Airborne
- Thread starter stryder
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It's a 3 week course with new classes running all the time. Someone has to be willing to pay for it and cut you loose - it's not as easy as just wanting to go.
Not all Dental Commanders are open to the idea of letting their dentists go down and do something that is non-dental/medical related. You'll have to talk it over with them when you come on active duty.
While an HPSP student you won't have anyone willing to fund you - so I don't see it as being something you could swing.
If you are able to do it here is some additional info:
http://www.baseops.net/basictraining/airborne.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airborne_School
For our career field more people compete and go for the Expert Field Medical Badge - it is one that our Commanders will usually support
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expert_Field_Medical_Badge
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I appreciate all of the info... I'm actually active already and have a slot to go. I've been trying to go to EFMB but there hasn't been and doesn't seem to be any testing in my area any time soon. I would rather do EFMB as a see that it is more in line with our professions but this slot for airborne just fell in my lap.
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Good for you - jump on the chance. You can always check the availability and locations of EFMB in AKO - they have a home page there.
Good luck!
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Do it - you'll have a great time. Airborne!
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Airborne was great! I got a chance to go during my snowbird year (prior to my prosth residency training at Ft. Gordon). I went in February - It was balls cold and we weren't allowed to wear any long underwear. You do a lot of pull-ups and a bunch of running (really slow-pace though). The hardest part of the course is all the waiting around doing nothing. The entire class could have been done in about 4 days, but you have to stand in line waiting for 30 other people to roll around in the gravel. Any questions, don't hesitate to ask!
Then go for it. You won't regret it. Lots of "hurry up and wait," but if you are in moderate physical shape and keep a good attitude it can be really fun.
