Preface
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Introduction
Chapter 1
The Amazing Speed of Troops from Sky: the Birth of the
PLAAF Airborne Troops
The Power of Parachutists
The Speed of Chinese Airborne Troops
"Do not be a parachutist if you fear death"
Hero''s Patron Saints
Chapter 2
Hardships in Pioneer Work: the Growth of the PLAAF
Airborne Troops
The Birth of the Elite Troops in Combats of Shangganling
Campaign
A Hundred How-to''s
Airborne Troops = Infantry + Parachuting
"Daggers" and "Iron Fists"
Chapter 3
Sharpened Swords of Refined Steel: Arduous Training
of Airborne Troops
Fly into the Skies after Intense Training
800 Meters and 5,500 Meters
Hell-Like Training by "Devil Brigade Commander"
Troops from Sky Trained to Fight
Chapter 4
Tiger''s Wings: Equipment of the PLAAF Airborne Troops
Fledged Wings: Complete Sets of Parachutes
Sharpened Beak: Individual Combat Gear Develops into Systems
Spreading of Eagle''s Wings: Transport Aircraft and Helicopters
Heavy Equipment Shock: Airborne Combat Vehicle and Airdrop
System
Chapter 5
Duty Calls: When People Need
Decisive Battle on the Yangtze River
Rescue in Wenchuan Earthquake
Born to Serve the People
Chapter 6
Highlights: Glamour of the PLAAF Airborne Troops
Heritage: We are Comrades with Huang Jiguang
Aggressive: First as Always
Dignity: Five-Starred Red Flag Flies Forever
Elites: Assault Team "Thunder"
Girls in the Airborne Troops
Hero from SOS Children''s Village
Chapter 7
Exceeding the Limit: PLAAF Airborne Troops Embarks on the
"Fast Lane" of Development
Versatile Soldiers
Seeking for Peace
Bibliography