Rigger, the Red Hat

Photo By Jason Ragucci | Parachute Riggers wear the Red Hat signifying that they are experts packing the parachute for both paratroopers and heavy cargo. These Riggers from the 11th Quartermaster, 82nd Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade prepare for the upcoming Airborne Review, with an estimate of 2,000 Paratroopers expected to be in the sky at the same time.  

FORT BRAGG, NC, UNITED STATES

05.01.2017

Story by Staff Sgt. Jason Ragucci 

82nd Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade

With just a short time arriving to his first unit and command, he as already learned the discipline of packing a parachute for his other Paratroopers and heavy cargo. "For Paratroopers E4 and below, we pack the chutes to standard," said Private Miller, "This is the level where you learn and master your job; anywhere from lateral bands to the risers, all the way up to the slider and sleeve of the parachute."
Private Miller and his wife are both from Chicago, IL. He has a history of his family members serving in the military. His father retired Military Intelligence and Miller is the oldest of 3 boys. "I had the scores to go MI, but I decided to start my own path," said Miller, "My recruiter said that not many people sign up to be a Rigger. I figured, why not and I wanted to be airborne as well."
Since Private Miller began his career as a Parachute Rigger, his youngest brother has made Miller a role model to follow as he will be finishing advance individual training to become a Rigger as well.
All of the Parachute Riggers of the 82nd Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade are extremely busy preparing for the Centennial All American Week later in this month. There will be an estimate of over 2,000 Paratroopers falling from the sky during the Airborne Review.
"Anything can happen with a job like this," said Miller, "It (being a Parachute Rigger) can be rough for my wife; but, my wife fully understands and helps me out by keeping me mentally prepared at all times. Without her, I would not be a successful Rigger that I am today."

• Date Taken: 05.01.2017
• Date Posted: 05.10.2017 15:23
• Story ID: 233345
• Location: FORT BRAGG, NC, US
• Hometown: CHICAGO, IL, US