You know what this means...

[DRM]

I'm not HALO qualified. Just a humble, run-of-the-mill Paratrooper who jumps static line from 500 feet.

[Hellbat]

Well, the average dumb grunt is going to have less steering error at 500 feet right?

(Obviously not referring to you... )

[DRM]

Shit, when you jump that low, you have about two seconds to pull your reserve if you have a malfunction. The highest we jump in our unit is when it's from rotary wing (Black Hawk's, Chinook's, etc.) and then it's always at 1,500ft. From fixed wing, we're lucky to get over 700 feet. Jumping is an absolute blast, but when you jump that low, you spend a grand total of about 30 seconds in the air from the time you exit the bird to when you land.

Oh, and by the way: that rucksack weighs 65lbs without my commo equipment in it. Factor in an additional 10lbs for my rifle, 12lbs for ammo, a 25lb main chute and 15lb reserve...I'll be jumping with kit that weighs more than I do! LOL

[Hellbat]

So in a combat situation would you typically leave the chute behind or are you expected to hump it out with you? (I know the answer for training jumps )

[DRM]

Leave it. FUCK humping that while trying to secure your objective.

[Rsmacker]

Yeah, leave it, then the local women can make knickers out of it, because silk will be rationed.


Unless it's round here, you'd need at least 2 'chutes to make 1 pair of pants for the fat chicks.


I'd like to see Dave Mustaine parachuting, without a parachute. If he opened his gob his head would billow out like a canopy and he'd float gently down to earth. Or a massive hand would swoop out of the clouds, catch him, and put him safely on the floor, as reward for being such a good Christian.

[fordsho90]

HALO jumps are crazy and awesome at the same time. They must really change your perspective on things.

They are and it did for me...It gave me a new look at the earth and a new respect for it and just how small we really are in the scope of things and that no matter if we wipe the human race out it will still be here.

For me after you clear the aircraft and start your freefall is the best time, no one is barking at you no shooting at you (yet) you know what the mission is and you know what you need to do when boots touch the ground/water, it is the only time that you are totally alone and its a time to just let it all go. All the BS, the problems, and just enjoy the ride and the view (if its light out), for me it was like therapy, and as the fall was almost over you went back into badmotherfucker mode, and then it was time to rock and roll.

DRM:

If you ever get a chance to go to the school to qualify for it take it (as long as you like jumping) its a real cool experience even if you never use it in your military career.

[kevhogAZ]

Why is your pack plugged in to the wall? Do you have to charge the batteries before you jump?

Just kidding. Be safe, and thanks for your service!