Airborne!

I'm graduating Airborne tomorrow. Yay! Three weeks of suck is finally over... only 208 more to go.

Anyway, I got my five jumps in with no injuries. We jumped from Air Force C-130s at an altitude of 1,250 feet moving at 130 knots. My first one was kind of rough, since it was in 20-knot winds and I was pretty much terrified, but I landed without injury. The next four went smoother, with softer landings and way lower wind speeds.

Jumping out of an aircraft in flight is a pretty interesting experience, and one that can't be described to someone who hasn't experienced it. It really is nothing but a neat-sounding idea until you hear "Hook Up! 1 Minute! 30 Seconds! Green light, go, go go!" The first time I got on the plane, I had one of those moments where I wonder "Why, exactly, did I think this was a good idea? I must be insane." Yeah, that pretty much sums it up. I look forward to doing some more jumps, though... I want to try one out of the back of a Blackhawk - 130mph wash is not that fun to jump into. A good exit is very, very important to prevent bouncing off the side of the aircraft.

Well, looks like I'm off to Bragg tomorrow. I was supposed to be taking leave and flying home, but looks like I got fucked over instead. Thanks Army! It's not like I had important plans or anything.