118TH BASIC AIRBORNE COURSE

European Paratroopers BAC “Sgt. Manolis Bikakis”.

The 118th EPA Basic Airborne Course was successfully held at the Ukrainian Army Sport Complex in Lviv, Ukraine from 2 to 6 June. The Course, named in memory of the Greek commando and war hero of the defense of Cyprus during the Turkish invasion, Sergeant  Manolis Bikakis, was specially reserved to a group of the Hellenic National Guard.

During the course the Greek airborne students together with a young ukrainian member of the Association have learned the principles of the airborne tactics and techniques, and how to conduct parachute jump operations with military static line round canopy parachutes in accordance with NATO standards. Exit-position, behavior below the parachute, malfunctions, safety procedures, emergency landings, parachute landing falls, suspended harness training and mock door training was stressed during the full three days of ground training.

After the ground training portion of the course the Hellenic National Guard soldiers and our member was ready to conduct safely their parachute qualification jumps to qualify as military parachutists and transferred to the Galicia Drop Zone where they have successfully executed the three required parachute descents.

Job well done! AIRBORNE!!!

Go ahead and click the “Photo Gallery” button to view the images of our event!