Becoming a paratrooper at Airborne School is a unique experience requiring special dedication and a desire to be challenged mentally and physically. This three-week course, also known as Basic Airborne Course, teaches Soldiers the techniques involved in parachuting from airplanes and landing safely. The final test includes a non-assisted jump.

The purpose of the BAC is to qualify the volunteer in the use of the parachute as a means of combat deployment and to develop leadership, self-confidence, and an aggressive spirit through mental and physical conditioning.

Airborne Soldiers have a long and distinguished tradition of being an elite body of fighting men and women–people who have always set the example for determination and courage. When you volunteer for this training, you accept the challenge of continuing this tradition. The Airborne Soldiers of the past set high standards–it is now up to you to maintain them!

During Ground Week, Soldiers must pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). The Ground Week Airborne instruction begins with an intensive program of instruction to build individual Airborne skills. These skills prepare the Soldier to make a parachute jump and land safely. Students train on the mock door, the 34-foot tower and the lateral drift apparatus.

Tower Week completes the Soldier's individual skill training and further builds team effort skills. To go forward to Jump Week, Soldiers must qualify on the Swing Lander Trainer (SLT), master the mass exit procedures from the 34-foot tower, gain canopy confidence and learn how to manipulate the parachute from the 250-foot tower, and pass all physical training requirements.

Successful completion of the previous weeks of training prepares Soldiers for Jump Week. During Jump Week, Soldiers must successfully complete five jumps at 1,250 feet from a C-130 or C-17 aircraft. Paratroopers who successfully meet course requirements are granted an additional skill identifier and are authorized to wear the coveted "Silver Wing" on their uniform.

The purpose of the Basic Airborne Course (BAC) is to qualify individuals in the use of the parachute as a means of combat deployment and to develop leadership, self-confidence, and an aggressive spirit through mental and physical conditioning.

Airborne Soldiers have a long and distinguished tradition of being an elite body of fighting men and women — people who have always set the example for determination and courage. When you volunteer for this training, you accept the challenge of continuing this tradition. The highest standards have been set — it is now up to you to maintain them!

• Commissioned Officer, Warrant Officer, Noncommissioned Officer, Enlisted personnel and qualified cadets
• Volunteer for the course
• Be less than 36 years of age on ATRRS report date
• Physically qualify for parachute duty IAW AR 40-501, Hearing Conservation Program Be prepared to pass the APFT with a score of 180 points (60 points per event) using the 17 to 21 year age-group scale as the standard, administered on day one of training.
• USMA Cadets must complete Cadet Basic Training
• ROTC cadets must be under scholarship or contracted.
• Enlisted personnel must have completed Basic Combat Training, OSUT, or other service equivalent training
• Commanders selecting personnel to attend the BAC will refer to AR 614-110, Assignment of Airborne Officers and Processing Volunteers for Training and AR 614-200, Enlisted Assignments and Utilization Management for information on airborne volunteer selection and processing

In order to become a paratrooper in today's Army, you will fall into one of the four categories below.

• If you have not enlisted in the Army yet, contact your local Army Recruiter for more information to see if you meet the criteria and how you could possibly qualify for an Airborne Incentive Bonus of $3000.
• If you are in Advanced Individual Training (AIT), contact your Drill Sergeant, Cadre, or member of the Airborne Recruiting Team for more information to see if you qualify and how to submit an Airborne Packet.
• If you are a Regular Army Soldier already serving, see your Retention NCO about requesting Airborne training.
• If you are an Army Reserve Soldier you will need to talk to your unit for more information about becoming a paratrooper.

Training at this school is not MOS-dependent — Soldiers from all types of backgrounds and MOSs gain skills here.

There are no related civilian jobs with this type of training, but you will gain confidence, leadership skills and a sense of pride.