Parachute Rigger

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

Training

Job training for a Parachute Rigger requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 13 weeks and four days of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Lee, VA with on-the-job instructions. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field. Some of the skills you'll learn are: Parachute rigging techniques Maintenance of air-sea rescue equipment Repair of inflatable rafts and other survival equipment Maintenance of oxygen equipment

Required ASVAB score

General Maintenance (GM): 88 Combat (CO): 87 Learn more about the ASVAB .

Helpful skills

• Knowledge of shop mechanics and science
• High attention to detail
• Interest in contributing to the safety of others

Civilian career relevance

The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with commercial airlines, parachute rigging and supply companies, survival equipment manufacturing firms, or some government agencies.