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Video by Robert L Kunzig

U.S. Army and Latvian Special Forces conduct HALO jump

Navy Public Affairs Support Element East - (Reserve)

June 18, 2020 | 3:10

U.S. Army and Latvian Special Forces practiced high-altitude, low-opening (HALO) jumps in Latvia on 18 June 2020. During a HALO jump, operators free fall from high altitudes (upward from 10,000 feet) before opening their parachutes close to the ground. This technique, pioneered by Green Berets during the Vietnam War, allows for rapid, discreet insertion of special operations forces.

During this exercise, the Special Forces soldiers jumped from a Latvian Air Force Antonov AN-2 transport plane with their counterparts from the Latvian Special Operations Unit. U.S. Special Forces frequently practice airborne operations alongside their Latvian allies.

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