To help the public understand the effectiveness of paratrooper training, the Ministry of National Defense invited media representatives to the Army Airborne Training Center for two days to film various training programs of the paratrooper unit, including Basic Parachute Training, VR Parachute Simulator, and Airborne Jump Training. The media was also given the opportunity to experience the challenging Tower Training course, which involves a 34-foot tower designed to test one’s fear of heights, providing a firsthand experience of the hardships and courage required for paratrooper training. This event also demonstrated the military’s achievements in Technology-assisted Training.
The media traveled in the morning in C-130H transport aircraft to Da Sheng Xi Campsite, known as the "Home of Paratroopers," where they filmed soldiers undergoing basic parachute training. The training included five major stations: Parachute Landing Fall, Swing Landing, Aircraft Body Training, "Suspension Training," and Tower Jump Training. These stations allow recruits to build a solid foundation through a progressive, rigorous, and disciplined training process.
Next, to showcase the results of the military’s Technology-assisted Training, the media visited the VR Parachute Simulator training. Using virtual reality combined with computer systems, sensors, and suspension devices, the simulator replicates various parachuting scenarios, including different types of parachute gear and jump situations. Training courses for basic parachuting, infiltration to groundwater at high altitude, and rough terrain jumps are set for different teams. This not only improves soldiers' reaction time in handling emergencies during jumps but also significantly enhances training safety.
Airborne Training Center explained that after completing Basic Parachute Training and VR Parachute Simulator training, recruits will proceed with four daytime jumps and one nighttime jump. During this phase, they will apply the skills learned on the ground and familiarize themselves with jump procedures during actual airborne exercises. Once recruits complete five airborne training jumps from 1,250 feet, they will be awarded the Basic Paratrooper Badge, officially becoming paratroopers.
Notably, the media was also invited to take part in the most daring ground training exercise for paratroopers—the Tower Training. Journalists took up the challenge eagerly, standing at the edge of the 34-foot high tower, the ultimate test of overcoming a fear of heights. After leaping from the tower, they loudly recited: "One second, two seconds, three seconds, four seconds, check canopy, check surroundings, prepare to land." The thrilling experience excited the journalists and further affirmed the results of the military's rigorous and intensive training program.