Introduction to Airborne Units and Membership

Combat in the modern military often requires specialized training and unique skill sets to undertake missions. One of the most notable specialized units is the Airborne. These units are renowned for their ability to swiftly deploy behind enemy lines, conducting offensive operations from the air. However, the common perception that only Infantry can join Airborne units is largely a myth. To clarify this misconception, it is essential to understand the criteria and process for joining these elite units.

Who Can Join Airborne Units?

While the Infantry is indeed the most visible and commonly associated branch with Airborne units, the U.S. Army, for instance, has Airborne units that include soldiers from various military occupational specialties (MOS). Special branches such as Engineers, Medical personnel, and Communications operators can also be part of Airborne units provided they meet the necessary requirements and are selected for airborne assignments. These non-Infantry members undergo the same rigorous training as their Infantry counterparts to ensure they are capable of executing airborne operations effectively.

The Airborne School and Qualification

Joining an Airborne unit typically involves completing Airborne School, which is designed to train soldiers in the art of parachuting and airborne operations. This training is not limited to Infantry, but rather is open to qualified personnel from various branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. To be eligible, soldiers must meet the strict physical and mental requirements and be selected for the airborne role. Successful completion of this training qualifies an individual as an parachute qualified (PARA) member, enabling them to join Airborne units.

Case Studies of Non-Infantry Participation in Airborne Units

There are instances where entire brigades or units are composed of almost entirely airborne soldiers with no Infantry present. For example, a former unit had an organization structure similar to the one described. Each company had 3 to 5 platoons, with each platoon containing about 32 to 64 soldiers. The battalion had 4 to 6 companies, making up a significant portion of the brigade. None of the soldiers in this unit were Infantry, but nearly everyone was airborne and on active jump status.

The structure and roles within these units are diverse and complex. While some individuals may be particularly suited to certain roles due to their background in specific MOSs, the majority of the training is generalized to equip soldiers with the necessary skills for airborne missions. This training often includes additional AITs (Advanced Individual Training) tailored to specific needs.

Perception and Reality of Infantry in Airborne Units

The perception that Infantry is the default choice for joining Airborne units is largely due to the common belief that these units need large numbers of personnel to deploy effectively. However, the reality is different. Infantry units, while essential, are designed to function as the backbone of the army, providing a buffer of personnel for other units to draw from. Many soldiers who join Infantry do so because they are deemed less capable of handling more challenging MOSs, or due to the allure of becoming part of a prestigious unit.

In some cases, Infantry units perform a variety of non-combat roles, such as administrative, maintenance, and logistics duties, which are essential for the functioning of the unit. What often goes unnoticed is that these roles are not restricted to Infantry, and many non-Infantry soldiers can also perform these tasks effectively. This misconception perpetuates the notion that all Airborne units are primarily Infantry-based.

Conclusion

While it is true that many Airborne units are traditionally Infantry-centric, the reality is that various branches of the military can and do join Airborne units after completing the required training. The misconception that only Infantry can join these units arises from the common perception of their composition. In fact, it is often the case that other MOSs play crucial roles, bringing diverse skills and experiences to the units.

Additional Sources and References

For further reading on the topic, one can refer to official Army documents and personal accounts from former soldiers. Websites such as Army.mil and offer detailed information on Airborne units and the MOSs involved.