Typically, if you want one of the U.S. Army jobs including jumping out of planes, you will become a part of the United States Army Airborne School. This Army school is also well-known as Jump School. It’s mainly for basic paratroopers to train and become a part of those jumping out of planes for a living.
There are several jobs included just in the Airborne School and many you can train for that including jumping out of planes. Here’s a look at some of the most common Army jobs for those excited about jumping out of planes.
U.S. Army Special Forces Command Airborne
Serving during both peace and war, the U.S. Army Special Forces Command Airborne or USASFC Airborne includes many duties. They engage in unconventional warfare, defense, combating terrorism, and special reconnaissance. Within the USASFC there are six main job positions including:
- Personnel Intelligence
- Force Management
- Communications
- Operations
- Comptroller
- Training
Within these categories, you will find positions, such as command, protocol, surgeon, chaplain, family readiness specialists, public affairs, engineers, and more. These Army members often have to jump out of planes, so they are required to be trained at the Airborne School.
Army Airborne Rangers
Another elite group of the Army that jumps out of planes is the Army Airborne Rangers. In fact, this is one of the most elite divisions of the entire United States Armed Forces. They perform duties, such as target takeovers and personnel recovery. Soldiers must be male and have to volunteer for the position. Throughout the training, this position requires a secret military clearance and a physical training score of 240 or better.
These soldiers will be trained to jump out of planes and often will be asked to do so as a part of their job. If you want to be one of the elite and you want an Army job allowing you to jump out of planes, becoming an Airborne Ranger may be the right path for you.
1-507th Parachute Infantry Regiment
One of the main Army positions giving you a job where you get to jump out of planes is the 1-507th Parachute Infantry Regiment. The main function of this regiment is to manage the Army Airborne School. Since the school instructs Army personnel on using parachutes and jumping out of planes, this is a huge part of the job description for the 1-507th Parachute Infantry Regiment.
As a member of this regiment, you’ll help other soldiers develop the self-confidence and leadership necessary to jump out of planes during combat deployment. You’ll be trained in parachute procedures for both rotary aircraft and fixed-wing. Some of the job titles found within the 1-507th Parachute Infantry Regiment include:
- Trainers
- Pilots
- Commanders
- Support Staff
- Chaplains
Airborne Divisions
Army jobs found within the two Airborne Divisions also include plenty of jumping out of planes. There are ten total active divisions serving the Army and two of them are airborne divisions operating out of Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Fort Campbell in Kentucky.
The 82nd Airborne Division operates out of Fort Bragg and includes soldiers in many different Army jobs. The 101st Airborne Division operates out of Fort Campbell and also includes many different jobs. All jobs found within these two divisions include learning how to jump out of planes.
Some of the jobs found within the two Airborne Divisions include:
- Instructors
- Commanders
- Chaplains
- Special Forces
- Pilots
- Support Staff
What does Airborne School Include?
Any of the Army jobs including jumping out of planes will require you to go through Airborne School. This specialized school includes plenty of training.
You’ll start by earning your wing and becoming a part of the elite Army family. Whether you choose to become a paratrooper or you go to Airborne School for another position, you will go through the same three-week course.
The Basic Airborne Course will help to teach you the techniques needed for safe parachuting from airplanes. You will also learn how to land safely and you will take a non-assisted jump test. The main purpose of BAC is to build your self-confidence, leadership, and physical conditioning to handle combat deployment by way of the parachute.
The first week of training is known as ground week. This week will include passing the APFT and building your Airborne skills. You will prepare to make parachute jumps and land safely. You will also be trained on the mock door and the 34-foot tower.
The second week is known as tower week. During this week, you will build your skills on the 34-foot tower and gain canopy confidence. You will learn how to manipulate your parachute from the 250-foot tower and you will have to pass all the necessary physical training requirements.
The final week is known as jump week and this is where you will put your skills to the test. You will have to successfully complete five jumps from 1,250 feet from a C-17 or C-130 aircraft. If you successfully pass the course, you will be given the Silver Wing to wear on your uniform.
If you’re seeking an Army job that includes jumping out of planes, enrolling in Airborne School is certainly for you. It’s not for the faint of heart, but many with fears have faced them and conquered them in Airborne School only to come out with the Silver Wing on their uniform.