Once a paratrooper, always a paratrooper. The heart and mindset of the 82nd Airborne Division or “All American” unit, is an infamous part of American military history. From their early days in World War I, as part of the American Expeditionary Force, to the historic airborne assaults in Normandy, France and Holland during World War II, the All American unit has been the U.S. Army’s rapid assault force. Although the missions have changed over time, the readiness and mentality remain. This week I was fortunate to talk with Major General (MG) Christopher C. LaNeve and Command Sergeant Major (CSM) David R. Pitt, the 82nd Airborne Division command team. During our discussion, we talked about the willingness to do more and what it means to be a paratrooper.
The All American Unit
The 82nd Airborne Division was constituted on August 5th, 1917 and had members from all 48 states. This is how they acquired their nickname “All American”, which is the basis for their famed “double As” shoulder patch. Their mission today is to deploy anywhere in the world within 18 hours of notification and conduct forcible entry airborne operations. As you can imagine, this type of mission requires a certain type of culture. The command team calls it, a culture of readiness.
“You volunteered to serve your country”, said MG LaNeve. “(You learn to) Overcome fears…trust your fellow paratroopers and trust your equipment.” CSM Pitts added that it also entails going the extra mile and putting forth your best effort to build resiliency in self. All the paratroopers in the 82nd are “willing to do a little bit more than what’s asked of them”, said Pitts.
Airborne Innovation
One way that paratroopers do a little more is by promoting an innovative mindset, not just for the Army writ large, but also smaller elements such as the unit or company. The Airborne Innovation Lab (AIL), one of the Division’s newest innovative endeavors, continues the tradition by providing resources to the Soldiers and promoting their capabilities. From concept to prototype and everything from sustainment to surveillance is researched and resourced
“It doesn’t have to be a technological revolution”, said Pitts. “It just has to be an idea.”
Sacrifices in the 82nd
As we all know in the military, readiness has a price. There is a sacrifice associated with serving in the All American Division. The constant levels of readiness are demanding and creates the need for an alert cycle. “It’s not an easy task”, said Pitt. The cycle adds predictability for the Soldier and family.
Both LaNeve and Pitt agree, every leader looks at opportunities to provide time back to the paratroopers. The sacrifice can never outweigh the well-being of the force because the Army relies on these critical paratroopers to be ready on the future battlefield.
“Guns and leaders move to the front” sums up the energy and mentality of the division”, said LaNeve. “Goals and dreams can come true in this organization.”
For More Information
Please watch the full video of this week’s Your Next Mission® video podcast episode on our website, our YouTube channel, or our newly launched Rumble video channel.
Your Next Mission® is a program initiative of the American Freedom Foundation, a non-profit
dedicated to serving our Veterans and Families. Your Next Mission® video podcast with host
12th SMA (R) Jack L. Tilley features insightful conversation with subject matter experts from the
military and civilian communities. It’s a place where we can have frank and honest
conversation, tackle the tough questions, share stories, and have some fun along the way.
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