MILITARY SCHOOLS AVAILABLE (Cont’d)
AIR ASSAULT SCHOOL
US Army Air Assault School is a two-week course of instruction conducted at several
locations across the Army, including Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Fort Drum, NY; Camp
Smith, USMA; and at overseas locations in Germany and Hawaii. In each case, the
course of instruction is focused on Combat Assault Operations involving US Army
rotary-wing aircraft.
The Air Assault Course is physically and mentally demanding and requires a great deal
of studying to pass the written tests and physical conditioning to pass the physical
tests. If you have the stamina, intelligence and "gut it out attitude" you can become Air
Assault qualified. If you rise to the occasion and successfully complete the Air Assault,
Slingload, Rappelling and 12-mile foot march phases, the distinctive right and honor to
wear the Air Assault Badge will be yours. ZE-
RO DAY
On Zero Day, you will report to the school no later than 4:30 am for in processing. At
5:45 pm, the class moves to the obstacle course for the entrance examination. The
exam begins with stretching exercises followed by a safety demonstration of the 9
station obstacle course. The class then lines up at the course start point and begins negotiating the course. Upon com-
pletion of the obstacle course, a 2-mile run in Army boots will be performed by all obstacle course survivors. The 2-mile
formation run will be run at a 10 minute per mile pace. Those who complete the obstacle course and finish the 2-mile run
in 20 minutes will be enrolled in the Air Assault School. Ten to fifteen percent of potential students do not make it past
Zero Day.
AIR ASSAULT PHASE
Training begins with an inspection where the standards are high, and then it's off to physical training. During the Air
Assault Phase, you will become proficient in air assault operations, pathfinder operations, hand and arm signals, aircraft
familiarization, aircraft safety and aero-medevac operations.
SLINGLOAD PHASE
During this phase, equipment is prepared for sling-loads. This equipment includes the M101A1 Howitzer, M998
HMMWV, 5,000 lb. or 10,000 lb. Cargo Nets, A-22 Cargo Bags and Multi-Fuel Blivets. Memorization is key to success,
such as the tensile strength of equipment used in slingload operations, lift capabilities of supporting aircraft, and rigging
and inspection of prepared loads.
RAPPEL PHASE
The final phase - basic rappelling. Initially, ground training consisting of Swiss seats, rappelling off of the 12-foot incline
ramp, advanced rappelling from the 50-foot tower with and without equipment, and from the skid (open) side. You will
rappel from Army helicopters hovering at 100 feet above the ground on the next day.
GRADUATION DAY
Completion of a 12-mile road march in full equipment in 3 hours or less is required.
Minimum Entry Requirements
Pass the Army Physical Fitness Test
Demonstrate ability to do at least 6 correct pull-ups
Receive an approved Army/Air Assault Physical within 18 months of attendance
Army ROTC Instructor Nomination
Since attendance at Air Assault is both mentally and physically challenging, the PMS will assess each
applicant for overall physical fitness, maturity level and academic excellence for attendance and
completion at this rigorous course.