Chalk (military)

In military terminology, a chalk is a group of paratroopers or other soldiers that deploy from a single aircraft.

Frequently, a load of paratroopers in one aircraft, prepared for a drop, is also referred to as a stick.

The term was first coined in World War II for airborne troops during Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Europe.

It was later used during the Vietnam War, when it was common practice to number with chalk the sides of the helicopters involved in an operation.

In current military terminology a "chalk" may mean either passengers or equipment loaded as cargo.