I was a paratrooper in the 82nd. My very first jump, I was the guy in the door as we approached the jump zone. It was the only jump I wasn't nervous about. Probably because it was just an awesome experience. Every other one after that makes you just want to get out of the plane now. We are squeezed in like sardines. Hot. Hydraulic fluid stench. I am 5'6", was145lbs back then and was carrying 100lbs of gear. Backpack hangs under your front reserve chute. Mine just about sat on my feet. Tough lifting my legs to step up onto the back ramp to load onto the plane.
I never had to jump into combat but from what I went thru, I have a lot more respect for those WW2 troopers knowing their training was allot tougher than mine and followed up with combat. My jumps were followed up with trips to Ricks Lougne to see the ladies dance.
awesome to know. My buddy has his jumpmaster. In the army he would always insist as an officer going first. ‘why?’ - Because I was too scared to go last. lol
I was a paratrooper in the 82nd. My very first jump, I was the guy in the door as we approached the jump zone. It was the only jump I wasn't nervous about. Probably because it was just an awesome experience. Every other one after that makes you just want to get out of the plane now. We are squeezed in like sardines. Hot. Hydraulic fluid stench. I am 5'6", was145lbs back then and was carrying 100lbs of gear. Backpack hangs under your front reserve chute. Mine just about sat on my feet. Tough lifting my legs to step up onto the back ramp to load onto the plane.
I never had to jump into combat but from what I went thru, I have a lot more respect for those WW2 troopers knowing their training was allot tougher than mine and followed up with combat. My jumps were followed up with trips to Ricks Lougne to see the ladies dance.
awesome to know. My buddy has his jumpmaster. In the army he would always insist as an officer going first. ‘why?’ - Because I was too scared to go last. lol