Airborne School, US Army Infantry, Fort Benning, GA

• Historic Beginnings: U.S. Army Airborne School, also known as "Jump School," was established in 1940 at Fort Benning, Georgia, to train the first generation of American paratroopers before World War II. • The Three Phases: Airborne School consists of three rigorous phases: Ground Week (focus on parachute landing falls), Tower Week (practice from 34-foot and 250-foot towers), and Jump Week (five qualifying jumps from an aircraft). • “Black Hats”: The jump instructors are called "Black Hats" because of their distinctive black baseball caps, a symbol of authority and expertise. • Iconic Wings: Soldiers who graduate earn the coveted U.S. Army Parachutist Badge—commonly known as "Jump Wings." • All-Volunteer: Attendance at Airborne School is strictly voluntary, and soldiers from all branches (including allied nations) can attend, not just the Army Infantry. • Famous Alumni: Many legendary figures, including General David Petraeus and former President George H.W. Bush, completed Airborne School. • First Combat Jump: The first U.S. combat parachute jump occurred in November 1942 in North Africa during Operation Torch, involving graduates of the Benning school. • Nickname “Benning Boogie”: The practice of jumping en masse from C-130 or C-17 aircraft at Airborne School is often called the "Benning Boogie." • Women in Airborne: The first female graduates completed Airborne School in 1973, breaking a significant gender barrier in the Army. • Paratrooper Traditions: Upon graduating, it is a tradition for new paratroopers to receive their wings pinned directly onto their chest—sometimes with a punch—known as a "blood wings" ceremony (though the practice is unofficial).