Quick answer: The Air Assault badge is awarded to soldiers who complete the Sabalauski Air Assault School at Fort Campbell, Kentucky—a 10-day course known as the "Ten Toughest Days in the Army." Candidates must pass an obstacle course, three graded phases covering combat assault and rappelling operations, and a 12-mile ruck march. The badge is worn on the left breast, ranked below combat and parachutist badges in the Army's order of precedence.
Few badges on an Army uniform generate as much respect as the Air Assault badge. It doesn't require years of specialized training or a particular military occupational specialty—but it does demand ten brutal days of physical and mental endurance. For soldiers who earn it, the Air Assault badge signals something specific: they've proven they can operate in helicopter assault environments under pressure, fatigue, and tight deadlines.
This guide breaks down what the Air Assault badge represents, what it takes to earn it at Air Assault school, who's eligible to attend, and exactly how the badge is worn on the uniform.
What is the Air Assault badge?
The Army Air Assault badge is an oxidized silver badge measuring 3/4 inch in height and 1-17/32 inches in width. It depicts a helicopter, shown from the front, superimposed on a pair of stylized wings that curve inward. The wings represent flight, while the helicopter symbolizes the specific skill set the badge certifies: assault landings using rotary-wing aircraft.
The badge's history traces back to the 101st Airborne Division. Major Jack Rickman originally designed it in 1971, and it was first issued as the "Airmobile Badge," authorized for local wear within the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) starting April 1, 1974. Major James Dailey, the first commander of the Air Assault School, was the badge's first recipient. The Chief of Staff of the Army officially approved it for Army-wide wear as the Air Assault badge on January 18, 1978.
Soldiers and civilians sometimes refer to it informally as "Air Assault wings," a nod to its winged design and its kinship with other aviation-related badges like the Parachutist badge.
What is Air Assault school, and why is it called the "Ten Toughest Days in the Army"?
The Sabalauski Air Assault School, located at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, is the Army's primary training pipeline for the Air Assault badge. Named after Command Sergeant Major Walter James Sabalauski, the school has run courses since its first class began on March 26, 1974.
Air Assault school earned its nickname—the "Ten Toughest Days in the Army"—because of its relentless pace. Unlike longer schools that spread training over weeks, Air Assault school compresses physically demanding, high-stakes instruction into just 10 days, with little room for error. Students who fail a single graded event can be dropped from the course entirely.
Before training even begins, candidates face "Zero Day," a pass/fail gate that includes an obstacle course, a two-mile run, and extensive physical training. Only those who clear Zero Day are officially recognized as Air Assault students and move on to the graded phases of the course.
It is important to note that while the main Sabalauski Air Assault School is at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the U.S. Army sends Mobile Training Teams to other installations and institutions to run identical, certified 10-day courses. So you can earn your Air Assault wings elsewhere besides Fort Campbell.
What are the three phases of Air Assault school?
Air Assault school is built around three distinct phases, each testing a different set of skills required for helicopter assault operations.
Phase 1: Combat Assault Operations
The first phase covers the fundamentals of combat assault operations, including aircraft safety, landing zone (LZ) and pickup zone (PZ) operations, and the procedures for moving troops and equipment via helicopter. This phase builds the foundational knowledge students need before advancing to more hands-on training.
Phase 2: Slingload Operations
Phase 2 focuses on slingload operations—the process of rigging equipment and cargo so it can be transported externally beneath a helicopter. Students must correctly inspect and rig loads, since a mistake here can be dangerous during real-world operations. This phase is notoriously detail-heavy, and accuracy matters as much as speed.
Phase 3: Rappelling
The third and final phase covers rappelling from a hovering helicopter, typically a UH-60 Black Hawk. Students start by learning to tie a hip rappel seat, commonly known as a Swiss seat, before progressing to rappels from increasing heights. This phase is often cited as the most physically intimidating part of the course, especially for students without prior rappelling experience.
The 12-mile ruck march
Air Assault school ends with a culminating event: a 12-mile ruck march, which students must complete within a set time standard while carrying their equipment. The course concludes with a layout of all items on the required packing list, ensuring students have maintained accountability of their gear throughout training. Passing this final ruck march is the last hurdle before earning the Air Assault badge.
Who can attend Air Assault school?
Air Assault school is open to a broad range of soldiers, not just those in the 101st Airborne Division. Eligible candidates typically include active duty Army officers, warrant officers, and enlisted soldiers, as well as Army Reserve and National Guard members. ROTC cadets can also attend, often through seat allocations tied to their cadet command. Limited slots are sometimes available to other military branches and partner nation forces, depending on the unit hosting the course and training priorities at the time.
Because demand for seats often exceeds availability, many units require soldiers to meet physical fitness benchmarks or secure command endorsement before attending. Specific eligibility requirements can vary by unit and training year, so soldiers interested in attending should check with their unit's training office for current Air Assault badge requirements.
How is the Air Assault badge worn on the uniform?
The Air Assault badge is categorized as a special skill badge and is worn on the left breast of the Army uniform. Special skill badges are displayed in a specific order of precedence, and the Air Assault badge is typically worn below combat badges, such as the Combat Infantryman Badge, and below Parachutist badges, such as Basic, Senior, and Master jump wings, when a soldier holds multiple qualifications.
Soldiers who earn more than one special skill badge may wear up to three at a time, stacked or arranged according to Army uniform regulations. The Air Assault badge's placement relative to other badges reflects its standing within the broader hierarchy of Army special skill qualifications, not its difficulty or prestige.
Earning the Air Assault badge is a short course with a long payoff
Ten days is a brief window in a soldier's career, but Air Assault school packs in enough physical and technical demand to make those days memorable. From Zero Day's obstacle course to the final 12-mile ruck march, every phase is designed to confirm that a soldier can operate confidently in helicopter assault environments. For those who complete it, the Air Assault badge is a visible, permanent marker of that achievement—worn proudly, and earned the hard way.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to earn the Air Assault badge?
Air Assault school runs for 10 days, though the exact schedule can vary slightly by course cycle and host unit.
What happens if I fail an event at Air Assault school?
Air Assault school operates on a strict pass/fail standard. Failing a graded event, such as the obstacle course, a written exam, or the final ruck march, typically results in being dropped from the course.
Do I need prior rappelling experience to attend?
No prior rappelling experience is required. Phase 3 of the course teaches rappelling fundamentals from the ground up, starting with tying a hip rappel seat.
Can soldiers outside the 101st Airborne Division attend Air Assault school?
Yes. While the Sabalauski Air Assault School at Fort Campbell is closely associated with the 101st Airborne Division, soldiers from other units, as well as ROTC cadets and National Guard and Reserve members, can attend, depending on seat availability. The Sabalauski school is also where the Pathfinder course is taught.
Is the Air Assault badge the same as jump wings?
No. The Air Assault badge certifies skills related to helicopter assault operations, while the Parachutist badge, often called jump wings, certifies static-line or military free-fall parachute training. They are separate badges with different training pipelines and they are different than Army tabs.