Earning their Wings: candidates test Air Assault capabilities

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Evan Cantrell, 703rd Munitions Support Squadron electronic security systems program monitor, performs a rope climb during the 435th Security Forces Squadron Air Assault assessment on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 9, 2026. Air Assault School candidates executed a series of timed tests to include a 2-mile run, 12-mile ruck march, rope climb and rappelling operations. The assessments prepare Airmen for Air Assault School by testing their physical fitness and ability to perform under pressure ensuring they are ready to meet the demands of the course and future missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jason Jones Jr.)

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Earning their Wings: candidates test Air Assault capabilities

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman William Martin and Senior Airman Sebastien-Thomas Fredericks, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal journeymen, perform a 12-mile ruck march during the 435th Security Forces Squadron Air Assault assessment at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 10, 2026. The ruck march tested the Air Assault School candidate’s physical endurance and mental resilience to prepare them for the demands of the course. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jason Jones Jr.)

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Earning their Wings: candidates test Air Assault capabilities

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Logan Mew, 435th Security Forces Squadron contingency response team member, performs a 12-mile ruck march during the 435th Security Forces Squadron Air Assault assessment at U.S. Army Garrison Baumholder, Germany, July 9, 2026. The ruck march tested the Air Assault School candidate’s physical endurance and mental resilience to prepare them for the demands of the course. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jason Jones Jr.)

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Earning their Wings: candidates test Air Assault capabilities

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Saul Almanza, 703rd Munitions Support Squadron counter-small unmanned aircraft systems program manager, rappels down a wall during the 435th Security Forces Squadron Air Assault assessment at U.S. Army Garrison Baumholder, Germany, July 9, 2026. Air Assault School is an Army-led course that trains service members in helicopter and air assault operations, certifying trainees as air assault qualified to execute helicopter-borne missions. Candidates learned proper rappel techniques essential to building the confidence and safety required to meet the course’s demanding standards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jason Jones Jr.)

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Earning their Wings: candidates test Air Assault capabilities

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brayan Arroyo and Staff Sgt. Joshua Quaglio, 435 Security Forces Squadron Air Assault Assessment cadres, demonstrate rappelling techniques to candidates during the 435th Security Forces Squadron Air Assault assessment at U.S. Army Garrison Baumholder, Germany, July 9, 2026. Air Assault School is an Army-led course that trains service members in helicopter and air assault operations, certifying trainees as air assault qualified to execute helicopter-borne missions. Candidates learned proper rappel techniques essential to building the confidence and safety required to meet the course’s demanding standards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jason Jones Jr.)

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Earning their Wings: candidates test Air Assault capabilities

U.S. Air Force Airmen run a 2-mile course during the 435th Security Forces Squadron Air Assault assessment on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 9, 2026. Air Assault School candidates executed a series of timed tests to include a 2-mile run, 12-mile ruck march, rope climb and rappelling operations. The assessments prepare Airmen for Air Assault School by testing their physical fitness and ability to perform under pressure ensuring they are ready to meet the demands of the course and future missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jason Jones Jr.)

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Earning their Wings: candidates test Air Assault capabilities

Published July 16, 2026
By Senior Airman Jason Jones Jr.
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany. -- U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Evan Cantrell, 703rd Munitions Support Squadron electronic security systems program monitor, performs a rope climb during the 435th Security Forces Squadron Air Assault assessment on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 9, 2026. Air Assault School candidates executed a series of timed tests to include a 2-mile run, 12-mile ruck march, rope climb and rappelling operations. The assessments prepare Airmen for Air Assault School by testing their physical fitness and ability to perform under pressure ensuring they are ready to meet the demands of the course and future missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jason Jones Jr.)