What can I expect from the Fort Pickett Air Assault school?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 16:39:37 -0400

I have air assault at fort Pickett and I want to know what to expect. I’ve read each school has differences as far as layout or packing list and I haven’t been given anything but a generic laid out to pack

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Aug 5 at 2018 4:53 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 16:53:35 -0400

Ha-ha, never even heard of that post. However, as a National Guard person, it is important that you pack only what is on the packing list and ensure everything is in serviceable condition...........meaning, free of any dirt, stains, scratches, etc. If it is painted it should be freshly repainted and without scratches. If it is cloth, it should be without holes or stains and clean. That is the Active Duty standard at Fort Campbell. I have no idea what they will accept at Fort Pickett but I am sure it is not more strict. If your uniform is old and subject to ripping or holes.....don't wear it to the school. If your boots are really worn, don't wear them to the school either. At Fort Campbell one of the first tasks after the PT test is to check your backpack to ensure you have everything on the packing list. They used to make you dump it out in front of you and walk around inspecting it. Not sure how they do it now but if they gave you an explicit way to pack the rucksack they will probably at least open it and check out your ability to follow those instructions.

Usually, Infantrymen do well in this school as they are used to following instructions to the letter and usually pass the PT test at least. Some of the support MOS's would show up in stained uniforms, stained rucksacks, missing a canteen, horrible looking pistol belt, mud encaked rucksack that created a cloud of dust when shaken, etc. That kind of stuff will earn you the boot or demerit points depending on how they run the school now.

Always follow instructions given, the instructors will wolf pack you if you don't. Same as Airborne School. Also, the school long ago used to be taught in three phases, phase one was the weed out phase of instruction of basic rappelling and practice. Phase II is rather academic and was concentrated on sling loading........this differs from OSUT in that you have to study at night or during school breaks what was taught and practice as much as possible........this is NOT learn by repetition, so be prepared for that difference in phase II, a lot of grunts get booted in phase II thinking they can just show up for class and skate through it. No, you have to take notes and practice at every chance before it sinks in. I even had to study and memorize stuff. Phase III is just basically night ops, LZ operations, and practical application of everything you learned with live helos.......it is the easiest of all three.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2018 4:57 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 16:57:19 -0400

First things first, ATTENTION TO DETAIL. That’s everything in AASLT School. Make sure you’re in relatively decent shape (you’re Infantry so that shouldn’t be an issue) and can climb a rope. Make sure you can ruck 12 miles in under 3 hours and 6 miles in under 1 hr and a half. Be ready to take notes and study. Also, be ready to shout Air Assault at an annoying rate and don’t ever be late.

Response by SGT Jeremiah Giles made Aug 6 at 2018 10:31 AM

SGT Jeremiah Giles — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 10:31:42 -0400

Regardless of class location, the standard will be the same. The cadre will go over the required layout with you on day 0 or day 1, cant remember! You should be given a small list of items to take with you to day 0, make sure your appearance is IAW 670-1 (is this one still relevant)? fresh haircut, clean and servicable uniform etc. You can access more information on the packing list and what to expect at the TSAAS website. http://www.campbell.army.mil/Tenant/Pages/TSAAS.aspx

TSAAS.aspx

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2018 1:14 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 13:14:49 -0400

Air Assault school should be pretty comparable anywhere you go. Do yourself a favor and make sure you have a decent pair of boots (not issued at Basic Training) and get some good socks for the 12 miler. It's not a difficult ruck but if you don't take care of your feet it will be.

Response by SFC Jeffrey Port made Aug 9 at 2018 7:55 PM

SFC Jeffrey Port — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 19:55:41 -0400

Hello SPC Childress,

The air assault course at ft. pickett, VA is located on the next road behind the fuel point. To find the fuel point, follow military road and follow it till you see the gym, turn on road to left before you pass the gym and there is road just before the fuel point on right, then turn first left and air assault course field in on the right.
The barracks are old, unless you get the remodeled old barracks across from the PX. To find a POC,
You should ask your UA or training NCO to check the school course, that should include information on the course and POC and possibly packing list.

I hope this helps you out,

SFC Port