7 Key Facts About Airborne In The Army

The United States Army's Airborne Infantry is a highly respected and elite force, known for their bravery and skill in airborne operations. The concept of airborne troops dates back to World War II, when the US Army formed the first airborne units to carry out missions behind enemy lines. Since then, the Airborne Infantry has played a significant role in various military operations around the world. Here are 7 key facts about airborne in the Army:

History of the Airborne Infantry

The US Army's Airborne Infantry has a rich history that dates back to World War II. In 1940, the Army formed the first airborne units, including the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions. These units were trained to carry out airborne operations, such as parachuting into enemy territory and conducting missions behind enemy lines. The Airborne Infantry played a significant role in several World War II battles, including D-Day and Operation Market Garden.

Key Battles and Operations

D-Day (1944): The 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions played a crucial role in the Allied invasion of Normandy, France.
Operation Market Garden (1944): The 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions were part of the largest airborne operation in history, with over 35,000 troops dropped behind enemy lines in the Netherlands.
Vietnam War (1955-1975): The Airborne Infantry was involved in several operations, including the Battle of Hamburger Hill and the Tet Offensive.
Gulf War (1990-1991): The Airborne Infantry was part of the coalition forces that liberated Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.
War in Afghanistan (2001-present): The Airborne Infantry has been involved in several operations, including the Battle of Wanat and the Helmand Province campaign.

Airborne Training and Selection

To become an Airborne Infantryman, soldiers must undergo rigorous training and selection. The training process includes:

Basic Airborne Course (BAC): A three-week course that teaches soldiers the fundamentals of airborne operations, including parachuting and landing techniques.
Advanced Individual Training (AIT): A six-week course that teaches soldiers the skills necessary to become an Airborne Infantryman, including combat tactics and first aid.
Ranger School: A 62-day course that teaches soldiers advanced combat skills, including airborne operations and leadership.

Airborne Units and Structure

The US Army has several airborne units, including:

82nd Airborne Division: Based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the 82nd Airborne Division is one of the most famous airborne units in the world.
101st Airborne Division: Based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the 101st Airborne Division is another highly respected airborne unit.
173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team: Based in Vicenza, Italy, the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team is a rapid-response unit that can deploy anywhere in the world within 18 hours.

Airborne Equipment and Vehicles

The Airborne Infantry uses a range of specialized equipment and vehicles, including:

Parachutes: The US Army uses several types of parachutes, including the T-11 and the MC-5.
Jump Boots: Airborne soldiers wear special boots that are designed for jumping and landing.
All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs): The US Army uses ATVs to transport soldiers and equipment in rugged terrain.
UH-60 Black Hawk: The UH-60 Black Hawk is a versatile helicopter that is used for a range of tasks, including transportation and medical evacuation.

Airborne Operations and Tactics

The Airborne Infantry uses a range of tactics and techniques to carry out airborne operations, including:

Parachute assaults: Airborne soldiers parachute into enemy territory to conduct missions behind enemy lines.
Airborne reconnaissance: Airborne soldiers conduct reconnaissance missions to gather intelligence on enemy positions and movements.
Airborne resupply: Airborne soldiers resupply other units with food, water, and ammunition.

Airborne Infantryman's Role and Responsibilities

An Airborne Infantryman's role and responsibilities include:

Conducting airborne operations, including parachute assaults and reconnaissance missions.
Operating and maintaining specialized equipment and vehicles.
Conducting combat operations, including patrolling and ambushing.
Providing security and defense for other units.

Airborne Infantryman's Skills and Qualifications

To become an Airborne Infantryman, soldiers must possess a range of skills and qualifications, including:

Physical fitness: Airborne soldiers must be physically fit and able to withstand the rigors of airborne operations.
Combat skills: Airborne soldiers must be skilled in combat tactics and techniques.
Leadership: Airborne soldiers must be able to lead and motivate other soldiers in high-pressure situations.

Gallery of Airborne Infantry:

Airborne Infantry Image Gallery

FAQs:

What is the Airborne Infantry?

The Airborne Infantry is a highly specialized unit within the US Army that conducts airborne operations, including parachute assaults and reconnaissance missions.

What is the role of an Airborne Infantryman?

An Airborne Infantryman's role and responsibilities include conducting airborne operations, operating and maintaining specialized equipment and vehicles, conducting combat operations, and providing security and defense for other units.

How do I become an Airborne Infantryman?

To become an Airborne Infantryman, soldiers must undergo rigorous training and selection, including the Basic Airborne Course, Advanced Individual Training, and Ranger School.

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the Airborne Infantry and their role in the US Army. The Airborne Infantry is a highly respected and elite force that has played a significant role in various military operations around the world. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more, please don't hesitate to ask.