Parachute Rigger

The Parachute Rigger soldier is a member of the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps (RAAOC).

The RAAOC is concerned with the provision of logistic support to the Army, specifically with providing, managing, warehousing and issuing all the Army's equipment. RAAOC is also responsible for the demolition and disposal of explosives, salvage of battle-damaged equipment, re-packing of parachutes and many other support services.

Parachute Rigger is a specialist soldier who performs a wide range of technical functions on parachutes and Aerial Delivery Equipment. These functions include inspection, repack, repair, modification, malfunction analysis, sentencing, procurement and fleet management of parachutes and Aerial Delivery Equipment. All Parachute Riggers are required to be a military static line operator and on achieving the rank of Corporal are required to be a free-fall operator. In many instances, Parachute Riggers have diversified their employment further by becoming Parachute Jump Instructors in the specialties of static line, free-fall and high altitude parachute operations.

Parachute Riggers are critical to all Army parachute operations. Every parachute packed, repaired and maintained by a Parachute Rigger can affect the safety of others directly in the personnel packing role or indirectly in the cargo packing role. This responsibility is represented by the Parachute Riggers Motto, Be Sure Always.

A Parachute Rigger is usually employed in a small group environment, often working closely with the Army's Special Forces (Special Air Service and Commando). This provides Riggers travel opportunities both in Australia and overseas.

Primary Duties/Employment in First Three Years

The duties listed below are those that could be expected to be performed in the first three years of service before promotion to Corporal:

• Prepare Aerial Delivery Equipment for maintenance
• Pack parachutes
• Repair parachutes
• Maintain mechanical devices
• Manufacture components of Aerial Delivery Equipment and
• Maintain Aerial Delivery Equipment in a detached parachute maintenance unit

Note that not all duties are performed in each position.

Key Features of the Trade

• A member of a specialised small trade that develops its people as individuals
• The requirement to regularly jump to maintain the parachute jump qualification and the potential to become an Army qualified Parachute Jump Instructor

In-Service Information

Employment Category Number (ECN): 345

Employment Category: Combat Support