Air Force Member Makes History as First Graduate of Army Jungle School

Staff Sgt. Duchaine Paul has become the first member of the United States Air Force to successfully complete the Army's Jungle Operations Training Course-Panama. A Security Forces airman, Paul earned the prestigious Jungle tab after enduring an intensive 18-day program characterized by extreme heat, heavy rainfall, and challenging terrain. The training took place at the Aeronaval Base Cristobal Colon in Panama.

During the course, Paul trained alongside Panamanian troops and Army soldiers to master survival and operational skills in dense tropical environments. He noted that the mental and physical struggles of the program were mitigated by the camaraderie and mutual support shared among the candidates. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Air Force personnel within a program traditionally dominated by Army forces.

Paul is currently assigned to Moody Air Force Base in Georgia, a location known for its high humidity and proximity to swamps. However, his recent duties were tied to the 474th Air Expeditionary Group under Air Forces Southern, which manages operations across Central and South America. In this capacity, he engaged in a training partnership with the Servicio de Proteccion Institucional, the security force responsible for protecting the Panamanian president.

This certification enhances the interoperability between different military branches and international partners. By completing this specialized training, Paul brings a unique set of jungle warfare and survival skills to the Air Force, strengthening the service's ability to operate in diverse and difficult geographical regions.