Leapfest Tests Skills of U.S., International Paratroopers

U.S. Army and International Paratroopers conduct a static line Airborne jump using their MC-6 parachutes out of a Ch-47 Chinook Helicopter during Leapfest at Glen Rock Drop Zone, Exeter, Rhode Island, August 2, 2025. All competing Paratroopers use the MC-6 parachute, a steerable canopy, to navigate towards designated target areas on the drop zone. Their performance is judged on how quickly they can land, execute a parachute landing fall and reach a specific target area. The competition is both individual and team-based, with the fastest combined times determining the winners. Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the International Airborne community. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Eric Kestner)

AUGUST 8, 2025 – U.S. Army and international paratroopers jumped against each other during Leapfest, Aug. 2, 2025.

Hosted by the Rhode Island Army National Guard’s 56th Troop Command, the event is the largest and oldest global static line parachute training event and competition.

The competing paratroopers jumped from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter and used MC-6 parachutes — which have steerable canopies — to navigate toward designated target areas within the drop zone.

Their performances were judged on how quickly they could land, their execution of a parachute landing fall and their ability to land at the specific target area.

The competition is both individual and team-based, with the fastest combined times determining the winners. However, the greater purpose of Leapfest is to promote the camaraderie and esprit de corps of the airborne soldier through international competition.

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