What distinguishes a parachutist from a paratrooper?

The distinction between a parachutist and a paratrooper primarily lies in their roles and contexts. A parachutist is someone who jumps from an aircraft and may engage in this activity for various purposes, including recreational, sport, or training missions. This term encompasses a broad set of individuals who participate in parachuting activities, not necessarily limited to military.

On the other hand, a paratrooper specifically refers to a soldier trained to parachute into combat or secure locations effectively. This designation implies that paratroopers receive specialized military training that prepares them for military airborne operations, often involving strategic assaults and tactical insertions into combat zones.

Option C highlights that while a parachutist can jump for different reasons and may not be in distress, a paratrooper is already identified as a soldier trained for military operations. Therefore, the specifics of the soldier's role in a military context effectively differentiate a paratrooper from a general parachutist.