Posted on Nov 7, 2017
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What are some things I can do to prepare myself for the Basic Air Borne Course? Before I submit a packet I want to be physically and mentally prepared. I know I’ll have to work on my run and upper body strength.
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Airborne Student Airborne School
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 24
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It seems you're aware of what you need to work on, as far as PT goes. So do that, A LOT.
As far as mentally, assess your ability to manage fear. It's ok to have a fear of falling (aka fear of heights), as many paratroopers I've known do, including myself (those who don't, become Jumpmasters); but the other test of a paratrooper isn't the absence of fear, it's whether you can recognize your fear, then kick it in the chest as you exit the Paratroop door to bring the heat to the enemy on the ground. Taking pride in knowing that fear won't stop you from moving forward. That is a key factor of being a paratrooper, especially when the jumping is over, and ground operations begin. Gen. James A. Gavin, 82nd Airborne Division commanding general, 1944-1948 once said, "Show me a man who will jump out of an airplane, and I’ll show you a man who will fight.”
Another quote I've gone by is from the late LTC Ronald C. Speirs, Dog Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (WW 2), "Don’t worry about getting killed because you’re already dead. Just move forward and when it’s your time, it’s your time."
As far as mentally, assess your ability to manage fear. It's ok to have a fear of falling (aka fear of heights), as many paratroopers I've known do, including myself (those who don't, become Jumpmasters); but the other test of a paratrooper isn't the absence of fear, it's whether you can recognize your fear, then kick it in the chest as you exit the Paratroop door to bring the heat to the enemy on the ground. Taking pride in knowing that fear won't stop you from moving forward. That is a key factor of being a paratrooper, especially when the jumping is over, and ground operations begin. Gen. James A. Gavin, 82nd Airborne Division commanding general, 1944-1948 once said, "Show me a man who will jump out of an airplane, and I’ll show you a man who will fight.”
Another quote I've gone by is from the late LTC Ronald C. Speirs, Dog Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (WW 2), "Don’t worry about getting killed because you’re already dead. Just move forward and when it’s your time, it’s your time."
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Run a lot. Do a lot of push ups. Also pull ups.
Be prepared to do what you are told and not let the Black Hats get to you.
Be prepared to do what you are told and not let the Black Hats get to you.
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run is right !!!and be prepared when you are ready to quit and can't make another step to run some more..... point is they will find out fast who will quit.... I had in my mind the entire time." there isn't anyone here bad enough to break me"
... story time... friday run I hear "you" fall out your not in step your a failure.... I'm looking like yes I am.... black hat comes up and clothesline the dude in front of me..... after his feet went over my head, I moved up on the guy in front and matched his every step..
... story time... friday run I hear "you" fall out your not in step your a failure.... I'm looking like yes I am.... black hat comes up and clothesline the dude in front of me..... after his feet went over my head, I moved up on the guy in front and matched his every step..
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It has been about 40 years since I went. It was not physically challenging then. Just go enjoy yourself!
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