Where does the RAM go?

The RAM, or Release Authority Marker, is an essential component in parachute operations, particularly in relation to the parachute drop zone. Placing the RAM at the PI, or Point of Impact, ensures that personnel and equipment are accurately accounted for and that the drop is effectively coordinated. By positioning the RAM at the PI, you can clearly mark where the items or personnel are intended to land, thus optimizing the drop's effectiveness and safety.

Having the RAM at this specific location aids the jumpmaster and support teams in visualizing the trajectory and planning the necessary adjustments to ensure everything lands within the designated drop zone. This positioning is crucial for maintaining operational integrity and ensuring that follow-on operations can commence without delay.

The other options do not serve the purpose of the RAM. For instance, placing it at the center of the drop zone may not provide enough specificity for where items are to land. Likewise, positioning it on the aircraft or near the secondary deployment area would detract from the intended marking function of the RAM, potentially leading to confusion during the drop.