Photo By Sgt. Isaac Ibarra | Sgt. Matthew B. Johnston, a Jacksonville, Florida, native, rappels down the tower at...... read more read more
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CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan — Marines participated in a Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques Course at Camp Hansen Aug. 13-14 to build confidence in their skills and learn how to instruct other Marines in rappelling techniques.
The students physically and mentally prepare themselves for the helicopter rappels they will face the following week, and rehearse proper techniques to ensure other Marines safely rappel.
During the first day, students were evaluated for rappelling and knot tying proficiency at a specially designed training tower. With a greater understanding of the necessary skills, the students briefed and instructed other Marines the following day.
“The main objective today is to get experience fast roping and rappelling, so that they are more confident when they are below an (aircraft),” said Sgt. Geoffrey P. Mann, a HRST instructor with Special Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.
During the 11-day course, the students learn approximately 14 knots and are evaluated with written and practical application. Upon completion of the course the students become HRST masters and are capable of executing helicopter insertions.
“The students are hearing us give the command,” said Mann, an Orlando, Florida, native. “They have a better idea and know exactly what to do when they send Marines down the tower (safely).”
The fast-paced course challenges the Marines to retain the material as they progress toward becoming HRST masters.
“In this course there are definitely those points where it is late at night and you are struggling with the knots or the systems, and you just want to quit,” said 1st Lt. Christina Nymeyer, a Roanoke, Virginia, native, and platoon commander with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III MHG.
The students also learned the rigging systems, the procedure used to securely attach the rope by a variety of knots, to ensure it can withstand the tension of supporting a Marine in full combat equipment.
“The hardest thing overall is making sure that they master the systems, tying the rope in the carabineer, and making sure all the knots are tight and secure,” said Mann.
Once the Marines familiarize themselves with the tower’s ropes and procedures, the students incorporate the skills on rotary aircraft.
“This week is just rappelling, fast roping, learning the systems and mastering sending Marines down the tower,” said Sgt. Matthew B. Johnston, a Jacksonville, Florida, native, and course instructor with SOTG. “Next week is going to be all our aircraft system time.”
The students in the course came from several different units. After the completion of the course the students will be certified to conduct aircraft insertions.
“Some of the students that go through the more physically challenging courses come and say this is one of the most difficult courses they have been through,” said Mann. “Once they get done with all the tough stuff it is very gratifying to complete.”
| Date Taken: | 08.13.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 09.05.2014 02:20 |
| Story ID: | 141205 |
| Location: | CAMP HANSEN , OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 130 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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