Photo By Cpl. Crystal Druery | Recruits from Company C apply what their drill instructors have told them as they...... read more read more
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SAN DIEGO - Less than three weeks before recruit training ends for Company C, they were faced with a leap of faith in their drill instructors and martial arts instructor trainers.
“During third phase of recruit training they start to overcome their fears and gain confidence,” said Sgt. Garrett Griebenow, static rope training specialist, Martial Arts Satellite School. “For the recruits to overcome the rappel tower they must utilize their confidence and achieve what they think is impossible.”
Prior to taking on the tower the recruits received a series of classes providing them with the knowledge they needed to be safe on the tower. Martial arts instructor trainers demonstrated how to properly rappel down the tower and fast rope.
To ensure injury prevention, the recruits wore Kevlar helmets. They also tied their own harness together after receiving a class on proper technique. As the recruits lined up to climb the stairs of the tower, instructors looked over rach recruit’s knots to make sure they had done it correctly. If the gear wasn’t correct, they would fix it for the recruits and show them once again how it was done.
“We look over each recruit. Safety is a top priority,” said Griebenow.
The recruits then fast roped down less than half the rappel tower to give them a feel for the tower.
“The rappel tower gives the recruits an introduction to training they might encounter in their job,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Riggs, drill instructor, Platoon 1041, Company C, 1st Recruit Training Battalion. “We use this part of training as a motivation booster, letting them know how much of a privilege it is for them to be able to experience rappelling and fast roping.”
Once they become Marines, they might have the opportunity to try and go to jump school if their military occupational specialty requires it and if they qualify.
“They might have opportunity to one day fast rope out of a helicopter,” said Riggs. “We try to downplay the fear factor and (focus on) the positives on this obstacle.”
Once the recruits feel comfortable fast roping, they have to climb to the top of the tower to rappel. Although daunting at first, the instructors ensure each recruit walks away from the day’s event with confidence in their gear.
“If they’re really scared the first time they go down, we make them do it twice so they realize it’s not as bad as they originally thought,” said Griebenow.
Once the recruit is on the edge of the tower, an instructor hooks them to the rappelling rope. He asks the recruit which is his strong hand, and instructs him to put that hand palm down behind him to use as a brake. The recruit is reminded to keep his weak hand in front of him as his guide hand. The recruit is then ordered to lock out his knees and start rappelling down the tower.
As soon as they reach the bottom, another instructor helps recruits detach from the rope.
“I was a little nervous at first, said Recruit Avery Roberson, Plt. 1041, 2nd RTBn. “You have to prepare mentally for this event I’ve realized. If you don’t, and find yourself in this situation scared, you could be putting your life and someone else’s in danger. This obstacle is good practice and a great confidence booster.”
| Date Taken: | 03.30.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 04.11.2012 16:52 |
| Story ID: | 86580 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 107 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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