SITREP - Navid (CarbonLife4010)

[carbonlife4010]

I finally got my orders for airborne and am heading out in 9 days! Beyond excited to finally leave AIT after 22 weeks.

[rangerjd]

Outstanding, keep up the good work and remember, give everything you've got, every time you give and never, ever quit! RLTW

[Jim]

We are looking forward to your impressions of Airborne Training. Never, never quit!

[carbonlife4010]

Rangers,

I'm currently in week 2, tower week, of Airborne school. I want to start off by saying this... Do NOT listen to the P.N.N. (Private News Network) before coming here, all the rumors are BS so far. There's no such thing as the "41 club" for push ups, just lack of ability to perform proper push ups. Take your time, they don't care if you get 42 or 90, just focus on the 42 and once you hit the mark, kill it however way you want to. Most failed push ups and the run...but honestly, if you can't run 2 miles in 15 mins or less, you should reconsider your decision to join/stay in the army...especially coming fresh from AIT or Basic.

Ground week was demanding but also fun. The instructors here are amazing and keep it fun and interesting. You will run everywhere. If you're not comfortable running in boots and ACUs, get there. Perhaps buy yourself a decent pair of boots that you can run in with proper ankle support. Everything so far has been easy, instructions are clear, and you just have to do it properly...over and over and over...and over again. The more you train on the ground, the better you'll be in the air. Don't be stupid and go out to drink. Your discipline will be tested here simply because you have so much free, unsupervised time to do or go wherever. Several people have been dropped for drinking and other stuff...they all thought they were smart and won't get caught...as for PT, the runs are really easy paced, but PRT is a good workout. Feels more like an hour long smoke session at times.

Currently in the second day of tower week, and my class is actually jumping off the 250 ft Tower tomorrow. On Monday, I'll be conducting my first 2 jumps out of a C-130! Not going to lie, I'm nervous about it. I'm also stressed with the lack of information upon my graduation next Thursday regarding how pre rasp works and when my class will start. Hopefully there will be a class in October...will update again during/after jump week

[IEDmagnet]

Feet and knees together Airborne. It'll be easy.


Sent from my iPhone using rocks and sticks.

[carbonlife4010]

Roger, Ranger IEDmagnet.

I jumped off the 250 ft tower today which was a unique opportunity. The past 3-5 classes haven't used the tower at all. It really builds your confidence under the canopy and gives you an idea of what landing will feel like. I really enjoyed it, I'd do it all over again. Hopefully they will continue using the tower for future classes. It's also a pain as well though...it requires a 40 man detail to run the tower for every 1 jumper. We were out there all day starting from 0400 to 1830, it was worth it. I feel much better now about new week's jumps!

[IEDmagnet]

Drop the Ranger bud. SSG(R), Airborne, Infantryman, Veteran are all earned titles. Or, in accordance with site rules, just my username as you are in the Army now.

To jumping, just remember what you've been taught and follow the man in front of you. Nerves are normal, and expected. It keeps you focused.

Sent from my iPhone using rocks and sticks.

[Jim]

Navid, How about an update. BAC should be complete and you should have reported to RASP. Never, never quit!

[carbonlife4010]

Sorry for the late update. I successfully completed all 5 jumps and earned my wings this past Thursday! I was made the class leader for now until we officially report to pre rasp this Tuesday. Jumping out was the best part of the whole week, once you go through it, you'll understand what I mean. Worst part was the combat jumps and having to sit around for 5-7 hours with all the equipment attached to your body. Jumping out was the best part because it meant you got to get out of the harness! No major issues with my canopy aside from minor line twists on 2 of my jumps. Feet and knees together and you'll land well. All my landings were really soft, even the combat jumps. I'll update when I report to pre rasp.

[Jim]

Look forward to your next SITREP. Never, never quit!

[carbonlife4010]

Rangers and mentees,

I reported to Pre-RASP this past tuesday from airborne school. I'm not going to ruin any surprises but my airborne class going into pre rasp had 7 people drop shortly after we got there. Just push through it, it's just a test to see if you're going to quit on day 1 or not. After that, it's been really relaxed at pre-rasp. We class up in about 3 weeks. Your time at pre rasp will suck mentally but push through it. Days are really short here, we get released around 1430 usually. Great time to go workout or be lazy and set yourself up for failure. PT is fairly easy but much better than regular army PRT. This place breaks a lot of people. My suggestion is, if you're thinking of quitting, make sure you do it while at Airborne school. You'll be given the option to quit when you enter and leave airborne school, take it if that's what you want. Otherwise you'll hate life waiting around at pre-rasp and honestly, we don't want you here dragging the rest of us down with your negativity. You'll be a lot happier dropping out during airborne. Just saying. And complete your packing list prior to arriving here and put it all in one bag all ready to go and put everything else in another duffel bag. Pack light, don't bring all your crap with you here, you'll regret it.

I love this place. For the first time in my 9 short months in the Army, I'm surrounded by highly motivated, disciplined soldiers. It's such an amazing feeling. For the first time, I feel that sense of camaraderie.