The Best of The Best: Russian Airborne Force Recruits Take Their First Parachute Jumps

Joining Russia's elite forces - the Airborne troops, is a hard task to achieve. Candidates must not only be in Grade-A shape, they also have to endure rigorous training and be suitable for military service in all types of combat roles.

As in recent years, the country's Airborne Troops have obtained an increased amount of hi-tech machinery, the military authorities have decided to reduce the admission quota for those who enlist via the country's mandatory conscription programme and increase the number of contract soldiers.

Thus, only the best of the best will be admitted to enter the ranks of this elite force.

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A coach is checking a recruit's equipment before his first jump at the Enem airfield.

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Recruits before their first parachute jump at the Enem airfield of Russia's Volunteer Society for Cooperation with the Army, Aviation, and Navy (DOSAAF) in the Krasnodar Territory

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A recruit preparing himself for the first parachute jump during a training at the Enem airfield in the Krasnodar Territory, Russia.

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A recruit jumping out of a helicopter during a training at the Enem airfield of Russia's Volunteer Society for Cooperation with the Army, Aviation, and Navy (DOSAAF) in the Krasnodar Territory.

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A recruit descending by a parachute during his first jump at the Enem airfield in the Krasnodar Territory, Russia.

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A recruit reacting to his first parachute jump at the Enem airfield of Russia's Volunteer Society for Cooperation with the Army, Aviation, and Navy (DOSAAF) in the Krasnodar Territory

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Recruits after accomplishing their first parachute jump at the Enem airfield in the Krasnodar Territory, Russia.

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A recruit reacting to his first parachute jump at the Enem airfield of Russia's Volunteer Society for Cooperation with the Army, Aviation, and Navy (DOSAAF) in the Krasnodar Territory

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Recruits are leaving the airfield after accomplishing first parachute jump in the Krasnodar Territory, Russia.

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A recruit reacting to his first parachute jump at the Enem airfield in the Krasnodar Territory, Russia.

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Recruits are folding a parachute after accomplishing their first jump at the Enem airfield in the Krasnodar Territory, Russia.

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Recruits after accomplishing their first parachute jump at the Enem airfield in the Krasnodar Territory, Russia

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