Life Under a Parachute: What Paratroopers Teach About Life

^{Photo by Art Guzman}

While notions about them typically revolve around bloodshed and combat, there’s more to their career than meets the eye. Symbols of bravery, camaraderie, and discipline, paratroopers teach about life what others can’t: there is power within you that is often overshadowed by fear.

Paratroopers have a “Can do” mentality. When given a task, they unhesitatingly take the challenge without questioning their capacity for success.

Well, it’s not like they have any choice. But regardless of whether they’re forced or not, their “Can do” and “Will do” mentalities set them apart from civilians. If anything, this is their secret ingredient for overcoming fear and winning life, the right attitude that ultimately leads to success.

Apart from these, what else do paratroopers teach about life?

Is It Hard to Be a Paratrooper?

Asking this is like asking, “Are paratroopers tough?” There’s no other answer than a confident and resounding affirmative. Often considered a branch of the army or even when labels don’t associate them, paratroopers can’t be denied their ability to withstand adversity.

What’s tougher than entering a battlefield through a tactical parachute drop?

Among the unit, paratroopers are infamous for their brash esprit de corps and violence of action. They never cower in the face of danger, willing to jump in and be surrounded by enemies. Without a doubt, if there’s anything paratroopers teach about life, it’s about bravery and not backing down despite life’s challenges. They’re able to remain calculative and composed under severe pressure, thinking on their feet despite the adrenaline and heavy physical and mental burdens.

From the perspective of civilians, it’s impossible to put oneself in the shoes of paratroopers. But author Greg Bruorton makes this possible.

A Glimpse of What Paratroopers Teach About Life

Gregory Ward Bruorton gives his readers a glimpse of what life is for paratroopers.

In his book Baby Jane, the author writes about a paratrooper who experiences something out of the ordinary on the field. The story documents this shift in his routines and shows how he manages to continue his duties while juggling the added responsibility of adopting and caring for an abandoned infant. A story of brotherhood, romance, and bravery, Baby Jane showcases what paratroopers teach about life and the lessons readers can gain from the battlefield.

Although people can argue that there’s a 0.01% chance that paratroopers will find a baby on the job, the story still highlights an undeniable certainty: Paratroopers are the real deal. This isn’t only targeted toward their bravery but also the values they uphold.

What Are the Values of a Paratrooper?

While in battle, paratroopers have nothing else in their minds other than survival. They will reek of adrenaline, every straw in their bodies clinching for life. Yet beyond what manifests in the field, paratroopers have values engraved deep in their hearts. They have virtues they live by that help them through their days as paratroopers and even beyond their tasks.

They’re all equipped with valuable skills civilians can also benefit from.

After all, beyond their tough exteriors and even tougher mindsets, paratroopers were once also afraid. While they go into the field with a fiery passion for protecting the state and accomplishing their tasks, this doesn’t automatically diminish any ounce of fear they may feel. Paratroopers endure extensive and exhaustive training that shapes them into who they are on the field.

Resilience

At the top of the values paratroopers teach about life is resilience. It’s never easy being in the field. There are many things to consider, from crucial matters involving strategies to life-centered woes. Paratroopers are among the most resilient people around. Not only would they need to overcome the circumstances they land on during fights, but they also have to cope with possible losses.

A lot can possibly go wrong during their missions, but paratroopers have mastered not being overwhelmed by these matters. Instead, they tap into their mental grit to work through them.

Versatility

Paratroopers think on their feet. With everything going on around them, time is of the essence. They can’t slow the situation down and come up with solutions for problems. Instead, they have to be creative and versatile with their ideas.

Other than their “Can do” mentalities, paratroopers are also forced to test every idea they can think of. Given they’re time-constricted, they often have to act before thoroughly thinking about the consequences of results. They’re calculated risk-takers but willing to gamble to possibly arrive at a victory.

Courage

If paratroopers are one thing, they are courageous. They willingly take risks and push past the most intense situations to pursue their goals. People can learn to step out of their comfort zones from these individuals. Although paratroopers have their lives at stake and can seem improbable to learn from, civilians can take bits of their experience and apply them in reality.

Paratroopers teach people that anything is possible if they’re willing to push past their fears. If they learn to take the leap and embrace life’s challenges, people can conquer whatever they set their minds on.

If you’re interested in reading more about what paratroopers experience on and beyond the field, read Greg Bruorton’s Baby Jane now!