The Air Assault School, conducted at Fort Campbell, KY, is two weeks of mental and physical challenges. This school is designed to teach air assault skills and procedures, improve basic leadership skills, instill the Air Assault spirit, and award the Air Assault Badge.
During the course you will face such challenges as:
- Obstacle Course - You will be required to negotiate a demanding obstacle course
- Physical Training - PT is conducted daily. Distance runs of up to three miles are standard
- Rappelling - You are required to tie a series of knots and conduct graded rappels from walls and helicopters. You must successfully complete three day and two night helicopter rappels
- Troop Ladder - You will ascend and descend the troop ladder on a 35-foot tower and a CH-47 helicopter
- Rigging and Sling Loading - You will be taught and tested on how to prepare, rig, and inspect numerous pieces of Army equipment for helicopter transport
- Road Marches - You must complete a six-mile road march in 1 hour and 30 minutes or less; you must also complete a 12-mile road march in 3 hours or less at the end of the course
- Evaluations - After each phase of training, all students are given a written and practical examination based on a PASS/FAIL system. To graduate, the student must receive a PASS at the end of each phase
This course is a fast-paced exercise in mental alertness and physical endurance. You must meet the high standards of the soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) prior to being awarded the Air Assault Badge. Cadet application requirements include the following: successful completion of the Army Physical Fitness test, valid medical exam stating "Qualified for Air Assault," and be able to run at least four miles within a limited time.