Today, I want to educate you about the Army 92R, parachute rigger MOS. I should tell you that I’ve always been fascinated by the riggers, even though I never served in this capacity myself. Riggers are Soldiers who are responsible for packing, fixing and repairing parachutes.
They have a very important job that is intense, high pressure and extremely important. One small mistake can lead to someone dying. They might not get the glory that the Airborne Infantry Soldiers get when they jump out of airplanes, but those “Airborne Infantry” guys couldn’t do their job without the riggers!
If you’ve ever thought about serving in the Army, and like an adventure, this MOS might just be a good fit for you! What I want to do in the paragraphs below is give you a good overview about what the riggers do.
Army 92R Rigger Duties and Job Description
Here are some of the duties and responsibilities of an Army parachute rigger:
- Sew and repair parachutes
- Inspect pallets and cargo
- Inventory, clear, store, receive and issue equipment used in airdrop operations
- Fold parachutes
- Stow the parachute and suspension lines
- Participate in Airborne operations
- Rig supplies and equipment for airdrop
Requirements to Serve in the 92R MOS
- Soldiers serving in this MOS must successfully complete the Army Airborne School first
- Soldiers must maintain their Airborne status by jumping at least once every 90 days
- Complete the Advanced Individual Training at Fort Lee, Virginia
- Required ASVAB Scores: General Maintenance (GM) : 88, Combat (CO) : 87
- No security clearance required
- Physical Profile 111121
- Normal color vision required
The Army Rigger’s Pledge
I will keep constantly in mind that until men grow wings their parachutes must be dependable.
I will pack every parachute as though I am to jump with it myself, and will stand ready to jump with any parachute which I have certified as properly packed.
I will remember always that the other man’s life is as dear to him as mine is to me.
I will never resort to guesswork, as I know that chance is a fool’s gold and that I, a rigger, cannot depend on it.
I will never pass over any defect, nor neglect any repair, no matter how small, as I know that omissions and mistakes in the rigging of a parachute may cost a life.
I will keep all parachute equipment entrusted to my care in the best possible condition, remembering always that little things left undone cause major troubles.
I will never sign my name to a parachute inspection or packing certificate unless I have personally performed or directly supervised every step, and am entirely satisfied with all the work.
I will never let the idea that a piece of work is “good enough” make me a potential murderer through a careless mistake or oversight, for I know there can be no compromise with perfection.
I will keep always a wholehearted respect for my vocation, regarding it as a high profession rather than a day-to-day task, and will keep in mind constantly my grave responsibility.
I will be sure-always.
What Type of Unit You Could Be Assigned To
In just about every case, you will be assigned to a rigger unit, normally associated with an airborne unit. You could also serve as an instructor or have special duty as a drill sergeant or recruiter (once you become an NCO).
Job Opportunities
Here is a list of jobs you could do in the Army as a 92R throughout your military career.
- Rigger
- Instructor
- Supervisor (Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant and/or CSM)
- Drill Sergeant
- Recruiter
You could even become a 921A Air Drop Systems Technician Warrant Officer or go to OCS or R.O.T.C. and become a commissioned officer.
Life After the Military
There aren’t tons of jobs that this MOS will help you with when it comes to the civilian world. A few examples could include working at a commercial airline or a sky diving company.
Final Thoughts
The bottom line is that the parachute rigger MOS is a great MOS for certain Soldiers. If you like jumping out of airplanes (and helicopters) and want a MOS that will challenge you, this could be the right fit for you.
On a side note, I would love to hear from you. If you served in this MOS, or are currently doing so, please leave a comment below to tell us what you liked or disliked about your job. I look forward to hearing from you.
References
- http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjobs/a/92r.htm
Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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I have wondered if the Army has used the newer suits that many have been using in which it makes a person like a glider. They call them wingsuits, and I believe our soldiers could get to areas quicker without having to open chutes too early. Yes, the Geneva Convention says that airborne are to not be fired on while in the sky, but what terrorist is going to follow the Geneva Convention?
I was just wondering if they use them? Do you know?
I could see Special Ops using this type of suit, but not the regular GI.
This is a position with a lot of responsibility. I think that my nerves would be shot knowing that one little mistake in packing a chute could mean death to the one jumping. With that said, I respect anyone who would take this MOS.
I am glad that the ones they have doing this job must pass airborne school. Just the fact that they know it may be the parachute they packed that they are jumping with on their 90 day jump, will keep these men and women aware of what they are doing.
Thank you for educating us on this MOS. May God bless any who take this job.
Yes, I like the idea that they have to jump from a parachute they packed themselves!
I was a parachute rigger (43E) at the time stationed at Fort Bragg and I was assigned to the heavy drop section where we rigged up HUMMV and other equipment for aerial delivery. I loved the job and wish I could get back into it as an instructor or even back to a heavy drop section
That’s awesome Tom. Thanks for your service and thanks for the comment.