1st AD RSSB refines SOP of sling load operations in CJOA-A

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Schmiett | A 100 foot line [long line] hangs from the belly of a helicopter as Soldiers and civilians practice how to properly attach cargo as part of a particle exercise on Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan July 25. The exercise was part of the 1st Armored Division Resolute Support Sustainment Brigade’s course to help increase operational readiness throughout the Combined Joint Operation Area-Afghanistan with the use of helicopters.  

AFGHANISTAN

07.25.2017

Story by Sgt. Christopher Schmiett 

1st Armored Division, Division Sustainment Brigade

“The training consisted of basic concepts, procedures and requirements,” said Sgt. Alvaro Morales, a parachute rigger and an instructor for the class, assigned to the 824th Quartermaster Company, 136th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st AD RSSB, and a native of Charlotte, North Carolina. “The purpose of the class was to train Soldiers on sling load operations, the new changes for the sling loads, and how we are going to apply the new SOP here in Afghanistan.”
Transporting cargo by helicopters has become a staple for forces in Afghanistan, as it provides fast transportation from one location to another.
“Sling load is one of the most used methods to transport cargo here in the area of operation, for its flexibility and efficiency,” said Morales. “You don't need to be sling load certified to participate in operations, because of this, any Soldier could eventually find him or herself in a situation where they have to either assist or execute sling load operations. It simply helps because knowledge is power and it’s beneficial for any unit to have trained personnel that will not only assist, but will expand unit's capabilities.”
All the Soldiers attending the training, had little to no experience in sling load operations.
“The class was made up of 21 Soldiers and civilian contractors,” said Russell John Horton Jr., a wheeled vehicle mechanic, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, 1st AD RSSB, and a native of Wheatland, California. “We had some service members that had been through air assault, some that had been through sling load inspector certification course and some that had no sling load training at all. We also had Soldiers of all different occupation specialties. No Soldier has one job, we must all be multipurpose, every Soldier is a Gerber.”
The students were able to get a greater understanding of the capabilities of the aircrafts and confidences in their abilities to successfully complete the mission.
Spc. Devin Gray, a parachute rigger who attended the class, assigned to the 824th QM CO., and a native of Owosso, Michigan, expressed that he was able to get a lot of knowledge out of the class including: the proper hand and arm signals and a familiarization of the types of aircrafts that he will be working with.
The instructors wanted to make sure that everyone in attendance would to utilize the aircraft capabilities and convey the importance of safety when dealing with the aircrafts.
“I wanted them to take away the important part of all operations and executions which is safety,” said Morales. “By knowing the capabilities of the aircraft and equipment, you will safely execute slings and accomplish the mission. I wanted them to know what everything looks like when it is right and to quickly identify if there is something wrong with the load or the procedures that might cause a malfunction or worse yet, get someone hurt. I also wanted them to know where to go to, as far as manuals and references when they are in doubt.”
This training provided Soldiers and civilians with a greater understanding of sling load operations which will enhance operational readiness throughout the CJOA-A.

• Date Taken: 07.25.2017
• Date Posted: 08.16.2017 05:47
• Story ID: 244993
• Location: AF