I'm fascinated by skydiving and considered the military path. Are there specific jobs within the military that involve skydiving? I'd love to know what roles or units focus on this skill and what the requirements might be.
Absolutely, there are several roles in the military where skydiving is a key skill.
The U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment, Navy SEALs, Green Berets, and Delta Force are examples of certain units that train their operators in Military Free Fall (MFF), which is essentially skydiving. However, bear in mind that these are Special Operations units, so the requirements to successfully pass their selection processes are quite demanding.
If you're looking for a role where skydiving is a central part of the job, you might want to consider becoming a Pararescueman, also known as "PJs", within the U.S. Air Force. PJs are experts in personnel recovery – they are trained to rescue, recover, and medically treat on the battlefield.
Another option is to join the U.S. Army's "Golden Knights" Parachuting Team. This team conducts parachute demonstrations in support of Army recruiting and community relations. Do keep in mind, however, that slots on teams like the Golden Knights are limited and highly competitive.
Regarding eligibility, the specific requirements such as physical fitness standards or training prerequisites can vary between each role and branch of service. However, generally speaking, you would need to be in outstanding physical condition, have top-notch swimming skills, and be comfortable functioning in high-stress and physically demanding scenarios.
Additionally, some roles may require a secret or top secret security clearance depending on the nature of the missions you'll be involved in. It's also worth noting that these units typically want individuals who have already proven themselves in a military capacity – this often means that you'll need to serve in another role first, and then apply for transfer into one of these special units.
Just remember, the path to becoming a military parachutist is challenging but highly rewarding for those who make it!
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