The only time "stick position" was ever important (at least in training jumps, I've never made a combat jump) was with respect to the load carried.
The man with the heaviest load was positioned closest to the door so he could stand up and waddle to the door, preferably being first out.
When I jumped into ROBIN SAGE I had my ruck and a complete M2 60mm mortar in a CWIE (Red Ball) container, plus my LBE
(web gear, worn "exposed" in the Special Forces style) and an M-16 under my left arm.
All up, I probably weighed 320 lbs (I weighed 155 lbs on the PT scales in my gym shorts).
So it was simply logical to make myself the #1 jumper, left door, so I'd be the first man out of the C-130 Combat Talon.
The rest of the A Team would follow me, but I'd have the easiest time making the trip to the door once fully rigged. Since the Drop Zone was
set up with the desired impact point beginning at the intersection of an inverted "L" of lights, I should land closest to the DZ team
who could help unload my air items (main, reserve, aviator's kit bag, steel helmet) and fit me up for the march
to the assembly point, without having to march a kilometer or more from the center of the DZ to the turn-in/assembly point.
Frankly, I really don't remember where I was in most of my "middle of the stick" jumps. It really didn't matter,
especially when we were jumping both doors.
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