Military News
Davis graduates air assault school

Army Pvt. Reid A. Davis graduated from the U.S. Army Air Assault School at Fort Campbell, Ky.

The 10-day course includes instruction in air assault techniques and procedures, and qualifies soldiers to wear the coveted Air Assault Badge.

Prerequisites for candidates include passing a thorough inspection and must complete a rigorous 9- obstacle course to assess a students' upper body strength, agility, endurance, confidence and ability to perform at heights without displaying fear or distress; trek a12-mile foot march; and rappel from a 45-foot tower.

The demanding course is designed to provide soldiers with the technical skills required to assist in conducting air assault operations, including moving battalion-sized elements 240 miles by helicopter, employ Army attack aircraft, and prepare equipment for sling-load operations underneath an attack helicopter. Graduates completed the three phases of the course: combat assault operations, sling-load rigging and inspection, and rappelling/fast-rope operations.

Davis is a machine gunner assigned to Fort Riley, Junction City, Kan.

He is the son of Annette L. Crisman of Bullard, and grandson of Barbara J. Jordan of Mabank.

His wife, Misty, is the daughter of Ola M. Haynes of Richardson.

The private is a 1999 graduate of Desoto High School.