What's it like being a parachute rigger in the Army?

Job Overview

As a Parachute Rigger, you'll ensure the safety of every paratrooper you work with. You'll inspect, test, and pack parachutes, their extraction and release systems, and all the associated components of the parachute system.

How much do parachute riggers make in the army?

How much does a Rigger make at U.S. Army in the United States? Average U.S. Army Rigger yearly pay in the United States is approximately $44,443, which is 7% below the national average.

Do Army parachute riggers get deployed?

Work Environment. The work environment largely depends on whether or not a soldier is deployed. However, even if not deployed, parachute riggers can expect to be working at airfields on or around airplanes.

How long is parachute rigger school in the Army?

Job training for a parachute rigger requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 11 weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instructions. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field. Some of the skills you'll learn are: Parachute rigging techniques.

Do parachute riggers go to war?

Militaries around the world train their own parachute riggers to support their airborne or paratrooper forces. These military riggers also pack parachutes for aerial delivery operations, through which military supplies and equipment are delivered by aircraft to combat zones.

How 75,000 Parachutes Are Packed Each Year At Army Airborne School | Boot Camp

How often do parachute riggers jump?

Parachute riggers have to maintain their status by jumping every three months -- at a minimum. If they don't maintain their jump status, they aren't allowed to pack or inspect parachutes, Steverson said.

How long is US Army rigger school?

Advanced Individual Training (AIT) to be an Army Parachute Rigger lasts for 16 weeks to complete the combination of classroom and field learning. You'll learn how to rig and maintain air-sea rescue equipment, inflatable rafts, and other survival equipment.

Why do parachute riggers wear red hats?

"The red hat is to help to identify a parachute rigger quickly when we are supporting an airdrop or airborne operation," said Hamill. "If there is an issue with a parachute, the jumpmaster can easily identify the rigger, get their attention, and the problem can be quickly addressed."

Are parachute riggers airborne qualified?

Every rigger is Airborne qualified and by tradition required to be ready to jump any parachute, packed by any rigger. Parachute rigging in the Army has been around since the first Airborne unit was established in 1940. In those days paratroopers prepared and cared for their own parachutes.

Where is Army rigger school?

In-processing will take place at 1300 in room 104, building 6025, 710 Adams Avenue Fort Lee, VA 23801. All students will report to building 6025, Aerial Delivery and Field Services Department, located at 710 Adams Avenue on the scheduled start date of class.

Where do army parachute riggers get stationed?

At Fort Benning, the riggers also provide maintenance support to units at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, and to other units all over Georgia.

How hard is it to pack a parachute?

While modern skydiving containers feature reserve parachutes that are packed and sealed by professionals, an improperly packed main canopy is still incredibly dangerous. For the experienced skydivers, the packing process typically takes about 10-15 minutes.

Do Marine parachute riggers jump?

The Marines are required to perform at least one jump every three months, but the unit typically does several exercises a month. Irula said the Marines in the unit are constantly deploying and the extra training helps them carry out the mission by ensuring they're proficient in safely getting supplies to the ground.

What does a 25 Bravo do in the army?

This Army job is military occupational specialty (MOS) 25B - Information Technology (IT) Specialists. These soldiers deal with highly sensitive information and need to have technical skills and aptitude for programming and computer languages.

How do you become a parachute rigger?

What Mos is 11B?

Army Infantrymen (MOS 11B) are the main land combat force, known as “Eleven Bravo.” These personnel are responsible for defending the country through real-life combat.

What do parachute riggers do?

Job Overview

As a Parachute Rigger, you'll ensure the safety of every paratrooper you work with. You'll inspect, test, and pack parachutes, their extraction and release systems, and all the associated components of the parachute system.

Do Special forces pack their own parachutes?

Militaries around the world train their own parachute riggers to support their airborne or paratrooper forces. These military riggers also pack parachutes for aerial delivery operations, through which military supplies and equipment are delivered by aircraft to combat zones.

What does red beret mean in army?

The red beret is a military beret worn by many military police, paramilitary, commando and police forces around the world. The term is also used to refer to the British Parachute Regiment, although members wear the maroon beret.

How much does a t11 parachute cost?

Narrator: Each T-11 parachute costs about $4,000 and takes 24 to 30 minutes to fully pack.

How much do parachute packers make?

The salaries of Parachute Packers in the US range from $18,780 to $49,960 , with a median salary of $27,950 . The middle 50% of Parachute Packers makes $27,950, with the top 75% making $49,960.

How long is parachute rigger school USMC?

Marines attend the Parachute Rigger Course to receive the MOS 0451. The course is taught in three phases and lasts a total of 12 weeks and 2 days.

How long is a parachute packing course?

This is an 8-hour training, broken into self-study, classroom, and physical demonstration / hands-on learning sections.

How often do parachutes need to be repacked?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that the reserve parachute be inspected and repacked every 180 days (whether it's used or not) by an FAA-certified parachute rigger.