To enhance their training, Brazilian Army paratroopers completed the Basic Airborne Course, along with the “Jumpmaster” and “Rigger” courses, at the U.S. Army Airborne and Rigger School. These courses, taught by U.S. personnel, prepare military personnel to execute aerial operations in various situations, with a focus on combat infiltration and load drops, among other skills.
In the Basic Airborne Course, two officers and two non-commissioned officers from the Brazilian Army participated. The course is divided into three phases over three weeks: the first phase, known as Ground Week, aims to teach essential techniques for safely exiting an aircraft and landing. This is followed by Tower Week, where participants develop the necessary reflexes to perform airborne procedures safely. The course concludes with Jump Week, where participants apply their acquired knowledge by performing five static line jumps from C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. This final phase is designed to develop leadership, confidence, and determination in the paratroopers. In addition to Brazilian and American students, personnel from Bangladesh, Lebanon, Mexico, and Brazil also participated.
The Jumpmaster Course, a more advanced level, enables participants to conduct missions as expert paratroopers. Over three weeks, participants receive instruction on individual and collective airborne equipment, aircraft used by paratroopers, and the Jumpmaster’s role in training, preparing, and executing airborne operations. Due to the course’s rigorous physical and theoretical/practical requirements, students must achieve an average of over 70% in pre-jump evaluations, written tests, personnel inspections, practical aircraft exercises, and safety procedures. Of the 51 students enrolled, only 29 passed the course, including the two Brazilian representatives.
The Parachute Rigger Course, on the other hand, teaches techniques for preparing medium and heavy loads, packing cargo parachutes, and using equipment for aerial supply drops. Over five weeks, the course covers technical and operational aspects related to the precise airdrop of supplies. Approximately 50 students completed the course, including Captain Vinícius Pacheco and Sergeant Herbert from the Brazilian Army.
Captain Vinícius Pacheco commented, “The exposure to advanced techniques in paratrooper activities, especially in aerial supply drops, has been key to improving our work.” He also highlighted the recent aerial operations in support of the community during Operation “Tacuarí II,” which involved the airdrop of humanitarian aid to populations affected by flooding in the south.
Image credits: Brazilian Army.
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