Air Assault Course

Photo By Spc. Zachary Stahlberg | A Soldier rappels down the tower during the Air Assault Course, Camp Aachen, Germany, September, 17, 2019. The Air Assault Course is designed to prepare Soldiers for missions that call for the use of multipurpose transportation and assault helicopters.  

GERMANY

10.03.2019

Story by Pfc. Zachary Stahlberg 

7th Army Training Command

U.S. Army Officer and enlisted Soldiers are participating in the air assault course held on Camp
Aachen, Germany, from Sept. 09 through Sept. 19, 2019. The air assault course is a 10-day course that is
both mentally and physically challenging in order to prepare Soldiers for real world operations.
“This course is designed to prepare us for missions that call for the use of multipurpose
transportation and assault helicopters,” said Staff Sgt. Raycel Dasher, a student participating in the air
assault course.
The course is split into three different phases. Phase 1 test the Soldiers’ endurance and assesses
their physical capabilities.
“There is an obstacle course you have to get through right from the start, and then there is a 6
mile ruck march, a 4 mile run and a 12 mile ruck march, said 2nd Lt. Airyn Nash, a student participating
in the air assault course. “You have to keep going no matter how tired you are; you need to push past your
own limits to succeed.”
Phase 2 engages the Soldiers’ mental capacity. The Soldiers are still tested on their physical
capabilities, but this phase also requires intelligence and attention to detail to succeed.
“Phase 2 involves the understanding of sling load operations and incorporating it into real world
scenarios,” said Specialist Levi Rider, a student participating in the air assault course. “You need to be
precise in everything you do, and listen to exactly what you’re told before you execute.”
Soldiers most look forward to phase 3. It incorporates everything the Soldiers have learned in the
course and tests their comprehension by utilizing obstacle courses and rappel towers.
“It’s definitely the best part of the course,” said Rider. “You start to understand why what you
learned is important.”
Different Soldiers from different backgrounds all go through the same course together to learn
about something new and to better themselves in their chosen career field.
“I’m an infantryman, so the knowledge I gain from going through this course will be helpful to
my unit and help me be a more effective leader,” said Dasher.
“I come from a logistics squadron so a lot of supplies need to be sling loaded,” said Nash. “I am
with a medevac (medical evacuation) company, so understanding how to sling load your supplies quickly
and effectively will be an asset to my unit.”
Some Soldiers also enjoy the memories they make and the experiences they share; seeing the
course as an opportunity to try something different.
“This course is just something I’ve always wanted to do,” said Rider. “I get to rappel out of a
helicopter and I’m really looking forward to that.
Whatever their reason for wanting to go through this course; it is a unique opportunity for
Soldiers to gain new knowledge in an important field.
“I’m grateful that I was given this opportunity,” said Nash. “Every day provides a new challenge,
and I’m excited to see what else I can learn while I’m here.

• Date Taken: 10.03.2019
• Date Posted: 10.03.2019 03:13
• Story ID: 345613
• Location: DE