Air Assault School: The Hardest Two Weeks In The Army. Quickly, I make my way to the waiting Blackhawk helicopter. Even with my full combat load strapped to my back the rotor wash threatens to push me over. My face is pelted with grass and other debris; motivation and determination makes me run harder. As I reach the Blackhawk the Black-shirt directs me to one of four repel lines anchored to the aircraft. I wrap the line through my d-ring and climb into the cabin. I wait, crouched in the doorway, for my three other comrades to finish their hookup. The Black-shirt completes his check of our hookups and gives the pilot the thumbs-up. Abruptly, the helicopter lifts into the air leaving my stomach somewhere below. Two weeks earlier in the darkness of an early April morning, I stand surrounded by close to three hundred other soldiers, filled with excitement and uncertainty. The air is heavy with the promise of another scorching day with the humidity reaching hundred percent. This day is called Zero Day. This is the day that determines which of the close to three hundred potential candidates get to make up the next class of two hundred Air Assault Students. The day begins early, 0330 to be exact, and with a lot of yelling. Immediately we are instructed to form one mass formation, the yelling continues. The Air Assault Sergeants, otherwise know as Black-shirts because of their distinctive uniform, take command. This is their yard and they make sure each and every one of us understands that. One by one soldiers are called out of ranks to receive their roster number. From this point on I am no longer be known as SGT Nealand, now I am Roster Number 442 or simply 442. Through the parking lot and down the dirt covered dusty road we r... ... middle of paper ... ... and out of my lungs as I breath, the thunderous beating in my ears is starting to resend. I look around and realize that I have fallen less than halfway to the ground. I am a live, but my job isn't done yet. I pulled my feet together and make two perfect bounds to the ground below. As I'm pulling the excess rope through my d-ring, I receive a somber look from one of the Black-shirts. It was a look that spoke loudly of my screw-up, but at the same time it had a feel of respect. Respect for someone who didn't panic in a moment of distress, but rather someone who remembered his training and reacted accordingly. As I had finished unhooking, I bent over and picked my pride up off of the ground and brushed it off. It was a little bruised, but I held onto it firmly as I walked over to the back of the line. Two more repels and this day, and these two weeks would be over.
While there are several incidents of successful personnel recovery recorded throughout history, the recovery of Air Force Captain (CPT) Scott O’Grady during the Bosnian War presents an interesting study. CPT O’Grady’s personal conduct as a result of his training greatly increased his chances of being recovered. Additionally, the units involved in removing CPT O’Grady from the battlefield operated in an almost textbook fashion.
Black Hearts tells the story of a few bad soldiers from 1st platoon, Bravo company of the 1-502nd Infantry Battalion of the 101st Airborne Division, that was plagued with toxic leadership and lack of control over soldiers. The book documents the events that led to the ultimate demise of the soldiers involved in the horrific incident that occurred on March 12, 2006. Four soldiers were arrested in the brutal murder of an Iraqi family, which was a result of the lack of leadership and structure these soldiers received. Black Hearts takes a deep look into what happened to this troubled platoon and what unfortunate events occurred during their deployment.
Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education (U.S.) United States. Department of the Air Force, (2012a) Change management (LM06), Maxwell-Gunter Annex, AL: Department of the Air Force
We stood at attention on a solid yellow line in front of our bunks as our Drill Instructors were introduced to us. This was a very intimidating experience. They looked mean and angry and shouted degrading and demoralizing slurs at us. Phase I had officially begun.
This novel is a story about a group of soldiers apart of the 101st airborne division, 502nd infantry regiment, who became known as the “Black Hearts Brigade.” Deployed to an area known as the “Triangle of Death”, just south of Baghdad, this area was known for being the most dangerous throughout the country of Iraq. Struck with indirect fire, constant insurgent attacks, IED’s, a heavy death toll, and the constant rage and distraught of the war turned some members of the first platoon, Bravo Company, first battalion into a group of poorly disciplined, brutal soldiers who would take their frustration out onto the civilians of Iraq. Ultimately, this incident, which was caused by four members of first platoon, would be considered one of the most
On December 1, 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt signed an executive order that started the Civil Air Patrol. No one, not even its creator, Gill Robb Wilson, foresaw the importance that Cap would play in protecting the waters along the coast from the dreaded German U-boats attacking the shipping lanes. Sixty years later the CAP is still going strong. Performing its missions of aerospace education, cadet programs and search and rescue, CAP is preparing today’s youth to become successful leaders. This was not all that CAP has done. In the beginning of its creation, CAP played a major role in the defense of the U.S. during World War II. CAP played a vital role in the coastal defense of the Southern and Eastern coasts of the U.S. that could not have been done effectively by any other agency at that time.
Sir, I am honored by the privilege to once again serve in 4th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT). Over of the last 30 days, I had an opportunity to reconnect, and reflect on the current state of the Brigade. The 4th ABCT has a rich history of success and glory. It is my goal to put in place the systems and practices for this great organization to exceed all past and present accomplishments. As a result of my assessment, I identified three areas of focus that will improve our organization: a unit vision, a change in organizational culture and climate, and building organizational teams. I have no doubt that with the implementation of these three areas of focus, I will be the transformational leader that 4th ABCT needs as we prepare for the upcoming National Training Center (NTC) rotation and tackle the task of the Regionally Aligned Forces (RAF) mission.
During the World War II there was many different aspects on the Allies side that helped them defeat the Axis Powers. One crucial aspect for the Allies was the well-built airborne divisions. The 82nd Airborne Division, from the United States Army, was considered to be the firmest and most successful division during the Second World War. After being reactivated for World War II, the men of the 82nd Airborne division took on intense training to later on take part in some of the most dangerous missions of World War II.
According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, “A Hero is a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities.” Anyone has the power to be what they want, you do not need to have superhuman strength, or unhuman like abilities to be considered a hero. I have three years’ experience at a military academy. I am dedicated, and I am looked up to. Which is why I am my own hero.
But, drafted or enlisted, the recruit had to look forward to the same period of basic training, when individual differences were supposed to be discarded to make way for the new group identity and goals. In Knowles' novel, this transition from a small prep school to military service looms as a big adjustment, one that proves too much for one Devon student.
I tense up, I throw my hands up, screaming for Waaq. *footsteps* I hear footsteps all around me, I start trembling and crying. “Please don’t hurt me.” I plead with the people. (-- removed HTML --) *soldier 1 speaks* “civilian don’t fire” he commands at the two other soldiers. *soldier two speaks* “Sir are you wounded??” He asks me. “I… I don’t think so,” I reply. *communication line* “Uhh Sgt. Rockoff, there is a group of non-friendly's 12 o'clock about 3 klicks out, over.” *soldier 1 speaks* “Pvt. Shields check on that.” *soldier 2 speaks* “Sir yes sir.” *10 suppressed gunshots* “Sir, all targets have been neutralized.” *soldier 1 speaks* “Sir, you need to come with us.” I don’t question it,
Martin P Brockerhoff, Francis C. Licameli, and Patrick A. Toffler, (2015) CAPE Annual Survey of the Army Profession (CASAP FY15)
In 2040 the war started, years of fighting and death. They say they couldn’t have won the war without me, I say I needed them more than they needed me. I remember the day the war started, I was in Hawaii, we wouldn’t have known they were attacking if I hadn’t called in to mission control in Washington D.C. Thats when they started upgrading me, it seemed like after every new battle new gear came, and wrapped in the new gear there was always a note, “you’re now a sergeant”, “you’re now a lieutenant”, “you’re now a captain”, then one day there was something different, “Meet me at the command center.” They upgraded me to commander, black stripe, that was as close to general (a position reserved for only the leaders of the army) as it gets. I remember the day we won, hearing the plan, asking where General Eriks was, being told that he was on a classified mission. I remember storming into their headquarters, looking at their leader and shooting him. I remember looking at general Eriks’ slumped body in the chair. I remember. I remember, Command night night. I was the only one who kne...
My internal organs thumped against my chest as I dragged my bag along the carpet floor and into the corridor. As I walked into the long hall, I glanced up and noticed the sign telling me I could get on. My entire body could barely hold itself together with the anticipation of the monumental, dream-come-true event about to take place. I said to myself, "I'll soon be in the air." I slowed my pace to further enjoy what was happening. Swarms of people walked around me as I treasured knowing that one of my lifetime goals was now inevitably going to occur. The excitement and adrenaline running through my veins could have killed a horse.
The United States Air Force (USAF) is composed of a diverse workforce. Its men and women come from all walks of life and their contributions make the USAF the world’s premier fighting force. I’m a proud member of this dedicated team of professionals. My Air Force story is, but one out of thousands of others illustrating the diverse backgrounds and values our Airmen bring to our force, the experiences that shape our understanding of the profession of arms, and the contributions we make to the Air Force’s mission.