The
37th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein AB, Germany, conducted the first-ever personnel drop with its new C-130J transport on May 4. More than 35 Army paratroopers participated in the test drop, which was meant to verify the performance of the new aircraft in this role. The unit, a part of Ramstein’s 86th Airlift Wing, received the first of its 14 C-130Js last month. All will be in place next year, replacing the squadron’s aged C-130E models. Capt. Jeff Davis, a pilot with the 37th AS, said the drop test was the “first chance at getting a look at how the C-130J differs from the C-130E.” It gave the aircrews the opportunity “to work out any kinks, if any,” he said. For the paratroopers, the test was also a valuable experience. “We got a true look at the many capabilities the new J-model offers,” said Army Sgt. Juan Fiilix, a 5th Quarter Master Company parachute rigger. The 37th AS conducted its last jump-qualification testing of Army parachutists with the C-130E on April 22. The unit will use its C-130Js the next time. (Ramstein report by SrA. Kenny Holston)
A provision in the fiscal 2025 defense policy bill will require the Defense Department to include the military occupational specialty of service members who die by suicide in its annual report on suicide deaths, though it remains to be seen how much data the department will actually disclose.