Skydiving Gear Post-Landing: What to Do with Your Parachute
When you land after a thrilling skydive, you inevitably encounter the task of dealing with your parachute and gear. The process may vary depending on whether you're engaging in a military jump or a recreational one, but there are some common practices followed by experienced skydivers.
The Aftermath of an Equipment Jump
Back in the 70s, when I was a military skydiver, dealing with the parachute on landing was a part of daily routine. The equipment jump, as it was known then, entailed carrying a ruck on your back and a rifle in a canvas container. These jumps were, in essence, a practical application of military training, where survival and precision were paramount.
Upon landing, the ruck hung in front of your legs, causing inconvenience as you walked. However, just as you made contact with the ground, you were to pull a release loop. This loop was designed to detach the ruck from the parachute, ensuring that it hit the ground before you did. The goal was to avoid landing on the ruck, which could be a source of discomfort and even injury.
Between your bellywart and your abdomen lay a large, square canvas container, which housed the reserve parachute. After landing, the next step was to walk backwards to ensure that the shroud lines were stretched out. This was followed by a figure-eight loop with your arms, helping you secure the canopy and lines in your arms. The final step was to carefully fold and pack the equipment back into the kit bag, removing the reserve from its security and stowing it separately. The harness was then removed and placed on top of the kit bag, which was then closed and secured. The reserve parachute was fastened to the two loop handles, and the ruck was put on again. The rifle, which was often placed in a separate bag, was then retrieved, and the rifle bag was likely discarded.
Typically, we would flip the kit bag over our heads and have the bag on our back, with the reserve dangling in front. This awkward position, with the metal parts rubbing against our faces, was part of the norm. We would then proceed to the designated truck area, where the deuce and a half trucks were parked. It's important to note that in training, these procedures were often conducted at the opposite end of the drop zone to simulate a combat environment.
Dealing with Parachute Gear in Peacetime vs. War
During peacetime, after completing a jump, it was essential to properly pack up and turn in the equipment. This was necessary for maintaining the integrity of the parachute and ensuring all gear was accounted for and properly stored. The process involved gathering the lines, placing them in the kit bag, followed by the ruck and harness, and securing the entire package.
In contrast, during wartime, the priority was often to quickly repack the gear and locate any non-combatants or enemy troops. In these scenarios, hiding, burying, or dropping the equipment off at a designated pick-up point was the norm. With state-side and practice jumps, a bag and designated pick-up points were commonly used, but in combat situations, hiding or burying the equipment was more likely.
Training and Combat Operations
During training, all jumpers underwent the process of landing and recovering their gear. The parachute kit bag was always placed between the front of the body and the harness. Upon landing and recovery, the pack tray was inserted at the bottom of the bag, followed by the parachute lines. The ruck was then removed, and the kit bag was hoisted over the shoulders. It was crucial to jog, not walk, to the assembly area to ensure that the gear was handled efficiently and effectively.
In combat operations, the process was simplified. Jumps were often followed by immediate combat engagement, so the gear was simply left in place. The priority was to fight and survive, and dealing with the equipment could wait.
The goal of these procedures was to ensure that the parachute and gear were handled efficiently and securely, whether in a training or operational context. Understanding these processes can help ensure the safe and effective operation of parachute systems.