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Master Sgt. David Biddinger, 563rd Rescue Group jumpmaster course
instructor, had experience working at the school in Yuma before
being stationed at D-M about four years ago.
“We realized
that the Air Force had a need for the jumpmaster course,” Biddinger
said. “Working with contacts in U.S. Special Operations Command and
at the MFFS, we were able to convince the Army and Air Force of that
need.”
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Master Sgt. David Biddinger, 563rd Rescue Group jumpmaster
course instructor speaks to U.S. Airmen as they prepare equipment during the Military Freefall Jumpmaster Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., June 28, 2016. Students vary from tactical air control party specialists, combat controllers, pararescuemen, and survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists from all different commands. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nathan H. Barbour)
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During an approximately 3 1/2 year process, Biddinger worked with
the 68th Rescue Flight/Guardian Angel Formal Training Unit to
establish a new SOCOM approved course at D-M.
“Getting
officially recognized by the Army and SOCOM as a validated course is
special, it is a difficult standard to attain,” Biddinger said.
“This is the only Military Freefall Jumpmaster Course in the Air
Force and it's one of two in the Department of Defense.”
The
course will graduate 12 Airmen at the end of its fifth 3-week-long
rotation; reaching a total number of 58 certified jumpmasters.
“Before this course we only had the option of attending the
school in Yuma,” Biddinger said. “We only saw about 28 slots per
year spread between all the different groups that jump in the Air
Force.”
The course is intended to train mid-level NCOs and
officers. Students vary from tactical air control party specialists,
combat controllers, pararescuemen, and survival, evasion, resistance
and escape specialists from all different commands.
“I go
back to my unit as a freefall jumpmaster,” said Staff Sgt. Jonathan,
321st Special Tactics Squadron combat controller. “Anytime my unit
has a jump, I'll either be the primary person in charge of all the
coordination or the assistant.”
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U.S. Airmen prepare to board a C-23 Sherpa during the Military
Freefall Jumpmaster Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.,
June 28, 2016. During each free fall, the success of the mission and
the lives of others are in the hands of the jumpmasters. (U.S. Air
Force photo by Airman Nathan H. Barbour)
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During each free fall, the success of the mission and the
lives of others are in the hands of the jumpmasters.
“We're training special operations Airmen to be able to
deploy personnel out of the aircraft safely and ensure that
those guys reach the ground to do their mission.” Biddinger said.
“Whether the mission involves rescuing someone, calling in
airstrikes, or recovering downed equipment or aircraft.”
By U.S. Air Force Airman Nathan H. Barbour
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2016
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