Jump Course
The troops wake up with an expectation in the air, the PT course is complete, their muscles and bones ache, but the adrenaline of getting through, pushes them on. Arriving at the hangers, they are put through various drills. They first start the course doing each drill step by step. Each phase is done using various equipment which tests the troops ability in each area.
- How to “step” to the exit of the plane.
- How to exit the plane correctly. (Jump straight out as far as you can with legs together and chin on chest, arms on your emergency chute.)
- How to check your chute. (Look up, look below, look left and right. All’s well kick out)
- How to react in case of an emergency.
- How to land.
The day of the first jump, the troops go through the drills once more to be sure, then head out to the DZ (Drop Zone). Here they are placed into jump strings then get issued with a parachute. Each man helps his buddy in the string to check and recheck the bindings and fittings. When the plane arrives the first string will head out and board the plane. Once in the air the troops sit silently, nervous and excited awaiting the call, “Stand up, Hook up”. The troops then again check and recheck each others chutes and count from the back of the string if they are ready. The dispatcher then calls the string leader to the door and they await the green light. One by one the troops exit the plane in the best remembered drill, and once outside, the drills take over and the various checks become automatic to ensure their chute is fully developed. The jump is over before they know it and they collect their chutes, rolling them up, sling them over their heads and ”run” back to the awaiting vehicle.
On completion of the jump course, of which there are 12 jumps, including a night jump, the much sought after wings are presented to the lucky candidates that have made the grade. A family day is organised so that you family can witness the wings being pinned to their proud chests as they stand in their parabat uniform.