It’s a hot summer day in Romania as Soldiers from U.S. and Romanian forces prepare for their journey through the Army Air Assault Course. The course is ten days of rigorous training that will test both their mental and physical aptitudes. Soldiers must complete multiple written exams as well as various hands-on tasks.
It is imperative that 10th Mountain have Air Assault capabilities in order to move equipment fast and efficiently. There are also only three trainings that qualify someone to verify a sling load. Those three trainings are Air Assault, Pathfinder, and the Sling Load Inspector Certification Course. 10th Mountain having this training expands this already specialized mountain unit's expertise to new heights.
"With 10th Mountain Soldiers having this training we would be able to move 10th Mountain assets to new locations in a much shorter amount of time," said Sgt Christopher Reyes a 10th Mountain Soldier and Air Assault course participant.
The course begins with day zero where Soldiers are put into a chaotic situation and forced to work together to figure it out. This is designed to teach them discipline and attention to detail. They must respond to everything with the words “Air Assault” to further enforce that discipline. On day one they start the real training and classroom course, and on day two it's up at 0400 sharp to do a six-mile ruck.
From day three to day seven they learn all about sling loads and how to identify the deficiencies as well as how to rappel. Then on day 8, it’s what Air Assault is known for, it's time to rappel. Teamwork and trust between these Soldiers are key factors in this training. Soldiers must know that they can trust those who are tasked to steady the rope for a safe climb down.
“ Working with 10th Mountain Soldiers has been such a helpful experience and I couldn't ask for a better team,” said Sgt Reyes.
Those who have made it this far will now have one final task in front of them before they graduate, it’s the 12-mile ruck. Those who manage to complete this ruck will be able to graduate and finally call themselves Air Assault Qualified.
“I believe the most physically challenging part of this course will be the 12-mile ruck, especially with how exhausted you are by this point of the course,” said Sgt. 1st Class Davon Thomas, a 10th Mountain Soldier and participant in the course.
Graduating from one of the Army’s most challenging courses and getting your Air Assault badge is a great honor. Only around 50 percent of soldiers pass this course. It isn't just a patch, it’s a physical display of discipline, honor, and hard work.
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