In the late 1960's, John R. Hocker was the officer in charge of the West Point Parachute Team. At the time, the "hot ride" was the new rectangular, Jalbert designed Parafoil canopy. After a test and evaluation period, he had to justify the purchase of new canopies for the team. John appeared before Colonel Al Haig, West Point Deputy Commandant, and told him that if USMA did not purchase the new canopies, then rival Air Force Academy would beat us to the championships. He agreed, and the team still jumps the Parafoil today.
Below is a display of some of the equipment used by cadets on the Parachute Team. Students use a similar system except they wear boots instead of shoes and yellow jump suits to denote their student status. In addition, their initial deployment system includes a yellow static line. They later progress to freefall with a spring-loaded pilot chute, and eventually to a throw-out pilot chute.
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