The Air Assault class MTT01-10 was a rigorous two week course that was both physically and mentally challenging. This course is taught by “black shirts”, all Sergeants and Staff Sergeants, who are very proficient and competent at their jobs. They are all professionals and can reference page number and paragraph, any answer from the Air Assault handbook.
Zero day started with about 237 candidates at 0235. We stood anxiously information as the Black Shirts gave us instructions on the days coming events. We were called up by last name/ last four to receive a roster number that indicated our squad and number in the squad. As we ran down over the hill to our new formation the level of intensity rose dramatically. |
(L to R) Staff Sgt. Aaron Bayhon, Staff Sgt. Michael Beers and Sgt. 1st Class Mark Wilbur display their certificates after completing the Sabalauski Air Assault School at Ft. Campbell, Ky. Courtesy Photo.
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I, as well as several others, one a Special Forces major, were suddenly swarmed on by four or five Black Shirts. We were doing flutter kicks, push-ups, and bear crawling on the pavement trying to get to the formation with as little abuse as possible. Later that morning we negotiated the obstacle course and immediately following, the two mile run in ACU’s which had to be completed in 18 minutes or less. At around 1200 or so, we received our first meal of the day, an MRE. But most of us were elated; we had made it into the course.
Though zero day and day one were very stressful physically, the rest of the course was both physically and mentally demanding also. Phase one testing consisted of a 50 question multiple choice test and a hands on performance test consisting of Air Assault hand and arm signals.
I and most Soldiers found phase two to be most challenging. Phase two consisted of sling load operations and we needed to learn the capacities of different aircraft and the capacities of the equipment used for external sling loads. As well, we had to learn how to rig the loads and inspect the loads. The phase two testing consisted of another 50 question multiple choice test and the dreaded hands on performance test. I would estimate that eighty five percent or so of AA candidates received a first time no go on one of the loads they inspected. We had four loads to inspect with two minutes per load to find three out of four deficiencies. I received a first time go on all four loads.
I thought phase three was the most fun but equally challenging both physically and technically. This phase consisted of fast roping and rappelling off a fifty four foot tower and UH-60 from ninety to one hundred ten feet. We spent three days practicing techniques such as a combat lock, tying a swiss seat to standard in ninety seconds or less and learning to belay.
Our last event was the twelve mile ruck march on graduation day. We had to complete the event in three hours or less with a mandatory water point every three hours. I completed mine in two hours and forty minutes with the fastest time being one hour and fifty minutes.
I’m very proud to wear the Air Assault wings as I accomplished this all on my own. I think this military training also offers more than just the particular skill learned. It increases your knowledge base and gives you experience you can share with other Soldiers.
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