Military History

Sky Warriors: The Evolution of Military Free-Fall Tactics at Yuma Proving Ground

BY SOFREP News Team

HALO jumps revolutionize US Army tactics, enhancing covert operations with the pioneering work of Yuma Proving Ground’s elite paratroopers.

Special Forces Soldiers jump from a MC-130J Commando II as part of a High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) jump training event. (DVIDS)

A groundbreaking chapter in military tactics was about to unfold in the vast, open skies above the Arizona desert in 1958. Taking place at the US Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG), a group of eight paratroopers take on a daring (possibly deadly) mission that would redefine aerial insertion techniques and enhance the service’s strategic capabilities on the global stage.

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This mission, part of the Army Golden Master Program, centered around the development of what we now know as the High-Altitude, Low-Opening (HALO) techniques—an innovative form of free-falling that enables soldiers to deploy undetected into enemy territory.

The Pioneers and The Birth of HALO

Originally, US Army paratroopers were tethered to their aircraft by a static line, which automatically deployed their parachutes as they exited the platform. However, as military strategies evolved, so did the need for more covert and precise insertion methods.

Enter the HALO jump, which, as its name suggests, involves paratroopers free-falling from high altitudes before opening their chutes close to the ground. This technique minimizes their exposure to enemy detection and increases the surprise element in operations.

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The original eight HALO paratroopers, equipped with their expertise in the field and nerves of steel, were selected to test the daring technique several thousand feet off the proving grounds. These pioneers took the immense risk of free-falling in the skies and only deploying their chutes dangerously close to the ground (around 3,000 feet).

Bobbye Williamson, daughter of Sgt. 1st Class Bobby Joe Williamson, one of the first HALO team members, reminisced back in 2022 about the team’s bravery, noting that her father and the rest of the first eight’s dedication were instrumental in mastering the skies with unprecedented precision.

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“They were jumping over 20,000 feet with football helmets on and jump boots, or in my dad’s case Converse All Stars because he was six-foot-eight and wore a size 16 shoe, they didn’t make jump boots that big yet,” Williamson recounted.

Testing Limits: Yuma Proving Ground’s Role

YPG’s clear skies and restricted airspace provided an ideal setting for the HALO project.

The proving ground’s unique environment allowed for year-round jumps, with the team sometimes performing up to 15 jumps per day, Williamson recalled, citing stories from his father.

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“They were dedicated and did everything together,” she added.

This intense regimen was crucial in developing the techniques that would later become a cornerstone of modern special operations.

The team’s innovative spirit was further exemplified as they scoured car and boat junkyards for necessary equipment like altimeters, crafting what they needed from what they could find.

HALO-jump-test-team
Photo of the original test team for the HALO free-fall project at the Yuma Proving Ground, September 1958. Left to Right: (front row) STC Goodyid, SFC Hoesel, MSG Glenn, (back row) CPT Peterka, CWO Turner, SFC Williamson, SPEC Broussard, and SPEC Pennington. (US Army)

Vietnam War: HALO’s First Real-World Application

The Vietnam War became the real-world proving ground for the fledgling HALO technique.

In 1970, a daring six-man Special Forces team conducted the first documented combat HALO jump, infiltrating enemy territory in Laos from a staggering 15,000 feet (4,600 meters).

This covert insertion method offered a significant tactical advantage. By parachuting low and late, HALO jumps allowed for surprise attacks behind enemy lines, a crucial factor in the dense jungle environment of the war.

While still under development, HALO’s introduction in Vietnam marked a turning point in military infiltration tactics.

Legacy, Expansion, and Impact: The Military Free-Fall School

The success of the HALO program led to the establishment of the Military Free-Fall School (MFFS) at YPG.

Over the years, MFFS has expanded to offer several courses, including the Military Free-Fall Parachutist Course and the Advanced Tactical Infiltration Course, among others.

Another technique that emerged was the High-Altitude, High-Opening (HAHO), in which parachutists deploy their parachutes at a high altitude (only seconds after jumping) and glide for a long distance, covering vast areas for covert infiltration. While the exact timeline for its development isn’t readily available, it’s safe to assume it came later due to its reliance on advancements in both parachute technology and operational needs.

HAHO technique
HAHO technique execution at Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center, Michigan. (DVIDS)

Today, the school is a premier training ground for the military’s most elite paratroopers, featuring the world’s largest vertical wind tunnel and continuing to support operations with a new two-bay hangar for the Special Operations Aviation Command.

The pioneering work of the original HALO team has had a lasting impact on military operations worldwide. By enhancing the stealth and accuracy of airborne operations, HALO jumps have become a critical tactic in the repertoire of the US military and its allies.

The ongoing training and development at MFFS ensure that future generations of paratroopers are equipped with the skills necessary to maintain operational supremacy in the skies.

But MFF’s influence extends beyond the battlefield. Civilian skydiving organizations, with rigorous training programs and specialized equipment like Skydive High, offer HALO-inspired experiences for experienced jumpers seeking a thrilling challenge. This synergy between military innovation and civilian adaptation pushes the boundaries of skydiving safety and technique.

The Pioneering HALO Team’s Lasting Impact on Modern Warfare

From its inception at the Yuma Proving Ground to its current status as a top-tier training facility, the evolution of military free-fall tactics underscores a relentless pursuit of excellence and strategic superiority.

As warfare tactics evolve, the legacy of the HALO pioneers serves as a steadfast reminder of the bravery and innovation inherent in the US military, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in defense and tactical operations.

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Disclaimer: SOFREP utilizes AI for image generation and article research. Occasionally, it’s like handing a chimpanzee the keys to your liquor cabinet. It’s not always perfect and if a mistake is made, we own up to it full stop. In a world where information comes at us in tidal waves, it is an important tool that helps us sift through the brass for live rounds.

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