The Airborne Times

Veteran's Day Around the Community

Veterans are considered living proof of the many sacrifices made by a distinct group of individuals to dedicate their existence to defend their nation and its’ way of life. Celebrations...

Veteran's Day Around the Community

Veterans are considered living proof of the many sacrifices made by a distinct group of individuals to dedicate their existence to defend their nation and its’ way of life. Celebrations of Veterans Day worldwide occur in many ways and on different dates; however, in essence, it symbolizes the ideals and...

The Essentials: U.S. Army's Parachutist Badges

“The Essentials” Series is a monthly blog strictly related to Airborne culture. We target fundamental topics such as Airborne equipment, culture, traditions, trivia, and much more. While we have a...

The Essentials: U.S. Army's Parachutist Badges

“The Essentials” Series is a monthly blog strictly related to Airborne culture. We target fundamental topics such as Airborne equipment, culture, traditions, trivia, and much more. While we have a semi-annual plan on the topics, we remain open to ideas from paratroopers like yourself. So, feel free to reach out...

Paratroopers Role in World War II and Their Imp...

Paratroopers in World War II played a pivotal role in some of the most important battles of the conflict. These highly trained soldiers were dropped behind enemy lines to carry...

Paratroopers Role in World War II and Their Impact Today

Paratroopers in World War II played a pivotal role in some of the most important battles of the conflict. These highly trained soldiers were dropped behind enemy lines to carry out surprise attacks, gather intelligence, and disrupt supply lines. While the use of paratroopers had been pioneered in the early...

Barracks at Bragg: Moving out of Smoke Bomb Hill

Matters and complaints related to the dilapidated barracks at Fort Bragg, covered with asbestos and mold have concerned authorities and residents for several years now. The most recent spell, however,...

Barracks at Bragg: Moving out of Smoke Bomb Hill

Matters and complaints related to the dilapidated barracks at Fort Bragg, covered with asbestos and mold have concerned authorities and residents for several years now. The most recent spell, however, has forced the US Army leaders to relocate nearly 1200 soldiers into newer, better housing. The Smoke Bomb Hill contains...

Operation Urgent Fury

On 25 October 1983, US military forces, with several Caribbean allies, intervened on the island of Grenada. Operation Urgent Fury was initiated to protect the lives of US students, restore democratic government...

Operation Urgent Fury

On 25 October 1983, US military forces, with several Caribbean allies, intervened on the island of Grenada. Operation Urgent Fury was initiated to protect the lives of US students, restore democratic government and eradicate Cuban influence on the island. Two US Army Ranger battalions, a brigade of the 82d Airborne Division, a...

Medal of Honor: Salvatore Giunta

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:⁣⁣Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the...

Medal of Honor: Salvatore Giunta

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:⁣⁣Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy in the Korengal...

A Brief History: The Airborne Forces of Australia

The Australian airborne forces have a long and proud history, dating back to the Second World War. After the war, the airborne forces were disbanded, and the Australian Army did...

A Brief History: The Airborne Forces of Australia

The Australian airborne forces have a long and proud history, dating back to the Second World War. After the war, the airborne forces were disbanded, and the Australian Army did not have an airborne capability for nearly two decades. Let's explore the rich origins of the Australian airborne forces and...

A Brief History: The 1st British Airborne Division

During the Second World War, The 1st Airborne Division was established. It was an airborne infantry division of the British Army. In 1941, the division was formed as the 1st...

A Brief History: The 1st British Airborne Division

During the Second World War, The 1st Airborne Division was established. It was an airborne infantry division of the British Army. In 1941, the division was formed as the 1st Parachute Brigade and assigned to the newly formed British Airborne Forces. The brigade saw action during the Operation Torch landings...

How the modern backpack parachute came to be (p...

In part 1, we looked at how the modern backpack parachute came to be and how it has evolved. In part 2, we'll look at how the modern backpack parachute...

How the modern backpack parachute came to be (part 2)

In part 1, we looked at how the modern backpack parachute came to be and how it has evolved. In part 2, we'll look at how the modern backpack parachute is used and how it has evolved. The modern backpack parachute is used for various purposes, including sport parachuting, skydiving,...

The Army’s recruiting problem: Low Test Scores ...

Apparently fewer Americans want to become soldiers of the nation’s Army and for the first time in generations the U.S. Army Recruitment Command has grossly underperformed. The statistics are somewhat...

The Army’s recruiting problem: Low Test Scores and A Childhood Obesity Crisis

Apparently fewer Americans want to become soldiers of the nation’s Army and for the first time in generations the U.S. Army Recruitment Command has grossly underperformed. The statistics are somewhat shocking as in July only 50% of the annual goal was achieved and by the end of the fiscal year...

Back At Bragg: The Renaming of Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg no more, Fort Liberty is official.⁣⁣The Department of Defense announced on Oct. 6 that Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III issued a memo accepting the recommendations of...

Back At Bragg: The Renaming of Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg no more, Fort Liberty is official.⁣⁣The Department of Defense announced on Oct. 6 that Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III issued a memo accepting the recommendations of a congressionally authorized commission to rename U.S. military installations honoring Confederate soldiers. ⁣⁣The Naming Commission, which first met in 2021,...

Jumping Tactical Nukes

Anybody ever jump with a nuke between their legs?⁣⁣Talk about “back in my day” material.⁣Specially trained Green Berets were assigned to Green Light Teams. Their purpose was to clandestinely deploy...

Jumping Tactical Nukes

Anybody ever jump with a nuke between their legs?⁣⁣Talk about “back in my day” material.⁣Specially trained Green Berets were assigned to Green Light Teams. Their purpose was to clandestinely deploy in NATO or Warsaw Pact countries and detonate their SADMs in a conflict with the Soviets. The Pentagon later included...

The ParaDrop Virtual Reality Simulator

VBS3 is known to feign simulations of a variety of facets of the contemporary battlespace to allow trainees and military personnel to practice strategic procedures and tactics whilst simultaneously augmenting...

The ParaDrop Virtual Reality Simulator

VBS3 is known to feign simulations of a variety of facets of the contemporary battlespace to allow trainees and military personnel to practice strategic procedures and tactics whilst simultaneously augmenting decision-making and communication skills. Quite recently, a premier soldier center decided to expand its horizons and provide you with an...

How the Modern Backpack Parachute Came to Be (P...

Gleb Kotelnikov was a Russian inventor who is credited with creating the first modern backpack parachute. Kotelnikov's parachute was designed to be worn on the back, unlike earlier parachutes which...

How the Modern Backpack Parachute Came to Be (Part 1)

Gleb Kotelnikov was a Russian inventor who is credited with creating the first modern backpack parachute. Kotelnikov's parachute was designed to be worn on the back, unlike earlier parachutes which were much larger and had to be carried by the user. Kotelnikov's design was smaller and more compact, making it...

The History of U.S. Army Fitness Testing

The U.S. Army has continually experimented with and implemented different physical fitness tests since WWII based on the 'last war.' Performance in combat meant there was scientific data in which...

The History of U.S. Army Fitness Testing

The U.S. Army has continually experimented with and implemented different physical fitness tests since WWII based on the 'last war.' Performance in combat meant there was scientific data in which the Army could measure how fitting were these tests in preparing soldiers for war. Though there was mixed feedback on...

The Paratrooper Training Pocket Manual 1939-1945

"From the outset, it was recognized by all World War II's combatants that paratroopers were a breed apart. Not only did they need to acquire a highly specialist and dangerous...

The Paratrooper Training Pocket Manual 1939-1945

"From the outset, it was recognized by all World War II's combatants that paratroopers were a breed apart. Not only did they need to acquire a highly specialist and dangerous skill - parachute jumping - but they also had to possess heightened physical fitness, superb tactical awareness and fluent weapons...

The Army Combat Fitness Test and the Senate Pus...

The US Army has, yet again, been the center of attention and criticism by the members of Congress, who are calling out the institution to review and bone up its...

The Army Combat Fitness Test and the Senate Push for Another Test

The US Army has, yet again, been the center of attention and criticism by the members of Congress, who are calling out the institution to review and bone up its physical fitness standards, following the freshly titivated noteworthy benchmark to take into consideration soldiers’ ages and gender. Earlier this year,...

From Bragg to Liberty: The Redesignation of For...

Fort Bragg is one of the most famous and largest military bases globally. Most people are aware that it houses significant commands, such as the U.S. Army Forces Command addition...

From Bragg to Liberty: The Redesignation of Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg is one of the most famous and largest military bases globally. Most people are aware that it houses significant commands, such as the U.S. Army Forces Command addition to housing many major commands and various units. However, everyone knows that it is home to the Mighty 82nd Airborne...