abstract
| - The UNSC Army Airborne Corps is a component of the UNSC Army, comprised of élite light infantry formations well trained in airborne and air assault operations, and the usage of parafoils and portable jump-jets. Although principally composed of light infantry (Airborne) formations, the Corps also maintains numerous integrated Armoured Airborne units, also known as Airborne Cavalry, which operate airdrop-capable armoured fighting vehicles in supplement to airborne troops during operations. Membership in the Corps requires that Soldiers graduate from any of a number of authorised UNSC Army Airborne Schools, which award upon completion the Airborne qualification tab and traditional sky blue beret. Although graduates are considered Airborne qualified, they may not necessarily be assigned to Airborne units. UNSC Army Airborne troops often make use of weaponry and equipment reserved for special operations forces, and Airborne Infantry, Mechanised, and Armoured units are accordingly equipped to high standards. Firearms such as the M6J(C) carbine and M531 battle rifle first saw widespread use among the Airborne prior to adoption by regular Army combat-arms units, and paratroopers make frequent use of advanced protective systems in addition to standard Ground Infantry Combat Kit, sharing armour assets with MJOLNIR and M56S body armours; Fallschirmjäger/Paratrooper supplements as well as Air Assault Combat Helms (AACH) were designed specifically for use by Airborne forces, both improvements upon elements of the M56S battle armour system popularised by Orbital Drop Shock Troops.
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