Photo By Master Sgt. Diana Ferree | Capt. James Kinnaird, flight nurse with the 911th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron...... read more read more
The UH-60 Black Hawk hovered 70 feet above the ground as Capt. James Kinnaird, a flight nurse with the 911th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, steadied himself on the open door. Just days ago, he had practiced rappelling in the quiet of a classroom, but now, the deafening roar of rotor blades and the violent vibrations of the aircraft made every movement a challenge.
With one deep breath, he clipped in and stepped off, descending rapidly to the open field below—one step closer to earning his Air Assault wings.
Kinnaird was the sole Citizen Airman who attended the Air Assault course in the U.S. Army’s Sabalauski Air Assault School at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, from Aug. 13-28, 2024. The rigorous nine-day program trains service members in helicopter-based operations, including air assault tactics, sling-load operations, and rappelling. Upon graduation, each Soldier—or Airman—can execute critical skills to maximize the use of helicopter assets in both training and combat environments to support unit operations.
The course covers a wide scope of rotary-wing aircraft operations, including aircraft safety, aeromedical evacuation procedures, pathfinder operations, combat assault techniques, and the execution of sling-load and rappelling techniques. Instruction is conducted in both classroom and field environments, ensuring students are prepared for real-world missions.
A Grueling Start
Earning the Air Assault badge requires extensive preparation, both physically and mentally.
“A typical day involved early morning physical training, followed by classroom sessions, hands-on exercises, and team-building activities,” Staff Sgt. Zachary Adams, a fire team member with the 911th Security Forces Squadron said. “Evenings were often spent reviewing the day’s lessons and preparing for the next.”
Adams, who attended the course a few months after Kinniard, prepared by following a strict 4 a.m. workout routine that included rucking. Kinnaird also focused heavily on rucking, logging about 20 miles each week.
For those considering Air Assault School, Adams emphasized preparation and perseverance. “My advice would be to prepare thoroughly, both mentally and physically,” he said. “Seek mentorship, stay committed, and never underestimate the importance of teamwork and resilience.”
The course officially began with “Day Zero,” a physically demanding introduction designed to weed out unprepared candidates. The day included a gear inspection, known as the "bag drag," to ensure each student had all required equipment, followed by an obstacle course.
“You have a packing list, and you have to have everything. If you don't have it, you’re kicked out,” Kinnaird said. “We lost 10 members on the first day.”
Packing requirements included roughly 50 items, ranging from simple necessities such as extra pairs of socks, earplugs, and gallon-sized Ziploc bags to more specific military gear like “one Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment rucksack (large or medium, complete with a frame, waist belt, and sustainment pouches), and an Improved Outer Tactical Vest or plate carrier with Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts plates, Kevlar inserts, with name tape, and rank affixed” according to information from the U.S. Army Air Assault webpage.
The obstacle course consisted of nine challenges designed to test strength, endurance, and confidence at heights. One of the toughest, Kinnaird recalled, was the "confidence climb"—a 35-foot ladder with widening gaps between rungs as students ascended.
“When I got toward the top, I had to jump to reach the final rung,” he said. Because students were not allowed to use the ladder’s side rails, the challenge forced them to problem-solve while battling any fear of heights.
Sling-Load Stress
After completing the physically demanding opening phase, students moved on to phase two– sling load operations– a critical component of the course that trains students to rig, inspect, and secure external loads for helicopter transport.
“The A-22 sling load deficiency test was especially challenging,” said Adams.
Air Assault hopefuls had to memorize more than 65 possible deficiencies and identify three out of a maximum of four errors to pass, and there are no second chances. Even minor mistakes—such as a misrouted strap, an unsecured snap link, or failing to notice an unbalanced load—could result in failure. The high-stakes nature of the test and the rapid pace of inspections caused significant stress among students.
“The test for the sling load deficiencies really stressed a lot of people out,” said Kinnaird. “You had to inspect four different loads in under two minutes and find the exact discrepancies the instructors set up. “That’s where we lost ... maybe a third, if not a half, of our class.
Mastering sling load operations is crucial, as improperly secured loads can be catastrophic in real-world missions, endangering both personnel and equipment. The training ensured that graduates could confidently conduct aerial resupply, troop transport, and combat sustainment operations under pressure.
Descending to Graduation
The final phase of training focused on rappelling—first from a tower and, ultimately, from a hovering UH-60 Black Hawk.
For both Kinnaird and Adams, the moment they stepped off the helicopter was the highlight of the course.
“You could see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Kinnaird said, recalling the moment he landed in an open field below. But one final challenge remained—the grueling 12-mile ruck march.
Beginning at 4 a.m., students carried 35-pound rucksacks while maintaining a demanding pace. Those who completed the march crossed the finish line just in time for graduation that afternoon.
“Finishing [the ruck] made me realize that all the hard work and sacrifices leading up to the course were completely worth it,” Adams said.
Of the 30 students in Kinnaird’s ruck unit, only about 17 made it to graduation. The others, unable to finish the march, were sent home without earning their wings.
Graduates of the course receive the coveted Air Assault Badge, which is traditionally pinned onto their uniforms by an instructor. But completing Air Assault School is more than just earning a badge—it’s a testament to resilience, teamwork, and the ability to operate in high-stress environments.
For Kinnaird and Adams, the grueling days of physical and mental challenges reinforced their skills and determination. Now, armed with their newly earned expertise, they stand ready to apply their training to real-world missions, ensuring they can support their units with precision and confidence.
| Date Taken: | 03.14.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.20.2025 09:11 |
| Story ID: | 492849 |
| Location: | PITTSBURGH AIRPORT AIR RESERVE STATION, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 161 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Steel Airmen earn coveted air assault wings at Fort Campbell, by MSgt Diana Ferree, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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