To Be a Paratrooper - Softcover

Halberstadt, Hans; Mast, Gregory

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0760330468 ISBN 13: 9780760330463

Publisher: Zenith Press, 2007

Synopsis

The paratrooper, first used extensively in World War II, gives an airborne force a tactical edge. Inserted into the battlefield from the air, the paratrooper can go into areas not accessible by land. He can evade enemy fortifications and force an army to spread its defenses to protect areas that normally would be safe by virtue of geography.

This book describes what it takes to be a paratrooper. From parachute training to operating as part of an airborne force, readers learn about the tactics, the training, and the mental and physical attributes that make these special forces some of the most respected and honored elite soldiers in the military.

About this title

Book Description

This book describes what it takes to be a paratrooper. From parachute training to operating as part of an airborne force, readers learn about the tactics, the training, and the mental and physical attributes that make these special forces some of the most respected and honored elite soldiers in the military.

From the Back Cover

Historical documents suggest that the first parachutes were used by ninth century daredevils who constructed them out of stiffened cloaks and wooden braces. Benjamin Franklin had only a rudimentary understanding of the parachute when he first conceived of the “Sky Soldiers” of future warfare. During World War I, Brigadier General Billy Mitchell suggested dropping elements of the United States 1st Infantry Division behind German lines near Metz, but the war ended before his plan could be put into practice.

The paratrooper was first used extensively in World War II. From Operation Overlord’s paratroopers who first secured the flanks of Normandy’s landing beaches to the rangers and airborne forces who spearheaded modern operations by jumping into the night to seize airfields, paratroopers provide an obvious tactical edge in military planning.

Inserted onto the battlefield from the air, the paratrooper can drop into areas inaccessible to regular soldiers. He can evade enemy fortifications and force an army to spread its defenses to protect areas that normally would be safe by virtue of geography.

From parachute training to operating as part of an airborne force, To Be a Paratrooper takes readers through the training, the tactics, and the mental and physical attributes that make these elite units among the most respected and honored special operations soldiers in the military.

 

About this edition

• Publisher: Zenith Press
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0760330468
• ISBN 13: 9780760330463
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 144