Completing Airborne School is a significant achievement for any paratrooper, marking the end of a rigorous training period and the beginning of a new chapter in a military career. Whether you are a soldier in the United States Army or part of any allied force, Airborne School imparts critical skills for airborne operations. Upon graduation, you receive several key documents that not only symbolize your accomplishment but are crucial for your future deployments and career progression. Here's a detailed look at the five essential documents you can expect:
1. Certificate of Completion
The Certificate of Completion is the first document you will receive upon graduating from Airborne School. This certificate:
- Serves as official proof that you have completed the training successfully.
- Is often signed by the commanding officer of the school, enhancing its authenticity.
- Includes your name, date of graduation, and course information.
- Can be displayed or placed in your military personnel file.
It’s not just a piece of paper; it’s a testament to your physical and mental endurance, your ability to jump from aircraft, and your competence in performing airborne missions.
📌 Note: This certificate might be a physical document or a digital version; always confirm with your unit or training personnel about the format of your records.
2. Parachutist Badge
The Parachutist Badge, often referred to as the “Jump Wings,” is one of the most prestigious badges a soldier can earn. Here are some key points about it:
- It is awarded upon your first successful jump after completing the training.
- The badge signifies your qualification for airborne operations.
- It comes with variations such as Basic, Senior, and Master Parachutist, based on the number of jumps completed.
Earning this badge requires not only jumping out of an aircraft but also demonstrating proficiency in all aspects of airborne operations, including pre-jump training, aircraft exit procedures, parachute landing falls, and post-landing actions.
3. Airborne Physical Profile
Upon graduation, your physical capabilities are assessed, leading to the creation of your Airborne Physical Profile. This document is vital because:
- It details your physical condition concerning airborne activities.
- It includes assessments of strength, endurance, and specific medical requirements for airborne jumps.
- It’s essential for commanders to assign you to airborne missions or for medical personnel to keep track of your health status.
This profile helps ensure that you are physically fit to conduct airborne operations safely, reducing the risk of injuries during jumps.
4. Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Change
Completion of Airborne School often leads to a change in your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). Here’s what this entails:
- Your MOS is updated to reflect your new airborne capabilities.
- This change can open new career opportunities, such as joining elite units like the 82nd Airborne Division or 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
- It might also involve additional training or requirements specific to airborne roles.
An updated MOS provides official recognition of your airborne training, enhancing your career prospects within the military.
5. Permanent Orders for Airborne Status
The final key document is your Permanent Orders for Airborne Status, which:
- Officially records your airborne qualification and status in the military system.
- Outlines your authorization for airborne operations and assignments.
- Can be crucial for administrative purposes like pay, deployment, and unit assignments.
These orders are a formal recognition of your ability to perform airborne missions, ensuring that your status as a paratrooper is integrated into your military service record.
🔍 Note: Keep your Permanent Orders safe, as they might be needed for various administrative processes or when reassigning to airborne units.
Upon wrapping up your journey through Airborne School, these five documents stand as markers of your accomplishment and the gateway to your future in airborne operations. They're not only a testament to your skills but also ensure your official qualifications are recognized. Keep these documents safe and remember to update your military records promptly to reflect your new status as a paratrooper.
What happens if I lose my Certificate of Completion?
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If you lose your Certificate of Completion, you should contact the administrative office of Airborne School or your unit’s S-1 (Personnel Section) to obtain a replacement copy. Ensure all official records are updated to reflect your airborne status, even without the physical certificate.
Can I get the Parachutist Badge for my first jump?
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No, the Parachutist Badge, also known as Jump Wings, is awarded after your first successful jump as part of an official airborne operation. The training jumps at Airborne School do not count towards this badge.
Is Airborne School physically demanding?
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Yes, Airborne School is designed to be physically demanding to ensure all trainees can handle the rigors of airborne operations. It involves physical fitness tests, carrying heavy loads, and overcoming the psychological fear of jumping from aircraft.
What are the requirements for attending Airborne School?
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To attend Airborne School, soldiers typically need to meet certain fitness and medical standards, pass an ACFT (Army Combat Fitness Test), and often obtain a recommendation or assignment from their unit. Eligibility can vary based on military branch and current regulations.
Can veterans or civilians attend Airborne School?
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While Airborne School is primarily for active-duty military personnel, some special circumstances like military historians, certain retired military, or foreign military personnel may be allowed to attend. Civilians are generally not eligible unless part of a specific program or partnership with the military.
