Parachute Rigger

Take your skills to new heights as a Parachute Rigger in the Army National Guard. You will be responsible for the safety of the men, women, and equipment that are using the parachutes you pack. This requires incredible attention to detail, as chutes of varying sizes must be precisely packed and maintained. In addition to packing chutes, you will take responsibility for maintaining the materials of the chute as well.

This includes patching, sewing, and storage of the chutes, packs, and web gear.

Did we mention that you’ll be jumping too? To test your chute-packing abilities, you’ll be required to jump in a chute you packed yourself. But don’t worry! Your training, which includes airborne jump training, will fully prepare you for the adventure.

• Rig supplies, equipment, and vehicles for airdrop
• Perform technical, routine, and in‑storage rigger-type inspection on cargo, extraction, and personnel parachutes, 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 parachutes and other airdrop equipment
• Inspect, test, and install extraction and release systems

• Maintenance of air‑sea rescue equipment
• Repair of inflatable rafts and other survival equipment

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

Instead of paying to learn these skills, get paid to train. In the Army National Guard, you will learn valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance.

Job training for a Parachute Rigger consists of 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you’ll learn basic soldiering skills, and 16 weeks of Advanced Individual Training. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field.

• Paid training
• A monthly paycheck
• Montgomery GI Bill
• Federal and State tuition assistance
• Retirement benefits for part‑time service
• Low‑cost life insurance (up to $400,000 in coverage)
• 401(k)-type savings plan
• Student Loan Repayment Program (up to $50,000, for existing loans)
• Health care benefits available
• VA home loans
• Bonuses, if applicable
• Most non‑prior service candidates will earn between $200 and $250 per drill weekend, subject to change

• Military enlistment in the Army National Guard
• Must be at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
• Must be between the ages of 17 and 35
• Must be able to pass a physical exam and meet legal and moral standards
• Must meet citizenship requirements (see  for details)