If you were to jump out of a plane, you’d probably try to pull your parachute as soon as possible. I know I would. But the special forces of many militaries around the world do the exact opposite. A HALO jump is a military skydiving technique where paratroopers jump from extremely high heights and wait to pull their parachute until the very last second. HALO stands for “High Altitude Low Opening.”

HALO jumps were developed in the 1950s and are used for stealthy deployment of troops behind enemy lines. They are extremely risky, due to the high altitudes and high risk of oxygen deprivation from much longer freefall times. Some skydiving companies charge a hefty price to allow you to experience a civilian HALO jump, but I say we leave this one to the soldiers. I’m happy right here on the ground.