Parachute Rigger
OVERVIEW
Parachute Riggers are primarily responsible for repairing textile and canvas items, webbed equipment, and clothing.
JOB DUTIES
- Rig supplies, equipment and vehicles for airdrop
- Perform technical, routine and in-storage rigger-type inspection on cargo, extraction and personnel parachute as well as other airdrop equipment before, during and after each use
- Inventory, clean, receive, store and issue all airdrop equipment used in airdrop operations
- Use and maintain machines and tools for fabrication, modification and repair to parachute and other airdrop equipment
- Inspect, test and install extraction and release systems
TRAINING
Job training for a Parachute Rigger requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 13 weeks and four days of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Lee, VA with on-the-job instructions. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field.
Some of the skills you'll learn are:
- Parachute rigging techniques
- Maintenance of air-sea rescue equipment
- Repair of inflatable rafts and other survival equipment
- Maintenance of oxygen equipment
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Knowledge of shop mechanics and science
- High attention to detail
- Interest in contributing to the safety of others
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
- General Maintenance (GM): 88
- Combat (CO): 87
Learn more about the ASVAB.
WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
921A Airdrop Systems Technician
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with commercial airlines, parachute rigging and supply companies, survival equipment manufacturing firms, or some government agencies.