[ZonieDiver]

I was in 45th Company, and our sister company (49th) was made up of USAFA cadets and cadre. They called the 'Dollar Nineteen' the 'Flying Deathtrap' and I was always anxious to get out of it (though it was akin to falling out of bed). Our 5th jump, like Richard's, was a C-141. (Getting to Bragg and being introduced to a C-130 was quite an experience - I realized why they emphasized a 'vigorous' exit, and good body position.)

I never ran, in formation or PT Test, in ANYthing BUT boots, even with the PT uniform. We also did all those now 'bad' exercises. No wonder over half the guys at my SFA meeting today hobbled in.

You are right, Big Teddy. Being 'Rope Man' sucked! I watched our class leader take on the job by contradicting a Black Hat who was making the Rope Man 'beat his boots' over and over again. Papa Alpha 25 took his place. I learned a lot about leadership that day, just by watching.

I'd do it all again, even though I know I'd never make it now. It would be fun to try!