Air Assault School | What to Expect and Tips for Success
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- Air Assault School, the "hardest 10 days in the Army." Well, I'm not too sure about that claim, but I can say that its definitely a school to take seriously if you want to pass! Make sure your fitness level is up, pay attention to detail, study hard, spend extra time with sling-load training, and DON'T mess up the packing list! Do those things and you'll be good to go!
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#airassault #usarmy #fortcampbell
I like the school. I was a CSM, Jump Master already. Took some smoke for that. It was all good. I told the Instructor to forget the CSM part. I was a trooper just like everyone else. I did the same testing and standards. I also dumped trash cans and buffed floors!
That’s a good way to lead by example CSM. I was a SFC when I went, but was just another AA troop at school, as it should be!
@@GrittySoldier You are 100% right! Never lead from behind!
@@GrittySoldier Since my original comment, below, turned into a much longer rant than even I anticipated, let me congratulate you on completing a physically demanding course. I hope you gained confidence in yourself and your fellow students, regardless of their branch of service. I’m just disappointed that the Army decided, years ago, to short change every student going through an Air Assault course by not teaching the knowledge necessary, coupled with hands-on experience, to allow you, and other graduates, to properly develop the skills and abilities you may be called upon to use in a future conflict. You and every other graduate have “done good” by completing this course. The Army, not so much.
Well, go figure! UA-cam truncated most of my reply to our host, so here’s an attempt to post the balance of it:
Okay, it appears that UA-cam doesn’t like a reply that has multiple paragraphs (so much for good grammar). I’m going to post the rest, but without separating the paragraphs (I’ll indent them, instead):
So I am 86 years old and went from private to colonel. Along the way graduated the airborne school and was on the test and evaluation team for the 11th Air Assault Division (then reflagged as the 1st Cavalry Division) at Fort Benning Georgia. There was no Air Assault badge then. But I could see that there was a unique way of getting helicopters into an LZ and getting soldiers in and out fast that was different. So I see why there is an Air Assault badge. Anyway, it's past my bedtime, so my best to all !
Air Assault School was by far my favorite Army training course so far. Unfortunately i failed sling load phase. But i was so determined to get the badge i begged my unit to send me back to try again. They agreed and on my second try i succeeded. My biggest takeaway is how critically important it is to not get complacent. None of the training in Air Assault is particularily difficult in my opinion. But they design the training to make it super easy to screw up if you let even an ounce of your attention to detail slip. And even the slightest screwup and youre out. Next up i wanna get the Ranger tab.
I just got dropped from sling loads at Campbell like 3 days ago & will be reinsterting to phase 2 at Benning at the end of next week. That darn A-22 Cargo bag, what got you?
Im gunna need tips for that. Dying to go to Air Assault school
Update, graduated at Ft Benning(Moore)
Just wanted to say thank you!
I purchased your 8 week train up for Air Assault and I just graduated Air Assault school yesterday. The weight training, running, and the rucking made such a difference.
Thank you again 🙏🏻🙏🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸
👊 congrats!
Casually mentions tomahawk 😂😂 I admire how humble you are sir! Thank you for the advice!
👍
The biggest killer for my cycle during the day 0 layout was earplugs. The sheer number of people that forgot earplugs still confuses me almost 15 years later, especially the TDY guys.
'07 Grad - and remember if you fail a phase like i did (sling load phase) and have to repeat , you repeat the entire phase the entire three days, such as the 8 mile road march and associated layouts and other tests, putting more stress on you going into 3rd phase and the 12 mile. Don't let ten days turn into 13 days like myself ;) but either way, knock it out and be proud.
Hey brotha everyone has been telling me you get sent home and get a day 0 recycle if you fail, so if you fail you get to stay and have to restart your current phase ?
@@erickjuarez1189 Mind you this was in 2007 at Campbell, so idk , that was my experience, I recycled into the beginning of the phase two with the class that was behind my starting class. Results may differ these days, or other places that the mobile teams offer the school.
Some things are zero day drops, others are not, based on a point system.
@erickjuarez1189
The way TSAAS is now is they start with the layout first thing in the morning on day 0 and you’ll get smoked here and there and then you do the 2 mile run in running shoes and OCPs within 18 minutes, then they’ll take you to the o course and smoke you more before you start. After that you’ll start class and the phase 1 test has been changed so it gets decent amount of people now. 6 miler at the end of phase 1 is still a thing and then you’ll do a 4 mile run in 36 minutes or less at the end of phase 2 and then the 12 miler at the end with a full layout at the end. All the packing list items are inspectable at any given time throughout the course so people will get dropped if they don’t have their highlighter or black pen and some people in my class even got dropped for not having a phone number on their casualty feeder card.
Thanks for the insight! 👍
Great video!
I graduated in the summer of 1995 while stationed in Divarty(Division Artillery).
I finished 3rd in the final ruck march and took great pride when my platoon sergeant punched the pins of the badge into my chest.
Thanks for reminding me about all the great memories that I made during that time.
My 21 yrs old son just brought his wings back, ROTC at UNF. First try😅. I watched a lot of videos to make sure i understood what he went through. He told me about the smoking and many other challenges but i under estimated what he accomplished. Your video makes me respect even more what my son accomplished.
2014 graduate, awesome school. Three things that help, motivation by your class will help you not get smoked so often, attention to detail is key and study, study, study.
Nice video. I went through Air Assualt School at Schofield Barracks in 98. The training hasn't changed much, just the faces. I did the road march twice. AIR ASSUALT!!!
Great course! I just got Honor Grad from PNOC. About a month later a Air Assault slot was offered and I jumped at. Of course my unit wanted me to graduate high in the course and I did. But I was not expecting that smoke! But after every other course I went through, I just bite down and settle in for a a** beating! Glad I found your channel, brings back many old memories.
#RLTW 🇺🇸 🇺🇸
I went through the Benning MTT school back in 2004. I think we were the first class they conducted. Course appears to not have changed too much. We were using Alice gear back then and the packing list said "black alice clips". I remember taking a black sharpie to all my alice clips because I heard stories of people showing up with their gear all scratched up and being sent home so we cleaned all of our stuff up making it look like new for the first inspection. Might have been a waste of time but why leave it to chance. Also, in Afghanistan, slingloads were being done all the time and having Air Assault qualified personnel were required. Not a waste of time at all to send people to this school.
I might be 3 weeks late, but DANG this is a great video.
1. Physical Specimen of a Military Guide (ABSOLUTELY NO HOMO)
2. Great Info
3. Perfect Execution
Thanks brother! I appreciate the feedback! 💪
@@GrittySoldier Always man!
I’m so happy I found this page !!! You sir are such a huge inspiration you don’t even know it ! Everything I want to do and accomplish you’ve already done it and more. I’m going into the army enlisted with a bachelors mostly to pay back my loans and I decided to go all out and go for every school I can. Thank you for giving a clear step by step idea of what we’ll be going though ! Thanks again
Many doors may open for you if you stay positive, and put in the work. We all hope to hear your stories one day, and make us proud buddy!
I vividly remember a 20 mile final march...in 1993. Plus we had to stay together.
That’s crazy how much things change...
Went to Air Assault school in East Range, I believe it was called, at Schofield Barracks. Pay attention to details, especially during slingload phase.
I went through the school at Campbell in 1997. The sling load training gets you to focus on vehicle details. That focus helps even if your vehicles are loaded on a train, a truck, or an airplane. They do make it tough to focus on the details during training. But paying attention in class is vital. They almost got me during the test by using the wrong kind of knot. I had the chance to go through at Ft. Hood, TX when I was a PFC. I would not have passed the first time. I definitely did not have enough attention to detail.
Went threw in 1990 in preparation for deployment. School was at Ft. Campbell 20 hours a day for 5 days. We slept on the bleachers or in your POV. We had over 50% drop rate
I went to the last hardest class in 93’. lol. I didn’t know there was an award for the road march. My first line supervisor did the road march with me and pretty much slowed me down. Around mile 6 I told him I had to pick up the pace. I ran the next 6 miles and came in 4th or 5th. I was already Ranger qualified and a 35 pound ruck was like walking with nothing. Fun school, I had a blast. When I was young, around 19-22, I did all these fun schools. At 34 years old I went Special Forces……it was still fun. I tell you what’s not fun, when you make E-8 and you’re shinning a seat with your ass. Stay young, and have fun.
I loved Air Assault School and went through as a 2LT right after MP OBC, and I was in exceptional physical shape at the time so this school wasn't too difficult at all. I thought it was fun esp., the Australian Rappel :)
I remember being in the 4th and 101st Airmobile units and coming out with three Air medals as an 11B40 for 10 1/2 months in Vietnam. Too bad I didn't have the course so I could wear the Airassault badge.
Really looking forward to getting a spot to Air Assault this fall. I haven't done an obstacle course in years so I hope I can sneak on for a few reps before the course starts! Thank you for the simple breakdown
I went to Air Assault School at Fort Campbell May, 1987. I thought it was a really good school. Your description was spot on.
I just do landscaping and still watch your videos. Love the content and motivation👊🏻💪🏻
🤜 🤛 thanks for the support brother!
I went through the Sabalauski Air Assault School at FTCKY (Fort Campbell, Kentucky) December 1998. I was a day zero drop on the 4th day because I didn't have water in my canteen after the morning's p.t. session on the AASLT school grounds. Fortunately, it was before the 6-mile march. When I went through, if we students accrued too many negative points, we could earn them back by staying after COB and clean up the grounds daily. If a student accrued too many negative points (40), then they were dropped to 'Zero day'. On the 12-mile march day (graduation day) I was mostly concerned with just getting to the end before the three-hour mark. 2:38 was my time. I despised the confidence climb because of my fear of heights, but I did it just fine. After graduating, I earned my unit's battalion coin. I did embrace the suck while I was there. No other choice and I did learn plenty.
Flying to Fort Drum this week to class up, super excited for the opportunity and to rep the Air Force side of the house 🙌🏼
When I completed AASLT school there was only one guy that crossed the finish line in front of me...he was wearing a Ranger tab! LOL
I will say the A-22 Cargo bag almost sent me to the house. Crazy.
I got the Tomahawk also. 1:56
👍 🤘
Went through at Fort campbell in 2015 as a PVT. One of the most unique experiences ever
👍
@@GrittySoldier it’s pretty much guaranteed at 101st ABN. The division standard is roughly 70-75% of the division must be air assault qualified.
My unit just offered me an Air assault slot. I have 15 days to prepare. Wish me luck
How'd it go?
@@josuecamarillo3011 my slot got canceled. Still haven’t went yet. Ill go soon tho my unit is good about giving us schools
And…Did you pass?
@ slot ended up getting canceled 🥲
Bro to get a slot in AASLT you have to win a BDE level competition in my unit wtf. 82nd ABN
Air Assault School was FUN! I was in Air Assault school back in the day in 2002. 1st Brigade, 25th Inf. 1st Stryker Combat Support Team.
Youre definitely not infantry. What were you
@elmersglue8723 Hello. 🤗 Happy 2025. Definitely 1st Brigade 25th Infantry Charlie Co. Ambulance Platoon as a combat medic (91B turned 91W) back in 2001-2004 Lewis, WA
I told my recruiter to PLEASE NOT put me in Infantry. I almost fainted when I got my orders 25thINF ! 😱 🤣
BUT...I met my current husband, who was from B. Co. 🥳 🎉 It's felt like prison camp. We were on Range Road(unfortunately, 🤯 💥 🧨🎆💣) & across the street from the Ranger Batallion. We were given the MOST rickety looking barriks on the post, it seemed. 😠 3rd Brigade had Northfort, the newer barriks! Ours were like from 1941 with asbestos underneath!! We were also next to the motor pool. GREAT!! 😆 🤣 That's where we lined our ambulances at. We were almost always in the field for combat medic training. We had some rotations in the hospital and at Treatment Medical Center 13.
There were also both female and make nurses in Treatment Platoon like in Ambulance Platoon. Also were male and females in supply & commo. And in Headquarters Platoon.
There were not many battalions with females in our brigade. But somehow, my bestie was able to secure a place in the 62nd medical battalion! Mostly men except her and someone else.
So yeah. I understand if you may think that I was not Infantry.
Awesome video sir! I appreciate many UA-camrs out there including yourself making videos about ranger school but it’s good to finally see an air assault school video!
Thanks man! I’m just glad it’s useful for you!
I think the Army makes Air assault harder than it has to be but I think your last ideas about WHY the class is important is very true. I guess I'll be getting myself the tab then 👍👍
Slingloads, knowledge of the aircraft and slingload inspections should be somewhat difficult. Screw up and people can die
Went in 2000 while stationed at Campbell with 1st 502 strike BDE after I re-enlisted back to active duty in 97 I was 37 at the time I went .They called me old crusty loloooollo.was made a class leader ..Great times and great memories .
Graduated in 2012 found it very easy personally.
I think it's one of the most unique and misunderstood courses. In basic training I thought it was Airborne School, but with helos. It wasn't until years later I found out that's some intense stuff!
In only 21 but your channel and slogan inspired me to do my best. Congrats on your success. One hour and some minutes for ruck March, wow!
Thanks for the support brother!
Heading to Cambell in June and I can’t wait thanks for the tips
Absolutely bro! Good luck!
I get out in 5 months. Was never given the chance. Would’ve loved to.
✌🏽
You can join the 82nd Airborne Division you will not get an Air Assualt badge but you will be doing airmobile sling load operations out the Ass O.J.T style
I graduated on the 23rd of July! I want to
Go Airborne now
Went to Air Assault School in 1986. Delta 5th Battalion,187th Regimental Combat Team.
As a 13B I really loved Air Assault School I did mine at Ft. Campbell Ky. when climbing the rope we got smoked pretty good so my upper body was done. The rope climb we did loose a good number of students it's all about the lock in using your feet to overlap the rope to lock in. Such a great event the obstacle suck it was raining the wood was slippery but I took it as in a combat environment Mother Nature has a vote you embrace the suck and keep leaning forward in the foxhole. Quite yea right not happening. "Climb to Glory"
I went through Air Assault School in 1985 at Schofield Barracks HI. The first day they told us look to your left and look to your right and that one or both the men standing next to will not be here at graduation due to a 50 percent failure rate. It was true in two weeks we went from 60 down to 29. Back then you had to do the timed 12 mile road march first to get into the school as well as a 2 mile run on the PT Test in boots and utilities. No way the school is as hard now as it was back then. The majority of the class were Grunts and no women of course.
Went in 1999. Same speech; 2 plus mile run, but in sneakers on the trail, and 1st 4 mile road march in less than 45 minutes!
Graduated.
This helped me out a ton. Thank you.
Congrats! 🤘
The Ol Deglopper, wish they didn’t close it down, great experience I went in March 2016 so maybe we had the instructors
Attended The Sabaluski Air Assault School at Campbell summer of 1995 after my sophomore year at Norwich. Many Cadidiots (cadet idiots) attended and we got picked on a lot. hahaha. All good. We got picked on for good reasons. But we were also the most motivated in the class - because we were cadidiots who wanted the army to accept us (not the other way around). Best summer ever.
Pathfinder next! It would be awesome 🤩
Got you! 👍
I got you…. Study your ass off because that’s literally all you’re gonna do. Done
How do.you clear a field for a lz or dz do they teach you how to.set up a suitable one ? It depends what is being dropped a whole division or just a stick of jumpers ?
The hardest part of air assault for me was the packing list. Fortunately I won't have that problem for ranger school when I win a RANGER PACK.
No joke a guy in my old unit was missing an item on the packing list and the other had a 'wrong' colored socks due to it being old. Both got dropped from AA school right there. Both had to start from day 0 when they went back.
You should do a video on the highly debated. Air Assault VS. Airborne topic. As a leg all the jumpyboys who eventually pcs to ft campbell all earned their AA wings all gained a new respect for it.
Got it!
Air Assault is more mentally demanding than airborne school.
You are a beast! Thank you for your service!
Did it back in 2004, at the real Air Assault school. kicked my butt little but enjoyed it.
Link Count - Gets them every time.
My Air Assault School story- MDW- 1993 Fort Belvoir- of course, sling load test, third phase and the day before the 12 mile ruck followed immediately by the graduation ceremony on day 10. Failed sling load. Couldn't find the fourth deficiency on my third load. Had to sit under the "tree of woe" with other failures. Quickly retrained, and on to the test! Load 1- go, Load 2-go, Load 3- fuck, can't find fourth deficiency! Cadre "5, 4, 3..." remember that I was trained to always double check the contraption that goes in the hook; it's complicated and almost always something wrong there. Cadre "2...!" I check the contraption, the castellated nut is missing! Cadre "1...!!" Me "THE CASTELLATED NUT IS MISSING!!!" Cadre "You are a go at this station!" FUCK YES! Cruised through the 12 mile ruck on cloud 9, 2:15 or so, then immediately to graduation. After graduation, found my Air Assault Sergeant and told him I wanted blood wings. BAM fired right into my chest with his open palm. One of the best moments of my life, earning blood wings. Only school like this I went to in my short career. So worth it.
Other quick story- a friend went to the class before mine. When he came back he told me no matter what, be the first or in the first 10 people for the obstacle course on Zero day. I was, and thank God. With about 150 soldiers, there was a lot of waiting to start and for each obstacle. And they weren't smokin' and jokin'. They were running in place, sounding off with "Air Assault!" each time their left foot hit the ground! I was I think second or third, and I got all first time go's on all the obstacles. So I was done before some people had even started, and those poor fuckers were still running in place. If you know, you know.
Oh, one more story! For the ruck on graduation day, the winner was a lieutenant who had just finished ranger school. He grabbed the rubber ducky by the handle in one hand, and the ruck he didn't wear on his back, but carried it with his arm through the straps on the other side, and ran the whole way. Passed me a couple times on the four mile loop course. That guy was hella impressive.
I got my wings in 1998. Was in No Slack Battalion. 2/327 Inf.. school was a tough 10 days
I wanna go to pathfinder later this year, so info for that school would be awesome
Also how did you get that fast at rucking? Just ruck more or did you do specific exercises?
Too easy, I’ll make one for that.
Lots of ways! 👍 check out my video for that: ua-cam.com/video/t63W6YEN9gs/v-deo.html
@@GrittySoldier Awesome. Thanks for the resource. I'm planning on going in about two months so I'm getting ready now
Dang @Gritty Soldier you move quick on those vids! Also I got back to you on your most recent rasp video
I’m a hard worker brother, I practice what I preach! 💪 😉
This was very helpful. I have a slot for May
Awesome man make sure you do all the things I talked about and you’ll be golden!
Roger that
Oh man at first I thought we were in the same Air Assault class because i graduated in march of 17 too but I realized you weren't at Sabalauski or however it's spelled. I was fresh as fuck to the army and went a month after i first showed up to my unit at campbell. First time go on everything, I had some fun there.
The PT Test and Obstacle Course was not a Thing when I went in 1978
I was ckecking my ATARS and found out I was a no show to air assult. The training NCO used me as a place holder. Cut my future chanced of going with a no show on my record,
Remember, you won't go straight through the obstacle course. You will get scuffed up huge in between obstacles.
Is this similar to the Marines HRST (helicopter rope suspension training)???
Great vid keep posting !
Thanks!
This is great advice about seeking training and obtaining skills for anyone in the military, or even those of us who aren't. Thanks.
Sir, can you make a vid on how to pack the Air assault packing list? My 12 mile is Friday.
Man I would but I honestly just wouldn’t have the opportunity until after Friday...
@@GrittySoldier Rgr that
2017…. Fuck. I’m old. Went to AAS at Sabalauski AAS in 2003 (was pist off I wasnt in OIF as it had just started). Did my 12 miler in 2:17. And that is moving pretty fast. If you were under 2, thats impressive. Went to OIF 05-06. And now i’m and old fat fuck. But thats ok
yeah I was 2:20 and thought that was fast also, there werent a huge amount of dudes in front of me
Damn, I know I'm a year late, but I feel bad for the ziploc guy jeez.
You make it like air assault doable… does anyone, like a new graduate infantry soldier who goes to fort Campbell as his FDS attends air assault school?
Fort Campbell is a feeder to AA, you’ll definitely go if you get assigned there.
@@GrittySoldier thank you
I passed Day zero Friday! Can’t wait to graduate! What’s your rank?
Great job! Don’t let up, you still need to buckle down hard for the tests and sling load. I was a SFC when I went to AA School 😉
@@GrittySoldier oh yeah, definitely have to stay focused! I’m about to be a E5 so I have ways to go
@@GrittySoldier oh I seen your vid and you went Green to Gold! Congratulations 💪🏾
I’m day 9 tomorrow sir!
Hell yeah! Keep at it!
@@GrittySoldier I graduated today
@@Armylife1998 hey did you guys do a APFT AT DAY 0
@@Armylife1998 I'm going soon I'm nervous
The Close Caption always calls it Aerosol .
Super helpful video
Awesome! Glad it’s helpful for you! 👍
I leave for bootcamp in January & signed my contract for Airborne. Any tips ?
this school is gone now ? At Bragg , what was Bragg ?
What was your ruck time so i can try to beat it one day lol good video and good channel
Dude it was like 1:47, give it a shot! And thanks!
People who say that any badge producing school is irrelevant are mad because they don’t have any badges
😂 it’s true though. 😉
2011 air assault grad! 101st aka rakkassan county
Pathfinder course aka gentleman’s course is MOS biased
1:40 for 12? Jesus you must have been moving on that ruck.
I was running the whole way. Once I got that guide-on in my hands, I was like “ain’t no one taking this from me” lol
Seriously, that’s fast 😅
Fastest ruck, total machine
Since English is my second language, is there a booklet or a study material that I can read and learn from on what’s going to be on those written examinations ? I currently serve as an active duty Soldier and really want to be prepared.
1978 . B Company 2/503Inf
Hey man I have a question. I am in the Guard and ship in February and finish BCT and AIT by the end September of 2022.
I would love to go to Air Assault since my MOS is in aviation. But I have Grad school starting as soon as I finish my initial training. Say somewhere down the line I want to go to Air assault school, as long as I keep on crushing PT and the ACFT and complete my duties during drill of course would I be able to ask my chain of command for an opportunity for AA? I assume sending a packet, I am new to army so not sure where to go with it. Awesome Video!
Yeah man just express your desire to go and show that you are physically fit by doing well on the ACFT at your unit. Be a top performer in you unit and MOS, and push it to your CoC.
Where did you go through AA school? I had a few buddies graduate within the past few days and they didn’t mention an ap/cft
I went at Fort Bragg when it was open. They may have suspended the APFT/ACFT for now while this Covid madness is going on and they figure out the PFT. I’m betting that is what happens with your friends.
A 1hr40 12 mile is he a robot..he really a super soldier…must be nice
An hour and 40ish minutes? Did I hear that right?
can you explain how someone gets a chance to go to air assault school
Did you attend Airborne school as an enlisted soldier or as an officer?
Pleaseeeeeeeee do pathfinder Sir 🇺🇸🙏🏿
On the way! 👍
Holy f, 1:40 something…..beast
Didn't get any picture from AA school. Airborne school was more fun
I agree, airborne is definitely more enjoyable
If anyone sees this and has knowledge plz reply. I’m abt to go in as an 11b really want to do airborne and air assault school obviously can’t guarantee both schools in my initial contract was thinking of going to air assault first getting stationed at Campbell then trying get a slot for airborne ant feed back plz respond
Is 12 miles in an hour not a running pace?
I'm confused
Well I finished it in a little less than 2 hrs, not 1 hr. But I was still running the whole time 😆
With a ruck is a different story
If you’re running 12 miles in an hour you’re a stud. That’s a 5 minute flat minimum pace
You didn't do 12 miles in a hour and some change
What was your job after becoming a 2nd Lt
Infantry!
Were you infantry as an enlisted man ? When the army selected your branch they probably thought it would have been a waste to put you any where else .did you want infantry your first choice
When you were a student at the ranger school were officer and enlisted students evaluated differently? meaning the Lt or CPT should know more because he's an officer compared to an enlisted man Or favoritism ?
Why at 31 did you want to become a Lt ?
What's your MOS sir?
Right now, 11A
@@GrittySoldier cool, thank you for your service sir.
Can anyone tell me if air assault is mandatory at certain places?
Maybe for the 101st.
I’ll let you know if that’s exactly what it is. I heard at ft Campbell it was mandatory