Soldiers of the 498th CSSB conduct Sling Load Training

Courtesy Photo | Some 498th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion soldiers conducted hands-on slingload training at Camp Carroll, Feb. 3. The final phase of the training gave soldiers an opportunity to attach a humvee to the bottom of a UH-60 helicopter. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Danielle Ferrer)  

CAMP CARROLL, 27, SOUTH KOREA

02.03.2012

Courtesy Story

19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command

CAMP CARROLL, South Korea - The frigid temperatures did not prevent 498th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion soldiers from conducting hands-on slingload training at Camp Carroll, Feb. 3.

The final phase of the training gave soldiers an opportunity to attach a humvee to the bottom of a UH-60 helicopter.

“This type of training isn’t easy to conduct. Besides the cost of making it possible, there is also the fact that this will be the first training of its kind for many of the new soldiers,” said Sgt. Willie Samuel, a cargo movement specialist for the 498th CSSB.

The soldiers were divided up into teams and each team took turns practicing slingload operations.

“This was the first time they ever prepped the load, rigged the load and were able to sling the load. It can be a very scary thing for new soldiers,” Samuel said.

Senior leaders looked on as soldiers went through each phase and used their experiences to make sure the training went on without incident.

“I’m air assault qualified, so I was able to help rig and inspect loads for the sling load operation,” Samuels said. “I wanted to make sure they were doing everything in the safest way possible.”

According to Samuels, it is very important that the soldiers of the 498th CSSB to have the proper knowledge of what it takes to transport equipment in this manner.

“As part of a combat sustainment support battalion, it is our job to move equipment and supplies,” said Samuels. “Having the soldiers rig a humvee to the bottom of a UH-60 is as close to reality as they are ever going to get.”

Prior to the actual run-through, soldiers were given one more final safety brief on how the operation would take place.

“Safety is the most important aspect of this training, because if one person misses a step while out there, then someone could get seriously hurt or electrocuted from the helicopter’s static discharge.” Samuels said.

The soldiers met all of the training objectives without incident and injury despite the harsh weather conditions.

“Even though the temperature was less than ideal, the training was worth it,” Samuels said.

• Date Taken: 02.03.2012
• Date Posted: 02.06.2012 21:36
• Story ID: 83437
• Location: CAMP CARROLL, 27, KR