RELEASE NUMBER: 140611-01
DATE POSTED: JUNE 11, 2014
PRESS RELEASE: Black Daggers to take part in Army Birthday celebration
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, June 11, 2014) - The U.S. Army Special Operations Command Parachute Demonstration Team, known as the Black Daggers, are scheduled to perform free fall parachute demonstrations on Saturday, June 14 in celebration of the Army’s 239th birthday in Philadelphia, Pa.
Jump demonstrations will take place during the Stripes and Stars celebration at Independence Square and Citizens Bank Park for the Philadelphia Phillies’ game opener against the Chicago Cubs.
The team is comprised of volunteers from throughout the Army special operation forces community. They have diverse backgrounds and represent various Army SOF elements including Rangers, Special Forces, support and signal, psychological operations and civil affairs. Their average age is 32 years and the average number of free fall jumps is 1,250. As Army special operations global warriors, these Soldiers have deployed worldwide with their units and are defenders of the nation in the overseas contingency operations.
The Black Daggers use the military variant of ram-air parachutes, which allows a free fall parachutist to jump with more than 100 pounds of additional equipment. In addition to the extra weight, the jumper must also withstand high winds, frigid temperatures and low oxygen levels common at high altitude, requiring the jumper to be highly skilled.
Since Sept. 11, 2001, thousands of Army special operations Soldiers have completed multiple combat rotations supporting overseas contingency operations. Army SOF remains deployed along with conventional forces and multinational partners ensuring the success of operations, whether in a direct combat role or in a humanitarian assistance function.
On any given day, more than 5,500 Army special operations Soldiers are deployed to about 50 countries worldwide.
Editor’s Note: The Black Daggers will be conducting parachute demonstrations in preparation for the Army Birthday celebration on Thursday and Friday, June 12 and 13. Media wishing to cover the demonstrations or wanting to conduct interviews with team members can call 910-922-1473 or 910-432-6005.