I'm a (retired) Royal Marines Commando and have both my USMC and US Army wings, the Army ones were presented on a Kuwaiti DZ by the largest human I've ever met, he was a Green Beret Warrant Officer who made sure those pins went in deeeeeep! Happy Days
I graduated from Ft. Benning in late 1969, USAF. As I went through my four years in the Air Force, I was constantly challenged by those who were ignorant of what the badge represented and why I, a lowly enlisted Airman was wearing them. I loved it!
As a Marine in 1974, I attended an Army school also attended by Army Green Berets and regular Army. One Green Beret had been in Special Forces since nearly their beginning. He had Master Jump Wings, was a jump master, had Pathfinder wings, and God knows what else. He had over 5,000 jumps between military and civilian parachuting. He also had ten foreign jump wings. He told me Army guys could only wear one set of foreign jump wings at a time, so just to wind up the regular Army guys, he would wear a different set every day. He had some other scary adventures that the other Green Berets confirmed as true. He was a really nice guy and fun to be around.
Why name bases after Confederate generals? They (thankfully) lost the war. The Germans don’t have a Fort Hitler, do they? Besides, Braxton Bragg was obnoxious and a mediocre general at best.
Earned my jump wings in 1980, Ft. Benning. I was one of five Marines in a class of over 400. PT was a joke. After returning to 1st RECON BN (DRP) and completing 5 more jumps. I earned my Gold Wings. My Gold Wings ceremony was..... memorable. Semper Fi E6TLS
My Bn SGM rode a glider into Normandy and Jumped into Nijmegan. He wore both jump wings and glider wings, both with combat stars! Wonderfully wise man!
As I remember the "cloth backing" worn behind the wings we called "flashes". As you said each units' flash was different and as I remember my Battalion's (1/506th) flash was white trim with red, white and blue horizontal bands.
Another excellent video, Sir! Thank you for providing us with your knowledge and history of these emblems and badges! I was 'blooded' with Sterling Silver Wings, after our Graduation 'jump', my Father (who had risen through the ranks from E-1 to O-6) pinned his original ' Jump Wings' on me. It was the only time he pulled strings for me, he did it on Eubanks Field after getting that T-10 pulled up and stowed away. Its the one memory I wiant to never lose in my old age.
Always enjoy your videos. Please note: During my active duty with the U.S. Navy, EOD (1979 - 2003), once we graduated from USA Airborne School, we were required to complete Water Insertion training to achieve the Navy Jump Insignia. After graduating from the USA SOF Parachute Riggers course and/or qualifying in MFF HALO/HAHO, we still only ware our USN Jump Insignia. Further, there was no additional insignia for either Static line or MFF Jump Master. However, all training was documented. Again, thanks and keep up the great work. 🙏🫡
The Navy and Marine Corps Parachute insignia criteria also includes the requirement to be filling an Airborne designated billet in the Navy or Marine Corps. There are very few of these billets so the “wings of gold” are rare. I earned mine in 1987 when assigned to the 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, Camp Lejeune, NC. The entire company was on parachute status then, but after the unit disbanded, and returned again years later, the parachute billets were eliminated accept for the riggers.
Thats a major requirement, and your correct, makes the gold wings rare - thats why they are often called "Recon wings", given the majority belonged to one of the Recon units. We had a joke that if a guy wasn't "dual cool"- with a dive bubble- he must be ANLICO instead of Recon.
Was awarded the Honduran parachute badge, which looks identical to the USMC parachute badge. Whenever I wore Class As I’d often be asked if I had been a Marine. Went to Army jum 2:19 Benning where a couple of Marines were in my class. They said they would go on after graduation to further Marine Corps training to earn their Marine wings. Because of their speed lace boots, they had to wrap the upper part of the boots to avoid snagging on suspension lines. Their lore on converting issued raw, rough-out leather boots to smoothed leather that would accept black dye and a highly polished finish was impressive.
Great video, liked and Subscribed! A couple additions though. During WWII and Korea there was the combination parachute/glider badge known as the ParaGlider. It consisted of a glider over the basic parachute badge wings, and was for Airborne Infantry paratroopers who had completed both Airborne and Glider training. These would then often include bronze combat stars, as well as the bronze "Invasion" arrowhead device for D-Day and later Inchon. Normally, the paraglider was seen in the 101st and 82nd during WWII, but my father was in both the 511th PIR and 187th RCT and completed both Airborne and Glider training in Japan before going to Korea and wore one of these. In Korea he earned the bronze Invasion Arrowhead and making two divisional combat jumps at Sukchon, and Musan-Ni was entitled to wear the paraglider, two bronze stars, and the Arrowhead. The Arrowhead was usually only seen on WWII vets but my father was part of the Japanese Occupation Force before going to Korea and received all his training in occupied Japan. They then ended glider training there. One last thing is the Skyhook para badge worn on the left hand lower pocket. Its rare and was only worn be elite pararescue and ultra elite Special Forces/CIA who trained in the Skyhook system. It can be seen in John Wayne's "The Green Berets" and basically a small dirigible is launched with a long static line, captured above by a C-130 and the "paratrooper" is yanked off the ground and reeled into the plane passing overhead. The badge is rare, and looks like a winged hook (Skyhook). There was a Skyhook patch too.
One other way to get Jump Wings is if you jump into combat. As an old 1SGT I had he said if your patch has an Airborne Tab, even if you don't have wings, you will jump if that is required. He was Recondo in Vietnam and his combat patch was the Ranger the Ranger crest that is now worn on the sand beret.
A combat jump *instantly* qualifies you for a Basic badge if you haven't already earned it through the Schoolhouse. Likewise, functioning as a JM on a combat jump checks the "JM School" requirement for the Senior or Master badges. You still have to make all the required jumps, but the requirement for the actual JM School graduation is waived. Note that serving as a JM on enough NON-combat jumps *also* covers the "Schoolhouse grad" requirement - 15 JM duties for Senior, 33 JM duties for Master. Again, you still have to check all the other blocks (X total jumps, Y Combat Equipment, Z night jumps, W Mass Tacs, etc.); you just don't have to attend the formal JM course to qualify. (I'm pretty sure most of the people who end up using non-combat JM duties to qualify for Senior or Master are probably Special Operations, where they have the skills, experience, and time to do "OJT", and not being in Big Army like Division, more willingness to go, "He knows what he's doing, and I'll jump his spot any day."
point to make...the distinctive backgrounds used were also intended to separate those who are in active Airborne units from those who had gone through Jump School in the past but were not in an active Airborne unit.
@@christopherhazell420 The book is called "Military Medals of America", it has a ton of shadow box examples and every current medal/ribbon illustrated and explained.
I was in the 82nd , 82’-‘86 . 325th A.I.R. “ Let’s Go“ ! CSC 3/325, B Co. 4/325 ( Vicenza ), C Co. 1/325 . Ft. Bragg , always FORT BRAGG. The 325 Infantry is known as 325 A.I.R. as it was officially a glider unit in the 82nd as an Airborne Division, not a parachute unit such as the 505, 504, 508. Trivia : One of the U.S. Marines who hoisted the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima , Ira Hayes was a Marine Paratrooper!
@@ralphalvarez5465not the answer to your question, however, Charlie Company (Pathfinder) 509th was at stationed Fort Rucker between 1975-1993, then became Alpha Co, 511th Pathfinder until inactivation in Sept 1995.
In the USAF BDU years, if you went to Benning you were authorized the wings to be Black, if you had 5 Jumps through a USAF school (Like many do at the academy ) your wings were Blue. I believe it all changed during the tiger stripe ABU years.
Also during BDU years. Met a West Point cadet that had blue sew on jump wings. He said he hadn’t attend ABN school but did 1 free fall jump it’s the cadets at Colorado Springs.
The CG Aircrew Survival Tech repairs, maintains and inspects safety and survival equipment for the service. As an AST, you can then get the Aviation Rescue Swimmer Badge you showed. These are the crazy ones that jump out of helicopters into the deep ocean in all weather to rescue people. When transiting the Gulf of Alaska in a winter storm, it makes you feel safer knowing that these men (not sure if any women yet) and their pilots and flight crews will do everything within the laws of physics (and CG regs) to come get you.
There was also a WWII era USMC Para-Marine patch. It was blue with red trim, similar in shape to the Big Red One patch, with a white EGA in the middle with a similarly colored Airborne arc above. It was handed down to me by my grandfather
The rigger badge can now be worn on the Air Force uniform? Interesting, my AF veteran (& skydiving enthusiast) father has that (along with the basic and HALO/HAHO freefall badges) but couldn’t wear it in his day. I’ll have to remember to mention that to him. Thank you and your team for another fantastic episode.
5:20 No idea if this is still the case but back in the day the “other” way to earn your jump wings was to make a jump into combat (without going through the standard training). I’m pretty sure that those folks would be jumping with cargo chutes just to compensate for their giant nads!!!! 😂
Why would a "leg" do a combat jump during combat operations? No training for a parachute malfunction, deploying a reserve, activating quick releases, steering away from hazards etc. Let alone doing a parachute landing fall with a weapon and 60 lbs ruck.
CORRECTION: Airborne qualification is no longer a requirement (unfortunately) to attend the Pathfinder Course or to receive and wear the Pathfinder badge (unfortunately).
@@kurtjohnson4426exactly, during WWII Jack "McNasty" McNiece was assigned to the Pathfinders after his "Filthy 13" assignment. They took on very dangerous and hazardous jumps in enemy territory. Back in the 1980's, the Pathfinders and Riggers were highly respected by Airborne troops due to their expertise. AATW!!
I'm retired Parachute Regiment, and I did the US jumps at Fort Bragg (1982), also jumps in Belgium (1979) and France (1985). The French wings have to be the largest set of wings out there, but I only wore the cloth US wings on my smock. The British Army has to Pass "P Company" or the Commando course (Royal Marines and attachments) before they can even qualify to go on the parachute course; both courses have a significant failure rate.
@@canadian_investor7979 but Hereford don't go through P company do they but they are in the same British Army, as same as SPAG do not go through Commando training and they are part of the Royal Navy? Just an observation 🪂🪂
@@canadian_investor7979 well let me say this to you CI, what if I said to you that the best prepared students for Parachuting came from two particular units one being DEPOT PARA and that there are two courses that DO NOT prepare students in any way shape or form, for parachute training? Think back to your whole training programme and P company, down to the small detail of how you start each height related exercise...
FYI: the 507th Pathfinder course ceased in 2021/2022. Now the Georgia ARNG Warrior Training Brigade still conducts a Pathfinder course for resevists and Guard troops at Benning. (Not sure active duty can attend?) The 101st began their own Pathfinder course in 2004.
An eblem signifying AFSPECWAR, utilized on documents, advertisment, etc. Not a physical insignia awarded. Individual specialites have their unique Beret badge worn their own color Beret.
back in the stone age wild cold war Reagan 80's i went through the benning jump sch and i did 5'day jumps and 2' night jumps and the oddest thing the blk hats used to let marines ( their only 4' of us ) lead the runs and when we graduated we got pinned in our white T shirts and we saw the blood and it was a good cool moment between 2' different branches of the us military that i will never forget
I agree, I went through Lakehurst rigger school and it was possible to earn jump wings by making a fixed number of jumps. I worked for a PR- CPO who held the senor wings. All jumps at NAS Lakehurst were rip-cord not static line.
Correct, the USAF uniform regulation at that time, authorized wear only while supporting a U.S. Army unit or attending a formal function of the U.S. Army (very few Airmen followed that requirement) and wore them anyway. In 2014, the uniform regulation changed and allowed unrestricted wear of this badge. *Badges of the other branches were under the same restriction as well, though became authorized in 2014.
Hello sir, Great video! FYI, I have been informed that the Navy no longer sends their SWF troops through the Army Jump course but now holds their own Airborne course, which covers both static line and free fall. Also,I believe the Air Force Academy conducts an Airborne course as well. Please let us know if you find any information confirming or negating any of this. Thank you!
Let’s not forget that the Military learned Parachute 🪂 Methodology from The USFS/United States Forest Service. The Smoke Jumpers are arguably the best at it…. Hell they still repair, sow, pack & fit their own Kits!
I have a question. Are there any recorded instances of individuals wearing the silver Air Assault badge on an Airborne background trimming? If one considers the Air Assault badge to be the modern-day equivalent on the Glider badge, then doesn’t that imply that the Air Assault badge could, in theory, be worn on a unit distinctive cloth oval?
Yes the 101st Airborne Division do this with their Air Assault badges. However it’s done because they are still called an Airborne Division even though they are actually an Air Assault Division. Neat way to honor the past and present.
Sniper tab should be warranted, but as long as the school is only open to Enlisted, you'll never get the snobbish Officer Corp to approve. Name one other job or skill in the U.S. Army that puts their lives on the line and operates like a Sniper team. They (We) have EARNED the tab, not hunting glory, but in recognition of sacrifice. Not to mention the Torture/Kill orders & Bounty on our heads by every enemy that Snipers have faced in the long line of loyal service to our country. SSG. U.S. Army (Medically Retired) Infantry / Sniper / SOF Intel (SOT-A), multiple tours
Hello. First time here, the display in the background the one in the middle. Is that for the 119th anti-aircraft? My Dad was in that unit. Anything you can tell me about it would be appreciated.
Two notes: Soldiers and Airman can attend the Pathfinder course, without being Airborne-qualified. In early 2023, DAF allowed permanent wear of foreign badges earned on the Service Dress Coat, over the name tag. Prior to this, one could only wear the foreign badge, if stationed in the awarding nation. Or attending a function sponsored by awarding nation.
I went through PR- "A" school at Lakehurst, NJ in 1967. Each student in the class was allowed 1 (one) free fall parachute jump. The top 2 in the class were awarded a 2nd jump. If you dropped your rip cord, you had to buy a case offer at the Jump Party. While I was there the Navy SEALS came through and did their 5 qualifying jumps.. As a member of the advanced class we got to pack the parachutes for the SEALS.... They enjoyed their jumps and we were all jealous they got to do 5 jumps and we only got to make one. In the 1990s I met some riggers at MCAS Kaneohe who went through "A" school in Florida where the Navy parachute rigger school is now located... they were all "required" to make 5 free fall parachute jumps... and earn their Parachute Wings. Lucky guys.
since the us army is going through a bout of common sense and bringing back cool old issue stuff bring back the early mid 60's us army air assault badge for helo assault troops a shield and crossed long rifle and a lightning bolt , instead of helo and wings that came out later and while their still bringing back cool old issue stuff bring back the 1950's , 60's and very early 70's us army and usmc summer khakis blouse and trousers which i believe made as far as 1974
I bought my first Rolex from the PX in Okinawa 1987. I bought my second Rolex. Paid cash from the Jewelry store Baily Banks and Biddle in Tulsa ok in 1994. Paying cash got me a 25% discount
So, master jump wings can also be given for outstanding achievement. A story told by a former coworker from when he went through jump school in the 80s: The final jump was a pretty basic static line low level daylight jump as the schedule had been all screwed up by some violent storms. Anyway, drop zone is atop a slight rise and coworker is hauling his gear down the hill as another flight comes in. As they drop, some of the instructors start cursing. coworker turns around to see a streamer careen down below the rise, the body bounces up in the air for all to see, before dropping back down below the military crest of the hill. The instructors are sprinting up the hill to get to the soldier that they assume dead or dying. As they clear the hill they are shocked to see the jumper standing over his gear brushing himself off. He looks up and says "You gotta hate it when that happens." Story is, his main failed and the cut away was snagged. Jumper figured he'd better do the best PLF he could and did. He had a heck of a bruise on his side and back, but otherwise was OK. The senior instructor took off him master jump wings and pinned them on the jumper right then and there. They made it official and he walked out of graduation having master jump wings as his first wings awarded.
@@WALTERBROADDUS As the Soviets said, "The future is known, it's the past that is always changing". It always starts with the small things, soon we'll have a country that is no longer recognizable...pathetic so few understand the human conditioner let alone history/
Why does the US Space force even have a Parachutist badge? It's nothing but a waste of time and money. For that matter, why do we even have a separate Space Command service? WhT to lower the national debt Eliminate it and put those functions back into the US Air Force.
The new Trump admin may do just that. As for the USSF having a parachutist badge in Navy Blue (for wear in OCP uni) this is either prior service soldiers from the U.S Army who transfered over. And for USAF Officers who switched, that attened the USAFA parachute course. (Although the USAFA issues the same basic parachute badge, requirements are not the same.)They should actually award a different badge for their course.
ALL. THE. WAY. 🪂 Also the JM duties for Senior and Master wings are requirements for award. You could have 100 jumps but if you’re not a JM and haven’t completed the requisite duties then you’ll still wear Basic wings
Worked for an OPN SGT with over 100 jumps, but never attended JM school. He couldn’t get past the pre-test to get into jump masters school. Heard he finally graduated JM school.
@@jumpmastermp21I have a buddy, retired SF. Because of operational needs, he actually had JM duties as both primary and safety (while deployed and training foreign military forces), *before* they got around to sending him to the actual JM school. Really passed off a few of the instructors that when he graduated JM School and was awarded the Master badge right out the gate, bevause he had checked off all the requirements *except* the actual JM School - picking up the last JM duties he needed while doing the course itself. Just jumped over the Senior badge altogether. 😂
I'm a (retired) Royal Marines Commando and have both my USMC and US Army wings, the Army ones were presented on a Kuwaiti DZ by the largest human I've ever met, he was a Green Beret Warrant Officer who made sure those pins went in deeeeeep!
Happy Days
Semper Fi
@@raulduke6105 - Oorah!
The Royal Marine comandos .
BALLS OF. STEEL ..
Welcome to the Brotherhood 🫡
All the Way
I graduated from Ft. Benning in late 1969, USAF. As I went through my four years in the Air Force, I was constantly challenged by those who were ignorant of what the badge represented and why I, a lowly enlisted Airman was wearing them. I loved it!
As a Marine in 1974, I attended an Army school also attended by Army Green Berets and regular Army. One Green Beret had been in Special Forces since nearly their beginning. He had Master Jump Wings, was a jump master, had Pathfinder wings, and God knows what else. He had over 5,000 jumps between military and civilian parachuting. He also had ten foreign jump wings. He told me Army guys could only wear one set of foreign jump wings at a time, so just to wind up the regular Army guys, he would wear a different set every day. He had some other scary adventures that the other Green Berets confirmed as true. He was a really nice guy and fun to be around.
1/504th P.I.R 82nd Airborne here. It is and always will be Fort Bragg!
And it will always be Fort Benning for me (no disrespect to LTG Hal Moore).
Why name bases after Confederate generals? They (thankfully) lost the war. The Germans don’t have a Fort Hitler, do they? Besides, Braxton Bragg was obnoxious and a mediocre general at best.
Dam right...5th SFG
As my old 1Sgt used to say, "It's called Ft. Bragg, because there's no such thing as a humble paratrooper". 82nd MP CO, 1985-1987. AATW!
1/505th PIR and you are right and it’s Benning too
I have been looking for this information for a long time. Great job in explaining in detail about all U.S. Forces´parachute badges and insignias.
You are welcome. I’m glad it was helpful.
Earned my jump wings in 1980, Ft. Benning. I was one of five Marines in a class of over 400. PT was a joke. After returning to 1st RECON BN (DRP) and completing 5 more jumps. I earned my Gold Wings. My Gold Wings ceremony was..... memorable.
Semper Fi
E6TLS
My Bn SGM rode a glider into Normandy and Jumped into Nijmegan. He wore both jump wings and glider wings, both with combat stars! Wonderfully wise man!
As I remember the "cloth backing" worn behind the wings we called "flashes". As you said each units' flash was different and as I remember my Battalion's (1/506th) flash was white trim with red, white and blue horizontal bands.
Another excellent video, Sir! Thank you for providing us with your knowledge and history of these emblems and badges!
I was 'blooded' with Sterling Silver Wings, after our Graduation 'jump', my Father (who had risen through the ranks from E-1 to O-6) pinned his original ' Jump Wings' on me. It was the only time he pulled strings for me, he did it on Eubanks Field after getting that T-10 pulled up and stowed away.
Its the one memory I wiant to never lose in my old age.
That is super cool!
A great memory that you should carry with extreme pride.
That T-10 mention is dating you brother. AATW!!
Always enjoy your videos. Please note: During my active duty with the U.S. Navy, EOD (1979 - 2003), once we graduated from USA Airborne School, we were required to complete Water Insertion training to achieve the Navy Jump Insignia. After graduating from the USA SOF Parachute Riggers course and/or qualifying in MFF HALO/HAHO, we still only ware our USN Jump Insignia. Further, there was no additional insignia for either Static line or MFF Jump Master. However, all training was documented. Again, thanks and keep up the great work. 🙏🫡
thanks for the Navy update, really appreciate your support!
The Navy and Marine Corps Parachute insignia criteria also includes the requirement to be filling an Airborne designated billet in the Navy or Marine Corps. There are very few of these billets so the “wings of gold” are rare. I earned mine in 1987 when assigned to the 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, Camp Lejeune, NC. The entire company was on parachute status then, but after the unit disbanded, and returned again years later, the parachute billets were eliminated accept for the riggers.
ANGLICO... I went to Airborne School in 1984 with Marines that were assigned to that unit. Highly motivated!
Thats a major requirement, and your correct, makes the gold wings rare - thats why they are often called "Recon wings", given the majority belonged to one of the Recon units. We had a joke that if a guy wasn't "dual cool"- with a dive bubble- he must be ANLICO instead of Recon.
Was awarded the Honduran parachute badge, which looks identical to the USMC parachute badge. Whenever I wore Class As I’d often be asked if I had been a Marine.
Went to Army jum 2:19 Benning where a couple of Marines were in my class. They said they would go on after graduation to further Marine Corps training to earn their Marine wings. Because of their speed lace boots, they had to wrap the upper part of the boots to avoid snagging on suspension lines. Their lore on converting issued raw, rough-out leather boots to smoothed leather that would accept black dye and a highly polished finish was impressive.
Great video, liked and Subscribed! A couple additions though. During WWII and Korea there was the combination parachute/glider badge known as the ParaGlider. It consisted of a glider over the basic parachute badge wings, and was for Airborne Infantry paratroopers who had completed both Airborne and Glider training. These would then often include bronze combat stars, as well as the bronze "Invasion" arrowhead device for D-Day and later Inchon. Normally, the paraglider was seen in the 101st and 82nd during WWII, but my father was in both the 511th PIR and 187th RCT and completed both Airborne and Glider training in Japan before going to Korea and wore one of these. In Korea he earned the bronze Invasion Arrowhead and making two divisional combat jumps at Sukchon, and Musan-Ni was entitled to wear the paraglider, two bronze stars, and the Arrowhead. The Arrowhead was usually only seen on WWII vets but my father was part of the Japanese Occupation Force before going to Korea and received all his training in occupied Japan. They then ended glider training there. One last thing is the Skyhook para badge worn on the left hand lower pocket. Its rare and was only worn be elite pararescue and ultra elite Special Forces/CIA who trained in the Skyhook system. It can be seen in John Wayne's "The Green Berets" and basically a small dirigible is launched with a long static line, captured above by a C-130 and the "paratrooper" is yanked off the ground and reeled into the plane passing overhead. The badge is rare, and looks like a winged hook (Skyhook). There was a Skyhook patch too.
Wow, what an interesting story. Thanks for the insight!
One other way to get Jump Wings is if you jump into combat. As an old 1SGT I had he said if your patch has an Airborne Tab, even if you don't have wings, you will jump if that is required. He was Recondo in Vietnam and his combat patch was the Ranger the Ranger crest that is now worn on the sand beret.
A combat jump *instantly* qualifies you for a Basic badge if you haven't already earned it through the Schoolhouse.
Likewise, functioning as a JM on a combat jump checks the "JM School" requirement for the Senior or Master badges. You still have to make all the required jumps, but the requirement for the actual JM School graduation is waived.
Note that serving as a JM on enough NON-combat jumps *also* covers the "Schoolhouse grad" requirement - 15 JM duties for Senior, 33 JM duties for Master. Again, you still have to check all the other blocks (X total jumps, Y Combat Equipment, Z night jumps, W Mass Tacs, etc.); you just don't have to attend the formal JM course to qualify. (I'm pretty sure most of the people who end up using non-combat JM duties to qualify for Senior or Master are probably Special Operations, where they have the skills, experience, and time to do "OJT", and not being in Big Army like Division, more willingness to go, "He knows what he's doing, and I'll jump his spot any day."
Very informative. You cleared up some confusion I have had. Thank you.
point to make...the distinctive backgrounds used were also intended to separate those who are in active Airborne units from those who had gone through Jump School in the past but were not in an active Airborne unit.
good point 👍
I bought your book at the Davis-Monthan BX, It is outstanding!!!
Thanks! Glad you like it
Cool, out at the Boneyard, which book did you buy?
@@christopherhazell420 The book is called "Military Medals of America", it has a ton of shadow box examples and every current medal/ribbon illustrated and explained.
Excellent video!! Thank you Colonel!!
Thank you for watching!
I was in the 82nd , 82’-‘86 . 325th A.I.R. “ Let’s Go“ ! CSC 3/325, B Co. 4/325 ( Vicenza ), C Co. 1/325 . Ft. Bragg , always FORT BRAGG.
The 325 Infantry is known as 325 A.I.R. as it was officially a glider unit in the 82nd as an Airborne Division, not a parachute unit such as the 505, 504, 508.
Trivia : One of the U.S. Marines who hoisted the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima , Ira Hayes was a Marine Paratrooper!
Question: Did the 1/509 guys resent being replaced by the 4/325? I left Fort Bragg in 1985, the 1/509 (Vicenza) were being replaced. AATW!!
@@ralphalvarez5465not the answer to your question, however, Charlie Company (Pathfinder) 509th was at stationed Fort Rucker between 1975-1993, then became Alpha Co, 511th Pathfinder until inactivation in Sept 1995.
In the USAF BDU years, if you went to Benning you were authorized the wings to be Black, if you had 5 Jumps through a USAF school (Like many do at the academy ) your wings were Blue. I believe it all changed during the tiger stripe ABU years.
Unwritten rule, not enforced, nor listed in the uniform AFI. 😉
Also during BDU years. Met a West Point cadet that had blue sew on jump wings. He said he hadn’t attend ABN school but did 1 free fall jump it’s the cadets at Colorado Springs.
I have a Sterling Silver parachutist wings. I earned my wings on April 28th, 1984. My wife pinned mine on, 5 days before my 34th birthday.
That is a great story!
The CG Aircrew Survival Tech repairs, maintains and inspects safety and survival equipment for the service. As an AST, you can then get the Aviation Rescue Swimmer Badge you showed. These are the crazy ones that jump out of helicopters into the deep ocean in all weather to rescue people. When transiting the Gulf of Alaska in a winter storm, it makes you feel safer knowing that these men (not sure if any women yet) and their pilots and flight crews will do everything within the laws of physics (and CG regs) to come get you.
Awesome
Keep up the great work. I picked up both books that you suggest and find them both to be great help to my own collecting. Always following along.
Thank you for your support!
There was also a WWII era USMC Para-Marine patch. It was blue with red trim, similar in shape to the Big Red One patch, with a white EGA in the middle with a similarly colored Airborne arc above. It was handed down to me by my grandfather
Interesting. Thanks for sharing the information.
The rigger badge can now be worn on the Air Force uniform? Interesting, my AF veteran (& skydiving enthusiast) father has that (along with the basic and HALO/HAHO freefall badges) but couldn’t wear it in his day. I’ll have to remember to mention that to him.
Thank you and your team for another fantastic episode.
Yes, the AFI changed in 2014 to allow for permanent wear of the U.S. Army Air Assault, Pathfinder & Patachute Rigger Badge.
5:20 No idea if this is still the case but back in the day the “other” way to earn your jump wings was to make a jump into combat (without going through the standard training). I’m pretty sure that those folks would be jumping with cargo chutes just to compensate for their giant nads!!!! 😂
Why would a "leg" do a combat jump during combat operations? No training for a parachute malfunction, deploying a reserve, activating quick releases, steering away from hazards etc. Let alone doing a parachute landing fall with a weapon and 60 lbs ruck.
I read that this took place during WWII in the ETO when replacements were needed.
CORRECTION: Airborne qualification is no longer a requirement (unfortunately) to attend the Pathfinder Course or to receive and wear the Pathfinder badge (unfortunately).
I'll make a note of that for a future video on Pathfinder.
WTF? As Pathfinder, how do you get to the job site? '71-'73
@@kurtjohnson4426exactly, during WWII Jack "McNasty" McNiece was assigned to the Pathfinders after his "Filthy 13" assignment. They took on very dangerous and hazardous jumps in enemy territory. Back in the 1980's, the Pathfinders and Riggers were highly respected by Airborne troops due to their expertise. AATW!!
Correct, Soldiers and Airmen can attend Pathfinder without be Airborne-qualified.
I have some metal backgrounds for jump wings, the legend is that they came from the NC license plate factory and were only authorized for one year.
That is very interesting, I never heard of that.
@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376 they had standard ovals and one with bump on top for senior and master blasters
Actor William Windom. 508th PIR, 82nd AA. He was affraid of heights.
Just to point out that the Army combat jump wing with the bronze star was called a mustard stain.
that’s a new one to me, thanks 😊
Col Leonard B. Scott pinned my blood wings ~ H-Minus
I was a member of PC SAF Parachutist ang also a parachute Rigger, Go,Go airborne all the way.
I was a smokejumper for the Park Service. We did not have any. For Shame.
maybe the parachute club of America wings would work.
Smokejumper?? That's badass... Anyone who jumps near a treeline has my respect.
I'm retired Parachute Regiment, and I did the US jumps at Fort Bragg (1982), also jumps in Belgium (1979) and France (1985). The French wings have to be the largest set of wings out there, but I only wore the cloth US wings on my smock. The British Army has to Pass "P Company" or the Commando course (Royal Marines and attachments) before they can even qualify to go on the parachute course; both courses have a significant failure rate.
Hereford?
@@carldowd406 That kinda goes without saying!
@@canadian_investor7979 but Hereford don't go through P company do they but they are in the same British Army, as same as SPAG do not go through Commando training and they are part of the Royal Navy? Just an observation 🪂🪂
@@carldowd406@carldowd406 That's what I meant; if you pass selection, what would the point of doing P Company.
@@canadian_investor7979 well let me say this to you CI, what if I said to you that the best prepared students for Parachuting came from two particular units one being DEPOT PARA and that there are two courses that DO NOT prepare students in any way shape or form, for parachute training? Think back to your whole training programme and P company, down to the small detail of how you start each height related exercise...
FYI: the 507th Pathfinder course ceased in 2021/2022. Now the Georgia ARNG Warrior Training Brigade still conducts a Pathfinder course for resevists and Guard troops at Benning. (Not sure active duty can attend?) The 101st began their own Pathfinder course in 2004.
thank you for the update, sometimes it just very difficult to keep up with all the changes.
Thanks!!!
You bet!
I know a CSM who has the older air mobility badge
Fort Bragg, forever and always! DOL
Great video summary. Thanks……Airborne!
All the way
The USAF also has the Air Force Special Warfare Badge similar to the Marine Special Operator Insignia and the SEAL Trident
An eblem signifying AFSPECWAR, utilized on documents, advertisment, etc. Not a physical insignia awarded.
Individual specialites have their unique Beret badge worn their own color Beret.
You missed Balikatan the RP-US Badge mostly held at Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija , Philippines.
Excellent new information. Does anyone know the significance of the battle cry 'Geronimo' when you bail out?
You're not a paratrooper until you have your blood wings. Regs be damned.
That’s how it goes.
@@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376 As it should! Hey, Colonel!
Space force soon to come: Earth Re-entry badge
My brother served with the 173rd Sky Soldiers in Vietnam 1966-68
‘Airborne, I was there 67-68 in the “herd”. Great outfit.
We call the air assault wings the bull winkle badge
Can a unit award to medal equivalent for the air force/ space force be done.
We have my father in law’s glider infantry patches from WW2
that’s a real Military, Treasure
back in the stone age wild cold war Reagan 80's i went through the benning jump sch and i did 5'day jumps and 2' night jumps and the oddest thing the blk hats used to let marines ( their only 4' of us ) lead the runs and when we graduated we got pinned in our white T shirts and we saw the blood and it was a good cool moment between 2' different branches of the us military that i will never forget
Navy and Marines had there own parachute training in Lakehurst NJ
I agree, I went through Lakehurst rigger school and it was possible to earn jump wings by making a fixed number of jumps. I worked for a PR- CPO who held the senor wings. All jumps at NAS Lakehurst were rip-cord not static line.
I knew a few US Air Force guys and gals back in the 90's wearing the Rigger badge, did not know it was technically unauthorized
Correct, the USAF uniform regulation at that time, authorized wear only while supporting a U.S. Army unit or attending a formal function of the U.S. Army (very few Airmen followed that requirement) and wore them anyway.
In 2014, the uniform regulation changed and allowed unrestricted wear of this badge. *Badges of the other branches were under the same restriction as well, though became authorized in 2014.
I got my blood wings in 91.
112th Sig Bn (SO)(A)
12th SFG (A)
Ole USAR unit!
Hello sir, Great video!
FYI, I have been informed that the Navy no longer sends their SWF troops through the Army Jump course but now holds their own Airborne course, which covers both static line and free fall. Also,I believe the Air Force Academy conducts an Airborne course as well.
Please let us know if you find any information confirming or negating any of this.
Thank you!
Thank you, I will do some research and update the video with any new info I find.
Let’s not forget that the Military learned Parachute 🪂 Methodology from The USFS/United States Forest Service. The Smoke Jumpers are arguably the best at it…. Hell they still repair, sow, pack & fit their own Kits!
Iron Mike approved
27th Eng. Bn (C)(A)
good eye
You didn't say anything about the Marine Raider insignia.
I have my scars from my blood wings. Too bad the world we live in takes away a great tradition such as this.
I have a question. Are there any recorded instances of individuals wearing the silver Air Assault badge on an Airborne background trimming? If one considers the Air Assault badge to be the modern-day equivalent on the Glider badge, then doesn’t that imply that the Air Assault badge could, in theory, be worn on a unit distinctive cloth oval?
I have not seen the air assault badge on a background but really good question. I will check it out. thanks
Yes the 101st Airborne Division do this with their Air Assault badges. However it’s done because they are still called an Airborne Division even though they are actually an Air Assault Division. Neat way to honor the past and present.
If the US Space Force has parachute wings, we’re in big trouble… think about that statement for a minute.
ok, got it ….great 😀
ALL THE WAY!
Airborne
2/325 82abn
Sniper tab should be warranted, but as long as the school is only open to Enlisted, you'll never get the snobbish Officer Corp to approve. Name one other job or skill in the U.S. Army that puts their lives on the line and operates like a Sniper team. They (We) have EARNED the tab, not hunting glory, but in recognition of sacrifice. Not to mention the Torture/Kill orders & Bounty on our heads by every enemy that Snipers have faced in the long line of loyal service to our country.
SSG. U.S. Army (Medically Retired) Infantry / Sniper / SOF Intel (SOT-A), multiple tours
How about flight engineer. Badges
5/73 Cav 82nd abn
1st SOCOM leads the way!
Mustard Stains
Hello. First time here, the display in the background the one in the middle. Is that for the 119th anti-aircraft? My Dad was in that unit. Anything you can tell me about it would be appreciated.
standby
Standing by
Two notes: Soldiers and Airman can attend the Pathfinder course, without being Airborne-qualified.
In early 2023, DAF allowed permanent wear of foreign badges earned on the Service Dress Coat, over the name tag. Prior to this, one could only wear the foreign badge, if stationed in the awarding nation. Or attending a function sponsored by awarding nation.
I went through PR- "A" school at Lakehurst, NJ in 1967. Each student in the class was allowed 1 (one) free fall parachute jump. The top 2 in the class were awarded a 2nd jump. If you dropped your rip cord, you had to buy a case offer at the Jump Party. While I was there the Navy SEALS came through and did their 5 qualifying jumps.. As a member of the advanced class we got to pack the parachutes for the SEALS.... They enjoyed their jumps and we were all jealous they got to do 5 jumps and we only got to make one. In the 1990s I met some riggers at MCAS Kaneohe who went through "A" school in Florida where the Navy parachute rigger school is now located... they were all "required" to make 5 free fall parachute jumps... and earn their Parachute Wings. Lucky guys.
Could you make a video on the decorations of Cold War troops
I do have a Cold War medals video out there. let me know what you think.
@@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376 I appreciate the response. But I meant more like Beirut Grenada and Panama era medals
@@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376 I just found the video and love it thank you. Interesting stuff
👍👍👍
can a unit award to medal equialent for the united states coast guard be done
since the us army is going through a bout of common sense and bringing back cool old issue stuff bring back the early mid 60's us army air assault badge for helo assault troops a shield and crossed long rifle and a lightning bolt , instead of helo and wings that came out later and while their still bringing back cool old issue stuff bring back the 1950's , 60's and very early 70's us army and usmc summer khakis blouse and trousers which i believe made as far as 1974
💥👍🇺🇸
I bought my first Rolex from the PX in Okinawa 1987. I bought my second Rolex. Paid cash from the Jewelry store Baily Banks and Biddle in Tulsa ok in 1994. Paying cash got me a 25% discount
Sounds like a great deal, I don’t think I have ever gotten 25% off anything.
It will always be Fort Benning ! Follow Me!
RIGGER! I will be sure always
So, master jump wings can also be given for outstanding achievement. A story told by a former coworker from when he went through jump school in the 80s: The final jump was a pretty basic static line low level daylight jump as the schedule had been all screwed up by some violent storms. Anyway, drop zone is atop a slight rise and coworker is hauling his gear down the hill as another flight comes in. As they drop, some of the instructors start cursing. coworker turns around to see a streamer careen down below the rise, the body bounces up in the air for all to see, before dropping back down below the military crest of the hill. The instructors are sprinting up the hill to get to the soldier that they assume dead or dying. As they clear the hill they are shocked to see the jumper standing over his gear brushing himself off. He looks up and says "You gotta hate it when that happens." Story is, his main failed and the cut away was snagged. Jumper figured he'd better do the best PLF he could and did. He had a heck of a bruise on his side and back, but otherwise was OK. The senior instructor took off him master jump wings and pinned them on the jumper right then and there. They made it official and he walked out of graduation having master jump wings as his first wings awarded.
That sounds like a great story for a video someday.
Good story, but that’s not how it works.
Jump Master out of Basic Airborne School?? $1000 Alex for things that never happened.
@@ralphalvarez5465 Nope it didn't. Master jump wings does not equal jump master. Thanks for playing.
Blood winging made people stronger
It truly breaks my heart that this government forced the name change of so many iconic military bases.
If you're a Democrat, "You voted for it"
It's long overdue.
@@WALTERBROADDUS Well, no shortage of malcontents out there.
@@512bb Malcontents? No, Just not Confederate flag waving.
@@WALTERBROADDUS As the Soviets said, "The future is known, it's the past that is always changing". It always starts with the small things, soon we'll have a country that is no longer recognizable...pathetic so few understand the human conditioner let alone history/
Why does the US Space force even have a Parachutist badge? It's nothing but a waste of time and money. For that matter, why do we even have a separate Space Command service? WhT to lower the national debt
Eliminate it and put those functions back into the US Air Force.
The new Trump admin may do just that.
As for the USSF having a parachutist badge in Navy Blue (for wear in OCP uni) this is either prior service soldiers from the U.S Army who transfered over. And for USAF Officers who switched, that attened the USAFA parachute course. (Although the USAFA issues the same basic parachute badge, requirements are not the same.)They should actually award a different badge for their course.
It is pretty hairy. Definitely pretty hairy.
Hehehe Way too much stuff. Way too complicated.
I LAUGH EVERYTIME SOMEONE SAYS THE SPACE FORCE.
Silly😊 yank cub scout badges 🙄
Compared to the UK and its Commonwealth militaries, I am sure it seems that way. 😄
@ It does.
ALL. THE. WAY. 🪂
Also the JM duties for Senior and Master wings are requirements for award. You could have 100 jumps but if you’re not a JM and haven’t completed the requisite duties then you’ll still wear Basic wings
Worked for an OPN SGT with over 100 jumps, but never attended JM school. He couldn’t get past the pre-test to get into jump masters school. Heard he finally graduated JM school.
@@jumpmastermp21I have a buddy, retired SF. Because of operational needs, he actually had JM duties as both primary and safety (while deployed and training foreign military forces), *before* they got around to sending him to the actual JM school.
Really passed off a few of the instructors that when he graduated JM School and was awarded the Master badge right out the gate, bevause he had checked off all the requirements *except* the actual JM School - picking up the last JM duties he needed while doing the course itself. Just jumped over the Senior badge altogether. 😂