Parachute Training School (Australian Army)

Parachute Training School
A Military Support Services VH-MQD CASA C-212-CC Aviocar as used by the Australian Army Parachute Display Team
Active 1951–present
Country Australia
Branch Army
Garrison/HQ HMAS Albatross, Nowra, New South Wales
Motto(s) Knowledge Dispels Fear

The Parachute Training School (PTS) is an Australian Army unit part of Special Operations Command that provides training in parachuting techniques, develops parachute doctrine and techniques and conducts trial-evaluations of parachute systems and associated equipment. The PTS is based adjacent to HMAS Albatross, Nowra, New South Wales.[1]

History

The first parachute training unit was formed in 1942 designated the Paratroop Training Unit (PTU) and at the end of the war was disbanded.[1] In 1951, the Parachute Training Wing was formed as a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) unit at RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales.[2][1] The unit's first Commanding Officer/Chief Instructor was Squadron Leader C.A.V. Bourne.[2] The instructors on the staff were both Army and RAAF personnel.[2] The first course of trainees commenced in September 1951.[2] In 1958, it was re-designated as the Parachute Training Flight.[1]

The Army assumed responsibility for parachute training on 14 May 1974 and the school was renamed Parachute Training School, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Harry Smith.[2][1] The school relocated to Naval Air Station HMAS Albatross in 1986 and has continued its role there until the present.[2][1]

Structure

A parachute rigger during a jump
  • Headquarters – co-ordinates the functions of the School.
  • Training Wing – conducts all parachute training activities of the School.
  • Development Wing (DEV WING) – conducts evaluation and testing of personnel parachute systems and associated equipment.
  • Parachute Maintenance Wing (PMW) – stores repairs and repacks all personnel parachutes.
  • Logistic Support Wing – stores, transport, medical and catering.

Aircraft used in training

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Parachute Training School". Australian Army. 17 May 2012.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 "A History of Military Parachuting in Australia since World War II". Australian Army. 18 November 2001. Archived from the original on 18 November 2001.
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