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

Requirements

Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army jobs are best for you.

Training

Job training for a parachute rigger requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 16 of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instructions. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part 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

Helpful Skills

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

Required ASVAB Score(s)

Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.

Compensation

Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time. Learn more about total compensation.

Education Benefits

In the Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits.

Future Civilian Careers

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.