Air Troop
Air Troop has one of the most dangerous jobs in all of the armed forces. The objective of Air Troops is to jump out of a plane at 25,000 feet and land deep behind enemy lines unnoticed. Members of the SAS who are in Air Troops take on some of the most difficult challenges.
In the SAS the men of Air Troop as "Ice Cream Boys", due to their tans and sunglasses so often worn by them. This stems from the way they practise. Air Troop have to go where the skies are clear and the weather is warm, so hence the nicknames.
Air Troop has two favored ways of infiltration. These are HALO (high altitude, low opening) or HAHO (high altitude, high opening). HALO jumps take place at about 25,000 feet. The soldier jumps out and free falls till about 2,000 feet and then open his chute. This allows the parachutist to land close to a target yet the plane or canopy opening will never be seen or heard. Both of these types of parachuting are very dangerous. Parachuting with heavy loads, the thin silk parachutes collapse easily in the thin air.
Air Troop personnel must wear large, pilot type helmets when jumping from high altitudes. An oxygen mask is alsoattached to it. This provides the soldier with necessary air while he is free falling. The trooper must also wear goggles so he can see. His equipment is carried between his legs and lowered on a cord prior to landing on the ground. His weapon will be carried under one of his arms, ready to fire. The soldier will also wear an altimeter on his wrist and heavy clothes to protect him from the cold. A reserve chute is usually carried in the front.
