Thailand’s Foreign Jump Wings

Thailand’s Foreign Jump Wings is an esteemed award given to international paratroopers who have completed a parachute jump with the Royal Thai Army. It is a symbol of honor and respect for foreign soldiers who have trained and jumped with the Thai Army. This award has a long history of excellence and tradition, and it is an integral part of the Thai Army’s culture.

History and Significance

The Foreign Jump Wings tradition began in 1959 when the Thai Army began inviting international paratroopers to participate in joint training exercises. The purpose of these exercises was to improve the skills and knowledge of both Thai and foreign paratroopers. The exercises included parachute jumps, which were used as a means of building camaraderie and mutual respect between the foreign and Thai soldiers.

As time went on, the Thai Army began to award foreign soldiers who completed a parachute jump with the Royal Thai Army with Foreign Jump Wings. The award became a symbol of the strong bonds between the Thai Army and its international partners. The Thai Army also uses this award to acknowledge the bravery and skill of foreign soldiers who have jumped with them.

Criteria for Awarding

To receive the Foreign Jump Wings, foreign paratroopers must complete a parachute jump with the Royal Thai Army. The jump must be done in a controlled environment with the appropriate safety measures in place. The Thai Army has specific criteria that must be met, including a height requirement and landing accuracy.

The Thai Army takes safety very seriously, and they want to ensure that all foreign paratroopers are properly trained and equipped before they jump. The Foreign Jump Wings are only awarded to those who have met the criteria and proven their competence as paratroopers.

Notable Recipients

Over the years, many international paratroopers have received the Foreign Jump Wings. Some of the most notable recipients include General Norman Schwarzkopf, who received the award in 1980, and General David Petraeus, who received the award in 2002. Both generals have accomplished significant military achievements and have contributed to the strong relationship between the Thai Army and the United States military.

Other notable recipients include military personnel from Australia, the United Kingdom, and Japan. These soldiers have all demonstrated their skill and bravery while jumping with the Royal Thai Army. The Foreign Jump Wings are a testament to the international cooperation and mutual respect between the Thai Army and its partner forces.

Ceremony and Traditions

The ceremony for awarding the Foreign Jump Wings is a formal and prestigious event. The Thai Army holds the ceremony every year, usually in November, to honor the foreign paratroopers who have completed a jump with them. The ceremony is attended by high-ranking military officials, including the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army.

During the ceremony, each foreign paratrooper is called up to receive their Foreign Jump Wings. The Thai Army band plays the national anthem of each recipient’s home country, and the recipient is presented with the award by a high-ranking Thai Army official. The ceremony is a symbol of the strong ties between the Thai Army and the international community.

Future of Foreign Jump Wings in Thailand

The Thai Army values the tradition of the Foreign Jump Wings and plans to continue awarding them to international paratroopers in the future. The Thai Army sees the award as a way to build and strengthen relationships with other countries and their military forces. The Foreign Jump Wings are a way to honor the brave soldiers who have worked with the Thai Army and to show gratitude for their contributions to international cooperation.

In conclusion, Thailand’s Foreign Jump Wings are a symbol of honor and respect for international paratroopers who have jumped with the Royal Thai Army. The tradition has a long history of excellence and tradition, and it is an integral part of the Thai Army’s culture. The Thai Army plans to continue awarding the Foreign Jump Wings to foreign paratroopers in the future, as a way to honor their bravery and contributions to international cooperation.