Q&A for How to Become an Army Paratrooper

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What is the jumping height?

Community Answer

Several jumps from a 34 foot tower, several from a 250 foot tower, and then five from either a C-130 or a C-17 at 1250 feet.

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How many jumps do I need to do in order to pass the course?

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You need 5 satisfactory jumps in order to pass the course - 2 of them carrying equipment, 1 of them at night.

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Question

Can I have any back problems?

Community Answer

No.

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How many jumps do I have to complete before I get my wings?

Community Answer

Five jumps is the standard. Every rotation differs due to conditions, which is something to keep in mind. Usually this consists of two to three day time jumps; the first two will be typically without gear and then one with a pack. If conditions allow, you will do two night time jumps, the first without a pack and the second with a pack. You will always do five to get your wings, but it will all depend on jump conditions as to which ones you will do. Just keep in mind that jump school is just to teach you about how to jump; if you are going into an airborne infantry unit, then you will be faced with very different treatment there.

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Question

How do I become an army ranger?

Community Answer

First, you must complete Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training or One Unit Station Training (depends on your job). After that, you must complete Airborne School. Following that (if you have ranger in your contract), you will proceed to Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP for short). There you will endure 8 weeks of hell. If you complete RASP to the standards, you will be then assigned to one of the three Ranger Battalions in the 75th Ranger Regiment and be known as a Ranger. Later on, after being in your unit for a time, you will be sent to Ranger School, the army's premiere leadership school. If you complete that, you will be allowed to stay in the Regiment.

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Question

Are paratroopers considered to be the most highly-skilled soldiers?

Community Answer

Not usually. Paratroopers are one of three berets given in the army: Rangers, SF (Green Berets) and paratroopers. They all work in tandem. Being a Paratrooper is the first (and in my opinion the best) stepping stone to things like CAG. To put it simply, if you are in shape and a good soldier, you can get to a paratrooper unit, but if you aren't great at what you do when you get to your unit, they will weed you out quickly.

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Question

Can I use a pillowcase instead of a parachute?

Community Answer

No. A pillowcase is not the right shape or material.

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Question

Is thee a paratrooper in the navy?

Galasy4969

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SEAL Team Six is the Navy's top special forces group, and the only ones who do traditional paratrooper-ing. It is a highly exclusive force; you'll need to be the best of the best to get in.

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How old do you need to be?

Spaceship

Community Answer

To be able to join the military, you have to be 18 and have graduated high school or earned your GED.

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Question

Can I wear glasses as an army paratrooper? Do I need to get corrective surgery?

Spaceship

Community Answer

Yes you can join the army with glasses. You don’t have to get corrective surgery. When you join the army, you will be issued combat glasses.

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Question

After receiving my wings, how many recurrent jumps per year do I have to complete to maintain my active paratrooper status?

Community Answer

At least 30 for continuing body fitness and for one to know the mission and the calibre of job given.

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Question

Is there any height and or weight requirement?

Spaceship

Community Answer

Yes, the minimum height for men is 5ft and the maximum is 6ft 8in. The minimum height for women is 4ft 8in and the maximum is 6ft 8in. Anyone below the minimum height and above the maximum height will be disqualified.

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Question

I wear contact lenses. Is that a problem if I want to become a paratrooper?

Spaceship

Community Answer

No, it is not a problem to use contacts for your vision. You won’t be wearing contacts as a paratrooper but instead you will be issued combat glasses.

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Question

Can I join the Airborn even if my eyesight is bad?

Spaceship

Community Answer

If you can correct your vision to 20/20 you can still join the army and become a paratrooper.

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