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National Airborne Day Celebration

Fort Benning Public Affairs Office

Aug. 16, 2024 | 50:51

The Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Moore will celebrate National Airborne Day with a parachute jump demonstration and U.S. Army Basic Airborne Course graduation ceremony at 9 a.m. EST, Aug. 16, 2024. Fort Moore is the birthplace of the Airborne. Former President George W. Bush proclaimed Aug. 16, 2001, as the first National Airborne Day to commemorate the first official Army parachute jump, which took place on Aug. 16, 1940. This day honors the bravery, dedication, and contributions of airborne forces in the U.S. military. The original event marked the beginning of airborne operations, which have since become a crucial part of military tactics and strategy. National Airborne Day recognizes the achievements of airborne troops and their role in national defense. The Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade’s 1-507th PIR instructs the U.S. Army Basic Airborne Course, which trains over 12,000 military personnel each year as military parachutists. Airborne candidates include not only U.S. Army Soldiers and members of other U.S. armed forces but also international military forces. Students learn to use the parachute as a means of combat deployment and to develop leadership, self-confidence, and an aggressive spirit through mental and physical conditioning.