Out of the sky like a dagger Published June 16, 2006 By U.S. Army Special Operations Command GRAND FORKS AFB, N.D. -- The “Black Daggers,” the U.S. Army Special Operations Command's parachute demonstration team (performing at the base’s July 22 Air Show) is made up of volunteers from throughout the Army special operations community. They have diverse backgrounds and various military specialties. Their average age is 33 years and the average number of free fall jumps is 560. The Black Daggers use special parachutes that allow them to jump with more than 100 lbs. of additional equipment attached. In addition to the extra weight, the jumpers must also withstand the high winds, frigid temperatures and low oxygen common at high altitude, requiring them to be highly skilled. When exiting the aircraft, normally from an altitude of 12,500 feet, the jumpers free fall for about two miles at approximately 120 miles per hour. They perform maneuvers using their hands, arms legs and shoulders to control their flight. The parachutes act as flexible wing gliders. For more information on the Black Daggers visit: http://public.dover.amc.af.mil/airshow/blackdaggers.html.