It's actually a unique experience: team esprit de corps, insufferable engine-drone noise, start of preparation drill--stand up, hook up, etc., anxiety about malfunctions superseded only by fear of the jumpmaster, air turbulence and disorientation--which gives way to gentle tranquility in complete silence ... until the ground comes up and smacks you so hard it knocks the crap out. You pick up what's left of yourself, yell "AIRBORNE, SERGEANT!" and trot off.
I do believe that the ground smack would be a lot more welcome than that first step out of the plane. LOL