U.S. Army Golden Knights Selection And Assessment Begins

Sixteen individuals hoping for a spot on the U. S. Army's official parachute team have begun the rigorous assessment and selection process to determine if they'll earn the right to wear the official Golden Knights patch. This year, two women and fourteen men will test their mettle and high-altitude "hooah" during a six-week assessment and selection program. Those who successfully complete the program will be "knighted" in a special ceremony.

U.S. Army Photo

To be selected, soldiers must be on active-duty status, have completed 100 free-fall parachute jumps and have an exemplary good military and civilian record.
 
The U.S. Army Parachute Team originally began as the Strategic Army Command Parachute Team, or STRAC, in 1959. Two years later the team was officially recognized and sanctioned as the United States Army Parachute Team. In 1962, they adopted the nickname "The Golden Knights." Serving under the United States Army Accessions Command and The United States Army Accessions Support Brigade, the Golden Knights are based at Fort Bragg, NC.

For 50 years the Golden Knights have been wowing audiences at air shows, competitions and most recently, with high profile tandem jumps. Two demonstration teams travel all over the country performing aerial demonstrations at air shows and special events in support of Army recruiting goals. The two competition teams travel, competing nationally and internationally at various skydiving competitions, continuously bringing home gold, silver and bronze medals. According to their official Web site, they are the most successful U.S. Department of Defense sports team.

(L-R) Sgt. First Class Greg Windmiller, Staff Sgt. Derrick Coleman, Sgt. First Class Tom Bovee, and Capt. Michael Funderburk

The Tandem Team focuses on bringing the public closer to the Army experience as well as the sport of skydiving. "The Tandem Team enables the Army to reach out to influential citizens and give them a taste of the professionalism, leadership and teamwork that is involved in giving them a tandem," said Lt. Colonel Joe Martin, U.S. Army Parachute Team, "Golden Knights."

The Golden Knights not only perform at air shows, compete on an international level and perform high profile tandems they also visit high schools and work with local recruiters showing young adults what type of opportunities the Army has for them.

The Golden Knights have performed more than 15,000 shows in all 50 states and 48 countries.

FMI: www.usarec.army.mil/hq/goldenknights