CAMP DARBY, Italy— An operations officer from the 839th Transportation Battalion, 598th Transportation Brigade graduated from the grueling 10-day Air Assault School in Grafenwoehr, Germany, successfully navigating a curriculum famous for its high attrition rate and no margin for error.
The school is notorious for its rapid tempo and uncompromising standards, but Capt.Tom Burcham was up for the challenge.
"When I arrived for the course, I felt confident in my knowledge base," Burcham said. "I attended the Sling Load Inspector Certification Course (SLICC) in 2021 and relied on my already applied knowledge to successfully navigate the course. Of course there are the pre-course nerves, but those quickly gave way to a mindset of confidence."
The training begins with a punishing obstacle course and a timed two-mile run in boots.
To survive the subsequent phases, which include covering combat assault operations, sling-load rigging and rappelling, the students must meet or exceed every physical and academic metric.
Burcham said preparing for the physical toll began months before he arrived at the school. He ran several miles every morning and stayed focused on perfecting his pushups and weighted ruck marches. However, the physical demands were only half the battle.
"After receiving my slot, I had about six months to prepare for Air Assault," Burcham said. "I knew from SLICC that memorizing air speed and lift capabilities were imperative to performing above my peers. The preparation before the course enabled me to be near the top of the class with an overall GPA of 97.5%.”
During the sling-load phase, students must master the precise rigging configurations for heavy equipment, including Humvees, cargo trailers and supply nets.
Testing includes a timed, hands-on evaluation where candidates must spot minute preparation errors on rigged gear, alongside a written exam and a four-mile run that must be completed at a minimum pace of nine minutes per mile.
The school culminated in the adrenaline-filled rappelling phase.Soldiers were tested on their ability to tie a military hip rappel seat in under 90 seconds and hook up to dual rappel ropes within 15 seconds. After descending 12-foot and 50-foot towers, the final test requires a 90-foot rappel from a hovering helicopter.
"I have rappelled before, but not under the conditions or heights required at Air Assault," Burcham said. "While I do not consider myself afraid of heights, holding your own body weight in your hands gets the adrenaline pumping. Following seven rappels from the tower, the rappel from the UH-60 was the highlight of the course."
With the graduation behind him, Burcham returned to his battalion with pride and a sense of accomplishment.
The 839th Transportation Battalion commander was impressed with Burcham.
"Capt. Burcham’s success at Air Assault School demonstrates the elite level of readiness and physical toughness we demand in our unit," said Lt. Col. Aaron Hiatt, commander of the 839th Transportation Battalion. "He has brought valuable expertise back to the battalion that will directly enhance our mission capabilities."
Earning the Air Assault Badge represents hard work, dedication and commitment to a goal Burcham had set for himself.
"Earning my wings was a long-term goal for me, and I thought I would never have the chance to attend Air Assault or another badge-producing school," Burcham said. "I was often told that timing and location are major factors in the opportunities you are given in your career. Hopefully, the next opportunity does not take 10 years like this one did. I am incredibly thankful to the 839th Transportation Battalion and the 598th Transportation Brigade for giving me the opportunity."