Air Assault Badge

The Air Assault Badge is a prestigious award in the United States Army, bestowed upon soldiers who have completed the rigorous Air Assault School training program. This esteemed badge symbolizes a soldier's expertise in air assault operations, including aircraft safety, rappelling, and airmobile tactics. The Air Assault Badge is a testament to a soldier's physical and mental toughness, as well as their ability to operate in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Established in 1974, the Air Assault Badge has become a coveted award among Army personnel, with many soldiers striving to earn this distinguished honor.
Key Points
- The Air Assault Badge is awarded to soldiers who complete the Air Assault School training program, which includes 10 days of intensive training.
- The badge is a symbol of a soldier's expertise in air assault operations, including aircraft safety, rappelling, and airmobile tactics.
- To be eligible for the Air Assault Badge, soldiers must meet specific requirements, including completing a 2-mile run in 14 minutes or less and completing an obstacle course.
- The Air Assault Badge is a prestigious award in the United States Army, reflecting a soldier's physical and mental toughness, as well as their ability to operate in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- The badge is categorized into three phases: phase 1, which focuses on aircraft safety and rappelling; phase 2, which emphasizes airmobile tactics and techniques; and phase 3, which involves a series of challenging obstacles and evaluations.
Air Assault School Training Program

The Air Assault School training program is a grueling 10-day course that pushes soldiers to their limits. The program is divided into three phases, each designed to test a soldier’s physical and mental endurance. Phase 1 focuses on aircraft safety and rappelling, where soldiers learn the fundamentals of aircraft operations and practice rappelling techniques from towering structures. Phase 2 emphasizes airmobile tactics and techniques, including the use of helicopters and other aircraft in combat operations. Phase 3 involves a series of challenging obstacles and evaluations, designed to assess a soldier’s ability to operate in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Air Assault Badge, soldiers must meet specific requirements, including completing a 2-mile run in 14 minutes or less and completing an obstacle course. Additionally, soldiers must undergo a rigorous physical fitness test, which includes push-ups, sit-ups, and a 2-mile run. Soldiers must also demonstrate their knowledge of air assault operations, including aircraft safety, rappelling, and airmobile tactics. The eligibility requirements for the Air Assault Badge are as follows:
Requirement | Standard |
---|---|
2-mile run | 14 minutes or less |
Obstacle course | Completion of the course within the allotted time |
Physical fitness test | Minimum score of 60 points in each event (push-ups, sit-ups, and 2-mile run) |
Air assault knowledge | Demonstrated knowledge of air assault operations, including aircraft safety, rappelling, and airmobile tactics |

Airmobile Tactics and Techniques

Airmobile tactics and techniques are a critical component of air assault operations. Soldiers who earn the Air Assault Badge must demonstrate their knowledge of airmobile tactics, including the use of helicopters and other aircraft in combat operations. This includes understanding the principles of air mobility, such as the use of aircraft to transport troops and equipment, and the importance of coordinating air and ground operations. Airmobile tactics and techniques are essential in modern warfare, where the ability to rapidly deploy and redeploy troops and equipment is critical to success.
Obstacle Course and Evaluations
The obstacle course and evaluations are a critical component of the Air Assault School training program. The obstacle course is designed to test a soldier’s physical and mental endurance, with a series of challenging obstacles that must be completed within a certain time limit. The evaluations are designed to assess a soldier’s ability to operate in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with a focus on air assault operations. The obstacle course and evaluations are as follows:
- Rappelling tower: a 45-foot tower that soldiers must rappel down using a rope and harness
- Obstacle course: a series of challenging obstacles, including walls, ropes, and mud pits
- Evaluations: a series of evaluations, including a written test and a practical exercise, designed to assess a soldier's knowledge of air assault operations
What is the Air Assault Badge?
+The Air Assault Badge is a prestigious award in the United States Army, bestowed upon soldiers who have completed the rigorous Air Assault School training program.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Air Assault Badge?
+To be eligible for the Air Assault Badge, soldiers must meet specific requirements, including completing a 2-mile run in 14 minutes or less and completing an obstacle course.
What is the Air Assault School training program?
+The Air Assault School training program is a grueling 10-day course that pushes soldiers to their limits, with a focus on air assault operations, including aircraft safety, rappelling, and airmobile tactics.