Does the United States Marine Corps Need a Low-Level Static Line Option? The Past, Present, and Future of Personnel Parachute Operations Within the Marine Corps
Abstract
The Marine Corps has maintained a low level personnel parachute capability since 1927. This system is antiquated and the Marines have not used it operationally since the Second World War. The Marine Corps should withdraw funding and cease training forces for low-level static line operations due to the unlikely future requirement to use this insertional technique. The reasons the Marine Corps should no longer conduct low-level personnel parachute operations are: the risks associated with training and operational employment, the high financial burden and rigorous proficiency required, and the development and availability of better options. While this insertion method will likely never be used operationally in the future, the benefits parachute operations provide to partner nations may outweigh the financial costs and injury risks. Nevertheless, the Marine Corps should slowly eliminate low-level static line operations, reinforce alternate options, and turn to more advanced options of the future.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 03, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1177195
Entities
People
- Adam E. Simon
Organizations
- Marine Corps University