Video - Not Ideal: Soldier Gets Gear Caught On Plane After Jumping Out Of It
As someone who has never & will never skydive (not a big heights gal) the thought of leaping from a C-27 cargo ramp far above the ground is scary. The thought of doing it in full gear? Multiply the scary by 1,000. The thought of doing it in full gear & then that gear getting caught on the plane leaving me dangling like a human wind-sock? My butthole would be so puckered it would just smooth over & disappear like a Ken doll's. Forget it.
From SOFREP regarding that video above:
Edging towards the ramp of the C-27J aircraft, a Special Forces Military Free Fall (MFF) student prepared for his sixth parachute jump in the MFF basic parachutist course based out of Yuma, Arizona.
It was the student’s first jump with combat equipment, including his rucksack inside a Parachute Drop Bag (PDB) which was rigged between his legs. Most likely due to a weak exit, not to mention some bad luck, the strap on the student’s PDB got caught on the lip of the ramp of the C-27 airplane.
In what is believed to be a first for Military Free Fall operations, the student became a towed jumper, getting hauled behind the aircraft by his gear. As you can see in the video, the student kept calm and instructors were able to free him from the aircraft.
Another instructor jumped after the student in case he needed additional help.
The student and instructor both made it to the ground safely.
That we have men & women doing this type of stuff every day blows my mind. Visiting the Air Force Academy this year was humbling hearing from the jump teams & about those who go on to advanced training & what that entails for them.
The Troops™ probably wouldn't say so but it's brave AF any way you look at it. This can have all of my nopes:
Bonus: If you've ever wanted to see what happens to Humvees dropping from the sky when they hit the ground, this video from the 173rd Airborne Brigade is for you. My favorite part is the soldier dying laughing. Sums up an essence of being a troop that I can't quite explain:
PS.
The plane dangle video is at least 4 years old but I just saw it today and I thought it was a doozy worth sharing so LEAVE ME ALONE, damnit.
PSS.
The Memorial Day Weekend episode of ZeroBlogThirty is out tomorrow morning. It's light & fun but we also take some time to reflect. You can check out our podcast below.
And I know this can be a tough weekend for some folks.. On my end I'll still have a fun time but I also know that at some point I'll dabble in a 'lil ugly cryin', too. No shame to it. Don't hesitate to hit up the ZBT DMs if you need to talk, or to reach out to your buddies. Thinking of you all with much love.