What It Takes To Pass The Army’s Air Assault Entry Test | Boot Camp | Business Insider

Before they can begin their training to become Air Assault-qualified, all students at the Sabalauski Air Assault School must survive "day zero," a physically and mentally grueling test that marks the beginning of what's known as the Army's "10 toughest days."

Beginning before sunrise, day zero consists of a detailed inspection of the students' gear, a 2-mile run and culminates with an intimidating obstacle course featuring two major events that all students must conquer — otherwise they are dropped from training before phase one begins. On a scorching day in June where the heat index rose to over 100 degrees, Insider followed two students to find out if they have what it takes to survive day zero and move on to day one of Air Assault School.

Located inside the Fort Campbell Army installation on the Tennessee-Kentucky border, the Air Assault School is where students train to insert themselves and equipment into combat using helicopters.

MORE BOOT CAMP VIDEOS:
What Soldiers Go Through At Army Air Assault School | Boot Camp
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What It Takes To Pass The Army’s Air Assault Entry Test | Boot Camp | Business Insider

[grouphug]

imagine going back to your unit to tell your commander that you failed because you forgot to bring one item.

[canadianboi]

At this point business insider should just enlist

[LA_Commander]

Got much respect for that 40 year old CWO who attempted that course! I went thru OCS at Fort Benning at age 40 and it took everything I had to pass. Our PT instructors were all from the Ranger BN. When we did the obstacle course it was a winter cycle and we did it first thing in the morning with ice and water all over those logs. Believe you me those logs were slippery af and made the tough one and weaver all the more difficult. And dangerous.

[shillahboss]

I was really rooting for McCurdy . Mt heart is broken that he got dropped but I appreciate all of the student for taking the attempt. That's bravery.

[thememeestfilmbuff]

*Hulk:* “Ready to pass this course...”

*Instructor:* “Soldier you forgot your toothbrush. You are dropped from this course.”

[cdc]

There was a kid named Dewie who fell off of "Tough One" and hurt his back so he went to the hospital afterwards for a check up. I had broken my ankle so I was there too. The thing is Dewie had a waver for an unformed fontanel, the dude literally had a tennis ball sized chunk of his skull missing. At the hospital a nurse is going down the line triaging a dozen of us and sorting by severity. She looks up at Dewie who has his cover off and says "Okay trooper what hapHOLY SH*T! [yells behind her] CALL SURGICAL!" As Dewie (who wasn't very bright) had no idea what was going on and just had this dumb smile on his face. It was one of the funniest things I had ever seen.

[marqueswalker]

I earned my Air Assault badge in December 2011 while I was stationed at Fort Campbell. I still think that if you are in decent shape, you should have no issue getting through zero day and the course. I was expecting it to be much tougher. The hardest part was having that damn canteen constantly banging against my leg.

[michaelprosperity]

I was always the oldest in all my classes having joined the Army at 25. I recently retired after 35yrs of service. Hit my MRD at 60

[bennettlieberman]

“Students wait in line with their backs against the obstacle so they can’t observe other students attempts” as they are turned around 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[corujariousa]

One of the best things the military service brings is self-confidence and the realization that, if we keep pushing ourselves hard and without excuses, we see we are much more capable than what we initially thought.

[andrer]

I remember Air Assault School like it was yesterday. On day zero I seen people give up, some people get hurt on the course and I seen the smile of accomplishment to us that finished the course but that just started our trouble. Phase one wasn't bad but phase 2 learning to sling load was to me the hardest part because you only had a few days to learn about all the helicopters and the details of what your load is. Phase 3 was the easiest as long as you're not afraid of heights and you pay attention. The last thing you do is a 12 mile road march with full gear and a dummy weapon and you only have 3 hours to do it. The 6 mile road march in the middle of the course was simple compared to this one. 30 years and I still remember all the details, it was my first of many schools in the Army.

[cloycemunderwood]

Went back in 2018, Ft Hood Phantom Warrior Air Assault School. I was the youngest NCO, so I got assigned as the student 1SG. Toughest challenge that helped create my leadership skills. Had a major as my guide-on who helped me a ton. Shoutout to all of them for motivating me, which lead to earning my wings!

[jwdickinson]

regardless of whether they pass or get dropped, I’m proud of all those who attempt this and push themselves. Humble thanks from a civilian for your commitment and dedication!

[shuffleit]

They make the obstacle course so scary with how they talk, only bad part is waiting for someone to get off of it so you can go without being stuck up there

[DianaKazimiera-]

Tremendous strength is needed here.The reportage is fantastic and the soldiers 🇺🇲 are revelational.
Great respect 🕊️
🇵🇱🤝🇺🇲

[jnwkpzr]

I graduated this program in 1984 and it’s really not that difficult if you’re in shape enough to pass a basic PT test you should be good! God times I’ll always remember

[unknowneclipse]

Dang while y’all gotta roast them at the end like that lmao

[wainwrightclarke]

Only real OGs know that the real challenge of Air Assault is dodging the MPs trying to pull everyone over before they make it into the parking lot

[mattroberson]

I went thtough at the age of 35 11c e-5. I remember the mornings of the road marches. I could smell the lilacs in the air. I personally thought that the physical parts of aerosol school with pretty easy and so was the obstacle course and the road marches. What was difficult for me was the written test. Sign up sling loads we often did before I went to are assault School. Definitely a good course every leader should be Air Assault qualified.

[robertrushing]

The toughest part by far was the heights. I’m terrified of heights. It was very physically demanding, but overcoming my fear of heights was the worst. I remember my first sergeant pinning me and saying that he thought I wouldn’t make it. I just smiled.