Is the airborne concept outdated?

For a massive operation like in WWII, probably. But there are several and various size and type operations where it would be one of the most optimum methods of insertion for light infantry and low intensity conflict.

Here I'll speak blasphemy. Airborne isn't really about how you get there. It's about what you do when you get there. At Normandy the bulk of the 327th GIR arrived at Utah by landing craft. During the Battle of the Bulge both the 82nd and the 101st were transported by truck and the mission and the objective were changed enroute. No sane commander of unit starts a battle out of supply, out of communication, or out of command and control. But this is essence of Airborne. They accept this going in and they know that it won't change until they change it. The Army needs units that embrace this and train for it, regardless of how they get there.

No it's still essential in some operations maybe not the Middle East but there are other parts of the world were it would be essential..

During the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan there were brigade level mass exit airborne drops. It is also essential for special operations. However, the best justification I have ever heard is that winning on the battlefield takes a certain mentality. The idea that you will win no matter what. And the airborne has a mentality that the rest of the regular Army lacks, because they're better than you and they know it.

Absolutely outdated and we should abandon the concept completely except for the SOF guys.

I say no. It is more than the method by which he is delivered. Level of training and motivation. When did we stop calling everybody else LEGS?

How often must this question be asked?? Every couple years some leg poses this question who obviously doesn't get out much. Research Mali 2013, French Foreign Legion and Operation Operation Serval.

Yes, airborne troops are still relevant today. Just as tanks and A-10's are and will be for the foreseeable future.

Are amphibious assaults outdated?

Yes there has been. Google man. Google

We haven’t used a nuke since ‘45, but the availability is a deterrent, just like the airborne skill set.