Description: Up for your collection is a US Army PARAGLIDER Enlisted Personnel garrison cap / hat, in good wearing condition...This cotton hat fits a U.S. head size 7-1/4 to 7-1/2, length of cap lying flat is 11.25". The PARAGLIDER patch measures 2.2" by 2.2". A valuable addition to your military memorabilia collection. The paraglider insignia used by enlisted personnel in the U.S. Army is a symbol primarily associated with airborne units. This insignia, a stylized paraglider or winged parachute within a circle, represents the soldier’s qualification and assignment to an airborne division or related unit. Here's more about its history, significance, and meaning:Background and Significance: Symbol: The paraglider insignia is closely tied to the airborne forces of the U.S. Army. It represents soldiers who are paratroopers—those who are trained and qualified to parachute from aircraft into combat zones. The insignia is usually worn on the shoulder patch or unit crest of airborne divisions and units. Airborne Divisions and Units: The paraglider symbol is most famously associated with some of the U.S. Army’s most elite and storied units, such as:The 82nd Airborne DivisionThe 101st Airborne DivisionOther specialized airborne units such as Ranger or Special Forces units also incorporate airborne training and may utilize similar insignia.Enlisted Personnel: For enlisted personnel serving in airborne units, wearing the paraglider insignia is a mark of pride, signifying that they have undergone rigorous training to earn their airborne qualification. This qualification typically involves completing the demanding Airborne School (also known as Jump School) at Fort Benning, Georgia. Once qualified, enlisted soldiers serve in roles such as infantry, artillery, combat engineers, or other support roles within airborne divisions, all of which are capable of parachuting into combat.Training for Airborne Soldiers:Airborne School: Enlisted soldiers who wish to become paratroopers must attend Airborne School. This school includes:Ground Week: Learning how to land safely and basic parachute skills.Tower Week: Practice jumps from mock towers to simulate exiting an aircraft.Jump Week: Completing 5 successful parachute jumps from an aircraft to qualify as a paratrooper.Once they complete this training, they receive the Parachutist Badge (commonly referred to as Jump Wings), a separate insignia signifying their airborne qualification.Symbolism of the Paraglider Insignia: Wings and Parachute: The stylized wings and parachute in the insignia symbolize the unit’s airborne capabilities—rapidly deploying by parachute into battle zones. Elite Status: Enlisted personnel wearing the paraglider insignia are recognized as part of an elite group of soldiers who are trained to deploy behind enemy lines, often in high-risk situations, to secure key objectives or provide rapid-response capabilities.History: The paraglider insignia dates back to World War II when the Army began forming dedicated airborne units. Both the 101st Airborne and 82nd Airborne Divisions famously used parachute and glider insertions during major operations like D-Day and Operation Market Garden. Over time, the paraglider symbol became synonymous with the bravery and skill of airborne troops, and it continues to be a prominent insignia within these units today.Modern Use: Today, enlisted personnel in airborne divisions still proudly wear the paraglider insignia as part of their unit patch or unit crest. It serves as a reminder of their airborne heritage and specialized training. Airborne units play critical roles in rapid-deployment scenarios, often acting as the Army’s first responders to global crises. In summary, the paraglider insignia is a badge of honor for enlisted personnel in the U.S. Army’s airborne units, symbolizing their elite status as paratroopers and their ability to deploy rapidly into combat zones via parachute insertions. It is an enduring emblem of the airborne forces’ significant contributions to U.S. military operations, past and present. Worldwide combined shipment is available at discount rate. Please visit my EAZYCOLLECTIBLES store for more great war items.
Price: 9.99 USD
Location: Westminster, California
End Time: 2024-11-28T00:01:55.000Z
Shipping Cost: 4.99 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: 20%
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Type: Garrison Hat
Force: Army
Theme: Militaria
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
