How likely is it that I’ll be given the chance to volunteer for Airborne/Jump School during or after AIT?

2021-03-16T08:31:52-04:00

I’m a contracted 25N (shipping in June) in the New York ARNG. Joining the Army has been a huge goal of mine for a very long time but, because I’m currently in college full time, going AD wasn’t really an option for me. The benefits that the guard offers are great so it wasn’t a difficult choice to join, but it is a very different process to go airborne in the guard as opposed to AD. I’ve seen different opinions on this; some people say you’ll never get the chance to go to jump school, some people say you will get the chance in AIT, some just aren’t sure at all. I’d like to hear if anyone was in a similar position or if anyone got the chance to volunteer for schools during their training and could offer some advice. Thanks.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2021 11:50 AM

2021-03-16T11:50:20-04:00

They are one in the same so just say airborne.

The only way I saw it when I did OSUT at Benning was that the top couple people like honor grad and maxing or almost maxing all your PT tests will get offered a slot.
I was ARNG too, and this is where it gets tricky. Even if they offer you a slot for being top dog, your state of NY has to be willing to pay for you to attend. If they say no, you're SOL even if you earned the spot.

Unless you're guard SF or in a LRRS unit, you won't go to airborne sorry. Air assault is much more common in the guard. I got my AA wings in 2015, it's a really good school.

Only other way is to do ROTC. While you're a cadet, especially junior year, they send top cadets to Airborne and Air Assault school. Again you have to be up on your grades and fitness to get that

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2021 12:39 PM

2021-03-16T12:39:38-04:00

Not likely at all as there are no airborne slots in the NYARNG

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2021 2:13 PM

2021-03-16T14:13:30-04:00

For the Active Duty Soldiers, they will get a chance to volunteer for Airborne school. For the Reserves and National Guard Soldiers your unit has to pay to send you. RC Soldiers can only be placed on Active Duty Orders for a set amount of time. Your unit would have to justify keeping you on AD orders, fund the training, and qualify for an Airborne School slot. Outside of an SF NG uni, there are no Airborne units in NY.