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 Training, teaches Soldiers the techniques involved in parachuting from airplanes and landing safely. The final test includes a non-assisted jump.

During Ground Week, Soldiers begin 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, 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-141 aircraft. Soldiers 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 Training (BAT) 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 35 years of age on the date of the application
• Must have a medical physical for parachute duty. The physical examination to indicate an applicant's fitness for attendance in airborne training must be administered not more than 12 months prior to date of enrollment.
• Pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) with a score of 180 points (60 points per event) using the 17 to 21 year age-group scale as the standard. The APFT must have been administered not more than 30 days prior to date of application.
• Applicants must be able to complete a 4-mile run within 36-minutes (9-minutes per mile).
• United States Military Academy Cadets must complete Cadet Basic Training
• ROTC cadets must be under scholarship or contracted.
• Enlisted personnel must complete basic combat and advanced individual training, One Station Unit Training (OSUT), or other service equivalent training

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 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.