Congratulations to members of Parachute Jumping Instructor (PJI) Course 01-24, who graduated on 15 May 25.
The Physical Training Instructors (PTIs) and Training Officers have spent the last 9 months learning all the necessary skills to become a PJI. The PJIs received their brevets from Air Commodore Hamilton, Commander Global Enablement, during their graduation ceremony held at Airborne Delivery Wing, here at RAF Brize Norton in front of family and friends. Airborne Delivery Wing is the home of military parachute training for the UK Armed Forces, training instructors and parachutists across the Royal Air Force, British Army and Royal Navy.
Corporal Anderton has been in the RAF for 5 years and always knew he wanted to be a PJI, while aspiring to become a member of the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team after watching the team display at RAF Cranwell when he was 12.
Corporal Anderton said:
“I have absolutely loved the PJI course. We’ve been lucky enough to have quite a large group, all 11 of us are very similar. Two weeks into the course we were straight out to America on exercise. I’ve got 76 jumps so far and I’m qualified on three different parachute types so quite a lot for one course, so we were fortunate. I’m excited for what else is to come. I remember my legs were a little shaky on my first jump and I think you could’ve heard my heart beating from the next state! But as soon as you step out, it is amazing.”
Corporal Anderton
Becoming a Parachute Jumping Instructor involves a lot of instructional content, with the requirement to pass several tests. The vetting process makes sure you are a particular individual with specific characteristics and able to follow strict processes for safely instructing future parachutists from all three services of the Armed Forces.
Corporal Anderton added:
“My advice is for the next set of students to be a sponge. Take what you are given, do the extra work and put in the effort to revise. It isn’t an easy job so you can’t afford to be complacent. With this being said, you have a great group of very experienced instructors that will give you everything that you need to ensure you’re at the standard required.”
Corporal Anderton
Airborne Delivery Wing are extremely proud of this cohort of new PJIs and wish them the very best in their PJI careers. Well done all of you.
