What is the best and most efficient way to get into Jump School as an Officer in the Army Guard/Reserve (non-infantry)?

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 20:47:46 -0500

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2017 8:51 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 20:51:45 -0500

Talk to the unit administrator, they can offer various schools. As CPT Snell said... good luck.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2017 8:54 PM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 20:54:00 -0500

I want to go to Jump School so bad I'm half tempted to make an offer to the Guard to cover a portion of the cost to train me... Not sure if this is something I can negotiate or if its even an issue... Its the one thing I've always wanted to do.

Response by SFC George Smith made Feb 10 at 2017 8:57 PM

SFC George Smith — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 20:57:06 -0500

Look for a Reserve component Unit that has jump slots... or has a potential Airborne mission...
Looks at Infantry... SF... Support or Combat Support Units... apply to go to Ranger school...
Question ???
WTF do you want to go to Jump school...
The abuse to your Body is exponentially amplified... Prime example... 2 Replaced Knees and 1 ankle... and the other that sounds Like i'm walking on a bag of Potato Chips...

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Feb 10 at 2017 9:11 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 21:11:00 -0500

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member, there are airborne units in the ARNG and the USAR. If you wish to go to jump school, try to transfer to an airborne unit. I watched a USAR unit conduct an airborne training operation at Fort Campbell a few weekends ago.
In the photo the USAR paratrooper is preparing to land on Corregidor Drop Zone, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, 21JAN17. The C-130 in the background is getting ready to make another pass. CPT Gabe Snell

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2017 10:29 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 22:29:46 -0500

You can easily get airborne out of BOLC, easy three week school. I'd say if that was your true dream then you should've branched active Duty INF and requested Bragg. I've only have over thirty jumps and I hate it each time I'm manifested.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2017 10:33 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 22:33:20 -0500

Transfer to a Drill Sergeant unit under one of the training commands, or into a civil affairs unit.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Feb 11 at 2017 12:03 AM

COL Charles Williams — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 00:03:45 -0500

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member You need to find an Airborne unit... If you are not in an Airborne unit, in these times, there is no need for you to be airborne qualified.

Response by SPC Nathan Barnes made Feb 11 at 2017 3:06 AM

SPC Nathan Barnes — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 03:06:23 -0500

Being AIRBORNE Infantry is still a major part of who I am still today, so I'm interested to know what you find out Sir. Good luck, GOD bless, and AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY HOOAH

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2017 4:39 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 04:39:03 -0500

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member join an airborne unit.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2017 5:17 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 17:17:59 -0500

No offense sir, but unless youre going to an airborne unit and going to be on jump status why do you want jump school. Unless your going to be on jump status, it offers no skills what so ever

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2017 5:27 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 17:27:14 -0500

If you dont already have Air Assault, that is an extremely easy school to get into since there are like 5 of them. and teaches you stuff that pretty much any unit can use

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2017 2:52 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 14:52:51 -0500

Civil Affairs or Combat Camera in the Reserves.

Response by CPT Dion Francis made Feb 13 at 2017 5:22 AM

CPT Dion Francis — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 05:22:58 -0500

I read all these posts. If your worried about getting hurt and your not in shape forget about it and be a LEG. I had to have it. If you have to be Airborne or RANGER, then don't listen to the nay sayers. Just be focused and single minded and just go do it. I'm old and my health isn't the best, but I don't have to look back on my life with any regrets or excuses. Rangers lead the Way! All the way!

Response by LTC Joseph Gross made Feb 13 at 2017 12:12 PM

LTC Joseph Gross — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 12:12:43 -0500

The only criteria should be that you have a need for that specific job skill. Any other reason or methodology for getting there is just badge hunting. So, does your unit need you to jump out of planes?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2017 12:31 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 12:31:34 -0500

There are a few reserve Civil Affairs units that are on jump status.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2017 1:09 AM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 01:09:58 -0500

I definitely want to attend jump school. Being in the Navy I have no real idea of how realistic that want it. I know a few sailors with their golden jump wings. Any advice?

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Feb 15 at 2017 4:01 PM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 16:01:20 -0500

Are you chasing a badge or trying to go an actual Airborne unit?

Response by CPL Arthur White made Feb 23 at 2017 6:28 PM

CPL Arthur White — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 18:28:14 -0500

There really isn't any need for Airborne that isn't infantry. Do we need remfs when initial invasions occur? They can wheel in all the POG's after the initial assault. It should have always been that way !

Response by MAJ Seth Goldstein made Apr 20 at 2017 10:22 AM

MAJ Seth Goldstein — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 10:22:48 -0400

I believe you have to be in a unit that has slots. If you didn't already go to OBC see if someone can get you a follow on slot after that school.

Response by SGM Leon Peck made Apr 21 at 2017 9:21 AM

SGM Leon Peck — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 09:21:49 -0400

I have been retired for 17 years now, but at one point I was the Military Education Manager at a NG Division Headquarters. We received a budget each year from our State Hqs, which was never enough to fund the required schools, let alone nice to have courses like Airborne. I used to receive applications from young lieutenants and captains requesting Airborne school. These individuals were not in Airborne slots. I always turned them down. It wasn't that I wanted to, but I also had applications for MOSQ schools, Officer Basic and Advanced courses, and PLDC among other required schools that I had to find funding for. And if you wanted to go to NCO Advanced or the Sergeants Major Academy, you did it through Correspondence Courses, Reserve Component Courses or the USASMA Resident/Non Resident course. (That is how I and my peers went through the Sergeants Major Academy - no double standard because of where you were assigned)

Unfortunately, the Reserve Components have always had to accomplish the mission without enough funding. That's just the way we had to live. Heck, we only got 39 bullets each for our Annual weapons qualification with our M16 Rifles.

Response by MSG Jerry O'Rourke made Apr 21 at 2017 1:14 PM

MSG Jerry O'Rourke — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 13:14:03 -0400

First and foremost have your CO and First Sargeants approval.Then you must be recommended for this training in alot of instances your branch dictates wither this is an additional skill Identifer.Then you must check with your S3 to see if your unit is allocated any training seats.Then you must pass an Airborne Chapter 2 physical and an APFT also.Remember in the Guard you usually do get a chance to pick the dates.So you must be flexible when you can attend.Good Luck

Response by MAJ Todd Lamb made May 2 at 2017 5:00 PM

MAJ Todd Lamb — Tue, 02 May 2017 17:00:26 -0400

Join the airborne

Response by SSgt Brian Newton made May 9 at 2017 10:14 AM

SSgt Brian Newton — Tue, 09 May 2017 10:14:43 -0400

Guard and Reserve, kiss someone's ass is the training section at base level :) lmao, sorry couldn't help to be snarky sir!

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made May 17 at 2017 1:00 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Wed, 17 May 2017 13:00:25 -0400

The first and best way to get into jump school is to apply, and let the system decide, because the system will choose based on needs. Many officers wish to go to jump school but if it serves no need then that officer is taking the spot for a soldier (usually a non officer) that needs to go to jump school. So the answer to your question is apply and wait, do expect nor look for ways around the system because as an officer you must lead, that starts by making decisions that are best for the whole ARMY. This is the law of I want vs I Need.

Response by PV2 Jodi Martinez made May 19 at 2017 1:37 AM

PV2 Jodi Martinez — Fri, 19 May 2017 01:37:07 -0400

Be man

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made May 19 at 2017 2:39 PM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Fri, 19 May 2017 14:39:17 -0400

My unit has plenty of slots sir.

Response by SGT Linda Burgess made May 20 at 2017 9:22 AM

SGT Linda Burgess — Sat, 20 May 2017 09:22:30 -0400

I'm sorry for this, I know it is an honest question, but having been around aviators and artillery most of my life my first thought was get a psychiatrist to validate your type of insanity and some other insane person to concur and you're a shoe in.
My more personnel side says to make sure you max your most recent PT, show an aptitude for map reading, survival, leadership, handling stress, endurance, and watch Band of Brothers. There's more to it than jumping out of perfectly good aircraft.

Response by MSG Michael McEleney made May 20 at 2017 6:38 PM

MSG Michael McEleney — Sat, 20 May 2017 18:38:36 -0400

I think this horse has been whipped to death with everyone giving the same answer "Lieutenant, Join a unit with Airborne slots!"

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made May 21 at 2017 11:43 AM

MAJ Keira Brennan — Sun, 21 May 2017 11:43:57 -0400

ROTC as an MS3 LOL....

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2017 7:43 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 May 2017 07:43:09 -0400

Just go skydiving, but if that is what you want there are a few airborne usar units, become a rigger then you jump your own shut. Halo school too. good luck hope you find what your looking for

Response by BG Edward Burley made Jun 8 at 2017 3:14 PM

BG Edward Burley — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 15:14:31 -0400

Your best bet in the Army Reserve is going PSYOP or Civil Affairs - both have Airborne Battalions, along with some slots in the command elements. There are a few scattered other units in the Reserve (Quartermaster Riggers) and Guard (Long Range Surveillance Detachment) units, but the Guard is closing their LRSU in 2018 (https://www.stripes.com/news/army-quietly-deactivates-its-small-team-reconnaissance-units-1.450392#.WTmhjsaZNBw). Other than those, there are scattered IMA positions, but none that I know of for LTs.

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Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2017 10:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 22:22:46 -0400

Many years ago the Montana National Guard(?) had a jump school. Possibly was run by SF units. I went through basic with some of their people.

Response by BG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2017 3:48 AM

BG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Jun 2017 03:48:26 -0400

Civil Affairs has by far the most Airborne slots in the RC. You can even go to Airborne School if you are not in a jump-status unit in the expectation that you later use it in a jump-status unit. I just led my troops in jumping into Sainte-Mere-Eglise (the town, not the drop zone at Bragg) to celebrate the 73rd anniversary of the airborne drop into Normandy. You won't find that in any other RC unit!

Response by SFC Domingo M. made Jun 13 at 2017 2:13 PM

SFC Domingo M. — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 14:13:13 -0400

Wish I had some helpful advice for you, Sir. I was talked into volunteering while attending Advanced Individual Training at Ft Ord, California in 1970. When I left Ft Ord, I had my orders for Jump School at Ft Benning, Ga. The one thing they have always stressed is, "We didn't ask you to be here, you volunteered."

I tend to agree with a previous comment, if the slot is available, you should be able to fill it so long as it does not interfere with other military obligations. It would also help if you requested a letter of recommendation from your unit commander and a member of the Airborne Association.

I don't know that this will help much but it won't hurt. It's an experience you'll always look back at and be glad you did it.

Response by SSG Nat Dillenback made Jun 15 at 2017 6:36 AM

SSG Nat Dillenback — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 06:36:57 -0400

Transfer to an airborne unit or SF.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jun 18 at 2017 11:31 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 23:31:25 -0400

Take the SFQT (Special Forces Qualifications Test) and score well ...
At least that used to work ...

Response by MAJ John Douglas made Jul 3 at 2017 11:18 AM

MAJ John Douglas — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 11:18:58 -0400

RA or Active Duty Officers don't need to be on orders to an airborne unit. I just asked and got the slot before going on to a non airborne unit at Ft Campbell.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2017 8:42 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 20:42:43 -0400

Another high speed alternative is looking into Air Assault school there might be more slots available.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2017 9:49 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 21:49:56 -0400

As someone who was in a guard infantry unit trying to get airborne school for many years and constantly denied (the only Soldiers that got it were those who had it in their initial contracts), I can tell you the easiest way: Get into a special operations unit. They exist in the National Guard in the form of various companies of 19th and 20th Special Forces Groups, and also in Special Operations Detachments. You might be surprised how many SOF support and non-MOS specific billets exist in these units, and THEY ARE ALL airborne slots! That being said, they seem to get their guys into airborne school quick. I deployed to Afghanistan with 5th Special Forces Group, got back and joined a SOD. In the SOD, within two months of putting in for Airborne School, I was at Fort Benning jumping out of airplanes. Hope that helps.

Response by 1LT Rich Voss made Jul 8 at 2017 12:34 AM

1LT Rich Voss — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 00:34:43 -0400

I've read all the posts and I'm really interested in how this turns out. My first cousin joined the Army in '65 and became a "Screaming Eagle" (enlisted). I got drafted the next year, actually did my basic training at Ft. Campbell & hung around with him and his buddies, after I was allowed post privileges. Did I want to jump like him, heck yes ! I was also 19, smart, strong, AND angry for losing out on going to Cornell because of a family illness. So, during basic training I did the absolute best I could on each and every test they offered. Ended up enlisting for "X" years to be the best darn soldier I could. Those schools included Jump, Ranger, AND OCS. They sent me to a specialized AIT for OCS "prep" in Ft. Lewis. Three platoons of us, one NGs. I attended and graduated from Armor OCS at Fort Knox (all branches had their own schools then). The Colonel in charge of our Regiment took me aside after graduation and said: "LT Voss, you won't be going to Airborne nor Ranger school, as tankers don't jump from planes !" And that, young LT, was the end of that ! Good luck !

Response by SGT Gary Sokol made Jul 31 at 2017 6:11 AM

SGT Gary Sokol — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 06:11:35 -0400

19th SF GRP (Abn), but you must be CMF 18A.

Response by SGT George Duncan made Aug 6 at 2017 6:07 PM

SGT George Duncan — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 18:07:50 -0400

first have you jumped if not take a class local air port should know where try it if you like it good.if your mos is needed its easy if not find a friendly clerk and enlist their help mostly paperwork.

9

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2017 7:53 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 19:53:53 -0400

Gat assigned to USACAPOC unit. Also, if your a QM officer, there is a rigger unit in South Georgia

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made Aug 13 at 2017 2:01 PM

CPT Brad Wilson — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 14:01:43 -0400

In the Guard and Reserve your unit has to have an airborne mission to get slots to Airborne School. When my artillery unit was towed we had Air Assault School slots each year because that was part of our mission. When we converted to Paladins we lost those slots. Your best bet is to find inused slots in units that have them or check with ROTC units in your area to see if they have any unused slots

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2017 6:35 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 18:35:46 -0400

Reading and following posts...very interesting but haven't had luck in going. Not even going to benning and hoping to go on walk on status. No such things because someone has to pay for the school. Good luck on the reserve but for active duty must be going to ABN unit to go.

Response by SGT Jeff Bush made Aug 23 at 2017 8:03 AM

SGT Jeff Bush — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 08:03:53 -0400

The easiest way is to get it in your contract at Basic or add it at BOLC, but after that, I would try to either go AGR or active and get into Ranger School. You'd have to be Airborne qualified first but that opens up another can of worms. It is a perishable skill and thus why to stay on status you need to jump once a quarter. This is not possible in USAR or USARNG. Imagine adding a jump into all the other PT tests and admin stuff 1 weekend per month and two weeks per year- Not possible. Go active or AGR

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2017 7:43 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 07:43:20 -0400

To answer your question, look for the unit that has the slot and I believe it was mention at some comments. To others; instead of discouraging the person let it be. He probably has done his research and knows the pros and cons. Others may have suffered some injuries but it doesn't mean it will happen to him. Lt, just imagine if everyone is easily discourage by someone says negative....we won't have doctors,special forces, entrepreneurs, etc...find the slot and go for it

Response by MAJ Scott Collins made Sep 27 at 2017 2:19 PM

MAJ Scott Collins — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 14:19:03 -0400

Be in a jump unit.

Response by LCpl Stanley Frieze made Sep 29 at 2017 8:44 AM

LCpl Stanley Frieze — Fri, 29 Sep 2017 08:44:13 -0400

Personally I wouldn't do it but if you are dead set on it transfer to the marines and go recon. Consider the toll on your body first though. I have many friends that are disabled now because they wanted or needed their jump wings. Trust me knee surgery it not cool. I've been there and need to go again. Those military chutes arent as nice on the landings as civilian parachutes . Besides there is something wrong about jumping out of a perfectly good aeroplane.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Oct 20 at 2017 10:40 PM

MSG Frank Kapaun — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 22:40:44 -0400

I am being dead serious here. For starters, I am a retired MSG that served in the USAR, ARNG and Active Army. I started in an SF Guard unit, have 300 static line jumps, and was awarded a Master Parachutist Badge. There is nothing wrong if you want to be a five jump chump. It seems every 2LT on AD has a set of snowcone hump wings. The easiest way to go to jump schools in the ARNG is to donate money to your state’s governor’s campaign fund, then hit him or one of his minions up later. No matter what is said, any state’s ARNG can send a person to jump school.

Response by PFC Michael Gysin made Nov 4 at 2017 12:26 AM

PFC Michael Gysin — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 00:26:34 -0400

If you ain't INFANTRY then Ft. Benning GA ain't no place to be....

Response by 1LT Lex Johnston made Nov 12 at 2017 2:25 PM

1LT Lex Johnston — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 14:25:30 -0500

As a former National Guard officer who DID go to jump school, I can tell you that your peers will know you are a wanna be paratrooper. I went to jump school during ROTC in college SOLELY to piss off the cadre and my fellow cadets that said i couldn't do it. Was a big mistake for me. Will be a big mistake for you.

Response by SGT Christopher Lachcik made Nov 29 at 2017 3:22 PM

SGT Christopher Lachcik — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 15:22:57 -0500

Get it in your contract.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Dec 1 at 2017 1:03 AM

SSG Brian G. — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 01:03:59 -0500

Find a unit that is airborne required. While you are searching for that unit and until they have a slot open for you, keep filling out training request forms and submitting them. Make sure that your COC knows what you want for your career and supports you as that goes a long way.

TBH Though, speaking from experience, as an enlisted member, all of that did me no good. Oddly enough what did was the request to go active duty. I got stationed at Ft Benning and they give a number of slots to units that are stationed on the post. I went through in that manner.

Response by PFC Rory Prazak made Dec 2 at 2017 8:12 PM

PFC Rory Prazak — Sat, 02 Dec 2017 20:12:39 -0500

Probably with your knees together! Although it looks pretty amazing on a class A it’s not for show and promotion points, save the slot for a unit that needs those slots unless you’re going to an airborne unit

Response by CPL Anthony Noel made Dec 31 at 2017 12:14 PM

CPL Anthony Noel — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 12:14:14 -0500

In the Guard forget about it.
One way is going ROTC. Cadets get slots for schools.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2018 12:46 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jan 2018 12:46:10 -0500

The best way is to find an airborne unit and join that unit. You may have to transfer to reserves since I know they have reserve units that are airborne. That is the best way to get an airborne slot.

Response by SGT George Duncan made Jan 10 at 2018 5:31 PM

SGT George Duncan — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 17:31:50 -0500

the real answer is what are you looking for/the answer will appear

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Mar 21 at 2019 7:23 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 19:23:53 -0400

It was mandatory for Anglico and my mos and billet, some slots were not jump slots so they didn’t have to go if they didn’t want to go. A bit ridiculous imo to be in Anglico and not jump.

Response by MSgt Bill Miller made Mar 22 at 2019 1:02 AM

MSgt Bill Miller — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 01:02:28 -0400

As an AF guy I tried to sneak in between an AFSOC assignment and a conventional... made it two days before I got booted for lack of AO’s. Four years later I showed up legal like and got thru. If you want it, and I get all of your reasons for wanting it, make it happen! Just remember that’s just how you get to work, not how good you are when you get there.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2019 2:44 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 02:44:04 -0400

A Reserve Tactical Psyop Unit is probably your best bet Sir.

Response by SFC Jason Hodge made Mar 22 at 2019 9:52 AM

SFC Jason Hodge — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 09:52:25 -0400

Change your career field to civil affairs, pysops, or SF.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2019 7:03 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 19:03:32 -0400

1. Find a CA/PSYOP unit thats on jump status. There are quite a few out there, but keep in mind of their BA schedules, lot 8 MUTA drills.

2. Find a nearby Sustainment BDE HQ unit and get slotted into the the Rigger position for Airborne slot. Get slotted into SPO Sling Load officer slot for Air Assault. Commander usually want a CPT graduated CCC to fill those slots.

Good Luck.