That's the answer often given by parachute riggers when asked why they entered the field.
Recruiters tell people that becoming a rigger is a guaranteed way to become, and stay, airborne.
The 5,000 Club originated in 1979 when the 82d Airborne Division began keeping individual packing statistics. Members of this special group are riggers who have packed over 5,000 successive malfunction free parachutes. Currently, only 55 riggers are part of this elite group, but three more are expected to join them in the near future. Riggers arriving at Fort Bragg can apply records of chutes packed in other assignments towards the 5,000 chutes packed goal. To become a qualified rigger, individuals of all ranks and branches must go through the Rigger School at Fort Lee.