By Air Force Staff Sgt. Bryan Franks
Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Arabian Peninsula
TAJI, Iraq – Stepping out of a perfectly functioning helicopter and sliding down a 50-foot rope is another routine day of training for Iraqi special operations forces when they're not out improving security in Iraq and enforcing the rule of law.
In the Mosul area, ISOF conducted fast-rope training, Nov. 22. This training is significant because it's one of the methods used during air-assault missions designed to get soldiers close to their objective in minimal time to disrupt insurgents' activities throughout the region and bring terrorists and criminals to justice.
"These ISOF teams have a large area of responsibility," a coalition forces advisor said. "Some of their missions could require a convoy time of more than two hours and there are risks that convoy could face.
"With an air assault, teams bypass the inherent dangers of convoys and can reach their objective in less time."
To help mitigate replacing convoy-operation dangers with new risks, fast-rope training is a two-day process for ISOF soldiers.
Day one consists of learning the techniques behind fast roping and conducting stationary drills, referred to as drops, off a 25-foot building. During drills, each member goes down the rope without tactical gear to get familiarized with falling and proficient at the technique. Once they complete drops training, they fast rope in full tactical gear.
"It's important to hold the rope tight with your hands, however it's your feet that will slow you down," a Coalition forces advisor said. "No matter how tight you hold the rope you can't slow yourself down without your feet."
During day two of training, ISOF teams conducted fast-rope exercises from a U.S. helicopter. In the future, teams will use Mi-17s, the Iraqi air force's new helicopter for aerial assault training and missions.
The training sequence will remain the same, but the aircraft will change.
"It's a lot different from fast roping down the building," an ISOF soldier said. "With the wind whipping around and all of the noise, you can easily get caught up in the moment and forget your training."
For most ISOF soldiers, it was the first time they had fast roped from a helicopter; a skill that will enable them to conduct future operations throughout Iraq to deter and respond to insurgent activities.
"Fast-rope training was a lot of fun," an ISOF instructor said. "This was great training for my soldiers. I'm so proud of the way they performed today. I know our country will have a great future because of the work we do."
| Date Taken: | 12.05.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 12.05.2008 08:31 |
| Story ID: | 27220 |
| Location: | TAJI, IQ |
| Web Views: | 254 |
| Downloads: | 215 |
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