The Rigger Study

THE PENTAGON, DC, UNITED STATES

09.03.2015

Courtesy Story

U.S. Army Career Program 26

By Ursula Connor

**Editors Note** Ursula Connor, is a native of San Francisco, California, but was raised in Oakland, California. She has a Masters of Art in Adult Education from Central Michigan University.

I am a CP26 2nd year intern with the Manpower and Force Analysis Directorate at U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. I was given an opportunity to serve as a team member for the E Company, 1-507th Parachute 92 Rigger Manpower Study, conducted at Fort Benning, Georgia, March 16-27, 2015. The purpose of the study was to ensure Table of Distribution and Allowances requirement levels were conducive to current support requirements, and to account for the increase in mission requirements in the use of a new parachute, T-11 Main and T-11 Reserve.

The T-11 Main is the Army’s newest non-steerable troop parachute; it replaced the T-10 parachute, which has been used by the Army for the past 50 years.

The T-11 parachute can accommodate a Soldier with the total weight of 400 pounds verses the T-10 parachute, which can only carry a Soldier’s total weight of 360 pounds. The T-11 Main has a unique canopy sleeve and slider, which permits the canopy inflation time at about six seconds. The T-11 also provides a slower rate of descent with a zero oscillation and it can be adjusted to fit all body sizes. In addition, the T-11 Reserve parachute replaced the T-10 reserve parachute.

The Manpower Study was conducted using the Five Phased Approach. The manpower study team executed the Planning, Front End Analysis, On-Site Analysis/Validation and Product Development/Recommendation Phases.

During the Planning Phase, the team used the Methodology Approach (methods, procedures and techniques) which was used to collect and analyze information. During the Front End Analysis Phase the team along with the E Company, 1-507th Command, developed a blueprint to identify the functions and needs of the organization. The On-Site Analysis/Validation phase was conducted by observing, collecting data and timing the packing of the T-11 Main and T-11 reserve parachute. Additionally, individual interviews were also conducted. In the Product Development/Recommendations phase of the study, the team compiled organizational, workload and statistical data into a report for approval and implementation.

This study gave me insight into what goes into packing of a T-11 Main and T-11 Reserve parachute, the safety mechanism in place for packing of the parachutes and the important role the Riggers play in the safety of the parachutist.

I highly encourage all interns to serve as a team member on special projects if given the opportunity.

• Date Taken: 09.03.2015
• Date Posted: 09.04.2015 10:47
• Story ID: 175287
• Location: THE PENTAGON, DC, US
• Hometown: FORT MOORE, GA, US
• Hometown: LOS ANGELES, CA, US
• Hometown: SAN FRANCISCO, CA, US