Alabama Army National Guard Soldiers conduct airborne training

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20th Special Forces Group Soldiers board a C-23 Sherpa for airborne operations training in Gadsden, Ala., April 29, 2012. Photo contributed.

GADSDEN, AL (05/03/2012)(readMedia)-- Members of the Alabama Army National Guard's Group Support Company, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), based in Gadsden, loaded into a C-23 Sherpa aircraft Sunday morning, April 29.

More than 150 Special Forces Soldiers honed some of their legendary skills during the training at the Northeast Alabama Regional Airport's Osborne Drop Zone in Gadsden where they jumped from the ramp of the Sherpa aircraft and conducted airborne operations training.

Special Forces units undergo years of grueling training, including airborne and water operations, to maintain their elite status. Sunday's exercise allowed them to practice airborne procedures among other things.

"One of the things that attract young Soldiers to airborne units is the level and intensity of the training. Airborne Soldiers love this business and thrive on these difficult and demanding tasks we perform," said the company's commander, Lt. Col. Philip Clayton.

The unit recently returned from a deployment in Iraq and is in a training period to prepare for conversion to a Group Support Battalion. Special Forces units are some of the best trained and best equipped forces in the Army. If you are looking for an exciting career opportunity in the Army National Guard, contact the Group Support Company at 256-413-7051.

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