tattooed249 0 #1 February 24, 2003 Ok, I made that post a poll. Sorry. I have never been skydiving, but I am really interested in starting. My question is, what would be the process for an ex-paratrooper to begin skydiving? I already have some static line jumps, do those count at all towards training? I am sorry if it is a dumb question, but I am so hyped about skydiving, and I have never done anything but statics. Thank you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #2 February 24, 2003 I'm sure SkymonkeyOne (head skydiving instructor at Raeford) would be able to answer this if he's around. Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,435 #3 February 24, 2003 Same as the normal process; decide on AFF vs AFP vs static line and take the course. In many places you'll be able to skip levels if you have jumping experience beforehand; it all depends on how fast you absorb the new material. I've noticed that paratrooper training can actually work against you, since you are often trained to do exactly the wrong thing (i.e. exit legs together clutching your chest-mount reserve.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nic 0 #4 February 24, 2003 hey I was a marine who went to army airborne school and it is completely different! I have 72 static line jumps, I know not many compared to a army unit and well I really kinda hated it. but I have found a new love for it. my body sure loves it more too!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tattooed249 0 #5 February 24, 2003 Thanks for the info. Yes the Army jumps suck. Takes a toll on your body. I can't wait to get into skydiving. Hopefully soon I can join you all in the excitement. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Raefordite 0 #6 February 25, 2003 Tattooed: We see a lot of you bloaks that transition to freefall. Your first jump course includes all the same stuff as anyone else, you just learn a different exit position from static line(and why), a few changes in the aircraft emergency procedures, and we rarely need to do any training in a PLF (parachute landing fall). Usually you guys can outdo any civilian jumper on a PLF. Your number of jumps can count, but not toward meeting your TLO's (Targeted Learning Objectives). We'd love to see you in Raeford if in the area. blue skies (SkyMonkeyOne's boss at Raeford ), Kate Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rpanter 0 #7 February 25, 2003 As an ex-Army Ranger with plenty of statics under my belt I don't think Army jumps suck they have a diferent purpose. Most of my military jumps were from between 500'-600' AGL, in order to get you on the ground fast before you get shot. While still fun (to me) not ment as a sport or form of entertainment. And since the equipment (military static with rounds) is nothing like current modern skydiving\parachuting you need to be trained to the equipment you are going to use and the type of jump done (higher altitude and freefall). If a current skydiver has a rip cord activated rig and transitions to a BOC (bottem of container throw out) they need additiona training as well. Robert Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tattooed249 0 #8 February 25, 2003 Robert, I did enjoy my jumps in the 82nd, fun, yes, but full combat PLF's weren't my idea of "fun". Thank you for the replies, I admit i have much to learn. Kate, do you mean Raeford, as in North Carolina? I used to be stationed at Fort Bragg, but now I am in Lexington NC. I am not to sure about the location of Raeford. Hopefully within the next few months, I can be there to join you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 15 #9 February 25, 2003 I do believe Raeford is a stones throw from Ft. Bragg All of about 10-15 minutes is what mapquest says to get to the gates at the base. Lots of DZ's in NC to check out. Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
