Went through jump school in 1966. We had 6 Seals in our class. I shared the same barracks as them, lots of fun and games were had by all. The morning of graduation, the Seals climbed the tower and hung bedsheets with the letters S E A L S. Now that took guts.
I was there also in 1966 (think it was feb , but it was a LONG time ago) 6 other marines in our company, I remember the sheets on the tower incident (they were in the company one week ahead of us) Thanks! forgot all about it until your note. 6 months later off to 'Viet Nam for a year.
Those Seals were real and the story was real. I went through early March, 1966. I am 76 now and still proud of my Airborne days. I still try to stay in shape, just about the same weight I was back in "67". I still try to encourage anyone I know who is entering the service now to go Airborne, Love you guys.
I think the 250 ft. tower was scarier then the actual 5 jumps of jump school. We had time for most of the class to do two drops. I went through jump school November 1971 and spent 8 years in the 82nd Abn.
Airborne March 1962....i was working the towers after graduation....4 drop arms on the towers because of wind shifts....one morning the wind swung just as a drop started....the soldier banged into the tower and collapsed his chute...cigarette roll...down he came...I stepped in under him hoping to break his fall...about 20 feet up, his chute blossomed and he crashed down on me....we fell into a heap in the sand...bruises and cuts, but all ended well....got a 15 minute break and back to work.......
Went through jump school Ft Campbell KY Jan 1962. Didn't have the tower. 1st Jump C130 what a rush. Proud to still wear my wings. 101 Airborne All The Way!
Yep, Class 17 in 1969, Number 63. I even volunteered for the tower jump. I was so excited that I failed to do a PLF and landed standing up. I never did so many push-ups after that! First 2 jumps were from a C-119 then the next 3 were from a C-141. I was one of three USAFs in a class of 500. The Army thought they'd have fun with us and put us at the end of a barracks full of Marines. They also put four SEALs down by us. The SEALs knew who we were and we all got along great, much to the disappointment of the Army and Marines
I went through jump school in 80, remembered it like yesterday! Then on to the 82nd Airborne Div. I've had the honor and privilege to have served with America best!! To all fellow veterans Hooah and Airborne All the Way! God Bless America!!
I graduated November 1974, Ft. Benning. My first jump was from a C-123. I've got to admit that I had second thoughts when I saw all of the smoke when they started those engines.
I lived at Benning in the mid 60's and remember well sitting in the back yard and watching the drop towers. And on Memorial day they would replace the parachute stuff with wood benches and families could be taken up and dropped. I was old enough to be allowed on the static line jumps. And we even got to shoot blanks out of various weapons. Life as an Army brat was the best.
I used to shoot at Ft Benning. Went for my nephew's graduation about 10 years ago and got to see the fear in these guys' eyes being hoisted up there! Also, went to the infantry museum. It's a must see. Great base, very large.
How could you see the fear in their eyes unless you were standing there right with them, I know when I went through jump school in 1981 we didn't have any civilians hanging around the free fall towers, Further more we all wanted to be Paratroopers so there wasn't a FEAR it was apprehension because of the unknown, they don't order you or make you jump you can QUIT at anytime it is strictly volunteer so WE WANTED TO BE THERE, the ones that had the FEAR didn't have it in them to be a paratrooper, every day our class size got smaller and smaller Because the FEAR made them quit,To become a paratrooper means you OVERCAME YOUR FEARS, Why would you do something that you have fear of doing over and over, it doesn't make sense, it take a special breed of person to overcome those fears and do what others are afraid to do, I went on from jump school to the 82nd Airborne Division as an Infantryman and jumped more times than you can fathom, we jumped with 120 jumpers per aircraft with FULL COMBAT EQUIPMENT with 8 aircraft loaded at 2 or 3am in the morning we would jump both doors one pass on sicely Drop zone at Fort Bragg N.C . I just wanted to set the record straight with you.
@@jackdaniel7465 Unnecessary bro, be an adult and let it go. No one needs an essay from you. You and I know what it takes, just let the others fool themselves. No need to bring yourself to that level.
I enjoyed the view at the top so much that I forgot listen to the black hat's instructions via the bullhorn. Since I wasn't responding to his commands he threatened to lower me to the ground for recycling! I heard THAT! Airborne school Fall '82, Ranger school 11-83, 1st Ranger Battalion 1982-85.
I lived there from 1974-1977. My Dad taught at the Infantry School. In 1976 they had the biggest bash which included the jump tower with a bench seat chute setup on wires.
I graduated jump school at Benning in May 1970. The tower was awesome, except when working the ground crew. All 5 jumps during jump week were from C-141’s, which was great.
A lot of paratroopers (most?) these days don't get to do the towers. It's not mandatory to graduate and they often get scratched because of high winds. I actually got to do it myself (once). It definitely helped my confidence on my actual first jump.
@@internetjunky3088 I don't know. There was a period of years the towers were not used. Replacement of cables was costly. Budget cuts under Clinton I think.
I know this comment is a month old but it’s worth a shot. There actually a place that will train you and let you do a few real drops, albeit from the door of a little sesna but I’d imagine that it’s close enough. Check out angry cops on UA-cam as he just went through and did a couple drops.
Use Google maps and type in Skydive 🪂 there’s likely a drop zone an hour or so away from most cities. I’ve got over 2000 jumps and I don’t want to jump rounds but my hats off to you. Thanks for your service!!
First jump in UK was from a balloon at 800'. Then onto C130s, often not much higher! Later took up civvy skydiving - but no way you'd get me up one of those towers!
I was stationed at Ft. Benning in 1967. Before I was shipped out to Vietnam.. Did a lot of jungle warfare training there. and was there when John Wayne was filming the movie Green Beret there.
I remember seeing those towers for the first time at Ft. Benning when I arrived there for Airborne training, wind was up and I landed on the rooftop!👍😁
AFROTC cadet. Graduated June 79. Finished finals and two days later formed up at Benning with a bunch of other, mostly Army, ROTC cadets. A bit of a change from a dorm to the barracks. Took a couple of days to get squared away to Airborne standards.
This tower was a piece of cake for me. The one that scared the hell out of me was the 34 foot tower. I am commenting on my wife's computer so this isn't Dianne making this statement. I want through Jump School in June 1966 and served with the 1st Brigade separate in Vietnam as an 11B4P. After a year in Vietnam with the 101st I spent two more years in Vietnam with USARV. Left Vietnam in 1969 as an E6. Being a paratrooper is the only way to go. AATW.
Been 46 years since my first tower drop!! The parashute covered me up after landing. I was shaking as the black hat uncovered me and said "that was a successful PLF, parashute landing fall... Get up and do it again!!!!!" I did three more that day! Before long I took my first step out the door of a C-141... Forgot to count too 4 opened my eyes and all I could see was my spit shined jump boots Silhouetted in front of a big what white cloud, the next feeling was the parachute opening, as I descended tithe ground in dead silence!!! Airborne all the way!!
I had a great time at y'all's school in February 21 1980. It was just before My birthday on the 27 when I turned 18. I had been in the Marine Corp almost a year. March 13 1979. Thanks for the memories.
This airborne stuff looks so scary. Every time I see it I wonder if the Army is for me. I’ll do basically anything except for jumping from a high place.
July 1975 for me. Pole man in Tower Week. I remember the ladies in the small buildings across the street from the towers. One asked if I had a will. I told her I didn't plan on dying. Returned in 1978 for Pathfinder School.
@@jackburgess357 Many will say jump school was 3 weeks. Enlisted 11Bs (Ft Polk for me) had 4 weeks. Zero was first: admin., guard duties & getting in shape. For Tower, one went up with a safety strap. That strap was flimsy-couldn't save a hampster. Black Hats warned us to pull risers away from the Tower. None of us wanted to hit the steel.
@@TC-ti2sr God help you if you screwed up and let both ends of the safety strap go!!!! Had one guy do that. Long ride down and hundreds of push-ups when he got down
First day of airborne school they take us to the tower so we can watch one of the cadre drop from the tower. The parachute malfunctioned and the guy plummeted to the ground and hit creating a giant dust cloud. Didn't take us long to figure out it was a mannequin and it was a big joke. Anyone else have that happen during their training? Class of 07 "Jumpers hit it".
I seem to recall them rigging mannequins with malfunctions and dropping them to show us what they looked like "in real time." But I don't remember any trickery like that. Class of 2008.
I attended Fort Benning jump school in late summer or early fall of 1983; I remember a lot about going through jump school, but I don't remember this tower. Seems like my class was hurried for some reason I don't remember now why it was hurried. I remember jumping off towers, but the tower I jumped from only had zip lines, and we had to practice our landings when we hit the ground- once we came to the end of the zip line run. I can't believe I don't remember a tower like this one in this video. (Is my memory that bad?) It does seem like I did see these towers, though. I was only 18, and now am 55 years old; again, I can't believe I don't remember jumping from one of these towers. Off course, I do remember my first jump; the instructors made everyone miserable; keep shouting on your feet, and then the instructors would tighten your jump harness, and then tell you to take seats, again. Over and over the instructors did this tightening. My harness hurt me so bad, not to mentioned almost being double over, that I was just glad to practically fall out of the plane, just so I could loosen my harness straps- once I was on the ground, of course. The more I think out it, this tower,, in this video does seem more and more, familiar.
I went there in the 70s as an ROTC exchange cadet (AF) while in college. I remember a tall Army guy (also in jump training) who constantly yelled at us during ground week, calling us all kinds of derogatory names. Well, when it was his turn on the tower, he froze and refused to give the signal he was ready to be released (which if I remember correctly was scissoring your legs). They tried a couple of times then lowered him to the ground. We never saw him again.
Went through in 85’. I loved the Army Black Hats. Especially Sgt. Jacks. As a Marine, it was all about getting thrashed by the Black Hats. Favorite saying there was “Can’t burn me Sgt Jacks”.
I went through jump school in 85 with one Marine in our class. They messed with him every day. Such a high class Marine he took all of it and made it fun for our entire class. What an inspiration.
Back in the mid 80's I took a five-ish hour long static line class and jumped the same day, twice. I loved it, but I never jumped again. I couldn't afford to get addicted to that, I knew guy at the time who spent every spare cent buying rides up so he could jump.
University of Gravity, Class of '79. First three jumps were from C 123s, flown by the Okahoma National Guard. The takeoffs were so horrible, no one wanted to land in the aircraft - Whole class, not a single refusal to jump.
I went through Ft Benning jump school in Aug 1966 on the way to join the 101st. I was waiting for the release when the loudspeaker said there would be a delay until they could clear the landing area of an injured jumper. I waited forever, just let me go,please.
I was going through PLDC in '85 and we had some down time. I walked over to the area by the towers and the kid up there was scared beyond shitless. Yes we could hear the instructor screaming, but were too far away to make out the words. I do believe we had a good idea what was being said. He finally get the last bit of the lift just before the release and he looked like a cartoon figure, his legs were running a 2 minute mile the whole way down.
Did this in March 1967, the view was apectacular. Jumped from C-119. C130, C141, and from Hueys at Ft Bragg throughout 1967/1968 before going to Vietnam 1968/1969 and again 1970/1971.
My buddy in Canada 🇨🇦 ( Sargent AirBorne got tangled up in an accident with a tower.) Destroyed both his legs. One amputated. Ruptured his spleen, and other assorted injuries. A student they where training got tangled up and buddy tried to help him. The student was ok. Thanks for your service.
Dropped from those towers in June 1981. Oddly I don’t remember a whole lot about the towers except that I didn’t wanna F up. Next week jump week. AIRBORNE! ETA I do remember a couple people crashing into the tower and getting their ‘chutes hung up in the scaffolding.
Brings back some good memories. Went through in May of '99 and still remember it like it was yesterday. I never did do a correct PLF. Always feet, ass, then head lol oh well, I survived.
Question for airborne soldiers. For the Army Air Assault school every once in a while there was a class which graduated without the students getting to make rappel jumps out of an actual helicopter - usually because the weather wouldn't cooperate. As a result those students were referred to as "Tower Flowers" because they had only ever rappelled off of the AA training tower and not out of a real aircraft. Is it the same or similar for the Airborne school or does a student HAVE to jump out of an airplane in order to graduate?
When I went through you had to make 5 jumps before you could graduate and get your wings. If you did not get all 5 for any reason, you would have to recycle the whole course again. But there may be someone out there who had actual experience with not making all 5 jumps. But things happen, I never qualified on the 45 in AIT (MP School) but I graduated.
The mighty ungawas, who was lucky enough to get to carry that big ass reel of rope when an idiot turned into the tower??? Damn that thing was heavy. For any troopers who want to jump come join us in Florida. Phantom Airborne Brigade look us up. We do water jumps a few times a year from C47 as well.
Can recall they'd sprayed ''SEALS RULE'' on a couple of PT pit walls. After evening chow, we could hear them ''Seal Barking'' as they were made to run thru the barracks area alleys for about 2 hours; for a couple of nights in a row. ''Rig & Run'' 21 April 1972
My husband was an instructor in the 507th said he loved doing pushups with the students,he said he would get down and do 20 pushups,then standup,chew the students out,all the while resting his arms,then get down and do more pushups,they loved it,the seals that is.
Thank you to all who served. The 82nd and 101st proud duty in WW2 and the 101st with Little Rock Nine to add to their list of distinction in protecting Americans. Many thanks to all the other airborne troops and those with parachuting duties associated with your roles. Thanks to all on the ground and under the seas and on them. I hope I didn't leave anyone out. Black Ops maybe? Thanks to those who cannot be known.
So...they've gone back to using the towers again? Because my airborne class never used them November of '97. At the time, I think they were worried about wind sheer liability. I think some guys had previously gotten blown against the tower and lost their air to fall the rest of the way. Mine was the standard training, except we went from the 34 foot towers straight to the C-130s the last week.
Oct 80, I was scared to death. I felt like I was a carnival ride gone bad!! But once you're free, there's nothing like! Do they still do blood wings!!?
Should have turned the camera around. Across the street there are three huge regimental quadrangle. Each housing a full regiment at least. Spent a lot of time there over the years. Lot of time. And we would watch the towers operate. Frankly most if us preferred helicopters over chutes anyday.
I still remember doing this back in 1976 man it was so much fun but that ground is and always be hard my knees are paying for it now but HELL you only live once AATW CLASS OF 76'.🤗
![Felix Baumgartner Space Jump World Record 2012 Full HD 1080p [FULL]](/img/n.gif)
Went through jump school in 1966. We had 6 Seals in our class. I shared the same barracks as them, lots of fun and games were had by all. The morning of graduation, the Seals climbed the tower and hung bedsheets with the letters S E A L S. Now that took guts.
Ur like in your 70s right
I was there also in 1966 (think it was feb , but it was a LONG time ago) 6 other marines in our company, I remember the sheets on the tower incident (they were in the company one week ahead of us) Thanks! forgot all about it until your note. 6 months later off to 'Viet Nam for a year.
Those Seals were real and the story was real. I went through early March, 1966. I am 76 now and still proud of my Airborne days. I still try to stay in shape, just about the same weight I was back in "67". I still try to encourage anyone I know who is entering the service now to go Airborne, Love you guys.
USAF went through in 1964. Went off the towers 5 times. In the same barracks as about a dozen Seals. USMC from 1970 - 1978.
Went thru in 72 with some SEALS in my class , you're right them guys are lunatics. God Bless Each And Every One Of Them
I think the 250 ft. tower was scarier then the actual 5 jumps of jump school. We had time for most of the class to do two drops. I went through jump school November 1971 and spent 8 years in the 82nd Abn.
Green monsters wasn’t it?
A also went thru in Nov 71. Which company were you in? I think mine was 44 Co
Agreed
Class of the august 1990. My heart was pounding so hard until it released. No more to say. Got my wings and still proud today
November 1974.
I enjoyed the tower, but that damn SWING LANDING TRAINER almost got me recycled.
@@spaceghost4474 You mean you didn't like being dropped like a sack of potatoes? :-)
@@phillipzx3754 Not even a little. 🤕
I was early 91 and its was too windy. I wanted to drop tho. Airborne!
And you never used your wings again after that.
Airborne March 1962....i was working the towers after graduation....4 drop arms on the towers because of wind shifts....one morning the wind swung just as a drop started....the soldier banged into the tower and collapsed his chute...cigarette roll...down he came...I stepped in under him hoping to break his fall...about 20 feet up, his chute blossomed and he crashed down on me....we fell into a heap in the sand...bruises and cuts, but all ended well....got a 15 minute break and back to work.......
Went through jump school Ft Campbell KY Jan 1962. Didn't have the tower. 1st Jump C130 what a rush. Proud to still wear my wings. 101 Airborne All The Way!
You're legendary
They are now Air Assault
My Dad was training with 101st in 62 or 63. We buried Dad with his wings. Long ago.
Nope! Don’t have the balls! I admit it! So great full for anyone who served.
Master Blasters ice cream cone from the puken Buzzards and screaming Eagles!
Yep, Class 17 in 1969, Number 63. I even volunteered for the tower jump. I was so excited that I failed to do a PLF and landed standing up. I never did so many push-ups after that! First 2 jumps were from a C-119 then the next 3 were from a C-141. I was one of three USAFs in a class of 500. The Army thought they'd have fun with us and put us at the end of a barracks full of Marines. They also put four SEALs down by us. The SEALs knew who we were and we all got along great, much to the disappointment of the Army and Marines
Which AF wing were u with ? Red horse, Beef, Rescue ?
@@oleopathic I was training for CTT. From Benning I went to Keesler AFB for air traffic control training
I went through jump school in 80, remembered it like yesterday! Then on to the 82nd Airborne Div. I've had the honor and privilege to have served with America best!! To all fellow veterans Hooah and Airborne All the Way! God Bless America!!
I graduated November 1974, Ft. Benning.
My first jump was from a C-123.
I've got to admit that I had second thoughts when I saw all of the smoke when they started those engines.
USMC Recon Marine D Co. November 1980 Black Hats had my number for sure! Ooh Rah!!
I graduated with Class 38-80. “OOH! UNGAWAH! WE GONNA RIDE THE FREE TAH-WAH!” Went to the 82nd Airborne, then the 2/75th Rangers. AATW/RLTW!!!
Here! Here! 3rd Bn 325th infantry(Blue Falcons) Fort Bragg N.C hay street warrior!!
I lived at Benning in the mid 60's and remember well sitting in the back yard and watching the drop towers. And on Memorial day they would replace the parachute stuff with wood benches and families could be taken up and dropped. I was old enough to be allowed on the static line jumps. And we even got to shoot blanks out of various weapons. Life as an Army brat was the best.
To all those who served this great nation I THANK YOU for your service.
I remember visiting Ft. Benning as a kid (my uncle was stationed there) and watching the tower training. Big shout out to all who served!
I used to shoot at Ft Benning. Went for my nephew's graduation about 10 years ago and got to see the fear in these guys' eyes being hoisted up there! Also, went to the infantry museum. It's a must see. Great base, very large.
How could you see the fear in their eyes unless you were standing there right with them, I know when I went through jump school in 1981 we didn't have any civilians hanging around the free fall towers, Further more we all wanted to be Paratroopers so there wasn't a FEAR it was apprehension because of the unknown, they don't order you or make you jump you can QUIT at anytime it is strictly volunteer so WE WANTED TO BE THERE, the ones that had the FEAR didn't have it in them to be a paratrooper, every day our class size got smaller and smaller Because the FEAR made them quit,To become a paratrooper means you OVERCAME YOUR FEARS, Why would you do something that you have fear of doing over and over, it doesn't make sense, it take a special breed of person to overcome those fears and do what others are afraid to do, I went on from jump school to the 82nd Airborne Division as an Infantryman and jumped more times than you can fathom, we jumped with 120 jumpers per aircraft with FULL COMBAT EQUIPMENT with 8 aircraft loaded at 2 or 3am in the morning we would jump both doors one pass on sicely Drop zone at Fort Bragg N.C . I just wanted to set the record straight with you.
@@jackdaniel7465 total excited in 1974 when i did the 200ft towers!
@@jackdaniel7465 man, someone here is butthurt lol. Airbornes g@y a$$fu#k anyways lol. Pointless job. Just wanted to set the record straight with you.
@@jackdaniel7465 Unnecessary bro, be an adult and let it go. No one needs an essay from you. You and I know what it takes, just let the others fool themselves. No need to bring yourself to that level.
I enjoyed the view at the top so much that I forgot listen to the black hat's instructions via the bullhorn. Since I wasn't responding to his commands he threatened to lower me to the ground for recycling! I heard THAT! Airborne school Fall '82, Ranger school 11-83, 1st Ranger Battalion 1982-85.
At-a-boy Chris. Me too. Great view, black hats threatening, I heard that! Fond memories, September'61.
They make up for it when you get on the ground
I lived there from 1974-1977. My Dad taught at the Infantry School. In 1976 they had the biggest bash which included the jump tower with a bench seat chute setup on wires.
March 1988. It started to get windy and they shut them down after a few students nearly landed in the little street that runs behind the chow halls.
My dad attended this school around 1942 or 1943. He later became an instructor.
My father graduated in 43.
I graduated jump school at Benning in May 1970. The tower was awesome, except when working the ground crew. All 5 jumps during jump week were from C-141’s, which was great.
“Hit the hole pole man hit the hole”. If you were there, you know. :)
I did that in 1983. Pretty scary feeling the first time they haul you up that thing!
Towers were right across the street from my OCS barracks in 1969. Loved Jump School. Would go again in a minute, am 73. Airborne!
I went through OCS in 2008 and they still were right there
Been there... done that (Nov 1978) right after 11B CBT and AIT, and straight to jump school... that was fun!
Fantastic 😊
A lot of paratroopers (most?) these days don't get to do the towers. It's not mandatory to graduate and they often get scratched because of high winds.
I actually got to do it myself (once). It definitely helped my confidence on my actual first jump.
I remember being able to see these towers in the distance from my barracks at Benning when I was there.
1969
Graduated Feb of 88. This thing scared the crap out of me, until it released. Then I couldn't wait to jump. But I was still scared. Lol
I graduated same time. Been a few years. Lol.
@@ms6801 C co here.
Amen 🙏 just hanging there was the worst thing
Right on! I graduated in 89'
@@Bushmastertwothree Bravo company.
Went to jump school in 76. Can't forget Sgt. Torch! Hit the hole pole man!
We said the same thing in '89.
@@BigH5500 I graduated in August '89
Was there in ‘82. ‘Hit the hole pole man, hit the hole, stick it in, stick it in!’
I was told Manuel Noriega went thru in 1980. School of the Americas.
@@internetjunky3088 I don't know. There was a period of years the towers were not used. Replacement of cables was costly. Budget cuts under Clinton I think.
They still do that lol back in 1971...we did that Tower before our first jump....Lots of fun after all the zip line practice.
I attended U.S Army Airborne School in 1991. AATW!🇺🇸👍
250ft of what the hell did I get myself into. What I would give for just one more Jump
I know this comment is a month old but it’s worth a shot. There actually a place that will train you and let you do a few real drops, albeit from the door of a little sesna but I’d imagine that it’s close enough. Check out angry cops on UA-cam as he just went through and did a couple drops.
Use Google maps and type in Skydive 🪂 there’s likely a drop zone an hour or so away from most cities. I’ve got over 2000 jumps and I don’t want to jump rounds but my hats off to you. Thanks for your service!!
Airborne!!
@@mr.morgan5643 “All the way”
Used to get a six pack and watch this. I was stationed at Benning, just back from Vietnam. Dedicated guys.
First jump in UK was from a balloon at 800'. Then onto C130s, often not much higher! Later took up civvy skydiving - but no way you'd get me up one of those towers!
During WW2 my father trained at Fort Benning.. He became a crew chief for the B17 bomber also known as the flying fortress ..
July 1987. Scared the heck out of me. I was the second one to release. When the first one went, that whole damn tower shook
Been up there...1979, went on with the 1/17 Air Cav, loved it.....
I was stationed at Ft. Benning in 1967. Before I was shipped out to Vietnam.. Did a lot of jungle warfare training there. and was there when John Wayne was filming the movie Green Beret there.
1990, 5 weeks of training, done 5 day jumps and 2 night jumps with full battle gears to earn the wings. Good memories.
I remember seeing those towers for the first time at Ft. Benning when I arrived there for Airborne training, wind was up and I landed on the rooftop!👍😁
Now that's nuts
AFROTC cadet. Graduated June 79. Finished finals and two days later formed up at Benning with a bunch of other, mostly Army, ROTC cadets. A bit of a change from a dorm to the barracks. Took a couple of days to get squared away to Airborne standards.
I like how they added/left the trees and power lines to give it a more realistic feel.
This tower was a piece of cake for me. The one that scared the hell out of me was the 34 foot tower. I am commenting on my wife's computer so this isn't Dianne making this statement. I want through Jump School in June 1966 and served with the 1st Brigade separate in Vietnam as an 11B4P. After a year in Vietnam with the 101st I spent two more years in Vietnam with USARV. Left Vietnam in 1969 as an E6. Being a paratrooper is the only way to go. AATW.
Because you actually had to jump despite it being a shorter height?
"Hit the hole POLE MAN, hit the hole" Towers were awesome. August 1976 Jump School.
I was there in 1990 went on to join the 82nd Signal Battalion. Now if I want to jump it’s about $300 😏
graduated may 1993, the tower was shut down. 2 weeks of ground and then jump week. good times. ended up A CO 1/501st ABN, 11Charlie!!!
Been 46 years since my first tower drop!! The parashute covered me up after landing. I was shaking as the black hat uncovered me and said "that was a successful PLF, parashute landing fall... Get up and do it again!!!!!" I did three more that day! Before long I took my first step out the door of a C-141... Forgot to count too 4 opened my eyes and all I could see was my spit shined jump boots Silhouetted in front of a big what white cloud, the next feeling was the parachute opening, as I descended tithe ground in dead silence!!!
Airborne all the way!!
You Airborne guys are bad asses for sure, jumping out of a perfectly good aircraft.
When I was six I jumped of my grandmas outhouse with an umbrella. Born to be wild.
I had a great time at y'all's school in February 21 1980. It was just before My birthday on the 27 when I turned 18. I had been in the Marine Corp almost a year. March 13 1979. Thanks for the memories.
This airborne stuff looks so scary. Every time I see it I wonder if the Army is for me. I’ll do basically anything except for jumping from a high place.
Best time of my life
July 1975 for me. Pole man in Tower Week. I remember the ladies in the small buildings across the street from the towers. One asked if I had a will. I told her I didn't plan on dying. Returned in 1978 for Pathfinder School.
That's a awesome memory thanks for sharing
@@jackburgess357 Many will say jump school was 3 weeks. Enlisted 11Bs (Ft Polk for me) had 4 weeks. Zero was first: admin., guard duties & getting in shape. For Tower, one went up with a safety strap. That strap was flimsy-couldn't save a hampster. Black Hats warned us to pull risers away from the Tower. None of us wanted to hit the steel.
I was there July 75 , once an hour thru the showers.
@@raytucker6568 then into the saw dust pit.
@@TC-ti2sr God help you if you screwed up and let both ends of the safety strap go!!!! Had one guy do that. Long ride down and hundreds of push-ups when he got down
First day of airborne school they take us to the tower so we can watch one of the cadre drop from the tower. The parachute malfunctioned and the guy plummeted to the ground and hit creating a giant dust cloud. Didn't take us long to figure out it was a mannequin and it was a big joke. Anyone else have that happen during their training? Class of 07 "Jumpers hit it".
I seem to recall them rigging mannequins with malfunctions and dropping them to show us what they looked like "in real time." But I don't remember any trickery like that.
Class of 2008.
I attended Fort Benning jump school in late summer or early fall of 1983; I remember a lot about going through jump school, but I don't remember this tower. Seems like my class was hurried for some reason I don't remember now why it was hurried. I remember jumping off towers, but the tower I jumped from only had zip lines, and we had to practice our landings when we hit the ground- once we came to the end of the zip line run. I can't believe I don't remember a tower like this one in this video. (Is my memory that bad?) It does seem like I did see these towers, though. I was only 18, and now am 55 years old; again, I can't believe I don't remember jumping from one of these towers. Off course, I do remember my first jump; the instructors made everyone miserable; keep shouting on your feet, and then the instructors would tighten your jump harness, and then tell you to take seats, again. Over and over the instructors did this tightening. My harness hurt me so bad, not to mentioned almost being double over, that I was just glad to practically fall out of the plane, just so I could loosen my harness straps- once I was on the ground, of course. The more I think out it, this tower,, in this video does seem more and more, familiar.
‘85 Missed the Towers as they were being refurbished. Great Memories!
Jeremy DeWitt jumping in Fallujah that's where his Riser popped😆
I hate it when that happens.
A model of Army LDRSHIP!🤣
Jeremy DeWitt is an American hero.
Remember when they made you run everywhere? I ate a big breakfast my first day, never did that again.
Eat all you want then pay later
I went there in the 70s as an ROTC exchange cadet (AF) while in college. I remember a tall Army guy (also in jump training) who constantly yelled at us during ground week, calling us all kinds of derogatory names. Well, when it was his turn on the tower, he froze and refused to give the signal he was ready to be released (which if I remember correctly was scissoring your legs). They tried a couple of times then lowered him to the ground. We never saw him again.
Did this in March '68. It was a blast, and the Beatles' "Lady Madonna" was always playing on the radio.
Went through in 85’. I loved the Army Black Hats. Especially Sgt. Jacks. As a Marine, it was all about getting thrashed by the Black Hats. Favorite saying there was “Can’t burn me Sgt Jacks”.
I went through jump school in 85 with one Marine in our class. They messed with him every day. Such a high class Marine he took all of it and made it fun for our entire class. What an inspiration.
@@mikebennett6713aceadventures I messed up. I graduated in July 85’. I’m getting old, sorry.
@@wayupnorth9420 I was there right after you. October/November
It was all in fun. What great memories
@@mikebennett6713aceadventures I killed a lot of brain cells, broke a few bones, and had the time of my life doing it.
Oh yes, 42nd Company, August 1982. “Hit the hole pole man, hit the hole, stick it in.” They probably don’t say that anymore.
Careful we'er showing our age . June 1972 I still get butterflies. I would do it again in a skinny minute AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY
Back in the mid 80's I took a five-ish hour long static line class and jumped the same day, twice. I loved it, but I never jumped again. I couldn't afford to get addicted to that, I knew guy at the time who spent every spare cent buying rides up so he could jump.
This was actually scarier than jumping out of a plane. IMO
Attended April 1979 graduated and then ... jumped into Fort Bragg. HHQ company 3rd/325th Infantry Battalion . All the way sir!
Summer of 2019, we went from practicing landing, skipped the towers due to malfunctioning, to straight outta planes.
Same here. Towers were out for my week
I’d hate to be the guy who found out it was malfunctioning...
Lol
Interesting
That was probably better
I remember back in 2003, Airborne students marching by the Staff NCO barracks yelling, ‘Wake up, BNCOC!’
I hated that...lol. 😴
Did that in 1971. My airborne company commander was Leonard Scott. A great American soldier.
I have a signed copy of his book. Great read.
Been there done that 1968. Amazing being suspended on 250 ft tower
A ATW
Damn how old are you?
Your like around 70 years old in that case
It was the ride up that got me. Harder than jumping.
Graduated MIT 1960. Graduated Jump school Oct 1962.
University of Gravity, Class of '79. First three jumps were from C 123s, flown by the Okahoma National Guard. The takeoffs were so horrible, no one wanted to land in the aircraft - Whole class, not a single refusal to jump.
Same here 1979 one jump from C-123 I thought it would vibrate it self to pieces before we could get out....could not wait to jump!
I went through Ft Benning jump school in Aug 1966 on the way to join the 101st. I was waiting for the release when the loudspeaker said there would be a delay until they could clear the landing area of an injured jumper. I waited forever, just let me go,please.
March 1966, went on to 82nd. Went through with the SEALS who hung the the sheets with SEALS written on them.
I was going through PLDC in '85 and we had some down time. I walked over to the area by the towers and the kid up there was scared beyond shitless. Yes we could hear the instructor screaming, but were too far away to make out the words. I do believe we had a good idea what was being said. He finally get the last bit of the lift just before the release and he looked like a cartoon figure, his legs were running a 2 minute mile the whole way down.
After 39 years 10 months that dam tower still scares me. 1l505 Hminus
Graduated September 1972. Exited 53 perfectly good aircraft.
Did this in March 1967, the view was apectacular. Jumped from C-119. C130, C141, and from Hueys at Ft Bragg throughout 1967/1968 before going to Vietnam 1968/1969 and again 1970/1971.
rough times to be in Vietnam. Thanks for our true patriots who put their life on the line daily.
My buddy in Canada 🇨🇦 ( Sargent AirBorne got tangled up in an accident with a tower.)
Destroyed both his legs. One amputated.
Ruptured his spleen, and other assorted injuries.
A student they where training got tangled up and buddy tried to help him.
The student was ok.
Thanks for your service.
Dropped from those towers in June 1981. Oddly I don’t remember a whole lot about the towers except that I didn’t wanna F up. Next week jump week. AIRBORNE!
ETA I do remember a couple people crashing into the tower and getting their ‘chutes hung up in the scaffolding.
I graduated in Feb 2002. The towers were there but we never used them.
1st time I dropped from the tower I thought how much fun it would be if it were an amusement ride that I could keep going back up on.
Sat in that stockade for a few days in the 80’s. Lol.
@1:22 I remember hearing "Buttons down one" when I did the tower in Air Borne School
Brings back some good memories. Went through in May of '99 and still remember it like it was yesterday. I never did do a correct PLF. Always feet, ass, then head lol oh well, I survived.
Question for airborne soldiers. For the Army Air Assault school every once in a while there was a class which graduated without the students getting to make rappel jumps out of an actual helicopter - usually because the weather wouldn't cooperate. As a result those students were referred to as "Tower Flowers" because they had only ever rappelled off of the AA training tower and not out of a real aircraft. Is it the same or similar for the Airborne school or does a student HAVE to jump out of an airplane in order to graduate?
When I went through you had to make 5 jumps before you could graduate and get your wings. If you did not get all 5 for any reason, you would have to recycle the whole course again. But there may be someone out there who had actual experience with not making all 5 jumps. But things happen, I never qualified on the 45 in AIT (MP School) but I graduated.
My legs start shaking halfway up a 6 foot step ladder. This takes guts!
The mighty ungawas, who was lucky enough to get to carry that big ass reel of rope when an idiot turned into the tower??? Damn that thing was heavy. For any troopers who want to jump come join us in Florida. Phantom Airborne Brigade look us up. We do water jumps a few times a year from C47 as well.
Look to the left and what do I see? Airborne Ranger Infantry! Warrior studs one and all.
Thank u men and women who serve
Went through in 1972 (A0004). Later was proud to serve in the 82 d Airborne Division. “Hit the hole pole man!” Airborne All the Way!
Class 26-83. “Blackhats can’t smoke us now.” Yeh, we had a few SEALS in our company. They came up with that stupid saying. I hate pushups.
The SEALS in my class always asked for more push ups after they got dropped for 20.
Can recall they'd sprayed ''SEALS RULE'' on a couple of PT pit walls. After evening chow, we could hear them ''Seal Barking'' as they were made to run thru the barracks area alleys for about 2 hours; for a couple of nights in a row. ''Rig & Run'' 21 April 1972
My husband was an instructor in the 507th said he loved doing pushups with the students,he said he would get down and do 20 pushups,then standup,chew the students out,all the while resting his arms,then get down and do more pushups,they loved it,the seals that is.
Thank you to all who served. The 82nd and 101st proud duty in WW2 and the 101st with Little Rock Nine to add to their list of distinction in protecting Americans. Many thanks to all the other airborne troops and those with parachuting duties associated with your roles. Thanks to all on the ground and under the seas and on them. I hope I didn't leave anyone out. Black Ops maybe? Thanks to those who cannot be known.
Rig and run! Rig and run ! August of 81'. Loved every minute of it. AATW
USMC Recon Marine D Co. November 1980. Black Hats had my number for sure! Semper Fi, Airborne!
I went to jump school after AIT (31L) at Gordon in June of 72. From Benning I went to 50th Signal at Bragg.
So...they've gone back to using the towers again? Because my airborne class never used them November of '97. At the time, I think they were worried about wind sheer liability. I think some guys had previously gotten blown against the tower and lost their air to fall the rest of the way. Mine was the standard training, except we went from the 34 foot towers straight to the C-130s the last week.
thats got to be quite the thrill the first time im sure, ive been on a swing ride about that high but never have come down on a chute.
Oct 80, I was scared to death. I felt like I was a carnival ride gone bad!! But once you're free, there's nothing like!
Do they still do blood wings!!?
47th co. In 1973. 13 inches of snow canceled most of the week. Never has the drop.
I went to jump school in 1987, I hated that Tower. I was more afraid of it than jumping out of C130
Went through July 1979. Came back to Benning in Oct 1980 for Ranger School class 2-81. Served 1/75th @ HAAF, Savannah Ga. my entire enlistment. RLTW.
I did the tower,,5 jumps my wings then to the 18th Airborne Corp 1974 . Nixons son in law was in training with us,,Lt Cox
Canada had one in Shilo Manitoba. As a child I would watch it work.
Should have turned the camera around. Across the street there are three huge regimental quadrangle. Each housing a full regiment at least. Spent a lot of time there over the years. Lot of time. And we would watch the towers operate. Frankly most if us preferred helicopters over chutes anyday.
Graduated in 86. Never got to do the towers. Dont know the reason why. We ran around the silent giants everymorning.
I still remember doing this back in 1976 man it was so much fun but that ground is and always be hard my knees are paying for it now but HELL you only live once AATW CLASS OF 76'.🤗
I agree. My body is paying for it now. Now they have really nice chutes that land much nicer
@@mikebennett6713aceadventures I saw that man I would've been really great if we had them back then😉.
I wonder to this day if the tower I qualified from in 66 was the same as the one my braver most respected dad did in 43. Airborne forever!
AB Class #34-82, Charlie Co. "Land soft, kill quiet!"
All of us in unison: Hit the hole, pole man, hit the hole
Then one guy yells: Bust a nut
Repeat all day long and still funny every time
April/May 1992