Earning the Parachutist/Airborne Wings: A Comprehensive Guide for Military Aspirants

Have you ever wondered how soldiers earn the prestigious parachutist/airborne wings? This article will provide you with a detailed overview of the process, requirements, and the significance of this achievement. Join us as we explore the steps to successfully complete the rigorous Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Eligibility and Requirements

To attend the Airborne School, soldiers must meet certain physical and medical standards. They must be in excellent physical condition and adhere to specific criteria, often including being a member of the U.S. Army or a qualifying military branch. This ensures that individuals selected for the training program are capable of handling the physical demands and the mental challenges that come with skydiving and airborne operations.

Training Duration and Phases

The Airborne School is a three-week program, divided into three phases that focus on various aspects of parachute operation and training:

Ground Week: This phase concentrates on parachute landing fall (PLF) safety procedures and introduces basic parachuting techniques. Tower Week: Here, soldiers undergo training on the jump tower. They practice jumping from a simulated aircraft and mastering proper landing techniques. Jump Week: The climactic phase involves conducting actual parachute jumps. Soldiers must complete a minimum of five jumps, including at least one from an aircraft.

Each phase builds on the previous one, ensuring that soldiers are thoroughly prepared for the demanding nature of airborne operations.

Successful Completion and the Parachutist/Parachute Badge

To earn the parachutist/parachute wings, soldiers must successfully complete all phases of the training. This involves demonstrating proficiency in parachuting and adhering to safety protocols. Upon completion, soldiers receive the Airborne Wings or Parachutist Wings, a symbol of their airborne qualification. This badge can be worn on their uniform, commemorating their achievement and the skills they have developed.

Assignments and Recognition

Upon successful completion of the Airborne School, enlisted graduates are typically assigned to airborne units such as the 82nd Airborne Division, brigade-level airborne units, or the 75th Ranger Regiment. Unit patches often have airborne tabs sewn above them, though this is not the case for the 75th Ranger Regiment, where all soldiers are Airborne qualified. This distinction on their patches underscores their elite status and the rigorous training they have undergone.

Historical Achievements and Beyond

It's important to note that the specifics of the training and awards may have evolved over time, but the core process remains the same. While the term "Airborne Tab" might be outdated, soldiers today proudly wear the parachutist/parachute wings.

Legendary figures like Chris Cocks, a former member of the Rhodesian Light Infantry, recorded an astounding number of combat jumps. His record, along with others who achieved even more impressive feats, highlights the intense and demanding nature of airborne operations and training.

Your personal achievement, whether in terms of beret and wings, or in terms of the number of jumps, is a significant accomplishment and one to be proud of. The recognition of your skills and dedication comes not just from the wings you earn but also from the camaraderie and elite status within your unit.

Whether you're an individual or part of a unit, the process and the achievements you earn reflect a commitment to excellence, courage, and the ability to perform under extreme conditions. Whether the RLI was officially recognized as an airborne unit or not, the skills and dedication of its members are a testament to the courage and bravery that define airborne operations.