Airborne troops are soldiers trained for assault by air. They may be dropped to the ground by parachute, or transported to combat areas by airplanes. In combat, airborne troops land behind enemy lines, blow up bridges, destroy communications, and cut off supplies and reinforcements. They often take the enemy by surprise and engage in fierce hand-to-hand fighting. In World War II, both the Allies and the Germans used airborne troops. The Germans first employed sky soldiers in the Netherlands in 1940 and in capturing the island of Crete in 1941. The Allies made the most effective use of paratroops, forming a complete army of sky soldiers and coordinating parachute attacks with air, land, and naval operations. United States Army paratroopers spearheaded attacks in Sicily, Normandy, and the Netherlands. Airborne troops have taken part in all major military operations since World War II. 