A few years ago, when I was at Fort Bragg, I saw these salmon-colored bars and wondered what they were.  Reed explained they were used in training troops to jump out of planes.  It did not make much sense to me until I saw the photos below.  Reed is a jumpmaster [they wear a red armband] and was conducting training when someone sent by his lieutenant captured the event on camera.

Here, the paratroopers are shown in the simulated belly of the plane.  Reed says, "The C-130 mock up is the same size as the actual C-130 aircraft. The jumpers get packed in nice a tight. They're not wearing parachutes on their backs and stomachs or alice packs on top of their laps yet either."

Reed calls out commands.  Reed said, "The primary jumpmaster recites 'pre jump' which explains everything the jumpers must do from exiting the aircraft all the way to landing. The jumpers mimic the commands as the primary jumpmaster says them aloud. He does this all from memory. Just under 5 pages long."
 

Preparing to exit the plane [or maybe looking to see that all is clear for the jump].

Reed demonstrating how to hook up to the static lines

"Jumpers are required to conduct a satisfactory PLF (parachute landing fall) in all four directions as part of the sustained airborne training. The platform must be a minimum of 24 inches above the ground."

The assistant jump masters watch to see that the jumpers execute the procedures properly.

Reed's comment: "My soldiers say I never smile. Well, here I am smiling at work."  Jim's comment:  I think I had a high school principal like that.

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