Organization and Technique of Parachute Units
58 PROCEDURE FOR SQUAD MASS JUMP - a) Upon nearing the jump area the jumpmaster directs the pilot upon the course desired. Ten minutes before time to jump, the jumpers should be given notice. At this time the command STAND UP is given. All jumpers rise and check their arms and equipment. Five minutes before time to jump they are given the command HOOK UP, followed by CHECK EQUIPMENT. The check of equipment is verified by having the jumpers "sound off". When the jumpmaster is satisfied that the pilot is on the course, he hooks up, gives the command STAND TO DOOR, and takes his place in the door at the head of the squad. He commands: READY, a fraction of second before giving the command GO, to be certain that the squad will be ready to follow immediately. He jumps, followed by the remainder of the group. The assistant squad leader jumps last. b) If the plane is provided with equipment racks, the assistant squad leader releases the squad equipment bundles. This may be done either simultaneously or individually, according to previous arrangement. If the plan is to drop bundles individually, the bundle containing the arms and equipment for each group within the squad is released as the last member of the group leaves the plane. The assistant squad leader releases the bundle for the last group immediately before he jumps. If planes have no equipment racks, all bundles for a platoon are carried in an equipment plane. 59 ASSEMBLY AFTER LANDING - Upon landing, the squad secures its equipment from its delivery unit or units, and assembles at a previously designated point.
		Section III Parachute 60mm Mortar Squad 60 COMPOSITION - The mortar squad consists of one sergeant, squad leader, and five privates, first class - a gunner, assistant gunner, the three ammunition bearers.
61 ARMAMENT AND EQUIPMENT - The armament of a parachute 60mm mortar squad consists of one 60mm mortar, one submachine gun, and three rifles. For details of equipment see Table of Basic Allowances No.7. 62 JUMPING TECHNIQUE - The squad jumps and assembles in the same manner as prescribed for the rifle squad. Section IV Parachute Rifle Platoon 63 COMPOSITION - The parachute rifle platoon consists of a command group, two rifle squads, and one mortar squad. The command group consists of platoon leader, second-in-command, platoon sergeant, signal corporal, radio operator, and two messengers. 64 DUTIES OF PERSONNEL - a) The commander of a parachute platoon performs the duties of an infantry rifle platoon commander, and in addition is responsible:- (1) That the condition of all parachute equipment of his platoon is satisfactory (2) For thorough inspection of all parachute jumping and training equipment used by his platoon, with particular attention to all details concerning the safety of individuals. (3) For supervision of the inspection of parachute equipment prescribed in paragraph 86. (4) For constant observation of all members of his platoon in order to detect any prejudicial physical or mental deficiencies. (5) For designation of the order in which his squads jump, assembly point(s) after landing, and when appropriate, the rallying point for subsequent assembly. (6) For efficient air-ground communication, if the platoon is acting alone. (7) That all of his men are thoroughly acquainted with the platoon mission and with their individual of group missions. (8) For designation of men to operate any special weapons or equipment involved in the mission, and for supervising their training. b) The second-in-command assists the platoon leader and performs such duties as he directs. c) The signal corporal is in charge of all means of signal communications within the platoon. d) In general, the platoon sergeant and messengers perform the duties prescribed for corresponding personnel in the rifle platoon of a rifle regiment. The radio operator accompanies the platoon leader.