How to Go to Jump School

© United States Army

The United States Army Airborne School, or jump school, is an extremely sought after military course aimed at qualifying soldiers in the use of parachutes. Jump school is open to military personnel of both genders from every branch of the Army. There are numerous ways to earn a slot at Airborne School; however, attending jump school does not guarantee a passing grade.

Instructions

1. Request the Airborne Incentive Bonus in your contract. If you know you want your jump wings before you even enlist, have it put in your contract. That way, regardless of which Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) you select, you'll have a slot waiting for you at Airborne School.

2. Select a MOS that requires jump school. Both Parachute Riggers and Psychological Operations Specialists are required to attend Airborne School as part of their job training. Once again, if you really want your jump wings, and if these careers appeal to you, this is one way to ensure that you go to jump school.

3. Volunteer for Ranger School or Special Forces Training. Both of these schools are intense, extensive and nearly impossible. However, they both require Airborne qualification for completion. Both new enlistees and current soldiers volunteer for these schools.

4. Join an Airborne unit. Upon graduating basic training, you may be assigned to an Airborne unit. While the 101st Airborne Division is one of the most famous Airborne units in the Army, other infantry units exist that require jump school. When enlisting, you may also be given a choice of first duty station; if you select a base that is home to an Airborne unit, you increase your chances of receiving a slot at jump school.

5. Attend West Point or ROTC. Every year, a number of Airborne slots are saved for current cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point, or cadets participating in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps. These future commissioned officers are given precedence over other volunteers; Airborne training, a highly-desired specialty school, is offered as a reward to promising students.

6. Attend OCS. If you already have a four-year degree, but wish to become a commissioned officer in the Army, Officer Candidate School is designed to transform you from civilian to soldier. Because OCS is located at Ft. Benning, Georgia, home to both Ranger School and Airborne School, participants in OCS are also given precedence over other volunteers.

7. Ask. If you're a regular active duty soldier or an Army reserve soldier, ask your unit about requesting Airborne training. Some units have a designated amount of jump school slots to be given out at their discretion; if you express enough interest, maybe you can secure a space in the next Airborne class.

Tips & Warnings

• Airborne School, while conducted by the 1st Battalion, 507th Infantry of the United States Army, is not closed to other branches of the armed forces. Navy SEALS, Air Force Pararescue personnel and members of Marine Reconnaissance Battalions are required to attend Airborne School, and representatives from other related Military Occupational Specialties may apply.

• Airborne School is one of the most demanding training programs the United States military has to offer. No matter how hard you worked to earn a slot at jump school, if you are unable to pass the extreme physical qualifications, you will fail out, and there is no guarantee that you will ever receive a second chance.

Resources

• Airborne School