Replies

The chief was not wrong and you have a point. But what is "towed jumper status" and what would that have to do with your fitness?

19.39. Towed Parachutist.
19.39.1. The jumpmaster will stop the remaining parachutists; the loadmaster will notify the PIC; and the PM will turn on the red light. The PF will maintain drop airspeed, at least the minimum drop altitude (AGL) for the type parachute being used, and avoid flying over or up wind of water or built up areas.
19.39.1.1. Crews should suspect they have a towed parachutist if static lines are not fully tucked into the upper corner of the paratroop door or if a D-bag appears to be stuck outside the door. It is unlikely for a D-bag to become caught on the outside of the aircraft and is a probable indicator a parachutist is being towed. In any case, crews should follow AFI11-2C-130V3 23 APRIL 2012 259 emergency procedures until they have confirmed no parachutist is being towed. Crews should take special effort to confirm towed jumper status at night with limited rearward visibility. They should consider using an additional source of illumination to view the rear of the aircraft.
19.39.2. The jumpmaster or safety observer is responsible for identifying how the parachutist is towed. If being towed by anything other than the static line, the jumpmaster or safety will attempt to free the parachutist. If being towed by the static line, the jumpmaster or safety will make a recommendation to the PIC, through the loadmaster, whether to retrieve the parachutist or cut him or her free. If all parachutists have exited and there is no safety person onboard, this responsibility rests with the loadmaster.
19.39.3. The PIC will make the final decision whether or not to cut the towed parachutist free. If the decision is to cut the parachutist free, the loadmaster will cut the static line on the PIC‘s command. NOTE: Towed parachutists indicate consciousness and that reserve parachute is ready by maintaining a tight-body position with both hands on reserve parachute. This indicates the jumper is prepared to be cut away.

I was Air Force and flew twice in C-130's, one rigged for parachutists. The bench seats made a great bed, coming home on emergency leave from the Azores.