I am writing this petition because I am tired of being teased about being a so-called "dirty leg." For those unfamiliar, this term refers to soldiers who have not undergone Airborne training, and unfortunately, it is often used in a jesting or even condescending manner. Serving in the United States Army is a point of pride, and like everyone else in my position, I want to continue to grow and advance in my military career. For me, that means attending Airborne School.

Airborne School is not just a badge of honor; it’s a step toward greater opportunities. As more operations become reliant on rapid deployment, having Airborne qualifications can expand opportunities for deployments and assignments. This not only benefits individual servicemembers like me but also our units and the U.S. Army as a whole. Airborne-qualified soldiers play crucial roles in many elite units and missions. By neglecting to send motivated soldiers to this school, we may be missing out on fully preparing our teams for the demands of modern military operations.

Sending me to Airborne School would empower me to better serve my country, my unit, and myself. It would extinguish the old stigma attached to not being Airborne and replace it with the spirit of inclusivity and mutual advancement. This experience would not only build my leadership skills and confidence but also set a prestigious example for my peers.

I am committed to excelling in Airborne School and leveraging the skills acquired to make a significant impact. Therefore, I respectfully request the powers that be to prioritize sending enlisted personnel who have demonstrated readiness and desire for this pivotal training, beginning with myself, SSG Ladd.

Sign this petition to support my journey to Airborne School, and let us challenge the outdated stereotypes by acknowledging the dedication and potential of every soldier ready to leap. Thank you for your support!