The Aviation and Special Forces Command training center conducted high-altitude and acrobatic parachute exercises over Pingtung’s Chaozhou airfield on Friday. The training center stated that after mastering basic parachute skills, paratroopers need to undergo advanced training such as high-altitude infiltration parachuting. They emphasized that in addition to demonstrating excellent maneuverability, they must also prove fit for special operations missions behind enemy lines during wartime.
Paratroopers jumped from a C-130 transport plane at an altitude as high as 10,000 feet. Instructor Pan I-lung (潘益龍) stated that basic parachute training begins at 1,250 feet. The day’s advanced exercises started with 4,500-foot jumps and unlike basic training, trainees jump directly out of the rear door of the transport plane, which is more difficult due to physical and psychological stress. 40 advanced parachute jumps must be completed before graduating training.
The Aviation and Special Forces Command training center said that as potential combat situations change, the methods of readying the country’s paratroopers are constantly evolving to be as effective as possible.