Air Assault Badge

File:OldAirmobileBadge.gif

File:LTG(R) Hal Moore at West Point 10 May 2010.JPG (R) Hal Moore wearing the original Air Assault Badge]]

On 7 February 1963, the colors of the 11th Airborne Division were reactivated at Fort Benning, GA, as the 11th Air Assault Division (Test). The 11th was a small unit, never intended for deployable status, and used to test the airmobile concept then under development. Units of the 2d Infantry Division, also located at Fort Benning, were “borrowed” for large-scale airmobile tests and maneuvers.

An earlier Air Assault Badge, pictured on the right, was worn in the early 1960s by troops of 11th who qualified for it by making three helicopter rappels from {{convert|60|ft|m}} and three from {{convert|120|ft|m}}.{{cite web |url=http://www.ranger25.com/original_air_assault_badge.htm |title=Original Air Assault Badge |publisher=Ranger25.com |date=1963-02-15 |access-date=2013-04-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430224959/http://www.ranger25.com/original_air_assault_badge.htm |archive-date=2013-04-30 }} Soldiers were also required to be knowledgeable of aircraft safety procedures; familiar with aircraft orientation; proficient in hand and arm signals and combat assault operations; able to prepare, inspect and rig equipment for external sling loads; and able to lash down equipment inside helicopters. The badge was first awarded in early 1964 and was only authorized for wear by soldiers within the 11th, as it was a division award and not authorized for Army-wide wear by the Department of the Army.{{cite web|url=http://www.jumpingmustangs.com/hq6571/hqcomdr.html |title=HQ's Captain's page |publisher=Jumpingmustangs.com |date=1963-02-15 |access-date=2013-04-30}}{{cite web|url=http://www.vhpamuseum.org/airassault/airassault.shtml |title=Vietnam Helicopter insignia and artifacts - Air Assault |publisher=Vhpamuseum.org |access-date=2013-04-30}}{{Citation needed|date=October 2011}}

On 30 June 1965 the 11th Air Assault Division was inactivated and its assets merged with the 2d Infantry Division to become the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). The colors of the 2d Infantry Division were sent to Korea where the existing 1st Cavalry Division was reflagged as 2d Infantry Division and the colors of the 1st Cavalry Division sent to Fort Benning. Shortly thereafter the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) was sent to Vietnam.

Maj. Jack R. Rickman is credited with the design of the Air Assault Badge when, in 1971, he was on tour with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. He thought little of the outcome of the design assignment, given to him by a division operations officer, which the Army adopted officially in January 1978. He was made aware of his part in the badge design years later when he recognized his design work seen in a published photograph. He never earned a badge himself.Army Times, 16 March 1981.

The design was influenced by the Parachutist Badge{{cite web| url = https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15459&CategoryId=9361&grp=2&menu=Uniformed%20Services&ps=24&p=0| title = Qualification Badges, Parachutists Badge}}, U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry, dated 24 January 1950, last accessed 16 October 2020 worn when the division was on jump status, as well as the Glider Badge{{cite web| url = https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15448&CategoryId=9361&grp=2&menu=Uniformed%20Services&ps=24&p=0| title = Qualification Badges, Glider Badge}}, U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry, dated 2 June 1944, last accessed 16 October 2020 worn by glider units during World War II. Charles Bloodworth, a pathfinder officer in the 101st during the early 1970s, wrote, "Locally designed and fabricated, the badge was deliberately crafted to mimic the glider wings of WWII. The nose of the Huey took the place of the glider body, and the horizontal rotor blade was the spitting image of the glider wing."{{cite web|url=http://idcreator.com/air-assualt-badge|title= Post Vietnam - Air Assualt [sic] Badge |publisher=idcreator.com |date=2012-05-22 |access-date=2015-05-22}} {{citation needed|reason=Citation needed for the influence - as present, "references" just links to depiction of Parachutist and Glider badges.|date=June 2010}}

The 101st returned from Vietnam to Fort Campbell, Kentucky and the 173rd Airborne Brigade was inactivated with its assets transferred to form the division's 3rd Brigade, at the time was on jump status. The remainder of the division was organized as Airmobile. In February 1974, Major General Sidney B. Berry, Commanding General, signed Division General Order 179 authorizing the wearing of the Airmobile Badge effective 1 April 1974, the same date that the 3rd Brigade would terminate its jump status.

Bloodworth describes the transition of the post-war division to fully Air Assault and the adoption of the Air Assault Badge in his article titled, "History of the 101st (Post-Vietnam)."{{cite web| url = http://airassault.bizhosting.com/PostRVN.htm| title = History of the 101st (Post-Vietnam)}}, airassault.bizhosting.com, last accessed 15 May 2017

{{main|United States Army Air Assault School}}

File:Air assault school reflects on past, future traditions DVIDS883908.jpg traverse one of the obstacles during Day Zero.]]

File:US Army 51400 Fort Riley hosts Air Assault training.jpg rehearse maneuvers during Combat Assault Phase.]]

File:Air assault slingload test.jpg of a UH-60 Black Hawk as they prepare to attach a slingload during one of the course's practical exercises.]]

File:US Army Air Assault School students reppel from an UH-60.jpg practice rappelling from a UH-60 Black Hawk.]]

Currently, in order for a US servicemember to be awarded the Air Assault Badge, they must first complete a 10 1/2-day course of instruction at the US Army Air Assault School. This course consists of the following phases of training:{{cite web| url = http://www.goarmy.com/soldier-life/being-a-soldier/ongoing-training/specialized-schools/air-assault.html| title = Lifestyle, Air Assault School}}, goarmy.com, last accessed 15 May 2017

• Day Zero: Candidates must successfully complete an obstacle course and a two-mile run before they are officially considered “Air Assault Students.”
• Day One: Candidates will undergo a six-mile march, followed by a strict inspection.
• Combat Assault Phase: During this three-day phase, candidates will learn aircraft safety and orientation, along with the principles of aero-medical evacuation, pathfinder operations, and combat assault operations among several other topics. Soldiers will be given a written and “hands-on” test following this phase.
• Slingload Operations: During the second three-day phase of Air Assault School, candidates will learn how to rig equipment onto rotary aircraft with a sling, an operation that generally requires the loading soldier to hook a tether to the underbelly of a helicopter hovering just a few feet above the ground. Typical loads can range anywhere from 1,000 to 8,000 pounds. Trainees must pass a written and hands-on test before moving to the next phase.
• Rappelling Phase: In the third and final three-day phase of Air Assault training, soldiers receive basic instruction on ground and aircraft rappelling procedures. By the end of the phase, trainees must complete two rappels from a 34-foot tower and two rappels from a UH-60, hovering at 70–90 feet.
• Graduation Day: Soldiers must complete a 12-mile foot march in full gear plus a rucksack in less than three hours. Graduates are awarded the Air Assault Badge and the "2B" Additional Skill Identifier (ASI) upon completion of the march.

Formal air assault training has been conducted at Fort Campbell, Kentucky by the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) since the Air Assault School was formed in 1974. During the early stages of the occupation of Iraq in late 2003, the division conducted a course in-theater to maintain Air Assault proficiency.{{cite web|author=Kendra Helmer |url=http://www.stripes.com/news/air-assault-students-don-t-let-studies-slip-1.14241 |title=Air assault students don't let studies slip - News |work=Stripes |access-date=2013-04-30}}

Air Assault training is also offered by the Army National Guard (ARNG) Warrior Training Center{{cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/article/49272/warrior-training-centers-air-assault-course-prepares-students-for-combat-operations/ |title=Warrior Training Center's Air Assault Course prepares students for combat operations | Article |publisher=Army.mil |date=2010-12-10 |access-date=2013-04-30}} at Fort Moore, which conducts training both at the post and at a variety of other locations throughout the United States{{cite web |url=https://www.atrrs.army.mil/atrrscc/courseInfo.aspx?fy=2008&sch=964A&crs=071-ASI2B&crstitle=AIR%2BASSAULT&phase= |title=ATRRS Course Catalog |publisher=Atrrs.army.mil |date=2003-12-10 |access-date=2013-04-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210172106/https://www.atrrs.army.mil/atrrscc/courseInfo.aspx?fy=2008&sch=964A&crs=071-ASI2B&crstitle=AIR+ASSAULT&phase= |archive-date=2012-02-10 |url-status=dead }} by means of Mobile Training Teams.

A III Corps Air Assault School was announced for Fort Hood that was to start in June 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/story.php?id=9194 |title=Air Assault completes validation, set for opening in June - News |publisher=Fort Hood Sentinel |date=2012-05-24 |access-date=2013-04-30}}

The first class of the XVIII Airborne Corps Air Assault School at Fort Bragg, NC graduated on October 4, 2013{{cite web|url=http://www.paraglideonline.net/articles/2013/10/10/Fort-Bragg-graduates-first-air-assault-school-clas |title=Fort Bragg graduates first air assault school class |publisher=Paraglide |date=2013-10-10 |access-date=2013-04-30}} Due to funding and manpower issue, its closure was announced on May 10, 2019{{Cite web|url=https://taskandpurpose.com/deglopper-air-assault-school|title = Fort Bragg's air assault school is shutting down|date = 11 May 2019}}

Air assault training has also been conducted for varying periods of time at other locations, although many do not currently do so (2019):

• Camp Aachen, Grafenwöhr, Germany (WTC MTT conducted class for the 1st BCT, 3d Infantry Division during a six-month rotation){{Cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/article/175882/raider_soldiers_earn_the_air_assault_badge_while_in_europe|title = Raider Soldiers earn the Air Assault badge while in Europe}}
• Camp Buehring, Kuwait (Cadre from the ARNG Warrior Training Center, first class conducted in April 2017){{Cite web|url=https://www.armytimes.com/articles/troops-earn-their-wings-at-the-armys-first-air-assault-course-in-kuwait|title = Troops earn their wings at the Army's first Air Assault Course in Kuwait|date = 19 April 2017}}
• Camp Blanding, FL (FL ARNG; intermittent operations)
• Camp Carroll, Fort Richardson, AK (6th Infantry Division (Light), AK ARNG and 4th BCT (Abn), 25th Infantry Division){{cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/article/4741/ |title=Army training, sir! | Article |publisher=Army.mil |date=2007-09-06 |access-date=2013-04-30}}{{cite web| url = https://www.dvidshub.net/news/330703/day-zero-alaskan-soldiers| title = DVIDS - News - DAY ZERO FOR ALASKAN SOLDIERS}}
• Camp Crowder, MO (MO ARNG hosting MTT, Feb - Mar 2012){{cite web|url=http://www.nationalguard.mil/news/archives/2012/02/022912-Missouri.aspx?src=rss |title=National Guard News - Missouri Guard holds its first air assault course |publisher=Nationalguard.mil |access-date=2013-04-30}}
• Camp Edwards, MA (2017, MTT from the Warrior Training Center, Fort Benning, GA){{cite web| url = https://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1347992/defenders-gain-air-assault-skills/| title = Defenders gain air assault skills > Air Reserve Personnel Center > Article Display}}
• Camp Gruber Maneuver Training Center, OK (OK ARNG) (1988–1994){{cite web|last=Marks |first=Jay F. |url=http://newsok.com/obstacle-course-returns-to-camp-gruber/article/1809142 |title=Obstacle course returns to Camp Gruber |publisher=News OK |date=2006-04-07 |access-date=2013-04-30}}
• Camp Rilea, OR (WTC MTT){{cite web| url = https://www.army.mil/article/189294/soldiers_and_airmen_learn_air_mobile_operations_during_air_assault_course| title = Soldiers and Airmen learn air-mobile operations during Air Assault course {{!}} Article}}
• Camp Smith, NY
• Camp Hovey, Korea (2001, hosted by the 2d Brigade, 2d Infantry Division); 25 February - 8 March 2013, 1st BCT, 2d Infantry Division hosting a MTT from the Warrior Training Center, Fort Benning, GA){{cite web|url=http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103142/air-assault-course-increase-2id-capabilities#.UVtAjTf7DYL |title=DVIDS - News - Air Assault Course increase 2ID capabilities |publisher=Dvidshub.net |access-date=2013-04-30}}
• Camp Mobile, Korea (2017, MTT from the Warrior Training Center, Fort Benning, GA){{cite web| url = https://www.stripes.com/news/korea-based-soldiers-attend-grueling-course-to-earn-their-air-assault-wings-1.493241| title = Korea-based soldiers attend grueling course to earn their air-assault wings {{!}} Stars and Stripes}}
• Camp Robertson, Schweinfurt, Germany (2005, hosted by the 2d Brigade, 1st Infantry Division; 2011, hosted by the 21st Theater Sustainment Command){{cite web|url=http://www.military.com/forums/0,15240,80712,00.html |title=Air Assault in Germany |publisher=Military.com |access-date=2013-04-30}}{{cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/article/65014/ |title=Air Assault! Separating weak from strong | Article |publisher=Army.mil |access-date=2013-04-30}}{{cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/article/38700/ |title=Students attend first Air Assault School held in Europe in 5 years | Article |publisher=Army.mil |date=2010-05-07 |access-date=2013-04-30}}
• Fort Belvoir, VA (Military District of Washington)
• Fort Benning (now Fort Moore), GA (ARNG Warrior Training Center) (Jan 2006–Present){{cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/article/54280/ |title=Warrior Training Center produces tough Guard Soldiers | Article |publisher=Army.mil |date=2011-04-01 |access-date=2013-04-30}}
• Fort Bliss, TX (MTT, March 2011; quarterly courses conducted by the post's Iron Training Detachment); last class graduated in March 2019{{cite web |author=Fort Bliss MONITOR |url=http://fbmonitor.com/2011/03/30/%E2%80%98air-assault%E2%80%99-191-servicemembers-earn-their-wings/ |title='Air assault!': 191 servicemembers earn their wings | Fort Bliss Monitor |publisher=Fbmonitor.com |access-date=2013-04-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130122203547/http://fbmonitor.com/2011/03/30/%E2%80%98air-assault%E2%80%99-191-servicemembers-earn-their-wings/ |archive-date=2013-01-22 }}{{cite web| url = https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/military/ft-bliss/2017/03/26/headquarters-battalion-uses-air-assault-unity/99471836/| title = Air assault unites slew of specialized soldiers}}{{cite web| url = https://elpasoheraldpost.com/final-air-assault-class-graduates-at-fort-bliss/| title = Gallery+Story: Final Air Assault Class graduates at Fort Bliss - El Paso Herald Post}}
• Fort Bragg, NC (XVIII Airborne Corps); on May 10, 2019 XVIII Airborne Corps announced it would shut down its Air Assault course due to "funding and the reduction of borrowed military manpower on Fort Bragg."
• Fort Carson, CO (4th Infantry Division/3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment via MTT hosted by 10th Special Forces Group)
• Fort Drum, NY (10th Mountain Division){{cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/article/66361/ |title=Soldiers learn essential combat skills during Air Assault School | Article |publisher=Army.mil |date=2011-09-29 |access-date=2013-04-30}}{{cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/article/60894/ |title=Fort Drum community recognizes Air Assault School graduates | Article |publisher=Army.mil |date=2011-06-30 |access-date=2013-04-30}}
• Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos), TX (Conducted by the LRRP Platoon, 2d Squadron, 1st Cavalry, 2d Armored Division in the mid-1980s. Rappelmaster certification courses were also offered; MTT in October 2011; III Corps AAS started in June 2012 and ended in February 2020){{cite web|url=http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/story.php?id=7829 |title=Air Assault Course comes to Fort Hood - News |publisher=Fort Hood Sentinel |date=2011-10-27 |access-date=2013-04-30}}{{cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/article/68865/ |title=Soldiers complete first cycle of new Fort Hood Air Assault Course | Article |publisher=Army.mil |access-date=2013-04-30}}{{cite web|url=http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/story.php?id=9392 |title=Fort Hood air assault training starts Saturday - News |publisher=Fort Hood Sentinel |access-date=2013-04-30}}{{cite web|url=http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/story.php?id=9491 |title=Fort Hood Soldiers, Airmen earn their wings - News |publisher=Fort Hood Sentinel |date=2012-07-05 |access-date=2013-04-30}}{{cite web| url = http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/living/final-air-assault-graduates-157/article_fe198718-5e49-11ea-a66b-9bba9c9f50f3.html| title = Final Air Assault graduates 157 {{!}} Living {{!}} forthoodsentinel.com}}
• Fort Indiantown Gap, PA (MTT from the Warrior Training Center) (Starting annually in 2017){{cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/article/191255/fort_indiantown_gap_hosts_inaugural_air_assault_course |title=Fort Indiantown Gap hosts inaugural air assault course |publisher=Army News Service |date=2017-07-24 |access-date=2017-11-21}}
• Fort Knox, KY[https://web.archive.org/web/20110813013615/http://cadetcommand.armylive.dodlive.mil/2010/05/21/75-cadets-earn-air-assault-badge/ 75 Cadets earn air assault badge], U.S. Army Cadet Command, by Terry Mann, dated 21 May 2010, last accessed 31 January 2022
• Fort McCoy Total Force Training Center, WI (Light Fighter Academy)
• Fort Ord, CA (7th Infantry Division (Light))
• Fort Polk (now Fort Johnson), LA (near Warrior Brigade, 128th Combat Support Battalion)
• Fort Riley, KS (1st Infantry Division; MTT in September 2009){{cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/article/27769/ |title=Fort Riley hosts Air Assault training | Article |publisher=Army.mil |date=2009-09-23 |access-date=2013-04-30}}
• Fort Rucker (now Fort Novosel), AL (1st Aviation Brigade) (Nov 1983 - Oct 1995)
• Fort Pickett (now Fort Barfoot), VA (MTT)
• Fort Wainwright, Alaska (6th Infantry Division (Light)(Arctic))
• Fulda, Germany (11th Armored Cavalry Regiment){{cite web |url=http://forums.military.com/1/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=dl&s=78919038&f=672198221&x_id=80712&x_subject=Air%20Assault%20in%20Germany&x_dpp=Y&x_link=http://www.military.com/forums/0,15240,80712,00.html |title=Air Assault in Germany - Topic |publisher=Forums.military.com |access-date=2013-04-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017073943/http://forums.military.com/1/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=dl&s=78919038&f=672198221&x_id=80712&x_subject=Air%20Assault%20in%20Germany&x_dpp=Y&x_link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.military.com%2Fforums%2F0%2C15240%2C80712%2C00.html |archive-date=2013-10-17 |url-status=dead }}
• Schofield Barracks, HI (25th Infantry Division){{cite web|last=Kakesako |first=Gregg K. |url=http://archives.starbulletin.com/2005/12/18/news/story06.html |title=StarBulletin.com | News | /2005/12/18/ |publisher=Archives.starbulletin.com |date=2005-12-18 |access-date=2013-04-30}}{{cite web|author=haw |url=http://www.hawaiiarmyweekly.com/2010/11/19/84th-eng-bn-helps-bring-air-assault-course-back-to-hawaii/ |title=84th Eng. Bn. helps bring Air Assault Course back to Hawaii |publisher=Hawaii Army Weekly |date=2010-11-19 |access-date=2013-04-30}}{{cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/article/60675/ |title=CAB Soldiers assault through air assault course | Article |publisher=Army.mil |access-date=2013-04-30}}{{cite web| url = http://www.hawaiiarmyweekly.com/2013/01/25/air-assault-at-east-range-graduates-188-soldiers-airmen/| title = Reference at www.hawaiiarmyweekly.com}}
• U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York (MTT, June 2017){{cite web| url = http://fortcampbellcourier.com/gallery/photos_from_the_paper/collection_671f088a-3402-11e6-a1aa-0f01c3d8fc34.html| title = Reference at fortcampbellcourier.com}}

{{multiple image

|header= Examples of wear of the Air Assault Badge on the U.S. Army Service Uniform

|total_width= 500

|image1= US Army Expert Solder Badge and Air Assault Badge on service dress.png

|image2= Example image-101st Airborne Division Background Trimming.png

}}

The wearing of the Air Assault Badge on Army uniforms is governed by Department of the Army Pamphlet (DA PAM) 670-1, "Guide to the Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia." Under this DA PAM, the Air Assault Badge is defined as a Group 4 precedence special skill badge which governs its wear in relation to other combat and special skill badges and tabs.[https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN30948-PAM_670-1-000-WEB-1.pdf "Department of the Army Pamphlet 670–1: Guide to the Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia"], US Army, dated 26 January 2021, last accessed 5 December 2022 The basic eligibility criteria for the badge consist of satisfactory completion of an air assault training course in accordance with the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command's standardized Air Assault Core Program of Instruction or completion of a standard Air Assault Course while assigned or attached to the 101st Airborne Division since 1 April 1974.

To be awarded an honorary Air Assault Badge, veterans must have been assigned or attached to the 101st Airborne Division, 101st Air Cavalry Division, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), or 1st Cavalry Division during the period from 1965 through 1972, while serving in combat in a combat arms or combat support specialty in Vietnam.[https://www.dvidshub.net/news/399828/honorary-air-assault-badges-awarded-vietnam-veterans Honorary Air Assault Badges Awarded to Vietnam Veterans], Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, by CPT Matthew Visser (101st Airborne Division), dated 26 June 2021, last accessed 1 March 2025

{{Commons category|Background Trimming|airborne background trimmings}}

When the 101st Airborne Division was converted to air assault, it carried over the wear of the cloth airborne background trimmings (ovals) from its time as an active airborne unit. According to Army Regulation 670-1, airborne background trimmings are authorized for organizations designated (by structure, equipment and mission) "Airborne" or "Air Assault" by Headquarters, Department of the Army.[https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN30302-AR_670-1-000-WEB-1.pdf "Army Regulation 670–1: Uniform and Insignia Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia"], U.S. Department of the Army, dated 26 January 2021, last accessed 5 December 2022 The following are airborne background trimmings currently authorized for wear behind the Air Assault Badge:

{{Clear}}

File:US Army 101st ABN Div Trimming.svg|101st Airborne Division, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion

File:US Army 101st Airborne Division Artillery background trimming.svg|101st Airborne Division Artillery

File:US Army 101st Sustainment Brigade Background Trimming.svg|101st Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade

File:US Army 1st INF BCT-101st ABN Div Trimming2.svg|101st Airborne Division, 1st Brigade Combat Team, Headquarters and Headquarters Company

File:US Army 2nd INF BCT-101st ABN Div Trimming2.svg|101st Airborne Division, 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team, Headquarters and Headquarters Company

File:US Army 3rd INF BCT-101st ABN Div Trimming2.svg|101st Airborne Division, 3rd Mobile Brigade, Headquarters and Headquarters Company

File:Background Trimming 1st Battalion 26th Infantry Regiment.jpg|1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment

File:US Army 1st BN-187th Inf Reg Trimming-Corrected.svg|1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment

File:US Army 3rd BN-187th Inf Reg Trimming-Corrected.svg|3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment

File:US Army 1st BN-327th Inf Reg Trimming.svg|1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment

File:US Army 2nd BN-327th Inf Reg Trimming.svg|2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment

File:US Army 1st BN-502nd Inf Reg Trimming-Corrected.svg|1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment

File:US Army 2nd BN-502nd Inf Reg Trimming-Corrected.svg|2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment

File:US Army 1st BN-506th INF Reg Oval.png|1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment

File:US Army 2nd BN-506th INF Reg Oval.png|2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment

File:US Army 17th Cavalry Regiment Trimming.svg|2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment

File:US Army 1st BN-320th Field Arty Reg Trimming.svg|1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment

File:US Army 2nd Bn-32nd Arty Reg Trimming.svg|2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment

File:US Army 3rd BN-320th Field Arty Reg Trimming.svg|3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment

File:US Army 21th Engineer BN Oval.png|21st Division Signal Battalion

File:US Army 39th Bde Engineer BN Trimming.png|39th Brigade Engineer Battalion

File:US Army 326th Bde Eng Bn Trimming.svg|326th Engineer Battalion

File:US Army 426th Bde Support BN Trimming.png|426th Light Support Battalion

File:US Army 526th Bde Support BN Trimming.png|526th Light Support Battalion

File:US Army 626th Bde Support BN Oval.png|626th Light Support Battalion

File:US Army 101st Aviation Bde Trimming.svg|101st Aviation Regiment

Background trimmings have been denied by the US Army's Institute of Heraldry to other units with a parenthetical designation of “Air Assault” such as the California Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment. The rationale given by The Institute of Heraldry was that units outside of the 101st Airborne Division did not have an "air assault mission." The reason various ARNG units were organized according to the Air Assault Modified Table of Organization and Equipment (MTOE) was because such units were authorized fewer personnel and less equipment, thus making them less expensive to operate and maintain. They were not organized with actual air assault missions in mind.{{cite web|author=John Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/1-184inf.htm |title=1-184th Infantry (Air Assault) |publisher=Globalsecurity.org |access-date=2013-04-30}}A letter dated 1 April 2004 from Colonel Paris M. Mack, Chief, R&R Task Force, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff G-1 to Lieutenant Colonel Steven Goff, Commander, 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry.

File:US Space Force Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Badge.jpg uniform]]

All of the military services can send personnel to the U.S. Army's Air Assault Schools, but only the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Space Force allows for the Air Assault Badge to be worn on their uniforms. For several decades only U.S. Air Force personnel attached to the 101st Airborne Division were allowed to wear the badge and only while assigned, paralleling U.S. Army policy from 1974 to 1978 for Army soldiers. However, as of the 17 January 2014 update to uniform instructions, Department of Air Force personnel are authorized to wear the Air Assault Badge along with other special skill badges they have earned through other uniformed services.[https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/dafi36-2903/dafi36-2903.pdf Department of the Air Force Instruction 36-2903: Dress and Personal Appearance of United States Air Force and United States Space Force Personnel], Secretary of the Air Force, dated 12 April 2022, last accessed 5 December 2022{{cite web| url = https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/473134/af-uniform-policy-update-welcome-back-morale-t-shirts-badges-and-limitless-athl/| title = AF uniform policy update: welcome back morale T-shirts, badges and limitless athletic shoes}}, U.S. Air Force News, dated 20 January 2014, last accessed 20 June 2014{{cite web| url = https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/114245/airmen-vie-for-slots-in-army-air-assault-course/| title = Airmen Vie for Slots in Army Air Assault Course}}, U.S. Air Force Official Website, dated 7 February 2011, last accessed 20 June 2014{{cite web| url = http://www.spangdahlem.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/120518-F-FC975-472.jpg| title = Official USAF Photo of Maj. Creel at Distinguished Flying Cross award ceremony wearing an Air Assault Badge on his USAF Service Dress Uniform| access-date = January 11, 2014| archive-date = January 12, 2014| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140112020911/http://www.spangdahlem.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/120518-F-FC975-472.jpg| url-status = dead}}, U.S. Air Force Official Website, posted: 18 May 2012, last accessed 11 January 2014

The Air Assault Badge is not authorized for wear on uniforms of the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps.[https://web.archive.org/web/20110418091253/http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/uniforms/uniformregulations/chapter5/Pages/default.aspx Navy Uniform Regulations, Chapter 5], updated 24 March 2011, last accessed 3 August 2013{{cite web| url = http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/mcub/PAGES/Uniform%20Regs%20Chapters/Chapter%204_files/Chapter%204.asp| title = Marine Corps Uniform Regulation P1020.34, Chapter 4| access-date = September 28, 2013| archive-date = October 2, 2008| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081002093841/http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/mcub/PAGES/Uniform%20Regs%20Chapters/Chapter%204_files/Chapter%204.asp| url-status = dead}}, updated 29 October 2009, last accessed 3 August 2013 With the proper documentation filed in a unit's administrative department, prior U.S. Army service members who have enlisted or commissioned in the U.S. Coast Guard may wear the Air Assault Badge.[https://web.archive.org/web/20190604084737/https://media.defense.gov/2018/Dec/13/2002072299/-1/-1/0/CIM_1020_6J.PDF Coast Guard Uniform Regulation, M1020.6J], U.S. Coast Guard, dated 9 December 2018, last accessed 21 May 2019

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• [http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/Airmobility/airmobility-fm.html VIETNAM STUDIES - AIRMOBILITY 1961-1971] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612073527/http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/Airmobility/airmobility-fm.html |date=2010-06-12 }}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20080126001042/http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/Airmobility/airmobility-ch03.html Airmobile: The Early Years in the United States, 1963-1965]

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Category:United States military badges