National Guard air assault school graduates soldiers at Camp Gruber

BRAGGS, Okla. (AP) -- 179 went into air assault school at Camp Gruber earlier this month, but only 134 came out graduates.<br/><br/>Student soldiers from across the country returned to their homes Sunday

Monday, April 17th 2006, 5:59 am

By: News On 6

BRAGGS, Okla. (AP) -- 179 went into air assault school at Camp Gruber earlier this month, but only 134 came out graduates.

Student soldiers from across the country returned to their homes Sunday after spending 10 days in one of the nation's most challenging classrooms.

Before being allowed to enter the program, 206 candidates had to pass a physical test that included grueling runs and obstacle courses.

The school trains soldiers for air assault and air mobile operations, and teaches them how to work with helicopters.

Lieutenant Colonel John Altebaumer says the training will allow soldiers to provide critical aid during missions where people are cut off from supplies, such as during Hurricane Katrina.

He says the program is hard and a lot of drive is needed to complete it.