How can I become a skydiver in the military?

I'm interested in skydiving and was wondering how to get a job related to skydiving in the military. Is there a specific path or particular branches where this is more common? Any advice would be appreciated!

Skydiving or parachute jumping in the military is typically associated with special operations units or airborne units. Here's a general path you might want to consider:

1. Enlist in the Military: Start by meeting with a recruiter for the branch of the military you're interested in. They'll guide you through the process of enlisting, which usually involves some testing, paperwork, and medical examinations.

2. Complete Basic Training: Regardless of your ultimate goal, everyone begins with basic combat training. This varies among branches, but it will give you essential military skills.

3. Choose an Airborne-Related Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): MOS is essentially your job in the military. If you're interested in skydiving, seek an MOS that involves airborne or special operations, like a Parachute Rigger (MOS 92R), which includes voluntarily enrolling for the Airborne course, in the Army.

4. Airborne School: If you're in a role that requires airborne skills (or you've volunteered and been accepted), you'll proceed to Airborne School. It involves ground training, tower training, and five parachute jumps.

5. Further Specialization: After proving your skills in Airborne School, you may be eligible to move onto specialized training like the Military Freefall School if you're in Special Operations or the Pathfinder course that includes helicopter landing zones, parachute drop zones development in addition to other air traffic control operations.

6. Regular Training: As with any military job, staying proficient means regular, ongoing training. This can include actual jumps, safety briefings, and learning about new equipment and techniques.

While this path is fairly common across branches, you'll see the most opportunities for skydiving in the Army and the Air Force, particularly in Army Airborne, Special Forces units like the Army Rangers or Green Berets, or the Air Force's Pararescue and Combat Control Teams. Remember each branch has its own equivalent of special forces units and most involve some form of skydiving or parachuting.

Being successful in these paths usually requires excellent physical fitness, mental fortitude, and a willingness to take on risky and challenging scenarios if this sounds like you, a career in military skydiving could be an exciting opportunity. Good luck!