What to Know about Being a Parachute Rigger
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You don’t have to be Airborne to have something to do with parachutes. As a matter
of fact, the use of parachutes and air canopies in the military has grown by
leaps and bounds in the past three decades. Canopies, or parachutes, are a
growing technology that helps to move equipment and supplies from point A to
point B. A parachute rigger today must be knowledgeable about a wide variety
of materials, reading requirements, and equipment.
Changes and advancements in materials and techniques ensure that the job of parachute rigger is constantly changing and requires specialized degrees of knowledge and skills. A parachute rigger must be able to pass tests that measure knowledge and aptitude in a multitude of subject areas, in different classifications, including: • Parachute rigger — Senior (RIG) In addition, a parachute rigger should be able to pass military competence tests called (RMC). Training In the United States Army, a parachute rigger will train in an airborne orientation course at Airborne School. From there, recruits are expected to the go through Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, because all parachute riggers need to be Airborne qualified. After completion of Airborne School, recruits attend a Parachute Rigger course, which is divided into training in various methods of delivery, including Personal Pack, Aerial Delivery, and Air Item Repair. All recruits are expected to complete a parachute jump using a parachute that they themselves have packed. Training requirement for parachute riggers in the United States Air Force and Navy are slightly different. However, all students are expected to undergo physical training, endure physical and rigorous inspections, and pass multiple tests in both practical and academic instruction throughout various courses. A parachute rigger is responsible for the safety not only of human beings,
but hundreds and thousands of dollars of military equipment, supplies, and
food that is airdropped into multiple locations according to need. He or
she must maintain high standards of quality and performance, as well as instruction,
testing and performance in various skills and knowledge expectations. |
