Black Knight Parachute Team

LofgrenCL

5-Year Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2011
Messages
20
I've been putting this off because I believe in taking things one at a time and whether I know what to expect or not, I still have to go through it and prove myself, but I was hoping to learn if anyone on here knows how or when you get to try out for the Parachute Team.

I've read you have to go through a "smoke session" which is common enough in military communities that jump so I understand that completely, but the criteria has to be beyond that. (At least in my experience with the military.)

I'm hoping we have some members who either are on the team or have information beyond, "hard PT".

I'm incredibly interested and hope to get the chance. In the end no matter what the requirements or process it won't matter if I know, however, I'd like to know how I show interest at the Academy... Not to mention knowledge is power, and knowing what to expect helps me know what processes I can start on now so I'm fully prepared when the time comes.

Thanks for anyone who replies and congratulations to everyone who is appointed.

Very respectfully,

Lofgren
 
I've been putting this off because I believe in taking things one at a time and whether I know what to expect or not, I still have to go through it and prove myself, but I was hoping to learn if anyone on here knows how or when you get to try out for the Parachute Team.

I've read you have to go through a "smoke session" which is common enough in military communities that jump so I understand that completely, but the criteria has to be beyond that. (At least in my experience with the military.)

I'm hoping we have some members who either are on the team or have information beyond, "hard PT".

I'm incredibly interested and hope to get the chance. In the end no matter what the requirements or process it won't matter if I know, however, I'd like to know how I show interest at the Academy... Not to mention knowledge is power, and knowing what to expect helps me know what processes I can start on now so I'm fully prepared when the time comes.

Thanks for anyone who replies and congratulations to everyone who is appointed.

Very respectfully,

Lofgren

It really is that simple. There are also interviews for teams like that to see if your personality "fits the team". Basically, if you would fit in and they would enjoy being around you. So I guess yo prepare for that you'd have to...go out and be social. :smile:
 
You'll have the opportunity in BEAST to try out for teams which have open tryouts. My understanding is it's normally club level, few Corps Squads have tryouts. (Others may have better info)

There is also a club night when you get to meet clubs, learn their tryout process, etc.

But even for club level teams, not all have formal tryouts. Some any & all are well. Others have a limit to team size ("authorizations"), and rigorous selection process.

Some are essentially invitation based. (Things like Sandhurst, Combat Arms, etc). There is not an official tryout, but you do need to express interest. And some things vary by company.

Hint- the clubs that have limited membership are usually the ones that have practice/competitions during times you'd normally be doing drill, etc. And get a pass ("authorizations" again)

Some club level activities athletics don't get passes to miss drill, games, etc. Or even company athletics. Others do, again based on the level of competitiveness, size, and other factors.

Here's a list of club level sports:
http://www.usma.edu/dpe/competitivesports/DPE%20CC%20Teams.htm

And also:

http://www.usma.edu/uscc/dca/clubs/clubshome.html

Following that down, you reach the black knights site:
http://www.usma.edu/uscc/dca/clubs/jump/home.htm

So it looks like they are a club level sport.
 
Awesome, I appreciate the input.

I have heard though that you can't try out for the team until after first semester. Not sure if that's just a rumor but it'd be great to know if or when to expect these tryouts.

Thank you.

V/r

Lofgren
 
All I can tell you is that DS's and friends experience this summer/fall was that many high profile clubs did not have formal tryouts for plebes.

Who gets to ride the Army mule at games? It's not the equestrian club team. No formal tryouts to be the mule rider. But someone gets picked for it. :smile:

Other high profile things like company mascots had informal auditions, etc. One of DS's Beast buddies is a company mascot now.

Sandhurst appears to be more invitation based, again appears to vary by company. They seem to use input from BEAST leadership plus factor in things like balancing number of plebes and Male/Female, etc.

Some of this appears to vary based on male/female. Females interested in certain sports or who demonstrate a knack for it may be invited. I know this happened with Boxing this year.

Club teams with limited "authos" (slots) have to balance team dynamics and competitiveness. And keep an eye out on attrition in cow/firstie members.

And BEAST performance factors in. DS made a club team in competition with more experienced applicants. Which baffled us a bit, until we learned that a member of the team was his BEAST Platoon SGT. They were not friends, but she knew his performance in BEAST over unknowns.

Which is apparently how things work at USMA. Performance in any of the three "pillars" can cross over and effect other areas. Military performance at beast can affect getting on an athletic team. Athletic performance as a team member can effect opportunities & rep in the military area. Performance/actions in a classroom can cross over as many profs are also club advisers/officers.

So what's all this mean?? One takeaway would be if you want to make a competitive team, then recognize how your attitude and performance on crappy BEAST stuff and plebe duties absolutely has an impact.

Don't be the blue falcon, put the platoon/company needs above your own. Don't lose your cool. Be a good follower if not the leader, etc. Volunteer to help when asked instead of using homework as an excuse. (Which also means getting your homework done ahead of time)

Again, just second hand observations from an involved parent of a plebe. But we have been able to see club coaches & leadership in action, and it appears to be consistent.
 
Awesome, I appreciate the input.

I have heard though that you can't try out for the team until after first semester. Not sure if that's just a rumor but it'd be great to know if or when to expect these tryouts.

Thank you.

V/r

Lofgren

Tryouts for jump team are second semester (I believe in February plus or minus one month). That is not a rumor.
 
Jump team tryouts are essentially a popularity contest. Many qualified people will be turned away.
 
Thanks to all of you, I appreciate your information and knowledge.

V/r,

Lofgen
 
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