To Be a Paratrooper [Paperback]

Gregory Mast (Author), Hans Halberstadt (Author)

Book Description

Series: To Be A | Publication Date: May 15, 2007

The paratrooper, first used extensively in World War II, gives an airborne force a tactical edge. Inserted into the battlefield from the air, the paratrooper can go into areas not accessible by land. He can evade enemy fortifications and force an army to spread its defenses to protect areas that normally would be safe by virtue of geography.

This book describes what it takes to be a paratrooper. From parachute training to operating as part of an airborne force, readers learn about the tactics, the training, and the mental and physical attributes that make these special forces some of the most respected and honored elite soldiers in the military.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The Bookwatch, August 2007

“What does it take to jump into a hostile environment? Plenty of books provide overviews of military jobs, but few discuss the work of the paratrooper, and To Be a Paratrooper surveys everything from parachute training to operating in a paratrooper force. Chapters surveying the physical and mental training and requirements pack color photos with discussions of equipment and work, making this a perfect pick for any military library focusing on military jobs.”

Book Description

This book describes what it takes to be a paratrooper. From parachute training to operating as part of an airborne force, readers learn about the tactics, the training, and the mental and physical attributes that make these special forces some of the most respected and honored elite soldiers in the military.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Zenith Press; 1st edition (May 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760330468
• ISBN-13: 978-0760330463
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,295,878 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AIRBORNE!, June 15, 2007

By 

T. Simpson (Fresno, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: To Be a Paratrooper (Paperback)

Having been a paratrooper, for me this was a walk down memory lane, but a walk on which I learned a lot of new information. I was amazed at how much jump school has changed and has not changed. I have poignant memories of the 30 foot towers, the 250 foot towers, running around the Airborne Track and waiting on the flight line trussed up like a soon to be roasted turkey. The pictures are great. I am especially glad that they added the history section and the "life after jump school" section. I found the book very read-able and informative. Would recommend it to anyone wanting to understand those who willingly jump out of "perfectly" good airplanes!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What does it take to jump into a hostile environment?, August 6, 2007

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: To Be a Paratrooper (Paperback)

What does it take to jump into a hostile environment? Plenty of books provide overviews of military jobs, but few discuss the work of the paratrooper, and TO BE A PARATROOPER surveys everything from parachute training to operating in a paratrooper force. Chapters surveying the physical and mental training and requirements pack color photos with discussions of equipment and work, making this a perfect pick for any military library focusing on military jobs.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read before going to Jump School, April 16, 2008

By 

James D. Crabtree "Doc Crabtree" (Fort Leavenworth, Kansas) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: To Be a Paratrooper (Paperback)

This book will keep you from being surpised. In addition to some background information on how the airborne forces were established and maintained this book will take you step by step through the process that gets you those wings. Anyone thinking of going through the course should pick this book up and read through it. If you realistically think you can handle everything this book says you'll go through then you are ready to be Airborne!