BUTNER, N.C. – Forty Soldiers and five Airmen participated in the North Carolina National Guard’s pre-Air Assault Course held at Camp Bunter, N.C. from April 26 to the 27.
The 45 Guardsmen had to complete an Army Physical Fitness Test, a twelve-mile road march in less than three hours and an obstacle course.
The events are designed to ensure that the best qualified Guardsmen are selected to attend Air-Assault school and are ready for the rigors of Air Assault School.
“It’s like a gut-check to see if you can do it or not,” said Spc. Destiny Tolliver with the 732nd Field Maintenance Support Company, one of two females at the course. “It’s tough, but you push through it.”
Tolliver was given the opportunity to attend the course when she achieved a perfect score of 300 points on the Army Physical Fitness Test.
“Our unit gave me the opportunity because of my performance, so why not go,” Tolliver said. “I want to go to every school I can.”
Many Guardsmen have the goal of attending prestigious schools and challenging their abilities.
“It’s a personal aspiration of mine,” said Army Capt. Richard Kirby, a native of Marion, Virginia, with C Company, 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment. “Air Assault and air-lift capabilities are good skills to have both in a combat environment and for domestic operations.”
Not all the Guardsmen attending the course will go on to Air Assault School because of the limited amount of available slots, however, the course is a venue for them to show off their skills and determination to be the best.
“It’s a great opportunity to get out of the office and interact with Soldiers,” Kirby said. “That’s why I wanted to be a leader in the first place.”