Jump Ground Training
Jump ground training is conducted by the 98th FTS and trains 700 Academy cadets annually. The training focuses on safety and emergency procedures, which enhance student confidence and maximize performance under extremely stressful conditions. Basic jump training is called Airmanship 490 or AM-490 and is a Basic Freefall Parachuting Program where the first jump is an unassisted freefall and the only one of its kind in the world. Am-490 is the core mission of the Wings of Blue and the 98th training squadron. All of the Cadets on the Wings of Blue team are certified AM-490 Instructors and Jumpmasters. Training for those in AM-490 consists of 40 hours of ground training and 5 jumps. If the cadet does 5 successful jumps, they earn the Air Force basic parachutist badge "Jump Wings", which they can wear on their uniform for the rest of their Air Force career.
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