Synopses & Reviews
Historical documents suggest that the first parachutes were used by ninth century daredevils who constructed them out of stiffened cloaks and wooden braces. Benjamin Franklin had only a rudimentary understanding of the parachute when he first conceived of the “Sky Soldiers” of future warfare. During World War I, Brigadier General Billy Mitchell suggested dropping elements of the United States 1st Infantry Division behind German lines near Metz, but the war ended before his plan could be put into practice.
The paratrooper was first used extensively in World War II. From Operation Overlord’s paratroopers who first secured the flanks of Normandy’s landing beaches to the rangers and airborne forces who spearheaded modern operations by jumping into the night to seize airfields, paratroopers provide an obvious tactical edge in military planning.
Inserted onto the battlefield from the air, the paratrooper can drop into areas inaccessible to regular soldiers. He can evade enemy fortifications and force an army to spread its defenses to protect areas that normally would be safe by virtue of geography.
From parachute training to operating as part of an airborne force, To Be a Paratrooper takes readers through the training, the tactics, and the mental and physical attributes that make these elite units among the most respected and honored special operations soldiers in the military.
Synopsis
The paratrooper, first used extensively in World War II, gives an airborne force a tactical edge. Inserted into the battlefield from the air, the paratrooper can go into areas not accessible by land. He can evade enemy fortifications and force an army to spread its defenses to protect areas that normally would be safe by virtue of geography.
This book describes what it takes to be a paratrooper. From parachute training to operating as part of an airborne force, readers learn about the tactics, the training, and the mental and physical attributes that make these special forces some of the most respected and honored elite soldiers in the military.
Synopsis
What it takes to be a paratrooper--from parachute training to operating as part of an airborne force--the tactics, the training, and the mental and physical attributes of these special forces.
Synopsis
The paratrooper, first used extensively in World War II, gives an airborne force a tactical edge. Inserted into the battlefield from the air, the paratrooper can go into areas not accessible by land. He can evade enemy fortifications and force an army to spread its defenses to protect areas that normally would be safe by virtue of geography.
This book describes what it takes to be a paratrooper. From parachute training to operating as part of an airborne force, readers learn about the tactics, the training, and the mental and physical attributes that make these special forces some of the most respected and honored elite soldiers in the military.
About the Author
Gregory Mast enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1978 and was commissioned in 1983. Following his active military service he worked in the defense industry on classified projects, as a web communications specialist at design studios, as a freelance graphic designer, and has owned a traditional Irish pub. He and his wife live in San Jose, California.
Hans Halberstadt studied documentary film in college and later took up writing, authoring or co-authoring more than fifty books. Most of his books have been on military subjects, especially U.S. special operations forces, armor, and artillery. He has also written extensively about farming and railroads. Halberstadt served in the U.S. Army as a helicopter door gunner in Vietnam. He and his wife, April, live in San Jose, California.
Table of Contents
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
One Get Ready: Preparation for Basic Airborne Course
Two Reporting In
Three Ground Week
Four Tower Week
Five Jump Week
Six Life After the Basic Airborne Course