What the Course Entails and Exam Details

The Air Assault course is designed to train soldiers in air assault operations, sling-load operations, and rappelling. Phase 1 specifically delves into the general information required for these operations. The key areas of study include: Aircraft Safety, Aircraft Orientation (understanding the characteristics, capabilities, and limitations of various Army aircraft such as the UH-60 Blackhawk, CH-47 Chinook, AH-64 Apache, and LUH-72 Lakota), Aero Medical Evacuation (procedures for requesting and managing MEDEVAC/CASEVAC operations, including the 9-line request and understanding patient precedence), and Pathfinder Operations (the selection, marking, and control of Landing Zones (LZs) and Pickup Zones (PZs) for day and night missions involving multiple aircraft). The exam tests a candidate's recall of technical specifications, operational procedures, safety protocols, and standard terminology.

 What to Expect in the Final Exam

Upon completing the classroom instruction for Phase 1, students are required to pass a final, comprehensive written examination. The exam typically consists of 50 multiple-choice questions derived from the lectures, practical exercises, and official reference materials. Students must achieve a score of 70% or higher to receive a "GO" on the test. This written exam is immediately followed by a visual, hands-on test of 10 standard hand-and-arm signals, of which candidates must correctly execute at least 7 to pass. A failure on either portion allows for one retest. Students who fail the retest will be dropped from the course.

 How to Study and Exam Centers

Effective study strategies are essential for success in Phase 1. Actionable methods include: creating flashcards for key technical data like aircraft speeds, weights, Available Cargo Loads (ACL), tensile strengths of equipment, and the steps for 9-line MEDEVAC. Utilizing official Army Study Guides and manuals, such as FM 3-04 (Army Aviation) and TM manuals, and taking repeated practice exams like this one to identify weak points and build speed. The visual signal test requires physical practice and memorization, often best done by creating visual cues and physically executing the signals with a partner. These exams and the course itself are administered at authorized Army schools, most notably The Sabalauski Air Assault School (TSAAS) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and at other specific, physical Army testing centers or mobile training teams.

 Job Opportunities from the Course

Successfully completing Air Assault School and Phase 1 not only unlocks unique career paths but also enhances a soldier’s tactical value and leadership potential within their unit. Key roles and career paths include:

• Air Assault Operations Officer/Planner
• Pathfinder Operations Specialist
• Sling Load Inspection Officer
• Rappel Master (requires further training)
• MEDEVAC Operations Coordinator
• Aviation Unit Leadership Roles
• Combat Engineer (with specialized deployment)
• Special Operations Support Personnel