For those who can answer, when did you make your first jump and from what aircraft?

2014-11-23T22:13:26-05:00

My first jump was from a Fairchild C-119 "Flying Boxcar" on 7APR70. The photo is of a C-119 at then Pope AFB prior to a jump on a Fort Bragg DZ on 16JUL70. Needless to say, this piece of junk is no longer in service! SSG Private RallyPoint Member SSG(P) Christopher Erickson CSM Private RallyPoint Member MSgt Private RallyPoint Member MSG Dan Castaneda LtCol Matthew Sutton LTC Omar Hamada SSG Mike Simpson SGT Michael Olsen SGT John Melvin PO3 Phyllis Maynard SGT Robert Pryor CPT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 10:26 PM

2014-11-23T22:26:05-05:00

June 2003 and from C-130. We unfortunately did not have any other aircraft available to us during Airborne school in our class.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2014 12:14 AM

2014-11-26T00:14:08-05:00

Sir, October 1994 in Jump School out of a C-130.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Nov 26 at 2014 2:05 PM

2014-11-26T14:05:49-05:00

C-130, Ft. Benning, GA 1984

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Nov 30 at 2014 6:52 PM

2014-11-30T18:52:38-05:00

There was a kid screaming on a 3 hour Southwest flight I was taking home on leave one day. As soon as that door opened I jumped for the jetway and ran for it. I think it was a 747. Not sure though.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2014 6:55 PM

2014-11-30T18:55:05-05:00

My first jump was from a C-130 (I think, might have been a C-123). Jump school, Fort Benning, November 1975.

Response by COL Terry Schooler made Nov 30 at 2014 8:00 PM

2014-11-30T20:00:25-05:00

May 2009 from a Golden Knights Twin Otter with a Golden Knight strapped to my back.

OK, maybe I was the one who was strapped to him, but that doesn't sound as cool.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 30 at 2014 9:08 PM

2014-11-30T21:08:35-05:00

1991 from the ramp of a C-130. The plane had just touched down and taxied to the hangar. That still counts, right? Just a little leg humor :-)

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2014 11:24 PM

2014-11-30T23:24:42-05:00

LTC Stephen C..

One little mechanical problem . . . one unscheduled descent . . . one small jump for mankind . . .

The many lives of Anatov AN-12B c/n 9346509, CCCP-12975, RA-12975, 3C-OOZ, UN-11007 . . .

Warmest Regards, Sandy

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Nov 30 at 2014 11:30 PM

2014-11-30T23:30:07-05:00

Military, UH-1H with a ruck sack on a rope, yes I jumped out of a helicopter, dope on a rope style; Civilian; paid for an ex-wife to jump from an aircraft for her birthday, she made me go first, California, Maryland, CESSNA, 13,000feet, tandem.

Response by SPC Danny Eldridge made Dec 1 at 2014 11:27 AM

2014-12-01T11:27:25-05:00

My first was from a C-130 in jump school, 12 Dec 91.

But first qualified jump after jump school was the most memorable: from an OV-10 Bronco at Ft Campbell, Feb 92. What the unit called a "fun jump"

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Dec 1 at 2014 1:21 PM

2014-12-01T13:21:04-05:00

My first jump was from a C-130 at Airborne School, Ft. Benning, GA in 1971.

Since that time, I have jumped out of C-130's, C-141's, Huey's, Blackhawks, Flying Crane (from a box it was carrying), and a variety of French aircraft, including from a hot air balloon, and a German aircraft.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2014 1:48 PM

2014-12-01T13:48:54-05:00

First jump was FEB 2005 out of a C-130 at Fort Benning.

Response by SGT Frank Kyzer made Dec 1 at 2014 2:13 PM

2014-12-01T14:13:27-05:00

Ft. Benning GA from a C130 in August of 1994

Response by SSG Daniel Deiler made Dec 1 at 2014 2:35 PM

2014-12-01T14:35:52-05:00

A Cessna 182. thank goodness it wasn't a military jump or it'd been a really tight fit ;)

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Dec 1 at 2014 4:39 PM

2014-12-01T16:39:19-05:00

Some form of a Cessna i did a jump just to say i did it. Will NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER do it again. It was fun thought wont deni that.

Response by SGT(P) Harry Clyde Jr. made Dec 1 at 2014 6:52 PM

2014-12-01T18:52:36-05:00

Late Oct 1990 out of the retired C141. Was nearly a towed jumper on that one. The safety caught the misrouted static line while at the hook up mark. Made the jump. The school tried blaming me but a short investigation proved otherwise.
Interesting thing is that 17 years and 60 + jumps later, I ended up working at the school retiring from the army 3 years later while in it. Last jump was walking out the door of a C130 sometime in 2009. (Note, due to budget constraints non blackhats were pulled from jumpstatus late 2009 but you could sneak one in every now and then. Also my father did his first 5 from the C119 around 67).

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2014 8:50 PM

2014-12-01T20:50:51-05:00

C-130 ABN School 28 JUL 1996 Fort Benning, GA.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Dec 1 at 2014 9:56 PM

2014-12-01T21:56:51-05:00

Dehavilland U-6 Beaver...... 1968 at Ft. Benning with the Ft. Benning Sport Parachute Club...... Land and Take Off all from Friar Field...... Pilots were in the Infantry Career Course keeping up with their flying hours.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 1 at 2014 10:39 PM

2014-12-01T22:39:13-05:00

1st Jump was in 1993 as a SSG.... from a C-130, then a few from a C-141... after that had jumps from other C-141, and a bunch of C-23 Sherpas, C-47 Skytrain, UH-1H, CH47, UH60

Some of the best jumps though were in Alaska, from a C-130 tailgate. My Anti tank platoon was one of the very few that got to jump tailgate chasing vehicles and pallets

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Dec 2 at 2014 8:07 PM

2014-12-02T20:07:02-05:00

C-130, Fort Benning Airborne School in June 2010

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 8:48 PM

2014-12-02T20:48:15-05:00

My first jump from an aircraft was last year in Afghanistan...from the top of a black hawk... when the IDF alarm went off..

Response by SPC David S. made Dec 3 at 2014 7:52 PM

2014-12-03T19:52:03-05:00

As my 19D MOS didn't get me Airborne I did it on the civilian side I think around 1990 from a skyvan - tandem.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2014 5:41 PM

2014-12-04T17:41:39-05:00

October 1973 from a C-130.

My favorite jump is the CH-47, because of the extra free fall and easier opening. But tailgating a C-130 was cool, since it's like walking out a garage door into the sky.

Response by MSG Gene Potocki made Dec 7 at 2014 11:38 AM

2014-12-07T11:38:48-05:00

Nov 1978, C-123 Fryer DZ

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Dec 8 at 2014 3:58 PM

2014-12-08T15:58:18-05:00

My first time in a 34 foot mock tower was at Tempelhof Air Base in the 60's as a kid. I was terrified but went anyway. My first jump was at Benning early in 1974 from a C-141, then a C-130. Also C-123s and Hueys. I volunteered for a final jump on both the C-119 and C-47 before they were retired, but both had mechanical malfunctions. A senior NCO suggested I not be too heartbroken about the C-119, but the C-47 was a shame. Both are now on display at the 82d Airborne Museum.
Anybody ever get hung up on a skid or bounce your elbow off the skin of a Huey? Or stories of other misadventures in the sky?

Response by SGT Andrew Connelly made Dec 8 at 2014 5:08 PM

2014-12-08T17:08:50-05:00

5feb1973 - C-141 Starlifter.

Throughout my time on jump status, I got to jump the C-123 Provider, C-7A Caribou, C-130 Hercules, UH-1D Huey, C-119 Flying Boxcar and the CH-47 Chinook. All fun stuff... :-)

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2014 7:02 PM

2014-12-08T19:02:47-05:00

My first jump in airborne school was March 1989 out of a C130. My first unit jump was June 1989 in Grafenwoehr, Germany out of a C130.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2014 5:19 AM

2014-12-09T05:19:42-05:00

C130 back in February 2012..now I'm sitting at 27 jumps and only a few more for my senior rated parachutist badge. Jumpmaster!

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Dec 9 at 2014 8:38 AM

2014-12-09T08:38:44-05:00

Day jump out of a C130 at Fort Benning, GA on or around July 2005

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Dec 10 at 2014 11:13 AM

2014-12-10T11:13:49-05:00

I'm a 5-Jump-Chump. First jump was out of a C-141 in 1988! Ya-borne, as our Black Hat used to scream.

Response by MAJ Dallas D. made Dec 10 at 2014 11:55 AM

2014-12-10T11:55:58-05:00

Ft. Benning, GA - Jump School 1990 - C-141

I then was assigned to 1/508th ABN in Panama and made lots of jumps!

Favorite CH-47 tailgate, great to walk out the back!

Response by MAJ Karl Monger made Dec 11 at 2014 12:37 PM

2014-12-11T12:37:50-05:00

As a Wichita State University ROTC cadet, out of a C-123 in August of 1981. I'd never been to any military training or school before, not basic or Advanced Camp. Showed up at Benning in my green pickle suit, hair over my ears.

As I walked into the Airborne area, a very short Captain - his shoulders looked as wide as he was tall - used a few choice words and ordered me to drop everything and get a haircut. Welcome to the US Army via Airborne School!

Response by SGM Paul Shenep (R) made Dec 11 at 2014 1:05 PM

2014-12-11T13:05:34-05:00

C 1-23 in 1982 at Jump School. The 200 foot tower was more nerve racking. I did jump the flying box-car in Melbourne France Jump School in 1983 while with the 509th ABCT. They issued us old US unserviced T-10s and we were pumped to jump as low as 500-600 feet. The jump masters wore orange helmets and we were packed in so tight in that small aircraft, you could not see the jump-master or door.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2015 1:26 AM

2015-01-19T01:26:46-05:00

My friends parents own a Cessna and convinced me he knew how to fly. So we go to take off and he can't get the plane off the ground and its about to smash into a fence so a bailed out on to the field and barrel rolled to safety. Luckily neither of us were hurt. The craft was extremely crumpled though.

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Jan 21 at 2015 1:02 PM

2015-01-21T13:02:02-05:00

Ahhh-I was scheduled to jump both the C-119 and the C-47 before they were being decommissioned and deposited at the 82nd Airborne Division Museum. Both missions were scratched. My squad leader told me I was not missing anything but not going on the 119, but it would have been fun.
My first jump was a C-140 in 1974 on Fryar Drop Zone. The next jump was a C-130 and my friend next to me wound up with a streamer, but executed a perfect PLF in the stream running through the DZ and lived, albeit with a lot of damage.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Jan 22 at 2015 7:49 AM

2015-01-22T07:49:27-05:00

C-130, August 1976, Roster #110

Response by SGT Al Norton made Jan 22 at 2015 1:33 PM

2015-01-22T13:33:34-05:00

Fort Benning, GA, jump school, Dec 1965. All 5 jumps were made from a C119, Frier drop zone, Alabama.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2015 9:40 PM

2015-01-22T21:40:56-05:00

I love all of the classic cargo planes! We had 100 C-130s at LRAFB, and I have heard of that aircraft. I also remember the old Guppy transports.

Response by SGT Edward Thomas made Jan 28 at 2015 11:27 PM

2015-01-28T23:27:22-05:00

My first jump or cherry jump was October 1996 at Ft Carson, CO and the DZ name escapes me. The aircraft was a UH-1H

Response by SSG Timothy McCoy made Feb 4 at 2015 6:54 PM

2015-02-04T18:54:44-05:00

1st Jump: German CH 53, Eisberg Casern, Nagold, W. Germany, Summer '85.
1st U.S. Jump: Jump School, C-130 Rt door night (eyes closed) T-10, Fryor DZ, Fort Benning. June 89
Cherry Blast: C-141 night Hollywood Mass Tac, Sicily DZ Fort Bragg, Aug 89.
Easiest Jump: CASA 212, T-10, Ste Mere Eglise, Ft Bragg, Summer 1999
Last Jump: C-17, Normandy DZ, Ft Bragg, Dec 1999.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2015 7:50 AM

2015-02-06T07:50:54-05:00

January 1997. Not nearly so long ago, but also from a now obsolete aircraft; the C-141. Just stick your leg out the door and the jet blast does the rest.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2015 9:35 AM

2015-02-06T09:35:35-05:00

I'm only a "Five Jump Chump" so all of mine were at Fort Benning in Airborne School.
My five jumps are somewhat a blur, however I was first out of both a C130 and C141 and was last out of a C141 in my chalk. The other two I was somewhere in the middle.
I can't even remember how many I did out of each aircraft: 3-2 or 2-3!

Perhaps I'll get the chance again someday...

Response by MAJ Ben Williams made Feb 11 at 2015 10:14 AM

2015-02-11T10:14:55-05:00

Hollywood day jump from a C-130 at Ft. Benning, October 2003.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 6:57 AM

2015-02-18T06:57:58-05:00

C-130 in 2005 at Ft Benning as a SSgt.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 5 at 2015 11:24 PM

2015-03-05T23:24:36-05:00

C130.... Sep 1985, then after Jump School... it was a UH1 blast (85)... my last jump was June 2006 from a C17.

Response by SPC Lukas Jones made Mar 6 at 2015 11:39 PM

2015-03-06T23:39:43-05:00

Does tripping and falling off the back of a chinook count?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2015 11:46 PM

2015-03-06T23:46:44-05:00

First jump was March 2004 from a C-130 Fort Benning.

Response by MSgt Bill Milligan made Mar 7 at 2015 4:07 AM

2015-03-07T04:07:33-05:00

July 1976 out of a Cessna 180 at Green County Sport Parachute Center

Response by SPC Brian Peters made Mar 7 at 2015 9:06 PM

2015-03-07T21:06:19-05:00

My first jump was in December 1993, C-130. I was a doorman and when the jump master said go, I looked down and saw nothing but trees. I looked at the jump master and said,"WHAT?!" he proceed to say,"get the f@*& out of airplane and started to kick me out. I dove out the door and avoided the boot. Very memorable jump...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2015 7:19 PM

2015-03-08T19:19:07-04:00

June 6, 2005 C-130

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 11:20 AM

2015-03-13T11:20:25-04:00

First jump was in 1966 Airborne School at Ft. Benning out the side of a C-130. I pulled the wrong slip and went about a mile from the DZ. When I was coming down, there was a foot bridge over a small creek. The best I could figure is that I was going to straddle that bridge railing. I pulled the hardest slip I ever pulled and landed in the creek. I was stuck in the mud and when they came to get me, I had to be pulled out and was given the rest of the week on KP. It never happened again.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Mar 13 at 2015 1:01 PM

2015-03-13T13:01:47-04:00

My first jump was from a UH-1H about a half-mile above Fort Campbell back in the Spring of 1979.

My pack hung up on the door rail so that I was crouched over with my right foot hanging in mid-air, my left foot firmly planted on the aircraft floor -- and my eyes focused on the helicopter skid a few feet below me, clearly centered between my boots. The jumpmaster dragged me back in, asked if I was still ready to go, so back out the door I went (crouching a lot lower).

I ran with the wind until treetop level, then started my turn into the wind so that I was still swinging through the turn when Terra Ultra Firma embraced me about a half-mile from the jump target and a couple hundred meters from the woodline.

If I remember correctly, I made 3 more jumps that weekend, hit the pea gravel on 2 of them, and did one almost-standing landing (I forced myself into a PLF because the jumpmaster had been, um, a little adamant about us *not* doing standing landings).

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Mar 13 at 2015 1:23 PM

2015-03-13T13:23:43-04:00

De Havilland UV-18B Twin Otter. First jump a solo free-fall from 15,000 ft. 1982, USAFA, Colorado. Scary as hell.

Response by LTC Gavin Heater made Mar 25 at 2015 10:02 PM

2015-03-25T22:02:24-04:00

My first jump was from a C-130 at Fort Benning, GA in May 1987. We still jumped from the T-10 parachutes then. The -1B's were new. Also jumped from a C-141 and got a nasty riser burn from not tucking enough. Good times.

Response by CPL Jesse Vasconcelos made Mar 25 at 2015 10:06 PM

2015-03-25T22:06:39-04:00

Truly wish I could answer but never had the honor of being one of the elite who have jumped.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Mar 26 at 2015 2:35 PM

2015-03-26T14:35:04-04:00

Same aircraft (different tail) ... 22, 23, 24 and 25 April '68

Adds real humor to the "perfectly good aircraft" comment

Airborne - All The Way!

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Mar 26 at 2015 6:22 PM

2015-03-26T18:22:20-04:00

C-130 "Hercules" (1976)

Response by MSG David Chappell made Mar 26 at 2015 9:57 PM

2015-03-26T21:57:59-04:00

AC-130 1983 fort Benning Georgia roster 441 LEFT DOOR HOAH

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 10:09 PM

2015-03-26T22:09:36-04:00

My first jump after completion of jump school was from a Chinook on 11SEP14 with the 1/75th.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Mar 27 at 2015 11:54 AM

2015-03-27T11:54:14-04:00

October 2013, A 1-507 PIR, Airborne School. Not sure if the aircraft was a C-130 or C-17, but I remember the parachute was a T-10D.
This and my other four jumps -- thus far -- were on a femoral neck stress fracture from Tower Week.

Response by SSgt Joe V. made Mar 27 at 2015 12:00 PM

2015-03-27T12:00:20-04:00

First jump - Octoberish 2002 I think...After Kuwait, before Iraq, I remember that...oh, and Pat Tillman was in my class.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 1:00 PM

2015-03-27T13:00:54-04:00

Sep 1996, C-130. I remember not being too freaked out, just watching and going along with everything from the pack shed to the flight. However, I do remember that when the chute opened, I looked up and said "thank you Lord". Now the next day was another story, now that I had done a jump successfully now I knew what could go wrong, lol, but thankfully it didn't.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 1:38 PM

2015-03-27T13:38:51-04:00

C141 piece of garbage. Got 186 static line. Don't want anyone of those. FreeFall.... I'll do that any day.

Response by SGT John Rauch made Mar 30 at 2015 11:29 PM

2015-03-30T23:29:21-04:00

C-130 in 2008. the majority of my jumps were night time C-17. did get to jump from a Chinook. that was my favorite

Response by Cpl Brett Wagner made Mar 30 at 2015 11:38 PM

2015-03-30T23:38:21-04:00

My first and most memorable jump was in 1980 in Greenville, NC at ECU. I was doing a little drinking with some British Royal Marines when they talked some young college ladies into inviting us up to their rooms. The Brits began pilfering Levi jeans an throwing them out the second floor window when campus security started up the stairs so we all jumped from the second story and ran the Brits carried the Levi's.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 11:42 PM

2015-03-30T23:42:31-04:00

24 Aug 87, C-130 Hercules at Fort Benning, GA

Response by SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA made Mar 31 at 2015 12:39 AM

2015-03-31T00:39:25-04:00

My first jump was out of a Chilean C-130 (996), in 1987.

Chilean Air Force Academy. A lifetime ago!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2015 8:00 PM

2015-04-03T20:00:18-04:00

Mine was in the Gulf-222, Italian aircraft with the Venezuelan Air Force. As I was a cadet at the time. 17Aug1986.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2015 8:01 PM

2015-04-03T20:01:32-04:00

In regard to Airborne school, my first jump was from a C-130 in August of 2008.

Once arriving at my unit, I strapped on a C-130 jump due to no availability of aircraft. Since then I have jumped from C-17, C-27, U-60, Casa-212, Sherpa, and C-141 a couple of times for foreign wings.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2015 8:26 AM

2015-04-04T08:26:58-04:00

C 130 at jump school in 1990

Response by SGT Rick Waegner made Apr 8 at 2015 4:30 PM

2015-04-08T16:30:43-04:00

August 1989, C-130, Ft. Benning, GA

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 4:37 AM

2015-04-09T04:37:31-04:00

uh-60 blackhawk was my cherry jump with my unit by far the best air craft to jump from

Response by SSG Timothy McCoy made Apr 22 at 2015 12:45 PM

2015-04-22T12:45:40-04:00

July of 1990 C-130, T10C, Fryer DZ, Fort Benning, Ga. 14:30 TOT "Night Jump".

Response by SFC Cameron Sewell made Apr 22 at 2015 1:24 PM

2015-04-22T13:24:04-04:00

C130 in early 2003 last jump some where in Italy 2014

Response by SGT Michael Touchet made Apr 22 at 2015 10:41 PM

2015-04-22T22:41:25-04:00

My 1st jump was from a C-141 on Fryer Drop Zone Dec 1989.

Response by PO2 Andrew Engler made Apr 23 at 2015 3:45 AM

2015-04-23T03:45:46-04:00

2004..Super Otter from 14k

Response by SPC Herman Lamb made May 16 at 2015 7:53 PM

2015-05-16T19:53:23-04:00

September 1999 out of a C130 at jump school.

Response by LTC Tony Temsupasiri made May 20 at 2015 9:55 AM

2015-05-20T09:55:06-04:00

May 1984, Airborne School at Fort Benning, GA, C-130.

Response by SSG(P) Matthew Bisbee made May 27 at 2015 8:06 PM

2015-05-27T20:06:12-04:00

My first jump was June 30, 1986 out of a C-130 at Ft. Benning. I graduated on the 4th of July, 1986. I went on to jump a total of 15 times out of mostly C-130's and a few C-141's. I was in the 1/17th Air Cav, 82nd ABN with many helicopters around, but I never managed to get a helo jump. Go figure.

Response by SFC Maury Gonzalez made May 27 at 2015 8:24 PM

2015-05-27T20:24:34-04:00

Cessna 182, greenfield ok, 6 months before ft benning

Response by SrA Daniel Hunter made May 28 at 2015 8:44 PM

2015-05-28T20:44:54-04:00

All the aircraft I have been on have functioned as designed. No need to jump :)

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 9:37 PM

2015-05-28T21:37:36-04:00

March 1987, Fryar DZ, C-130, T-10B big and round!

Response by SGT Richard H. made May 28 at 2015 9:51 PM

2015-05-28T21:51:27-04:00

My very first jump was from my Uncle's Piper Cherokee...overall it was pretty uneventful, since we were on the tarmac at the time.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made May 30 at 2015 7:05 PM

2015-05-30T19:05:20-04:00

June 1991, C-141 Star Lifter! I called my Dad and said "4 more to go!"

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made May 30 at 2015 7:08 PM

2015-05-30T19:08:10-04:00

C-141 for 4/5 at Airborne School June 1991! I was C540

Response by MSG William Weatherell made Jun 3 at 2015 1:50 PM

2015-06-03T13:50:58-04:00

C 130 Aug 1971 Ft Benning

Response by SGT Paul S. made Jun 3 at 2015 4:17 PM

2015-06-03T16:17:40-04:00

March 1985 out of a Dirty Herc, C130

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 9:45 AM

2015-06-24T09:45:33-04:00

C-130 left door at ABN School. Stumbled out head first, hit the door, hit the side of the aircraft, bounced off, came out with more twists than a shopping bag, then had to execute a Rear PLF, which, of course, I messed up and landed straight on my spine and tail. At least Fryar DZ was soft.

My cherry jump was out of a UH-60. Never had a pucker factor that high in my life. Staring down at your legs hanging off the side at 1500 feet was surreal.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jul 9 at 2015 9:28 PM

2015-07-09T21:28:08-04:00

LTC Stephen C.. My first jump was from a C-130 in August 1979. I was surprised how peaceful it was after having to jump up to go down and going sideways until the chute opened. It was peaceful looking at the Chattahoochee River with George on one side and Alabama on the other.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 5:13 PM

2015-07-10T17:13:16-04:00

My first jump was 11 May 1966. I jumped from a C-130.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 5:40 PM

2015-07-10T17:40:00-04:00

I have never jumped from a plane. Anyone at Ramstein want to push me out of one?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 6:42 PM

2015-07-10T18:42:31-04:00

Dad jumped this aircraft... he said they tried to hit the tail with a broom handle when exiting

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jul 10 at 2015 9:10 PM

2015-07-10T21:10:56-04:00

All the planes and helicopters I flew in seemed to fly alright. Never had an urge to leave them so long as they were capable of staying in the air and making a safe landing...

A safe landing is any one you can walk away from! : )

Response by SSG Nick Tramontano made Jul 11 at 2015 11:02 PM

2015-07-11T23:02:12-04:00

Jump school--First Jump (and I had door position) was July/Aug 1980 -C-123 // Over the next 4 years I'd jump the C-130 / C-141 / C-7A / UH-1H / CH-47

Response by SSG Nick Tramontano made Jul 11 at 2015 11:06 PM

2015-07-11T23:06:43-04:00

First jump at Jump School, Ft. Benning - July/Aug 1980 C-123 (had door position) Over time I would jump the C-130 / C-141 /C-7A / UH-1H /CH-47

Response by SGT Mathew Golding made Jul 11 at 2015 11:28 PM

2015-07-11T23:28:35-04:00

My first jump was from a C 130. Week of July 4, 1989, don't remember the name of the DZ in Alabama that Airborne School used,

Response by SSG John Jensen made Jul 12 at 2015 6:16 PM

2015-07-12T18:16:14-04:00

after the 3rd jump, I told them that if they didn't give me a chute, I was going to quit.

but really C-123 1981, April 1st 1981, we were supposed to make 2 jumps that day, but Mother Nature said 'April Fools' it rained, and rained, and rained, we got so much sleep that day, and when we finally jumped, we all qualified as marines, we all made water landings, the DZ was a sea of mud, what a mess we all were. The next day was even better, jump 5 my 80 lb. test was somehow routed wrong and I got the biggest opening shock of my life, and when I slammed into the side of the C-141, the 80 lb. test broke and I bumped my way all the way down the side of the plane. At graduation, my helmet was scraped up and my uniform torn and I wasn't sure where I was.

Favorite jump: Huey, "SIT in the door"!
Later, one of my NCO's was PCSing to Germany, and was going to do his last Jumpmaster before the move, and had always wanted to KICK somebody out the door, and the Plt said 'Put Jensen in the door 'He won't care' ' , so I got my one door jump, he got to do a kick (I didn't feel a thing), everybody had a good time.

Response by CW4 Mark Brubeck made Jul 15 at 2015 10:08 PM

2015-07-15T22:08:55-04:00

First real jump CH 47 on Sicily Drop Zone. after Airborne school. My first school jump was a c141 I was so interested in the view I forgot I had to land.

Response by SPC George Rudenko made Jul 15 at 2015 10:12 PM

2015-07-15T22:12:56-04:00

My one and only military John ( I was in Intel but played with Rangers LRSD) and did ONE jump from a huey, civilianish parachute. When I landed, my ankles were in my ears, and I said never again. I'll rappel thank you.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 7:59 PM

2015-07-22T19:59:11-04:00

C-130 at Jump School, first jump with my unit was in a UH-60 with 1-509th

Response by SSG Eric Thompson made Jul 23 at 2015 1:28 PM

2015-07-23T13:28:15-04:00

April 1984, C141, jump school.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2015 7:07 AM

2015-08-07T07:07:59-04:00

3 DEC 2001. Fryar DZ Fort Benning. T10/C130.

Response by LTC Peter Hartman made Aug 7 at 2015 7:18 AM

2015-08-07T07:18:22-04:00

C-130
Dec 1987

Response by SSG Reuben Randolph made Aug 9 at 2015 9:14 PM

2015-08-09T21:14:33-04:00

2003 C141

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Sep 6 at 2015 4:14 PM

2015-09-06T16:14:31-04:00

May 1997 C141

Response by LTC Lewis Cox made Sep 11 at 2015 6:00 PM

2015-09-11T18:00:34-04:00

In Marcch of 1956 a couple of our older instructors were from the Original Platoon! We jumped from the 119 and we're happy to exit! Watching those twin booms bounce around was unnerving!. We were a test class and got EIGHT JUMPS! They added a week of Airforce Loadmasters training. My son later wore my Jump Badge!

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Sep 11 at 2015 7:18 PM

2015-09-11T19:18:57-04:00

Ft. Benning, GA from a C-130 in August of 1979.

Response by PO1 Todd Cousins made Oct 20 at 2015 10:55 AM

2015-10-20T10:55:42-04:00

More power to all of you!! Never could make myself want to jump from a perfectly good aircraft.

Response by SFC Thomas Van Valkenburg made Oct 20 at 2015 8:38 PM

2015-10-20T20:38:25-04:00

C-123 Feb 1979

Response by SSG Robert Suttle made Oct 20 at 2015 11:45 PM

2015-10-20T23:45:15-04:00

1982 c123

Response by SGT Lou Meza made Oct 21 at 2015 12:04 AM

2015-10-21T00:04:46-04:00

My first jump was from a C119 in May of 1966 .

Response by SFC Brian Ewing made Oct 21 at 2015 12:01 PM

2015-10-21T12:01:19-04:00

lol, I'm chairborne but I did make one jump: When the C130 opened it's ramp doors on the tarmac I jumped off it onto the ground, believe it or not I wasn't even scared as I did a perfect CLF (Concrete Landing Fall) onto the ground, lol.

J/K, much respect to my Airborne brothers and sisters in arms.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Oct 21 at 2015 1:39 PM

2015-10-21T13:39:43-04:00

DeHavilland Beaver AKA U6A.....

Response by LTC Omar Hamada made Jan 18 at 2016 10:20 PM

2016-01-18T22:20:24-05:00

C141 - In ABN School. LOVED it!

Response by CPT Gary Jugenheimer made Jan 25 at 2016 4:16 PM

2016-01-25T16:16:11-05:00

1968 C-119 Flying Boxcar.....

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 3:24 PM

2016-02-19T15:24:46-05:00

Feb 1999 from a C-141

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Feb 19 at 2016 3:28 PM

2016-02-19T15:28:20-05:00

01 April 1992, Roster # 508, C-141. After that... Many more jumps from many other platforms; both Static Line and Military Freefall (HALO).

Response by LTC Christopher Carpentier made Feb 19 at 2016 4:55 PM

2016-02-19T16:55:03-05:00

May 1997 at Jump School out of a C-141 before they took them out of the inventory. I remember thinking the 141 was smoother than the C-130 after my next jump.

Response by GySgt John O'Donnell made Mar 6 at 2016 9:30 PM

2016-03-06T21:30:17-05:00

My first jump was in "jump school" in April 1996 on the standard airframes (C-130, C-141). My most unique jump was from a Navy C-2 COD, because of the quad-rudder on the aircraft tail which makes the slip-stream quite violent for static-line exits which flips you through you risers during the opening shock.

Response by SPC Greg Andle made Mar 16 at 2016 7:56 AM

2016-03-16T07:56:12-04:00

Nov 1990 C130

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 9:33 PM

2016-03-29T21:33:46-04:00

My first jump was in January of 09 out of a C-130 over Fryer DZ in Ft. Benning, GA. My first unit jump was March of 09 with 3rd Ranger BN out of a C-130 combat equipment over Fryer DZ. It was a good first "New Boots" jump...RLTW

Response by SSG Mike Simpson made Jul 6 at 2016 7:09 PM

2016-07-06T19:09:10-04:00

In 1973, we had C-123's for our Jumpmaster school with the 10th Special Forces up at Ft Devens, MA. Great airplane to JM from as you had handles beside the troop door for you to hold on while looking for the DZ. When I first got to Devens, they had a 4 second DZ. When I left 3 years later, it was up to 7 seconds. Too many jumpers into the trees eventually enlarged the drop zone.

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Jul 7 at 2016 1:05 PM

2016-07-07T13:05:34-04:00

C-141 - either February or March of 1974. We waited for the winds to die down, then the port door, where I was 3rd to go, jammed, so we had to shuffle all the way around to jump out of the starboard door. I jumped out and had one elbow sticking out, so I pushed to one side, then I corrected - it seemed like it was a heck of a ride - the chute popped and my feet went from on horizon to the other - by then the big jet had receded, and because it was close to dusk and only one door working I had the sky to myself and a beautiful end of day vista. The next day was a C-130 and my buddy next to me had a cigarette roll - TAC NCO's were hollering to open reserves, so everybody started to grab their reserve to pull. My buddy landed in the only stream on Friar and survived - lots of broken bones, but lived to tell the tale.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2016 4:54 PM

2016-07-12T16:54:10-04:00

July 2010 at fort benning! Some guy's suspensions pulled my reserve open as I jumped out n he flew by. Yup I fell pretty hard!

Response by SSG Mike Simpson made Jul 14 at 2016 1:08 PM

2016-07-14T13:08:11-04:00

Mine also was from a Texas Air Guard C-119 Flying Boxcar. I remember that the troop doors opened inward hinged on the aft side of the door so the doors came together on the centerline of the aircraft and made a wedge. The jumpmaster (1) stood at the point of the door wedge and tapped us out the door one at a time out each door. We were told that 2 jumpers could not exit at the same time due to how close the doors were to each other. Leave it to me to hesitate for just a moment before my first exit. The jumpmaster saw me move to he tapped the guy in the other door. We went out together and met helmet to helmet behind the aircraft. Talk about getting your bell rung!

Response by SSG Timothy McCoy made Jul 16 at 2016 11:20 PM

2016-07-16T23:20:42-04:00

June 1990, C-130 1400 TOT Night Jump eyes CLOSED. First of many Mass Tac was in July 1990 1-504th PIR, 82nd ABN Div. Red Devils Strike Hold!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2016 11:05 PM

2016-07-30T23:05:25-04:00

First jump in an airborne unit was a UH-60. It was great to push yourself off the deck of the bird. I got 4 of those in one day once!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2016 12:20 AM

2016-07-31T00:20:43-04:00

my first jump was from a Cessna 172. My dad was a paratrooper and I wanted to experience it. First military jump was a C-141.

Response by LTC Lewis Cox made Aug 4 at 2016 5:46 PM

2016-08-04T17:46:09-04:00

First jump was from a C-119 at Fort Benning in March of 1056. I was a "stand in the door" guys due to last name. Blew a Panal on my T-10 on second jump! We made EIGHT JUMPS as an Airborne School test, also added a week of AF Loadmasters school. Dropped a load of Fieldgrade officers in the trees!

Response by CW2 Louis Melendez made Aug 4 at 2016 6:40 PM

2016-08-04T18:40:16-04:00

My First jump was in Fort Benning, GA
July 2010, T-10D from a C-130
Airborne!!!

Response by MSG Guy Smith made Aug 4 at 2016 8:48 PM

2016-08-04T20:48:49-04:00

Aug79 from a C-123. Ft. Benning, plane was overloaded, pilot activated the JATO bottles to late, had to abort take off, taxi back, sit on plane, sweltering heat, wait as the ground crew loaded new bottles on, took off, watched the wings seem to bend upward until I was sure they were going to break. Never so happy to exit a plane in flight as I was that day, and it was my first jump.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2016 10:13 PM

2016-08-04T22:13:51-04:00

My first jump was in July of 2014 from a Gd Caravan SUPERVAN 900 at Pacific Skydive in Oahu. Did a tandem that changed my life. Now I am UPSA Licensed with close to 100 jumps under my belt. Skydiving: More expensive than blow, more addictive than crack, more entraining than porn, and much safer than driving. (Actual Shirt)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2016 11:09 PM

2016-08-04T23:09:55-04:00

Jan '77 at Ft. Benning, GA. C130 I think.

Response by 1SG Charles Hunter made Aug 4 at 2016 11:16 PM

2016-08-04T23:16:12-04:00

Spring of 1969, from a UH1, about 5 feet above a rice paddy in Vietnam. Please, set the thing down!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Aug 5 at 2016 12:53 AM

2016-08-05T00:53:55-04:00

LTC Stephen C. That "first jump" separates many Soldiers from your era, Colonel.

Response by LTC Leonard M. Manning, Sr made Aug 29 at 2016 12:29 AM

2016-08-29T00:29:27-04:00

May 1974 in the Republic of Panama. Jumped into the drop zone at Fort Sherman, CZ.

Response by SPC Dana P. made Nov 18 at 2016 5:56 PM

2016-11-18T17:56:11-05:00

1986, C-130

Response by SGT Drew Clark made Jan 26 at 2017 12:53 PM

2017-01-26T12:53:47-05:00

My first time ever flying in an airplane was a C-141 in Jump School. So ,my first Jump, was my first time flying in my entire life. My Blood Type is A+, for AIRBORNE, HOOAH!

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Jan 28 at 2017 6:55 PM

2017-01-28T18:55:29-05:00

My first jump was in 1977 out of a C141. I was last man in the last stick and got to watch the look on everybody's face in my stick as they walked out the door. That scared me as much as anything watching sheer terror on those guys faces. I think I shouted oh shit as I felt the fall and then a quick tug. I liked C130s better you drifted out not really falling. Back at Lejeune I didn't like rear ending on C47s, it was like falling off the Empire State Building.

Response by SPC Todd Alexander made Jan 28 at 2017 7:20 PM

2017-01-28T19:20:10-05:00

C-130, jump school 1984

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Feb 10 at 2017 1:16 PM

2017-02-10T13:16:15-05:00

You guys jump from perfectly good aircrafts? You guys must be nuts.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Feb 10 at 2017 1:54 PM

2017-02-10T13:54:09-05:00

Fortunately after 2500+ flight hours, never! Why jump out of a perfectly good airplane?

Response by SSG Derrick Antrom made Feb 23 at 2017 4:13 PM

2017-02-23T16:13:48-05:00

I hope you mean 1st blast out of jump School: It was a UH-1H in RIP 1982 and I thought I was going to hit my azz on the skids.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2017 1:09 PM

2017-05-14T13:09:20-04:00

May 8th 2017, Fort Benning GA, Airborne School from a c-17

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2017 10:53 AM

2017-05-29T10:53:39-04:00

January 2005, C-130

Response by SPC John Parmenter made May 29 at 2017 4:09 PM

2017-05-29T16:09:30-04:00

L-20 "Beaver" - Ft. Riley, 1963.

Response by PVT Raymond Lopez made May 30 at 2017 6:36 PM

2017-05-30T18:36:41-04:00

I made my original five training jumps from a C-119 and many years later I was to make a combat jump with a group of smart mouthed young hoodlums. One of them had the nerve to ask what aircraft I had originally jumped from and I said a C-119. He had the effrontery to say “Hey Pop what was it like to jump from a pterodactyls?” I told them to them very elegantly to go commit unspeakable and physically impossible acts on themselves.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made May 30 at 2017 8:13 PM

2017-05-30T20:13:55-04:00

C-124 from the time I got in I wanted to abandon ship

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2017 8:50 PM

2017-06-01T20:50:19-04:00

1/77 Jump School Ft. Benning, GA -- C130.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2017 1:35 PM

2017-06-10T13:35:49-04:00

Actually, I was pushed! My first jump at Ft. Benning in 1977was out of a C130. The JM/Blackhat was a God awful big black E-7 from Alabama. When he yelled "GO" a freight train hit me in the back and I was out. I don't think I even got to touch the edge of the door. I'm sure I didn't or it would've come with me.

Response by MSgt Chuck Jones made Jun 15 at 2017 2:41 PM

2017-06-15T14:41:42-04:00

JUMP? From a perfectly good airplane?

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jun 15 at 2017 5:17 PM

2017-06-15T17:17:34-04:00

I jumped from a C-130 at US Army Airborne School in August 1979 LTC Stephen C.. That was my first experience leaping out of a perfectly good airplane.

Response by SGT Eric Knutson made Jun 15 at 2017 5:52 PM

2017-06-15T17:52:27-04:00

C-130 Rolling down the Strip and FTBGA 12 / 90

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Jun 15 at 2017 10:01 PM

2017-06-15T22:01:00-04:00

1972 C-141

Response by Lt Col Kurtis Sutley made Jun 22 at 2017 1:39 PM

2017-06-22T13:39:58-04:00

June, 1972 at Ft. Benning. C-130 and it was the last time I ever had a perfect body position out the door. HOLY CRAP!!!!

Response by Maj Rob Drury made Jun 22 at 2017 3:25 PM

2017-06-22T15:25:08-04:00

1982, Cessna 182.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Jun 29 at 2017 12:38 PM

2017-06-29T12:38:12-04:00

What a coincidence, April 01, 1992; C-141!

Response by SGT Mark Halmrast made Jul 6 at 2017 6:33 PM

2017-07-06T18:33:19-04:00

Jun84 from C141, Benning.
We had spent Sunday at hotel pool in June w/no sunscreen. Fried our backs.
Felt so good to pop release on the ground!
Airborne!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2017 6:40 PM

2017-07-06T18:40:28-04:00

I went to airborne school late in my military career despite wanting to go when I was a young infantry Soldier. I wasn't able to get a slot to go until I joined a Special Operations unit and even then I had to wait over a year. So... My first jump was out of a C-130 over Ft. Benning in May 2015. The ground never felt so good. :) ... AIRBORNE!

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2017 8:45 PM

2017-10-19T20:45:20-04:00

C-130 plane t-11 chute 22May17

Response by SGT Mark Halmrast made Oct 19 at 2017 9:49 PM

2017-10-19T21:49:33-04:00

C-141
June '84 Benning.

Sunburned from spending Sunday at hotel pool with no sunscreen. Not smart.

Jumped other birds into all kinds of terrain...but that was first.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Oct 19 at 2017 10:35 PM

2017-10-19T22:35:43-04:00

3/74- C123

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2018 6:14 AM

2018-03-02T06:14:38-05:00

C-119, Jump Master called the plane, "Shake Rattle and Roll" June 1972. And Yes, it Rattled, and a lot of noise from the piston engines.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 2 at 2018 12:19 PM

2018-03-02T12:19:24-05:00

C-119, 74

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made Mar 2 at 2018 5:57 PM

2018-03-02T17:57:53-05:00

My first jump was Dec 88 I guess Fryer DZ Ft Benning GA

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Mar 2 at 2018 5:59 PM

2018-03-02T17:59:03-05:00

1979, C123, T-10 parachute.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2018 6:06 PM

2018-03-02T18:06:28-05:00

Log book from class book, first 4 in C-119, and last jump was in a C-134.

Response by SSG Will Phillips made Mar 2 at 2018 6:20 PM

2018-03-02T18:20:10-05:00

First jump C-141 Ft. Benning 1977. During my time of service, I have had the honor of jumping out of the following perfectly good aircraft:
C-141
C-130
C-123
CH-47
UH1H - Huey
UH60 - Blackhawk

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Mar 2 at 2018 7:52 PM

2018-03-02T19:52:50-05:00

1972 @ Fryar DZ from a C-141

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Mar 2 at 2018 8:03 PM

2018-03-02T20:03:12-05:00

My first jump was 29 May 1973 from a C-130. I took it with ease. The second jump was otherwise, as the man in front of me, a captain and chaplain, left his static line dangling for my arm to glide right through. Fortunately, the jumpmaster and I were quick to extricate my arm before it was extricated from my body beyond the door. The rest of the events are in the "rest of the story."

I jumped C-130s, C-141, UH-1 Hueys (my favorite), and C7A Caribous. Only with the Hueys on "Hollywood Jumps" was I able to jump from 1,500 feet static line.

The C7A (my next favorite) was my last jump out of 11 in that little bird.

p.s. Is the door staub on a Huey the eighth position? I sat astride that many times and not once sang soprano on the way down.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Mar 2 at 2018 8:04 PM

2018-03-02T20:04:40-05:00

I got on one of those in Korea when I was wet behind the ears. Gave us a clutch and all us young guys just looked at one another.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 2 at 2018 11:06 PM

2018-03-02T23:06:40-05:00

It was back in 64... The turbulence was just too much and she stalled. I knew she was going to go into a fatal spin...

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2018 4:01 PM

2018-08-27T16:01:11-04:00

20 AUG 2018 from C -130
Fort Benning, GA

Response by CPT Paul Keats made Feb 4 at 2019 11:17 PM

2019-02-04T23:17:29-05:00

My first Jump was from a C141 Starlifter in November, 1969. Next four from a C119 Flying Boxcar. Five more jumps after that were from UH1 Hueys and C47 Chinooks. Not much jumping in the Armored Cavalry.

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Aug 1 at 2019 4:41 PM

2019-08-01T16:41:10-04:00

First jump was in 1964. Hard to recall what type of plane it was as I had my eyes tight shut during the whole thing.

Response by PVT Ken Vernon made Aug 1 at 2019 9:38 PM

2019-08-01T21:38:43-04:00

Only. Way to go

Response by SGT John Melvin made Nov 7 at 2019 5:47 PM

2019-11-07T17:47:43-05:00

Will have to dig some for the exact date of my first jump but sometime in the spring of '68.

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made Jun 7 at 2020 2:54 PM

2020-06-07T14:54:42-04:00

There you go, LTC Stephen C. ], you made me get off my lazy butt and go look. It was February 5, 1968. Like you, it was from a C-119 flying boxcar. It was my very first ever ride in an airplane -- period. I hardly slept the night before, wondering if I would have the guts to jump. Fortunately, once on the aircraft, and still on the tarmac, the engine caught on fire. There was burning fuel leaking out of that engine and pooling on the concrete. They had us un-ass the plane, then revved up the engines to blow out the fire. Once extinguished, they had us get back on and off we went from Lawson Army Airfield at Ft. Benning to jump on Fryar Drop Zone, Al. Courage to jump? I couldn't get out of that plane fast enough. I trusted my equipment and my training, but not that aircraft. Jump from a perfectly good aircraft? I never did. I always jumped out of that Air Force crap. Oh, and I learned years later the engine probably just flooded and the way they handled it was SOP -- but I sure didn't know it at the time.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jun 7 at 2020 5:00 PM

2020-06-07T17:00:41-04:00

Well, Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen, I don’t know what else to do after all those upvotes but make you an honorary airborne trooper! Airborne All The Way, and thanks!
Here are your jump wings. They are Sterling silver, WWII vintage wings. Nothing but the best for you!

Response by CPT Joel Mayne made Jun 8 at 2020 8:58 PM

2020-06-08T20:58:38-04:00

I had been enlisted for eight years in the infantry. I got a degree and was commissioned a 2nd LT thru the ROTC program. When I got to Ft Benning I was assigned as a tactical officer in the OCS program. My battalion commander wanted me to go Ranger and Airborne but I did not want that in my 201 file as I wanted a straight infantry assignment when I got to Vietnam. I learned that at the repo depot in Nam there was a good chance with an Airborne qualifier I could be assigned to an Airborne unit desired by me or not. I had Infantry orders to the 4th ID in the Central Highlands and did not want that assignment cancelled. My battalion commander did not see it that way and inferred I did not have the cajones to jump from a plane . That really pissed me off and I asked him if I got 5 jumps would he take that back and it not go in my file. He said OK. I went over to the Airborne school with a 5th of Jack and two cased of beer and found a SSgt who said he would train me after hours and get me five jumps. I learned how to do PLF's in the mess hall off of tables stacked two high on Monday night, on Tuesday we went over emergency procedures and gearing up. On Wed I learned how to pack my main chute and I made two jumps on Saturday with that same chute. By Wed of the next week I had 5 jumps out of a U-6. In my 5 jumps I had one landing in the water on a bad spot, one tree landing, two normal landings and on my 5th jump had a total malfunction of my main and had to deploy my reserve. My SSgt instructor was a former Golden Knight and taught me well. I laid his sign off on the battalion commanders desk and heard no more about Ranger school or being afraid to jump out of an airplane. Both of the men that trained me were later killed in the war and that greatly saddened me as I much enjoyed my three day Airborne night school course.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2020 10:46 PM

2020-07-04T22:46:08-04:00

First jump was a cesna my friends were professional skydivers and got me drunk conned me into going up to watch them jump had me wear a parachute unbeknown to me they static lined me and made a deal with the pilot to dump me out the door after they had jumped I was stone cold sober when I hit the ground! After that a C119, a DC3, C130 in Jump school last jump was from the back of a KC135 at 30,000 feet in 1983 numerous aircraft inbetueen both US and German, C141, Huey Helicopter, CH47 Helicoopter

Response by SPC Aj Yokley made Jul 19 at 2020 8:46 PM

2020-07-19T20:46:20-04:00

First jump was out of a C 130. I have also jumped out of C141, CH47, C17, and a Cessna Caravan.

Response by SFC Jim Adams made Jul 20 at 2020 2:51 PM

2020-07-20T14:51:08-04:00

My first jump was also the c119. Since then so many more different types 149 jumps Rangers lead the way.Sfc james Adam's retired

Response by SMSgt Billy Cesarano made Jul 20 at 2020 8:56 PM

2020-07-20T20:56:12-04:00

Huey. No chute, and sometimes with a rappel rope.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Jul 21 at 2020 10:29 AM

2020-07-21T10:29:27-04:00

My five jumps were from a C-130 airplane in July 2001 as an ROTC cadet

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2020 2:46 PM

2020-07-21T14:46:09-04:00

October 2011. C-130. Fort benning.

Response by CPT Andrew Wright made Jul 22 at 2020 6:26 AM

2020-07-22T06:26:21-04:00

C-130 at Lawson Army Airfield just like 90% of the soldiers in the Army. Jumped from C-141s often enough at Fort Bragg. Knew a few paratroopers who claimed they had jumped from C-123s. Any of those still around? (Old paratroopers not the old planes.)

Response by 1SG Dean Mcbride (MPER) (CPHR) made Aug 12 at 2024 5:21 PM

2024-08-12T17:21:37-04:00

C-130 in Jump School for first jump. We also had the opportunity to jump from a C-141 in jump School. Different exit strategy! After jump school, I made jumps from a variety of aircraft! If you are interested in First Jumps. Google MSG Melvin Hill - he participated in the first Combat Halo Jump in US military history!

Response by SFC Jo Ann Klawitter made Aug 12 at 2024 11:15 PM

2024-08-12T23:15:57-04:00

My first jump was my last because I just wanted to see what it is all about

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2024 9:24 AM

2024-08-13T09:24:21-04:00

My first static jump was 13 JAN 2024 out of a Cessna 208 Caravan with an SF10 chute. Qualified as a 5-jump chump the next day.

Response by MAJ Louis Giamo made Sep 3 at 2024 2:20 PM

2024-09-03T14:20:52-04:00

May 27, 1979, C-123.

Response by SSG Gordon Holmes made Sep 4 at 2024 1:08 PM

2024-09-04T13:08:39-04:00

2/26/1979 Fryar Field, C-130 at 1250 feet.

Response by SFC James Wood made Oct 22 at 2024 9:50 AM

2024-10-22T09:50:32-04:00

Feb. 1967 at Ft. Benning Ga. C-119

Response by SPC Henry Francis made Oct 31 at 2024 9:19 PM

2024-10-31T21:19:25-04:00

I jumped out of the first multi-engine aircraft I ever was in. It was a C130 at Ft Benning in 1972