Is it possible for me to get jump school in the Oregon Guard?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 16:05:05 -0400

I’m a second generation soldier, and ever since I can remember I’ve always wanted to get my jump wings. I go to Fort Jackson tomorrow for BCT and was just wondering what the odds of me getting airborne school would be. I know air assault is a possibility, and I intend on going through that as well, but as a wise recruiter once told me: “jumpin’ outta helicopters is awesome, but jumpin’ outta planes is awesomer.”

Will I have to switch to active for this? I’d like to apply for the Q course, but I won’t be eligible to even apply for about a year and a half.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2020 4:18 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 16:18:11 -0400

Depends. Is your unit Airborne? Is there an Oregon NG unit that is Airborne that you could transfer to if your current unit is not? I don't think you're going to get Airborne school right now. You may have to wait until you get back from all of your training and ask your unit.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Sep 9 at 2020 5:19 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 17:19:38 -0400

If you are not in an airborne unit, odds are no. There are not a lot of airborne units in the Guard, and even then its hard.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Sep 9 at 2020 8:14 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 20:14:06 -0400

If there is an ABN unit with vacant slot- then yes- IF they are willing to pay for it. If not, then NO WAY JOSE.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2020 2:37 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 02:37:27 -0400

Your chances of attending airborne school are slim to none in Oregon. There are no airborne units in the Ore. ARNG and therefore, no slots for the school. The only instances I have seen it happen are for Soldiers/NCOs who win Best Warrior or get the school through ROTC (which is separate from the Ore. ARNG).
The Texas Army National Guard has an airborne unit; 1-143 IN.
The 19th SFG and 20th SFG are also both National Guard and airborne.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Sep 10 at 2020 10:25 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 22:25:42 -0400

If any opportunities appear - Volunteer - let the person that presents Airborne School deal with your situation. Like everywhere else, quotas and needs do exist.

Response by SPC Joshua Dawson made Sep 19 at 2020 12:18 PM

SPC Joshua Dawson — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 12:18:26 -0400

It really all comes down to your chain of command. I saw stranger things happen while I was enlisted and it really just comes down to how much you're willing to brown nose your chain of command.