WHAT IS NATIONAL AIRBORNE DAY?
National Airborne Day was started in 2002 by President George W. Bush. Each year on August 16, we celebrate paratroopers, as the first time the Army attempted a jump was on August 16, 1940, at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Although the way we use parachuting in modern combat is much different, for decades, this technique has been a shining example of the sacrifice, grit, and skill it takes to keep our nation safe.
National Airborne Day: The History of Paratroopers
National Airborne Day is a celebration of Soldiers who train for the job of dropping in from the sky to conduct missions often in less-than-ideal, hostile areas.
Since the late 1700s, parachuting from the sky has been an event enjoyed and endured by those brave enough to try it, yet, it would take until 1940 before Americans utilized this technology in warfare.
48 Soldiers volunteered to be a part of the U.S. Army Parachute Test Platoon, as our nation looked to put boots on the ground behind enemy lines in an innovative manner during World War II.
Those brave volunteers would prove the technique was successful, leading the way for over 100,000 others to great the 11th 13th, 17th, 82nd, and 101st Airborne Divisions respectively.
Their expertise was showcased in every WWII theatre, notably, paratroopers from the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions dropped into Normandy on D-Day to secure key positions for the Allied advance.
Today, these divisions, based at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, and Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, remain active and continue to play crucial roles in national defense and global peacekeeping missions.
National Airborne Day continues to honor their service while also maintaining acknowledgment for those currently serving as paratroopers.
However, modern airborne operations face significant risks, especially in environments with advanced air defenses from world superpowers.
While the use of paratroopers is still an option, in modern warfare, they aren’t used in nearly the same capacity as previous wars.
To do so isn't only unfeasible but ineffective as paratroopers today face many complex vulnerabilities, such as attacks from aircraft, air defense systems, and ground forces during the movement, assault, and landing phases.
Other risks include chemical, biological, and nuclear attacks, electronic interference, and small-arms fire, which can threaten aircraft and paratroopers.
Some of these same threats were there for those who were fighting in WWII further highlighting the importance of observing National Airborne Day.
But as technology and war have evolved, so too have the role of Airborne Divisions.
Celebrating the 82nd Airborne’s Birthday
August is filled with plenty of military holidays, including the birthday of the 82nd Airborne Division.
Hailing from Camp Gordon, Georgia originally, the 82nd Airborne was established on August 25, 1917.
Today, you’ll find the division stationed at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, maintaining their legacy and high standards found throughout the Western Front of World War I, through WWII, and various conflicts that have come since.
How to Observe National Airborne Day
Observing National Airborne Day is another great way to show patriotism while honoring the past and supporting the current military community.
One popular way to do so is to enjoy documentaries about airborne troops and listen to their accounts of training and deploying for such missions.
Similarly, there are plenty of books and podcasts you can also explore to learn more.
Visiting your local air museum is also a great way to spend the day, where you can examine artifacts and learn more about the divisions from experts.
Finally, if you really want to take things to new heights, you could always get a first-hand look at their experience and schedule a jump.
Though skydiving as a civilian is considerably more tame than parachuting behind enemy lines, you’re sure to get quite the adrenaline rush while celebrating National Airborne Day this way.
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