What the Course Entails and Exam Details

The Air Assault course, known as the "toughest ten days in the Army," is divided into three main phases.

Phase 2, "Slingload Operations," transitions from individual skills and physical training into technical, practical application.

The core topics covered in Phase 2 include:

• Planning and preparation for sling load operations.
• Capabilities, characteristics, and use of sling load equipment.
• Duties and responsibilities of sling load personnel.
• Familiarization with sling load theory and the rigging of standard loads, including the M101A1 Howitzer, HMMWV, 5k/10k Cargo Nets, A-22 Cargo Bag, and Fuel Blivets.
• Hands-on instruction on the preparation and rigging of these loads.
• Detailed inspection of prepared and rigged loads to identify deficiencies.

The actual Phase 2 exam is a combination of written knowledge and practical application.

It is physically and mentally demanding, requiring attention to detail and precision.

 What to Expect in the Final Exam

The full Air Assault Phase 2 exam consists of two parts: a written test and a practical "hands-on" test.

Students must pass both to continue to Phase 3 (Rappelling).

Written Exam Details:

• Format: 50 multiple-choice questions.
• Time Limit: Typically one hour.
• Passing Score: A minimum of 70% (35 correct answers).
• Retest: One retest is usually permitted.

Practical Hands-On Exam Details:

This is the most challenging portion for many students.

• Format: Students are tested on four of the six loads taught.
• Requirement: Identify three out of four rigging and preparation deficiencies (improperly prepared/rigged items) per load.
• Time Limit: Extremely strict time limit of 2 minutes per load.
• Scoring: Each load is a "GO/NO-GO" assessment.
• Rules: Minor deficiencies can result in a "NO-GO" for a load. Students are evaluated on their ability to inspect the sequence taught by the cadre, though the exact sequence isn't mandatory, speed and accuracy are paramount.

How to Study and Exam Centers

Preparation for Phase 2 requires both academic memorization and physical practice.

Actionable Study Strategies:

• Study the Student Guide: Master the information in the Air Assault School Student Guide and any supplemental "cheat sheets" or handouts provided.
• Flashcards: Use physical or digital flashcards for key facts, equipment specifications (tensile strength), link counts for different loads, and the specific names of deficiencies.
• Practice with Real Equipment: Utilize any available training equipment, including sling sets, grab hooks, chains, and example loads, to practice rigging and inspection.
• Timed Inspections: Simulate the practical test conditions by setting a timer for two minutes and practice inspecting a load, locating four deficiencies, and calling them out loudly to a study partner.
• Peer-to-Peer Teaching: Explain the rigging sequence and potential deficiencies for a load to another soldier.

Exam Centers:

The Air Assault Phase 2 exam is exclusively administered at an authorized U.S. Army Air Assault School.

There are several permanent locations, including The Sabalauski Air Assault School (Fort Campbell, KY) and others at Fort Drum, Fort Bliss, and Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood).

A Mobile Training Team (MTT) can also bring the course to other installations.

Initial registration and scheduling are done through a soldier's unit and appropriate training channels, not through civilian portals.

Job Opportunities from the Course

Earning the Air Assault Badge is not just a prestigious accolade; it unlocks specific job opportunities and makes soldiers more versatile in the field.

The skills learned in Phase 2 are directly applicable to numerous roles, including:

• Air Assault Soldier: Serving in a specialized light infantry unit (e.g., 101st Airborne Division).
• Pathfinder: Attending subsequent Pathfinder training to set up landing zones and coordinate air traffic.
• Aerial Delivery Specialist: Roles within logistics units, ensuring equipment is properly rigged for transport.
• Aviation Unit Personnel: Crew chiefs, pilots, and logistics support who must coordinate sling load operations.
• Sling Load Inspector: Serving as a qualified inspector for ongoing missions.
• Combat Engineer/Artillery: Personnel who must frequently transport and employ heavy equipment via external lift.

Mastering Air Assault Phase 2 significantly increases a soldier's tactical options and proficiency in all combat and support environments.