Not far from the launch bay, are two displays, depicting what might be dropped with them. Most food carries the nickname of it’s military counterpart MRE for meals ready to eat. The idea is, only hot water is required to make a meal, but it’s edible cold. The tools are, for the most part, non-power hand tools like an ax, pick and shovel. There is a specially designed first aid kit, which covers far greater medical emergencies, included, as is a “fire tent”. This is an invention of smoke jumper research. It is a somewhat flimsy aluminum foil, low-line tent that may be the only thing that stands between retreating fire fighters and the fires that outrun them. It is standard equipment on every jump. This safety device was not available to the 15 smoke jumpers who, in 1494, jumped into Mann Gulch north of Helena, Montana, to bring under control, a 60 acre fire. Searing winds unexpectedly fanned the fire across 3000 acres, killing 12 of the firefighters. A memorial, outside the visitors center, stands as tribute to their sacrifice.  This job is seasonal, paying a little more then $10 an hr for standby time, for the barracked jumpers, between May and September. Once in the field, the pay goes up, with overtime and hazard differentials. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Although parachute jumping experience is not required, several years with the ground forest fighting force is, before qualifying for the Smoke Jumpers. There is also a rigorous annual physical examination with a zero tolerance. Come September, the center closes for the season, and the jumpers are free to peruse other occupations. Come next May, the men and women of this very elite unit will be back, ready to qualify once again for the research, training, and challenge of this most unusual part-time employment.

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