Overview
Parachute riggers are primarily responsible for repairing textile and canvas items, webbed equipment and clothing.
Job Duties
Rig supplies, equipment and vehicles for airdrop
Perform technical, routine and in-storage rigger-type inspection on cargo, extraction and personnel parachute as well as other airdrop equipment before, during and after each use
Inventory, clean, receive, store and issue all airdrop equipment used in airdrop operations
Use and maintain machines and tools for fabrication, modification and repair to parachute and other airdrop equipment
Inspect, test and install extraction and release systems
92R2P – INSPECTOR TESTER
Squad Leader in charge of the well-being, welfare, morale, training, and accountability of two Soldiers. Supervises subordinates engaged in maintaining personal and cargo parachutes. Conducts inspections of equipment prior to repair, modification, and conversion. Performs demilitarization of unserviceable air times. Ensures accountability through proper hand receipt procedures for mission equipment. Operates and maintains equipment valued at over $200,000. Oversees the ongoing inspection and packing of all personal and cargo parachutes by Soldiers under supervision.
Parachute Rigger
Performs duties as a parachute rigger and maintains life support equipment for the U.S. Army Airborne School, Pathfinder School, Ranger Training Brigade (RTB), and Warrior Training Center (WTC). Rigging and preparing supplies and equipment for airdrop operations. Enforces adherence to standard operating procedures, conducts safety inspections, and promotes physical fitness. Assumes responsibility for the well-being, morale, welfare, discipline, and performance of three NCOs, seven Soldiers, and five Department of the Army civilians.
SKILL LEVEL 1
VEHICLE OPERATOR
Assumes responsibility for the operation of military vehicles, both for supply and non-supply operations, encompassing a range from small two-axle passenger vehicles to large cargo-carrying vehicles. Operates these vehicles across diverse terrain conditions. Performs Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS) and ensures the operational readiness of assigned equipment is maintained.
PARACHUTE PACKER
Performs the task of packing personnel parachutes for unit personnel as well as those belonging to supported units. Packs cargo parachutes in support of airdrop operations. Conducts inspections of personnel and small cargo parachutes, removing any turns, tangles, and twists. Conducts drop tests on personal parachutes to assess rigger proficiency. Additional duties include conducting pack-in-progress inspections, identifying and addressing deficiencies such as rips, holes, broken suspension lines, or any other issues that render a parachute unserviceable.
PARACHUTE PACKER AIRDROP SPECIALIST
Manages the inventory, cleaning, receipt, storage, and issuance of all airdrop equipment utilized in airdrop operations. Rig supplies, equipment, and vehicles for airdrop missions. Assembles airdrop platforms, cushioning materials, cargo, extraction and personnel parachutes, along with other related airdrop equipment. Conducts inspection, testing, and installation of extraction and release systems. Performs technical, routine, and in-storage rigger-type inspections on cargo, extraction, and personnel parachutes, as well as other airdrop equipment, before, during, and after each use. Conducts drop tests on troop-type personnel parachutes to evaluate proficiency. Additionally, performs duties as a Parachute Packer.
AIRDROP EQUIPMENT REPAIR SPECIALIST
Undertakes field maintenance on damaged parachutes, textile components, and other airdrop equipment. Operates and maintains sewing machines, power equipment, and tools for fabricating, modifying, and repairing parachutes and related airdrop equipment. Conducts inspections and classification of airdrop items. Tracks airdrop items scheduled for repair. May also serve as a Material Handling Equipment (MHE) operator and be responsible for receiving, storing, and issuing items.
SKILL LEVEL 2
PERSONNEL PARACHUTE PACK IN PROCESS INSPECTOR
Assumes responsibility for inspecting parachutes during the packing process. Conducts thorough inspections to ensure proper layout of the parachute. Checks the canopy to ensure correct folding and proper tying of the break cord. Inspects the deployment bag to ensure correct stowage of the canopy and suspension lines. Verifies the correct storage of suspension line stows, canopy stow, break cord tie, deployment bag closure, and temporary locking pins. Examines the pack tray after it is closed to ensure correct pack closing tie. Inspects the static line or locking pins after stowage is completed.
PARACHUTE PACKER AIRDROP NCO
Provides technical guidance and supervision to subordinate personnel. Inventories, cleans, receives, stores, and issues all airdrop equipment used in airdrop operations. Performs technical, routine, and in-storage rigger-type inspections on cargo, extraction, and personnel parachutes, as well as other airdrop equipment, before, during, and after each use. Conducts drop tests on troop-type personnel parachutes to assess proficiency. Also performs duties as a Parachute Packer.
MALFUNCTION NCO
Serves as a Non-commissioned Officer, minimum grade of E-5, with training as a Parachute Rigger and extensive knowledge of airdrop, parachute recovery, and personnel and cargo parachute systems. The Malfunction Officer is responsible for being present at the Drop Zone (DZ) or extraction zone during all personnel and equipment drops. Duties include witnessing and recording the type and number of personnel and parachutes, as well as investigating partial malfunctions, total malfunctions, serious injuries, or fatalities.
MAINTENANCE INSPECTOR
Performs duties as an inspector tester, pack-in-process inspector, final inspector, and quality assurance personnel. Conducts initial inspections on all parachutes, textile and non-textile components, and airdrop containers. Conducts testing of parachutes and airdrop equipment, including new equipment.
JOINT AIRDROP INSPECTOR OUT LOAD NCO
Meets the prerequisites of the “Airdrop Load Inspector Certification” according to DA PAM 351-4. Ensures that platform loads or container delivery systems are properly rigged and undergo separate inspections, including a final rigger inspection before leaving the rigging facility, before-loading inspection, and after-loading inspection prior to airdrop.
INSPECTOR TESTER
Performs duties as an inspector tester, pack-in-process inspector, final inspector, and quality assurance personnel. Conducts initial inspections on all parachutes, textile and non-textile components, and airdrop containers. Conducts testing of parachutes and airdrop equipment, including new equipment.
AIRDROP NCO
Performs all skill level one duties. Provides technical guidance and supervision to subordinate personnel. Inspects and classifies airdrop items. Conducts initial and final inspections on all parachutes and airdrop textile components. Inventories, cleans, receives, stores, and issues all airdrop equipment used in airdrop operations. Rigs supplies, equipment, and vehicles for airdrop. Assembles airdrop platforms, cushioning materials, cargo, extraction and personnel parachutes, along with other related airdrop equipment. Reports equipment availability for airborne operations.
AIRDROP EQUIPMENT REPAIR NCO
Directs personnel in the repair of parachutes, slings, harnesses, and textile components of airdrop containers. Assigns and manages workloads for repair teams. Coordinates with the Senior Airdrop Systems Technician and supply personnel to arrange the return of serviceable items for stockage, reissue, and credit. Responsible for the demilitarization and cannibalization of unserviceable equipment as directed by the Shop Officer. Utilizes and maintains machines and tools for fabrication, modification, and repair of parachutes and other airdrop equipment.
SKILL LEVEL 3
PARACHUTE PACKER NCO AND SUPERVISOR
Performs all skill level one parachute packer duties and takes on additional responsibilities as a supervisor. Oversees the packing of cargo, extraction, and personnel parachutes. In the role of a Parachute Packer NCO/Supervisor, you may also supervise the repair of textile and canvas items, as well as webbed equipment. Some of your duties may include conducting pack-in-process inspections, identifying and addressing issues such as turns, tangles, twists, rips, holes, and broken suspension lines that could render a parachute unserviceable.
INSPECTOR TESTER SUPERVISOR
Assumes the duties of inspector testers, pack-in-process inspector, final inspector, and quality assurance personnel, while providing supervision. Supervises the initial inspection of all parachutes, textile and non-textile components, and airdrop containers. Oversees the testing of parachutes and airdrop equipment, including conducting drop tests on troop-type personnel parachutes to assess proficiency.
AIRDROP SUPERVISOR
Provides technical guidance and supervises subordinate personnel. Directs and oversees the rigging of supplies, equipment, and vehicles for airdrop operations. Manages the airdrop platforms, materials, and various parachutes, including cargo, extraction, and personnel parachutes. Offers technical guidance in planning, scheduling, and coordinating airdrop support, standard/nonstandard rigging, and sling load operations. Coordinates activities and mission support with other supervisors.
AIRDROP EQUIPMENT REPAIR SUPERVISOR
Serves as a team chief and receives work assignments from the airdrop equipment repair NCO. Plans work requirements and assigns tasks accordingly. Coordinates work with the Senior Airdrop Systems Technician, repair NCOs, and the classification section of the airdrop platoon/section. Supervises field maintenance on parachutes, textile components, and other airdrop equipment. Ensures availability and serviceability of necessary repair tools and machines for parachutes and airdrop equipment. Oversees repair operations, schedules work, and assigns sections’ air delivery specialists. Reports equipment availability and maintains the required publications related to airdrop equipment maintenance.
SKILL LEVEL 4
SENIOR AIRDROP EQUIPMENT REPAIR SUPERVISOR
As the senior airdrop equipment NCO in the unit, you hold the responsibility of overseeing unit-level and general support maintenance on all parachutes, textile components, and other airdrop equipment. Your role includes ensuring the proper use and maintenance of machines and tools for fabricating, modifying, and repairing parachutes and other airdrop equipment. You monitor reports on equipment availability and provide advice to the command regarding maintenance issues.
PLATOON SERGEANT
The platoon sergeant serves as the primary assistant and advisor to the platoon leader. Your role involves training and caring for soldiers within the platoon. You assist the commander in training the platoon leader and play a crucial role in shaping their perception of NCOs throughout their career. In the absence of the platoon leader, you assume command of the platoon.
PARACHUTE RIGGER SUPERVISOR
As a Parachute Rigger Supervisor, you provide technical guidance and supervision to subordinate personnel. Your responsibilities include overseeing the packing of cargo, extraction, and personnel parachutes. Additionally, you supervise the repair of textile and canvas items, webbed equipment, and clothing. Conducting inspections of parachutes to identify rips and tangled lines, ensuring safe airborne operations, is also part of your duties.
DETACHMENT SERGEANT
The detachment sergeant holds a position similar to the first sergeant but typically in units with fewer than 75 personnel. As a Sergeant First Class, you are responsible for providing sound advice to the commander on various matters. This includes the health, esprit de corps, discipline, mentoring, well-being, career progression, recognition, and professional development of all assigned enlisted members.
AIRDROP EQUIPMENT SUPERVISOR
As an Airdrop Equipment Supervisor, you serve as a team leader for the team responsible for non-textile repairs, demilitarization, and cannibalization activities. You receive assigned workloads from the airdrop equipment repair NCO and ensure the availability and serviceability of repair tools for fabricating, modifying, and repairing parachutes and other airdrop equipment. Your role involves providing technical guidance and supervision to subordinate personnel, inspecting and classifying airdrop equipment, overseeing inventory, cleaning, receipt, storage, and issuance of airdrop equipment used in airdrop operations, and reporting equipment availability for airborne operations.
SKILL LEVEL 5
SENIOR AIRDROP OPERATIONS NCO
As a Senior Airdrop Operations NCO, your role is to supervise organizations involved in airborne and resupply by airdrop missions. You oversee the development and preparation of operations information, plans, maps, sketches, overlays, and related data to facilitate airborne operations. Additionally, you provide advice on airborne operational matters and serve as a liaison between staff and supported personnel.
SENIOR AIRDROP EQUIPMENT NCO
In the position of Senior Airdrop Equipment NCO, you provide technical guidance and supervision to subordinate personnel. Your responsibilities include overseeing the inspection and classification of all airdrop equipment. You also provide direction and guidance to airdrop equipment personnel in the inventory, cleaning, receipt, storage, and issuance of all airdrop equipment used in airdrop operations.
FIRST SERGEANT
The First Sergeant holds a crucial leadership position and is responsible for providing comprehensive guidance and support to the commander and enlisted members. You offer sound advice on a wide range of topics, including health, esprit de corps, discipline, mentoring, well-being, career progression, recognition, and professional development. Collaborating with other senior NCOs and supervisors, you ensure the maintenance of discipline, the achievement of unit goals, and the welfare of the enlisted force. Additionally, you hold formations, instruct platoon sergeants, and assist the commander in daily unit operations. The role also includes training soldiers, mentoring NCOs, and being available 24/7 to respond to various situations and emergencies. Given the significant responsibilities and impact on units and personnel, the First Sergeant position is reserved for dedicated and highly professional senior NCOs who take pride in the success of the unit.