Two years ago, we shared devastating reports that Fort Bragg’s DeGlopper Air Assault School was, after a nine-month hiatus, officially shutting down. Losing that opportunity at the very Center of the Universe was a huge disappointment to the many Bragg-based attorneys and paralegals who sought a shot at capturing those coveted Air Assault wings.
While it’s paltry consolation, the JAGWAR can at least point those 27As/Ds “back at Bragg” in the direction of the National Athletic Village (NAV), a commercial facility which has functionally replicated the Army-style obstacle courses made notorious at its varied Air Assault Schools.
If you’re stationed at Fort Bragg, head on over to the NAV in Southern Pines, and give the obstacle course a spin.
Those of you fortunate enough to have secured your Air Assault Badge at DeGlopper might enjoy the nostalgic thrill of reliving Day Zero by negotiating the course.
But more vitally, since those who secure the privilege of an Air Assault School slot at another installation—as a reward for performance, or perhaps pursuant to TDY en route upon your PCS—won’t get the benefit of a second chance, training on course obstacles in advance will be crucial to ensuring you don’t get hemmed-up right out the gate.
Is the NAV course as rigorous as what you’ll encounter at Sabalauski? Nope. But if your unit won’t give you the keys to Bragg’s various obstacle lanes, it’s better than nothing. And who doesn’t like spending a day in the Pines?
National Athletic Village
201 Air Tool Drive
Southern Pines, NC 28387
910-585-3212