Blood wings

Blood wings is a traditional initiation rite that is endured by many graduates of the United States Army Airborne School and the United States Army Air Assault School and sometimes practiced in other elite military training environments, including the Army Aviation and Aviation Logistics community. It is called blood pinning in the United States Marine Corps.^[1] Although it is rare, some Air Force Academy cadets receive their upper-class Prop and Wings insignia via the blood wings tradition.^[2]

Upon receiving the Parachutist Badge, an instructor or comrade of the graduate places the pins of the badge pointing into the chest of the graduate. The badge is then slammed against the graduate's chest, resulting in the pins being driven into the flesh. If the graduation is affiliated with a particular unit number (unit 15, for example), then the pin will often be pounded deeper into the muscle the same number of times (15 times in this case).

The origins of this tradition are unknown, but most likely date back to World War II paratrooper training. This practice is fairly secretive and sparked controversy recently when knowledge of it reached the public,^[3] which is often critical about painful forms of hazing. Blood wings are against Armed Forces Policy and are prohibited.^[4] Recipients of blood wings consider it a highly honorable rite of passage.^[5]

The offer of blood wings is usually presented by a superior to an elite soldier who has reached a significant career transition point. The superior would probably have had the same honor at his own graduation in the past. The risky offer of blood wings to a transitioning soldier is considered an honor, but the graduate nearly always has the option to reject the offer.

References