The Air Commandos from the 321st STS based at RAF Mildenhall, England recently completed a series of advanced level parachute jumps from CV-22 Ospreys from the 7th Special Operations Squadron. The Special Tactics Squadron airmen jump on a regular basis to stay proficient with airborne infiltration techniques.
After a thorough review of landing groupings and the patterns they must be positioned in, the air commandos go as far as physically acting out how the ripcord will be drawn. They ensure everything will be implemented flawlessly before performing the high-altitude, low opening Military Free Fall.
Though the preparation is no different, this jump from a CV-22 Osprey, assigned to the 7th Special Operations Squadron, was a little more unusual. The 8,000 foot drop was performed to certify a 321st STS jumpmaster, with use of Night Vision Goggles, as well as the standard full combat and oxygen equipment, during future missions of similar conditions.
Read the rest of the story in “321st STS Jumpmaster Performs Advance-level Training”, DVIDS, December 15, 2016.
