Units of the 2d Infantry Division, also located at Fort Benning, were “borrowed” for large-scale airmobile tests and maneuvers.

[5] Soldiers were also required to be knowledgeable of aircraft safety procedures; familiar with aircraft orientation; proficient in hand and arm signals and combat assault operations; able to prepare, inspect and rig equipment for external sling loads; and able to lash down equipment inside helicopters.

Maj. Jack R. Rickman is credited with the design of the Air Assault Badge when, in 1971, he was on tour with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam.

He thought little of the outcome of the design assignment, given to him by a division operations officer, which the Army adopted officially in January 1978.

Charles Bloodworth, a pathfinder officer in the 101st during the early 1970s, wrote, "Locally designed and fabricated, the badge was deliberately crafted to mimic the glider wings of WWII.

During the early stages of the occupation of Iraq in late 2003, the division conducted a course in-theater to maintain Air Assault proficiency.

[17] The first class of the XVIII Airborne Corps Air Assault School at Fort Bragg, NC graduated on October 4, 2013[18] Due to funding and manpower issue, its closure was announced on May 10, 2019[19] Air assault training has also been conducted for varying periods of time at other locations, although many do not currently do so (2019): The wearing of the Air Assault Badge on Army uniforms is governed by Department of the Army Pamphlet (DA PAM) 670-1, "Guide to the Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia."

[55] The following are airborne background trimmings currently authorized for wear behind the Air Assault Badge: Background trimmings have been denied by the US Army's Institute of Heraldry to other units with a parenthetical designation of “Air Assault” such as the California Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment.

[62][63] With the proper documentation filed in a unit's administrative department, prior U.S. Army service members who have enlisted or commissioned in the U.S. Coast Guard may wear the Air Assault Badge.