American, French forces join in jump training

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Williams
  • Det. 8, Air Force News Agency
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy (AFNEWS) --  Joint and coalition servicemembers recently joined forces for parachute jump training. Airmen and Soldiers and French airborne soldiers jumped out of a C-130 Hercules.

"Every airborne soldier knows that training with other nations forces gives them a chance to learn from each other and that they gain something every time they work together," said French paratrooper, Capt. Ben Michel.

After the jump, French troops received U.S. Army parachute badges and other decorations for their past and continued efforts alongside multi-national forces. Captain Michel says he is proud of the recognition and will wear his U.S. Army Parachute badge in honor of the U.S. forces that liberated France during World War II.

Airmen and Soldiers also demonstrated how individual services work together for one common goal. The Airmen were not only jumping with the Soldiers but were also on the ground providing support, said Staff Sgt. Rob Cole, an Air Force paramedic.

He said they were asked to assist in the jump "because there has to be ground medical support before anyone can exit the plane." 
 
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