Photo By Sgt. Daniel Thompson | Soldiers assigned to Bravo Company, 87th Division Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd...... read more read more
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Soldiers assigned to Bravo Company, 87th Division Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, conducted sling load training as part of a field training exercise on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Dec. 9.
“The purpose of sling load is to rig up equipment and to rapidly take it by helicopter from one point to another using sling sets, cargo nets and other specially designed equipment,” said Cpl. Justin Rogers a radio and communications security repairer assigned to Bravo Co.
Leading up to the sling load training, Soldiers conducted additional training to prepare.
“The platoons and squad leaders have all done platoon field training which led up to our culminating company base defense training,” said 1st Sgt. Thomas Johns, the senior enlisted advisor of Bravo Co. “We also sent Soldiers to sling load training and air assault training.”
Sling loading equipment allows units to avoid any surface obstacles that may hinder them from reaching their destination in a timely manner. It is also used to reach outlying areas where the use of convoys is impractical or impossible. These procedures may be used during a deployment by the unit for both humanitarian assistance, or in support of contingency operations.
“We’re not exactly preparing to deploy,” said Capt. Jessica Richardson the commander or Bravo Co. “We are on prepare to deploy orders so we must maintain a high state of readiness at all times for our mission.”
This training allowed the Soldiers to get under the helicopters, familiarize themselves with sling load operations to include proper attaching and securing equipment.
“This training has tested our readiness stature and showed us where we need to improve upon,” said Richardson. “The training is important because it creates a realistic picture for the command of where our unit stands while helping the Soldiers develop skills which are integral to our success as a maintenance unit.”
Sling load training is important because it allows Soldiers and leaders to identify areas that could use more training to strengthen their weak areas aside from day-to-day operations.
“The training and maintenance that we are conducting at Camp Oliver is helping us hone up on our basic skills while also testing our ability to conduct and accomplish maintenance tasks in an austere work environment,” said Richardson. “It takes Soldiers out of their element in the motor pool and helps them to face the reality of our assigned mission.”
An expectation from the leaders of Bravo Co. is Soldiers working together efficiently to accomplish the mission.
“I am hoping the Soldiers learn how to come together as a team, often these field elements are where we strengthen the company’s bond,” said Richardson. “I know that the Soldiers will feel more confident in their skill levels since this training will reinforce the skills they have previously learned during earlier field exercises.”
Soldiers feel it is important to receive hands-on training in areas regardless of a Soldier’s job title to become proficient and enhance their skills to better prepare them for adverse situations.
“This is my first time officially certifying with a load to be lifted,” said Rogers. “It’s always important to be well versed regardless of your military occupational specialty or rank because you never know what can happen down range or any given situation. It’s also good to teach and work together as a team doing something we don’t do every day.”
Soldiers that prepared for the training gained additional skills by completing the hands-on portion.
“From this training I learned to be more prepared and electrostatic discharge that keeps the static from the helicopter from electrocuting Soldiers as they hook up the sling-arms,” said Rogers. “I feel like we did pretty well because we even had a lower enlisted Soldier in the helicopter to experience the entire process.”
Along with the importance of transportation equipment by helicopter from one point to another, Soldiers were also able to learn the importance of each individual tasks while safely attaching equipment to the helicopter.
“Being in the helicopter is a bit nerve-wrecking, but the most important part is to maintain your composure, stay calm and confident especially being the static discharge person,” said Rogers. “It’s very important to maintain contact with the hook otherwise somebody could get electrocuted, but once you do it becomes muscle memory.”
As Bravo Co. continues to provide support to the 3rd DSB and the Division stateside daily, they continue to prepare to provide the same support if they deploy overseas.
“Our unit is continuously supporting the mission and Division whether we are operating out of a field or garrison environment,” said Richardson. “I couldn’t be prouder of my Soldiers for their initiative and drive to always accomplish the mission.”
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| Date Taken: | 12.09.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 12.10.2021 11:09 |
| Story ID: | 410898 |
| Location: | FORT STEWART, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 119 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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