Photo By Spc. PS Bailey Whilden | Canadian Army Jump Masters instruct paratroopers from XVIII Airborne Corps at Green...... read more read more
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FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Canadian Army jumpmasters and tactical leaders joined U.S. paratroopers from the XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, April 7-10, 2025, for an intensive week of joint airborne operations and heavy equipment aerial delivery training. This collaboration strengthened the interoperability of the two allied forces, enhancing readiness and refining their ability to operate together effectively under future-fight conditions.
The Canadian Armed Forces had the opportunity to witness how Corps force-generates its Immediate Response Force, executes contested logistics, repairs damaged airfields, and delivers heavy equipment by air. All this is key to understanding how allied forces can synchronize efforts in the next fight.
"Today was about teaching junior paratroopers how our allied forces work, building readiness, and showing how different customs and courtesies work – both in and outside of the aircraft," said 1st Lt. Shayna Chapman, Gulf Forward Support Company (FSC), 1-505th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division. "Doing exercises like this ensures we can work with anyone and be prepared for anything…."
Chapman noted how Canadian jumpmasters brought a unique energy to the aircraft, engaging in traditions that included cheering and stomping to show their excitement before jumping.
"They get pumped up—it's just a difference in excitement levels that adds to the camaraderie,” said Chapman. “… The United States never fights alone. Building these relationships ensures that when our paratroopers show up to the fight, the allied soldier next to them has their back, just like they do."
Throughout the week, Canadian jumpmasters engaged with the U.S. Army Advanced Airborne School – gaining critical insights into validation processes, drop zone planning, and operational expectations in U.S. airborne operations.
"We spent time with the Canadians discussing how we execute airborne missions, rig our loads, and handle daily operations,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Chelsey Ashley, Aerial Delivery Officer (ADO), 647th Quartermaster Company, 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command. “Seeing how they do things—what’s different or similar—brings trust and strengthens our bond."
Ashley’s team demonstrated a wide range of capabilities, including free-fall, MC-6 jumps, and rough terrain operations. They also prepared Canadian personnel to witness the heavy drop of the Avenger Air Defense System (AN/TWQ-1) – showcasing large-scale aerial logistics in action.
"Modernization is key—everything’s changing and putting our brains together to tackle challenges like new parachutes and mission execution is incredibly important,” Ashley said. “These exercises not only build trust but also allow us to act decisively and cohesively in dynamic environments."
| Date Taken: | 04.08.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.23.2025 15:22 |
| Story ID: | 495861 |
| Location: | FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 57 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Forging Allied Strength in the Skies: U.S. and Canadian Paratroopers Train Together, by SPC Hermon Whaley, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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