Why is the Sabalauski air Assault School so important to the 101st Airborne Division
VIDEO Why is the Sabalauski air Assault School so important to the 101st Airborne Division. Captain Kevin Gibbons and First Sergeant Mike Dufault, The Sabalauski Air Assault School command team, talk about the 101st Airborne Division’s learning Institution of Excellence at Fort Campbell. (Video by Spc. Andrew Jo)
The Sabalauski Air Assault School
The original “Air Mobile Badge” was developed by Brig. Gen. Harry W. O. Kinnard and first issued in 1964. In order to qualify for this badge, each Soldier had to successfully rappel from a helicopter, three times from 60 feet and twice from 120 feet. Each Soldier had to pass aircraft safety procedures, aircraft orientation, hand and arm signals, combat assault operations, prepare, inspect and rig equipment for a sling load, and be able to secure equipment carried in cargo helicopters.
On Feb. 1, 1974, Maj. Gen. Sidney B. Berry established what is now known as the Air Assault School. The training requirements were based off the original “Air Mobile Badge.” At the time, the school was five days long, and at its completion, Soldiers were awarded the Air Mobile Badge. The Air Mobile Badge was later renamed the Air Assault Badge, which followed in the tradition of the Glider and Airborne Badges that were worn proudly by the 101st Division Soldiers.
In 1994, the Air Assault School was renamed in honor of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Walter J. Sabalauski. Since it was established, the school has graduated more than 200,000 U.S. and foreign military personnel. The school is designed to train Soldiers in all facets of air assault operations unique to the world’s only Air Assault Division.
The Sabalauski Air Assault School is also responsible for the Pathfinder Course, Rappel Master Course, FRIES/SPIES Master Course and the Division Pre-Ranger Course.
101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION (AIR ASSAULT)
“Rendezvous With Destiny”
The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is the only air assault division of the United States Army. Nicknamed the “Screaming Eagles,” the 101st has consistently distinguished itself by demonstrating the highest standards of military professionalism since its activation at one minute after midnight, Aug. 16, 1942.
ST BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM
“Bastogne”
The 1st Brigade Combat Team was first activated as part of the newly formed 101st Airborne Division on Aug. 16, 1942, as 1st Brigade, 327th Infantry Glider Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. The brigade had previously consisted of 1st and 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Glider Regiment, 164th Infantry Brigade and 82nd Infantry Division, since Sept. 17, 1917, based in Fort Gordon, Georgia.
On Aug. 19 of that year, the first commander, Maj. Gen.William C. Lee, promised his new recruits that although the new division had no history, it would soon have a “rendezvous with destiny.” As a division, the 101st has never failed that prophecy.
The 101st is recognized for its unmatched Air Assault capability, its ability to execute any combat or contingency mission anywhere in the world, and is still proving its mettle as “tomorrow’s division in today’s Army.”