The recent deaths of several US military personnel in parachute accidents highlight the inherent danger of free-fall parachuting, an essential and valuable insertion method for special operations units.Â
Over the past decade, several members of elite US military units have died in parachute accidents, including Navy SEALs and a member of the Army’s parachute demonstration team. The fatalities highlight the inherent danger of military free-fall parachuting, which is the go-to method for putting special operators and other US troops into the field for essential missions. Free-fall parachuting is extremely valuable as an insertion method for special operations units despite the threat. It is an important skill set and has become mandatory for a team to be considered competitive, even within the US special operations community. Most US special operations units have recognized the value of free-fall parachuting and have incorporated it into their training.Â