(KCEN) -- They get the thumbs up, and they're up, off and away.
Six thousand feet later it's time to pull the chute.
This is the first time military freefall operations have been used on Fort Hood in over a decade. They give our troops an advantage on the battlefield.
Unlike the static line fall from about 1,500 feet, freefall can go as high as 20,000.
LTC John Cogbill, with the 2nd Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment, said, "You can drop paratroopers at a much higher altitude, which makes it harder for the enemy to detect your presence."
About 100 troopers with the 2-38th Cavalry Regiment took the plunge.
SGT Joe Caraballo, with the 2nd Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment said, "This is the first time that we actually conduct a military freefall operation in while here, so just to keep our military freefall guys current and qualified."
Once on the ground, the unit is the eyes and ears for III Corps commanders who are making decisions on how to engage in combat.
And using this high altitude method, these soldiers can actually jump out in one country and glide all the way into another one, undetected.
Cogbill said, "Depending on at what altitude you open your parachute, you can travel a pretty far distance under canopy, and it's just a more stealthy method of infiltration."
Though they don't have orders to deploy yet, they're ready to pack up and go at a moment's notice.
Cogbill said, "We have an obligation to the country and to the American people to be ready to do whatever they ask us to do, and so that's why we're out here conduction this full spectrum of training."
Because when it comes time to fight, these guys are always in front.
This type of training is increasing as soldiers prepare for whatever action may come next.
The unit will practice freefall operations about once a quarter.
