 23:17:58 -0500

Don't worry about jumping out of an airplane. As far as I understand it that is an earned privilege. However the instructors will help you with this fear of hights. You should go through the jump towers befor jumping out of a plane. Have courage and I swear to you that everything will be fine.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2018 11:19 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 23:19:32 -0500

Also in the army you need to go to these schools to give you a leg up for promotion

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Dec 20 at 2018 11:53 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 23:53:26 -0500

You haven’t left yet? DROP - DROP - DROP!

Now GO!

Response by James Jackson made Dec 21 at 2018 12:51 AM

James Jackson — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 00:51:37 -0500

My father was in the 101st Airborne. I salute any soldier willing to jump out of a perfectly good plane.

Response by SFC Raymond Thibault made Dec 21 at 2018 1:10 AM

SFC Raymond Thibault — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 01:10:09 -0500

Go for it. After the first jump it's easy. Jump pay is nice too.

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made Dec 21 at 2018 7:50 AM

1SG Dennis Hicks — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 07:50:16 -0500

Hell I have been afraid of heights since I was a small child, didn't stop me from making over 250 jumps, earning my Master wings and making many memorable jumps over the decades. Challenging your fears makes you stronger, go for it, never quit and enjoy.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2018 8:50 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 08:50:18 -0500

You should go--All the Way.

Earning your wings will not only increase your self confidence, which will help you in any position n the military, but it will also be the key that opens the door to some of the finest units in the Army.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2018 9:46 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 09:46:19 -0500

Whenever offered a great opportunity, take it!!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2018 10:59 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 10:59:08 -0500

HELL YES, there should be no doubt or hesitation in your mind.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Dec 21 at 2018 11:41 AM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 11:41:48 -0500

Airborne School is good for your career. Everyone is scared the first time they jump out. I was scared every time. You are well-trained and mentally conditioned by the time you jump out of a plane. You've been through the motions a hundred times already, so you just do it again.

Response by SSG Michael Hale made Dec 21 at 2018 11:54 AM

SSG Michael Hale — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 11:54:56 -0500

Stay positive and start doing lots of pull ups n push ups

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Dec 21 at 2018 12:02 PM

SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 12:02:47 -0500

PV2 Ramos,
Been afraid of highs is not necessarily a bad thing. It's actually good because you will be more alert and been more aware on what's going on. Every jump I performed during my military career, I was always nervous because there is nothing normal about stepping out of an aircraft while moving at high speeds. Of course I will tell you to go, test your mental toughness, know how far you're willing to go while battling your fears. Are you willing to take that step to the unknown? Use this fear as a tool. Airborne!

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Dec 21 at 2018 12:05 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 12:05:49 -0500

"Should"? That's your call. All I would say is that my single greatest regret from my Army career was NOT getting Airborne into my contract, because I never got the opportunity again.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2018 12:07 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 12:07:46 -0500

Don't be scared. The only part of being airborne that sucks is sitting in a parachute for hours. Jumping is a lot of fun. And depending on your MOS it can open a lot of doors to help you progress. I look back at some of my good friends who didn't go airborne and most of them got out after 5 to 8 years as E4s. Going Airborne was the best thing I did.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2018 12:13 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 12:13:26 -0500

DO IT. I’ve had nothing but opportunities since I re enlisted to go. You will get over being scared.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2018 12:16 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 12:16:01 -0500

Yes, you should go. You will learn to overcome the fear. I hate heights, but served as a jumpmaster, and stood and hung out the door on many occasions. It's easier being a jumper, you are hooked up, the green light comes on, and everyone moves out the door. Just like getting off a bus in a well organized, quick fashion. Before you know it, you're enjoying the few for a few seconds, then on the ground.
All The Way, Airborne!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2018 12:48 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 12:48:27 -0500

Yes, being qualified as a parachutist opens so many doors for you. It's a short school, and once you're qualified, you're done with it. It's extremely difficult to get a slot for Airborne once you're already in so take advantage of it now.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2018 1:02 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 13:02:52 -0500

Do it, you'll never regret it. Jumping isn't as bad as you'd think, you dont get much time to think about it when you jump, you just exit the plane, your parachute opens and you have 40 seconds of pure happiness until you hit the ground. And plus look up @wetsu_co the airborne community is tight and fun to be apart of.

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

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 13:28:28 -0500

Take it!

Response by SFC James Heath made Dec 21 at 2018 2:26 PM

SFC James Heath — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 14:26:46 -0500

I will not stroke your ego. If you want an Airborne assignment, go to school. When the time comes, you will leave the aircraft one of two ways. While it is in flight or after it lands.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2018 3:53 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 15:53:11 -0500

All comments are great correct and accurate. Also puts you one step ahead of your peers in the long run. AIRBORNE!!!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2018 5:52 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 17:52:04 -0500

You’re in good hands. Go

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2018 6:03 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 18:03:33 -0500

I would go. It’s a cool experience to have.

Response by SGT Del Lavature made Dec 22 at 2018 11:48 AM

SGT Del Lavature — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 11:48:19 -0500

It depends do you want to be awesome? Here’s some advice, Never ever turn down a school that’s being offered to you!

Response by CPL James S. made Dec 22 at 2018 12:15 PM

CPL James S. — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 12:15:40 -0500

offered IMHO - The best and worst part about jumping out of a plane is the very first jump: You will have fear and trepidation, but you will experience a rush of excitement that will make you want to go back up again.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Dec 22 at 2018 4:06 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 16:06:14 -0500

I’ve always looked at heights and altitude differently, PV2 Private RallyPoint Member. 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.
The parachutist badge shown above is what I wore during the last years of my career. It’s WWII vintage, and is made of Sterling silver.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2018 12:19 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Dec 2018 12:19:22 -0500

I think it's fair to understand though as well that recruiters DO give out more contracts for airborne school than there are actual slots. Both my boss and co-worker went to airborne school (co-worker was special forces for many years) and validated that some will get "41 clubbed." This recently happened to my son and several classmates, a couple of which had already successfully completed special forces selection. They say that pushup form is critical, and your dog tags must touch. My son was showing me his form, and he basically touched the floor with his chest. I told him I thought he was overdoing it, but he wanted to make sure they couldn't short him for form. They did and will simply not count pushups anyway just short of what's needed for enough folks to wheedle it down to the number of available class slots, even if you can do it. So it can be used as a recruiting tool. That being said, why not?! Lots of people complete the course successfully who had doubts at first, and are glad they did. If you aren't successful, you have other choices of assignments, no big deal. Just don't quit! If you agree to the course, agree they will teach you how to safely jump. Quitters are not treated the same as those 41 clubbed or truly just can't meet standards. Group B is welcome to try again at a later date, whereas quitters are not welcome back to the course.

Response by CPL Sarah Verity made Dec 24 at 2018 12:53 PM

CPL Sarah Verity — Mon, 24 Dec 2018 12:53:47 -0500

I had airborne added to my contact. You won't receive your bonus check until after you pass. I did two weeks. A trainee died on the drop zone and people were allowed to withdraw after that. I withdrew and moved on. Never got my 3K bonus because of that but I wasn't forced to risk death either.

Response by SPC Brett Thomas made Dec 24 at 2018 8:23 PM

SPC Brett Thomas — Mon, 24 Dec 2018 20:23:46 -0500

You will never regret going to jump school and getting on jump status. Week one separates the boys from the men, week two seperate the men from the fools. Week three the fools jump.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2018 10:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Dec 2018 22:34:49 -0500

Yes, go Airborne! If you want to take it farther try to get a slot for RASP!
Airborne school is pretty easy, the runs are at an easy 8-9 minute pace so do not fall out.
Jump Week you'll be running every day to the airfield early in the morning with your helmet and uniform on. Honestly the worst part of it all is being rigged up for hours without being able to talk. Get a strong and vigorous exit, keep those feet and knees together keeping your eyes on the horizon and you'll be fine. Good luck and AATW

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2018 9:35 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Dec 2018 09:35:20 -0500

Why not? You will probably never get this opportunity again!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2018 9:08 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 21:08:20 -0500

You’re a fucking Carpenter Piss off

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2019 3:26 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Jan 2019 03:26:10 -0500

Do it.

Response by SGT Jeff Everhart made Jan 23 at 2019 12:56 AM

SGT Jeff Everhart — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 00:56:34 -0500

Here's a few questions, in today's context what purpose does being Airborne serve? Is having whole bases like Ft. Bragg a meaningful way of fighting the current conflicts we now find ourselves engaged? Or, is keeping Airborne around good for promotion points when boards are called? Just a few questions.

Response by SGT Daniel Rocco Ames made Feb 23 at 2019 5:24 PM

SGT Daniel Rocco Ames — Sat, 23 Feb 2019 17:24:19 -0500

I am still scared of heights to this day and I spent 7 years active duty with the 82d. If you want it, you want it, brother. I wouldn't trade my days as a paratrooper for anything else.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2019 9:20 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Feb 2019 21:20:26 -0500

Absolutely, a lot of people would trade places with you in a heartbeat. In general if you get the opportunity to go to any school you should take it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2019 4:21 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Mar 2019 16:21:54 -0400

Uhhhh... Yah!

I haven't been but would be awesome to go. I however may give air assault a whirl since that's an opportunity! Go! Try! It will be awesome!

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Jun 21 at 2021 12:35 PM

1LT William Clardy — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 12:35:01 -0400

Of course you should go!
If nothing else, it gets you in the right frame of mind for when you find yourself flying a few dozen feet behind a Hercules pilot who graduated last in his class at flight school....

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Jun 21 at 2021 10:33 PM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 22:33:57 -0400

Being AIRBORNE instead of CHAIRBORNE should enhance your career and provide more opportunities for Operational and Combat Deployments!