The Paratrooper reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Paratrooper

Paratroopers are soldiers trained in parachuting and formed into an airborne force. Paratroopers have a tactical advantage in that they can appear on the battlefield anywhere that aircraft can fly over. Thus they can evade enemy fortifications designed to repel an attack from a specific direction, and also force the enemy to devote manpower to protecting its rear. Paratroopers were first used extensively in WWII.

Table of contents

1 Basic Paratroop Safety 2 Types of Military Parachuting 3 History

Basic Paratroop Safety

Paratroopers are advised to tape their rifle muzzles, to prevent dirt from damaging the weapon; in addition, they should tap any other loose objects, and ensure that all sharp objects are covered. If parachuting with a rucksack, it should be released on a lowering line, prior to impact.

Types of Military Parachuting

• HALO/HAHO
• Treejumping

History

For a history of paratroop forces see Airborne forces.

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