4 Surprising Facts About the US Army Airborne Units

US Army Airborne Soldiers Float in their Parachutes in the Sky after jumping from a plane

1.) What the Famous 82nd Airborne ‘AA’ Patch Means

This patriotic red, white, and blue patch is one of the most identifiable in the entire US Army.

The signature double A’s stand for ‘All American’, the nickname first given to the division in 1917.

The name was given by a woman named Vivienne Goodwyn, who submitted it to the local newspaper competition they were running in Georgia.

The name fit so well because unlike other less diverse divisions, the 82nd Airborne men came from 48 different states.

Find Cool 82nd Airborne Merch Here.

2.) 101st Airborne has some pretty cool alumni

Jimi Hendrix as a 101st airborne screaming eagle

The Screaming Eagles have not one, but two world changing alumni.

In 2013, Sgt. 1st Class Greg Robinson made history as the first soldier with an amputated limb to complete air assault school.

Another notable 101st Airborne alum is Jimi Hendrix, one of the greatest guitarists of all time. He was a screaming eagle for 1 year before being honorably discharged and making musical history.

Find 101st Airborne Merch Here.

3.) Jump School is 100% Voluntary

us army airborne soldier falling in a parachute

Despite the fact that the term ‘voluntold’ is a key piece of Military lingo, this isn’t something you can be forced to do.

Yep, jumping out of planes for a living is completely voluntary. Thank goodness!

While many training courses in the Military are required, airborne soldiers must volunteer. The men and women choosing to do this truly are the bravest among us.

4.) Both Divisions are called in for the toughest situations

US Army 101st Airborne Division is a part of black history and the civil rights movement

At its inception, the 101st Airborne Division was promised to be called on when the need was “immediate and extreme.”

Over the years they were called in to protect the Little Rock Nine, played a key role during D-Day, and was continuously placed in enemy hot spots during the Vietnam War.

The 82nd Airborne Division also lived up to this reputation, their dangerous maneuvers being utilized in WWII for pontoon boat crossing, and later being called to aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Connect with 82nd Airborne Brothers and Sisters Here and 101st Members Here.