What is Air Assault School like? Any tips?

2015-10-26T01:49:27-04:00

Hello everyone, I've recently been looking into Air Assault, I've read a few articles on google but they're pretty brief, was wondering if any vet has personal information, tips, pros & cons, and maybe a walk through of what you went through, struggles you had and what not.
I hit my 1 year mark in December, and I'm in Korea for another 10 months, so I have plenty of time to weigh the options.
I'm 20 years old
A bigger build (73 inches, 185lbs)
Appreciate any feedback.

Response by SSG Malcolm "Chris" Canada made Oct 26 at 2015 1:55 AM

2015-10-26T01:55:47-04:00

It's not that physically challenging of a school, that is compared to some, but if you're good with running (literally everywhere you go), good on your 12 mile road March, and good with memorizing information you'll be fine. Just stay motivated, drink water, and pay attention. It's fun school in my opinion. Good luck brother!

Response by CW4 Juan Morales made Oct 26 at 2015 2:48 AM

2015-10-26T02:48:07-04:00

Learn rope climbing techniques, right now. I went to Air Assault at 41 years old, and the hardest part was getting ready for the obstacle course. If your unit is at Fort Campbell getting practice time at the obstacle course is essential. Once you're good with the obstacle course, you're pretty much in the course. For your layout inspection, lay it out at home and practice putting everything in place, you'll do that for time. Lay it all out in the poncho like you will at the school, then with everything in place as best you can, fold the poncho in thirds and stick the whole burrito into your ruck. When you pull it out and lay it out, at least everything will be close to where it needs to be. Besides that, just hang in there, don't take the instructors personally, and pay attention. Inspecting sling loads is not that big a deal as long as you take your time and pay attention to detail. For rappels just focus on the things you can control. Your swiss seat, if you're not doing it for time, then tie the best seat you can tie. You'll tie a new one in between rappels anyway. For the 12 mile ruck at the end, find a group of people who will keep you entertained while keeping a good pace.
That's it. Enjoy Air Assault School!

Response by SFC Ron Chelsy made Oct 26 at 2015 2:54 AM

2015-10-26T02:54:12-04:00

When I went through it we had to do our "5 and dimes" five pull ups 10 push up every time we arrived or left the school, or was no harder than what you go through at the unit. There was a 3, 6, and 12 mile road march, stay in front of the pace man and you will be fine. And make sure you can climb a rope, it was required. Classes were not hard just pay attention stay a wake like SSG Cana said and you will do fine. Good luck

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2015 7:21 AM

2015-10-26T07:21:38-04:00

Make sure you can climb a rope, maneuver through and obstacle course, and ruck 12 miles in under three hours. Those are the things you can train for that people fail the most. Air Assault School has some things you need to memorize but they'll teach you and give you plenty of time to practice. If you do go, make sure it is your only duty for those 11 days. I've seen people fail because they tried to do their regular job after hours and didn't study enough. It's really not that hard of a school, there's some gut checks and some memorization but all in all there is no reason everyone who goes shouldn't pass the first time through.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2015 8:43 AM

2015-10-26T08:43:35-04:00

Lear how to PROPERLY climb the rope and hold your self up there with your feet ( minimal upper body), go run a couple of obstacle courses and read and PAY ATTENTION!. Besides that it's very simple follow the instructors guidance and ask questions. oh and make sure your gear is serviceable and you have it all at all times. You receive demerits for missing equipment. As you can see everyone is telling you the same thing. Good luck

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2015 9:09 AM

2015-10-26T09:09:18-04:00

Thank you everyone who responded, I'm really looking forward to it!

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2015 9:27 AM

2015-10-26T09:27:37-04:00

Are you trying to just go to the school or go to the 101st?

Response by SSG Ron Douglass made Oct 26 at 2015 9:39 AM

2015-10-26T09:39:27-04:00

After I left Korea in 1987 I went to the 101st. It was the best thing I ever did. I was only 21 at the time. Air Assault!

Response by SFC Olivero Rodriguez made Oct 26 at 2015 11:30 AM

2015-10-26T11:30:47-04:00

I went to Air Assault School at Ft. Hood Tx. it was fun... and very hard, it was hot and the ants were big, keep your mind focus, and have fun. I was 35 when I went, they call me an old man, God help me go through it. After that I went back to Ft. Dix and then Korea. From there to Ft. Ord where I took over the Air Assault School. Best 8 month of my infantry carear, the NCO I had working with me where professionals and help me kept a safe but hard school. Pay attention to the leaders and instructors, do a lot of push ups and pull ups. run as much as you can,,, and again enjoy, enjoy enjoy.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Oct 26 at 2015 11:37 AM

2015-10-26T11:37:30-04:00

I learned a lot. The 101st done a lot of LZ/PZ duties. Sling loaded a lot of stuff. Now a days not so much of the vehicles like we used to, but there are a lot of stuff to learn. It would be great and it is also promotion points for the school.

Response by SGT Paul Dare made Oct 27 at 2015 1:54 PM

2015-10-27T13:54:02-04:00

I think it's GREAT that a young soldier like you is asking about this. This shows you're thinking wisely about your military carerr, even if you only finish your first enlistment and get out. Get every bit of training you cand learn everythinng they will teach you. Even if you don't stay in for 20years.
I went to AAS when I was stationed at Ft Bragg. The 10th Mountain MTT came and provided the training for us. You had to compete to get a slot and me and another guy in our unit got in. I'd tell you pretty much the same thing everyone else on here has said. Definitely don't let that rope climb kill you. Find someone who can climb, watch how they pinch the rop between their feet and shimmy up there and make yourself learn it. I was a scrawny PFC when I started training and was shocked at how fast I learned to climb a rope(b/c I wasn't going to lose that slot!) Went down to Towle stadium to climb those ropes every chance I got. The other thing that helped was finding someone who had gong through the course at my unit and could quiz me and help me study for the tests. Just pay good attention and ask questions in class and you'll do fine. Do bone up on your running/rucking if you're concerned about the ruck march, but as long as you're moving at a good pace, have comfortable boots(don't where new ones!) you'll do fine. Good work thinking ahead and not spending all your time partying as a young private. You won't regret it. :)

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Oct 27 at 2015 3:08 PM

2015-10-27T15:08:07-04:00

The 10 toughest days of the Army. Make sure your canteen is completely full. The instructorsoldier will come around and shake your canteen. If it makes noise, they will take points away

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 27 at 2015 6:39 PM

2015-10-27T18:39:48-04:00

Don't try to overthink this. Everything that you need to learn will be taught there. Old information is a killer. I have some war buddies that are currently instructors at the Sabalauski Air Assault School at Fort Campbell. I can try to get you the latest and greatest handbook currently issued if interested. Don't ask crusty old farts like me tips on something I did 16 years ago.....lol. The biggest no go at the time were failing a ruck march time, missing link counts during inspections of various loads, and getting your seat tied in time. Of course you have to pass the obstacle course on Zero day just to be allowed into the course. There are no breaks given for missing ANYTHING on the packing lists prior to a training event. It is all about learning attention to detail. Good Luck.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2015 8:20 PM

2015-10-27T20:20:05-04:00

Question, how long is the course. I looked at their website, but there is no training schedule posted. It looks like it is only 10 days?

Response by SSG Anthony Piper made Oct 28 at 2015 4:21 PM

2015-10-28T16:21:18-04:00

just do it you only live 1 time make sure you can run good 10 miler at the end

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Oct 28 at 2015 5:40 PM

2015-10-28T17:40:03-04:00

What everyone else said is great advice. I went back in '83 and I am sure that things have changed. Its a tough school but not impossible, make sure you are in great shape and pay attention! I had a great time. Good luck!

Response by SPC Dean Workman made Oct 29 at 2015 3:15 PM

2015-10-29T15:15:58-04:00

Pvt., if you have to ask then you're not ready.

Response by SSG Mike Hensley made Oct 29 at 2015 4:34 PM

2015-10-29T16:34:12-04:00

Weigh your options? Get there, kick ass, and get it done your only 20 for gods sake. Not sure of your MOS but at 20 you should be able to do this in your sleep.

Response by SPC Jason Hays made Oct 29 at 2015 5:20 PM

2015-10-29T17:20:45-04:00

Air Assault was pretty easy. Make sure your layouts are on point as this is what gets more people thab you would think. Everything perfect and layed out according to the picture. Tests aren't too hard and the ruck at the end is pretty easy if you are a decent rucker.

Response by SGT Kenneth Martin made Oct 29 at 2015 5:27 PM

2015-10-29T17:27:15-04:00

Well, It has been a long time since I went to Air Assault school. I graduated October25, 1989.
I am not sure if it is the same now as when I went through. The first thing that you want be sure of is that you need to be in shape. Zero day gets a lot of people. They run you through Grass drills. then run you through and obstacle course in which 2 of the obstacles are mandatory. Once you complete the course then you go on a 2 mile run in boots. There are three phases The first week you learn about aircraft and the tensile strength of each air craft and he hand and arm signals Phase two is sing loading, you also have to yell air assault each time you left foot hits the ground. Before you can leave for lunch or for the day you have to do the five and dime. Which is five pull ups and ten pushups. Also you have 3 road marches to complete, they are a 3 mile a 6mile and a 12 mile at the end of the course then you get your wings after the 12 mile road march. When I did it I did my 12 miles in 2hrs. 20 min. You have 3 hrs. to complete it in. If you fail a section then you go back to your unit, and they send you back through starting all over again. I went to Air Assault School at Ft. Campbell,Ky.
Phase 3 is Rappelling, To Graduate you have to rappel 100 ft. from a Black Hawk. The very last thing that you do is the 12 mile road march. I have been told that Air Assault School is harder than Airborne. Because Air Assault School is more mental than physical. And Airborne is more Physical. I hope that this helps you in your decision.
Sincerely,
Ken Martin
SGT. Ret.

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Oct 29 at 2015 6:28 PM

2015-10-29T18:28:56-04:00

Sp4 Byron Skinner. I didn't even know that air assault had a school. I was under the impression that it was just another Infantry skill like amphibious assault, which I like of did in Sep. 1966 at Vong Thau when our unit entered Vietnam over the beach.

My first experience with air mobile insertion was about a month into my tour in Vietnam. Late afternoon a bout a half dozen HU-1D's lander at our Lagger, my PSG came by while I was wolfing down C Rat and said " pull your head out of your a-- Skinner get on a helicopter, double time" The door and seats were removed we sat on the deck with our weapons pointed down, I held on to that pole that came down the middle and we were up for about 20 minutes and we were set down, the Huey did exactly land it hovered about three feet or so off the ground and we were told to get out. End of air assault school circa 1966.

The mission turned out to be an anvil for an infantry unit who was going to try a night a sweep. I think the battalion was 2/26 1ID that was to do the sweep.

A hot LZ can get a bit harry but, as the say if you hear it, it didn't have your name on it. When a Huey take a round you definitely will hear and feel it.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2015 8:18 PM

2015-10-29T20:18:31-04:00

Just stay motivated throughout the school and enjoy the training. Information and detail are key to the written portion of the school. The physical is nothing to stress over, so long as you push yourself.

Response by SFC Monica Valdiviez-Wiley made Oct 29 at 2015 9:57 PM

2015-10-29T21:57:47-04:00

Any training is great to add to your resume, so to speak. I went through in 89 at Fort Campbell, KY. I recall running every where and for me as a 5'2" female the most challenging was the road march only because I did not prepare myself mentally. Absolutely a fun course and something to be proud of.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2015 10:34 PM

2015-10-29T22:34:41-04:00

I'm currently stationed at ft campbell and if your in pretty much any kind of shape you can pass aa school as long as you can pass the 12 mile ruck in 3 hours and an 18 min 2 mile the o course is a joke and the tests are to easy as long as you do the hand outs they don't even smoke you anymore before the o course. The only time I've ever seen any one get hurt is during rappel phase when they would smack their heads on the tower also really funny to watch just don't be that guy

Response by SSG Brian MacBain made Oct 30 at 2015 10:13 AM

2015-10-30T10:13:09-04:00

PV2 Morter, I am going not to try to repeat others had stated for which they gave excellent advise. What I am going to say that keep your mind open. The instructors will play mind games. You run everywhere and learn how to eat or should I say drink your food because you will not have much time between PT and breakfast. If you never climb a rope, start practicing. What will help you is push-ups. Need to build upper muscles. If you are going to Fort Campbell Ky, there is a lot of rope climbing stations around post. Also, find the most recent graduate from Air Assault School in your new unit and have him-her show you how to pack your rucksack correctly for inspection. Last thing that you can do right now to prepare yourself is ruck marches. Like state in earlier posts, run the down hills and when level round, run "poles" or by time. Run poles, I mean run from one telephone pole to the next and then walk one. Best bet on pole runs is a ratio run 2 poles walk one. I wish you luck and have fun. Since everyone else is putting their age when they went through, I was 32yrs young.

Response by MSG Glen Mendoza made Oct 31 at 2015 12:50 AM

2015-10-31T00:50:08-04:00

You dont have to be expert to become good air assult trooper just know the basic safety of airborne trooper and do alot of repelling out of Helicopter my best experience of being air assult was when I was assigned with the 1st Cavalry Air Assult Division in Vietnam it feel like you are a real soldier I enjoyed being in air assult unit in combat it bring the men out of you.

Response by CPT Brent Ferguson made Oct 31 at 2015 7:02 AM

2015-10-31T07:02:44-04:00

AA was a blast. You wouldn't be considering it if you weren't physically fit. Expect it to challenge you nonetheless. I've read the previous responses and there are some real pearls there - but there is some preparation information that's not quite common sense you should think about.

Physical: That's a given - be extremely fit, but prepare for running in your combat boots. Treat your boots as lovingly as you would a fine lady. When I did it we were in jungle boots, but no matter the boot, make sure it fits you very comfortably and that it is extremely supple anywhere it contacts your skin. You won't have time to fix them later. When I went we were allowed 550 cord laces - that helped. You might want to read up on how to lace differently if you start to have problems on the road march. I'd broken a bone in my foot the day before the 12mile, and was able to outrun most of the group on it with that knowledge, and occasional brief stops to massage the swelling out. The zipper boots would have made lacing faster, but you would get a lot more blisters, zippers being stiff. I found that 550 cord made lacing fast, and since it slides thru the eyelets easily, allowed for evening out the pressure as I ran. I melted the ends of the cord so it was stiff for about 1/2 inch, and pulled as it was heated so it was thinner at the ends like regular laces. A change of socks is imperative, if they let you - DO IT.

Mental: The proverbial "how high". Do it with a smile. No matter how bad it hurts, keep that positive mental attitude. I was a butterbar when I went, and the instructors all enlisted. On my first day I got to demonstrate the low crawl repeatedly in the mud. I did so with glee, digging a trench with my helmet, after that the instructors realized that barring an injury I was there to stay. Did I mention to change your socks whenever you can? You might also want to try a run or two with panty hose on inside those socks - the leg high kind. Some people like to use them to reduce moisture on the skin and blisters - if you are allowed them. You could also look into a specialty sock like swiftwick and use a perm marker to hide the logo.

Speaking of blisters - prepare your feet well in advance. You know better than anyone else where your feet have problems in your boots. Fix those problems before you start AA.

OK, now a couple of tips they will train you on - but pay attention and never forget.
West Point Rappel - make sure you have more than one bite on that carabiner. People bounce when they hit the ground without enough friction on the rope.
Helicopter Rappel - NEVER go at the same time as the guy directly opposite you. If you brake at the same time you can go head to head or foot to head under the helicopter. This may no longer apply, but if it does PAY ATTENTION. Getting knocked out kind of prevents you from braking on the way down.

Finally, see if you can get in good with your pilot. If they're willing to show you what NOE means, you'll have a real blast!

I wish you luck in your endeavor, and I know you will be part of the 10% (that finishes). If you ever think of quitting, remember that this fat old fart veteran was able to stay the course, so can you.

PS you might want to read up on blood wings, doubt they still do it, but proper care with a good antibiotic after can help reduce scarring. I can't even see where mine were now.

Response by SFC Louie Rodriguez made Oct 31 at 2015 7:37 AM

2015-10-31T07:37:47-04:00

Since you are in Korea, see if you can applied and attend the white horse ranger course which is run by the Korean Army. The schools is not too far,from camp red cloud, in union up. I attended this course, and they teach you everything about repelling, climbing, and lots of other tactical tricks.
I,attended Air Assault School, while stationed at Ft. Hood,Texas. A satellite team came over from Campbell, and provided the course. We had to qualified on P.T. , and then a timed ruck sack March. We learned how to set up equipment to be airlifted, via helicopter. Learned how to call for support, medical, and most of all repelled from helicopters, that was the cool part. Lots of P.T. Listen to the cadre, and you will do,fine. Air Assualt!

Response by SPC Jimmy Smith made Oct 31 at 2015 11:57 AM

2015-10-31T11:57:29-04:00

It's an awesome challenge that will change your life forever. You will be respected by your superiors if you can make it through this gruelling training.

Response by SFC Ernest Thurston made Oct 31 at 2015 1:02 PM

2015-10-31T13:02:56-04:00

Get in shape. Do more than your unit's PT program. Run, Run, Run if possible in boots. Work on your upper body strength with pull ups and rope climbing. 0 day is the day when most people wash out. You run everywhere and there is a confidence course as part of the 0 day which involves a lot of upper body work. If you make it through 0 day the rest of the course is an exercise in working under stress. Classes involve a lot of detailed information that you have to remember while fighting off sleep. Break times between classes involve a lot of PT. It's like Basic Training on steroids. I should know. When I went through I had just completed my 2 year stint as a Drill Sgt. But just like any military school you will be given all the training you can handle and given the building blocks to build on in each phase. Also like all training, completion and graduation is very rewarding. Good luck.

Response by SFC Ernest Thurston made Oct 31 at 2015 1:15 PM

2015-10-31T13:15:26-04:00

As I look through the comments from others I think I should emphasize what others are saying. Work on your rope climbing. That almost blew me out of the course on Zero day. Push ups are not good training for rope climbing. Rope climbing is GOOD training for rope climbing!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2015 4:11 PM

2015-10-31T16:11:21-04:00

It has changed some. They do not "smoke you" before obstacles. I highly recommend getting on the o course before you actually go to the school. if this is not possible, Absolutely smoke yourself, then climb the rope every time. It is not enough to just get the hang of the rope, because you may complete " the tough one" last. Ensure you are proficient at jumping high, you can practice box jumps for this( the low belly over obstacle is difficult for those who are 5'5 and under and don't have ups) as well as the 6 vaults obstacle. I am 5'5 and the first vault comes up to my armpit. Once you complete the obstacles whatever you do. Do not quit on the run. Do whatever you have to do to get through that run. No matter what. The rest of the school is all about attention to detail. There is plenty of study hall time and time to ask questions. They want you to be proficient in rigging loads for missions. Good luck! It is absolutely an obtainable school! Just make sure you are physically fit!

Response by SSG James Raschke made Oct 31 at 2015 4:32 PM

2015-10-31T16:32:07-04:00

Back in my younger days in 1978. The school was a lot of PT. Then the last few days was Repelling from the wall, learn to do your chocks to train from a Huey. It was fun to me. I know that times have change. Just set your mind to it and you will do great.

Response by CH (LTC) Robert Leroe made Nov 1 at 2015 7:58 PM

2015-11-01T19:58:02-05:00

I taught ethics at the ADA school, and it is a good branch overall. Any unit is as good as its leaders and some are great while others are dreadful...no surprise there. As one wise PFC told me, "It's not the Army that's the problem; it's the people in the Army."

Response by SFC (Ret) Warren Taylor made Nov 3 at 2015 9:22 PM

2015-11-03T21:22:04-05:00

Well, you joined the army, that had to be one of the toughest decisions you have ever made. Going to AASLT school is part of that decision. When you go, put caution to the wind and go for it! Right place, right time, right uniform, and highly motivated! Sound familiar? You will be faced with some pretty intense situations, you just have to do what needs to be done and take the pain as it comes. Oh! By the way, you get promotion points too! Have fun! SFC retired, ASSLT school graduate 1988.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2015 6:36 PM

2015-11-04T18:36:37-05:00

Do it! Best of luck, pay attention to detail and enjoy.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2015 8:01 PM

2015-11-05T20:01:51-05:00

Make sure you can climb a rope using good lock-in/leg techniques. Cardio and rucking is a must. Practice on the weaver, the belly over and I forgot the name but you swing up on to a board. Those sent many folks home from my class. Have a mental happy place.

Response by SGM Mike Barbieri made Nov 6 at 2015 7:18 PM

2015-11-06T19:18:40-05:00

Great feedback provided already, but I will add this; its not whether you can climb a rope. Its whether you can climb a rope after getting scuffed up for an hour...and attention to detail.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2015 12:09 AM

2015-11-09T00:09:07-05:00

Study your sling loads and you will be fine! Have fun and good luck!

Response by SSG David Ursini made Nov 25 at 2015 10:43 PM

2015-11-25T22:43:18-05:00

Position yourself so you are one of the first to hit the o - course and not caught in the back. When I attended in 1985 there was a 4, 6, 12 mile road march. Believe it or not, the 4 mile was the toughest especially in the heat. Study your materials especially the sling loading. Keep your sense of humor! Have fun!

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2015 8:23 PM

2015-12-05T20:23:02-05:00

As a current instructor at the school I would say prepare yourself in 3 ways.
1. Check out the TSAAS Facebook, website, and garrison link.
2. Get physically prepared by rucking, running, and practicing on obstacle courses available through your unit.
3. Develop your listening skills and attention to detail.
Good luck!

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made Apr 23 at 2017 2:34 PM

2017-04-23T14:34:21-04:00

I was Honor Graduate in January of 1977, as is the case with any military school, pay attention to detail. Be physically fit when you get there, and always have graduating as a goal

Response by SPC James Jackson made Mar 9 at 2019 12:13 AM

2019-03-09T00:13:39-05:00

If it is still the same as when I went there endurance is key. They had us run every where and lord help you if you didnt and they saw. 12/3 roadmarch ain't no joke carrying 65lbs+...

Response by SGT Tracy Sarver made Dec 16 at 2019 11:34 AM

2019-12-16T11:34:24-05:00

I'm not sure how they do it at Ft Campbell but just to get in the course at Ft Hood you have to go through an entry test the Friday before the course. Up before Dawn on for a road march with a list of specified items in your ruck. Once you get back to the assembly area you immediately get smoked until the rest of the participants arrive. Spread out your ruck and check equipment. If you are missing just a sock or a dog tag you failed. Then it's off to the obstacle course where in between each obstacle an Air Assault Sergeant is enduring you stay ready with jumping jacks, squat thrusts, mountain climbers, etc.. Lastly you finish with a 2 mile timed run. Don't meet the time, your out.
The Course was easy compared to elimination day.