Canadian Collective Training with Polish Special Forces Aerial Delivery Parachute Packer Course

Article / April 18, 2024 / Project number: 24-001CADTC

By MCpl Jeremy Roy

Air Drop Systems Technicians (ADS Techs) successfully completed serial 0025 of the Aerial Delivery Parachute Packer Course on November 2, 2023. The course was held at the Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Center at Canadian Forces Base Trenton and saw the participation of three members from the Polish Special Forces (SF) Support Unit.

During the 18-day program, Polish SF members joined ADS Techs and Search and Rescue (SAR) Techs to learn about the characteristics and packing procedures of Canadian aerial delivery parachute systems. Corporal Brett Furtado, the course instructor, expressed pride in sharing his expertise with the Polish military and enhancing their knowledge in the field.

The Aerial Delivery Parachute Packer Course provides training in packing parachutes used in various scenarios, including training, operations with SAR, Light Infantry Battalions, Special Operations Forces, and support for Major Air Disaster responses. Candidates learn about the physical attributes, limitations, and packing procedures for seven parachute systems, ranging from the 24ft Expendable Parachute, which weighs 11 lbs and can support a 75 lbs suspended load, to the 100ft Canadian Cargo Parachute, which weighs 230 lbs and can drop loads up to 5,000 lbs or 30,000 lbs when clustered in groups of up to six.

Cpl Furtado emphasized that qualifying Polish SF members enhances interoperability between countries, fostering mutual growth in techniques and procedures. This connection also allowed Polish SF members to engage in a parachute jump during the Basic Parachutist Course, “It was a very cool experience to jump with the Polish military members” said Cpl Bradley Darius, an ADS Tech working as a Parachute Rigger at CAAWC. “I learned about their parachute systems and landing technique, which is valuable interoperability training.”

Establishing this link between units contributes to shared experiences and innovative ideas for future military leaders. By hosting Polish SF members, the Canadian ADS Techs not only share their expertise but also strengthen the bonds between the organizations, paving the way for continued collaboration and knowledge exchange.

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