Air Assault

Located at Ft. Campbell, KY, Air Assault School will push you to your mental and physical limits. The course is ten days long and consists of three phases

Phase 1: Combat Air Assault Operations

During this phase you will conduct various training evolutions such as the famous (infamous for some) obstacle course followed by a two-mile run. You will be tested with written and practical exams. The practical examination will be on aircraft hand and arm signals. The written examination will cover material such as Army helicopter characteristics and capabilities, and medical evacuation procedures. You will also conduct PT, a four-mile road march, and a combat air assault operation.

Phase 2: Sling Load Operations

Phase two is the most difficult phase of Air Assault. You will be tested on practical rigging and inspection of sling loads for utility and cargo helicopters. Written tests will also follow in phase two. Written examinations will be on Pathfinder operations. Practical examinations will be on inspections of various sling loads. You will have two minutes to find a minimum of three of the four discrepancies placed in various sling loads. You will participate in a live sling load operation during this phase.

Phase 3: Rappelling

During the rappelling phase you will be tested on tying the Swiss seat (90 seconds is the standard), ramp, tower, skid rappelling, and fast-rope techniques. Before you know it you will find yourself going out of an actual helicopter. The final test for Air Assault is the grueling 12 mile road march with full combat gear. When you complete this march and hobble onto the parade field, you will be a member of the fraternity of . . . Air Assault!