MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Zipping down a rope into a combat zone is no casual matter. That's why 1st Force Reconnaissance Company likes to regularly recertify its Helicopter Rope Suspension Training masters.
The company is training to recertify HRST masters within the command for an upcoming deployment to Iraq.
Marines are required to re-certify every 18 months through the 40-hour HRST master course.
The training, normally an 18-strong class, is designed to keep Marines proficient and efficient at knot-tying, fast-roping, Special Patrol Insertion Extraction rigging and rappelling. Beforehand, Marines refamiliarize themselves with the various types of knots, said Staff Sgt. Rodney W. Simpson, 1st Force Reconnaissance Company's paraloft safety chief.
"There are 13 different types of knots and, in conjunction with refamiliarizing themselves with the knots, they are tasked with completing them within prescribed time limits," said Simpson.
Eight out of the 13 knots must be tied within 30 seconds; Marines have 45 seconds to complete the remaining five.
The training was conducted on four different types of helicopters.
"The Marines learn how to rig Hueys, (CH-)46s, 53s and Blackhawks. For every helicopter there are three different types of knots used," Simpson said.
After relearning the knots and their purposes, the Marines receive certified training in fast-roping.
Fast-roping is a means of quickly "inserting" Marines at a predesignated destination. They slide down a 60-foot rope to quickly reach the objective, thereby allowing the helicopter a faster exit to reduce its exposure to potential enemy fire.
"Normally fast-roping is conducted by a platoon or team of five or six Marines. The overall goal is get a team down from the bird in less than five seconds," Simpson said.
For safety's sake, Marines are never left to dangle too high above the objective.
"To reduce injuries and mishaps, a safe distance with full combat gear is approximately 15 to 20 feet. For training purposes, we can go as high as 40 feet," said Cpl. Jason M. Heming, 1st Force Reconnaissance Company's noncommissioned officer-in- charge of HRST riggers.
Another Marine explained why.
"When fast-roping on top of a building from a helicopter, the pilot sometimes is unable to hold a steady flight, and the time for a quick insertion is increased. Also, you have a chance of the rope rising off of the roof," said Staff Sgt. Sean P. Lunn, 5th platoon team leader, 1st Force Reconnaissance Co.
Wind also can complicate an insertion when it swirls a dangling Marine to and fro, Lunn said.
Marines also refresh their rappelling skills — but only to a certain point.
"Even though we teach rappelling, the fast-roping and knot-tying instructions (are emphasized) due to their frequent use," Simpson said.
"We primarily use fast-roping because it is the fastest and safest way for a team to enter a zone," Simpson said.
The unit regularly recertifies its HRST masters because, after all, there's a lot hanging in the balance.
"The uncertainty of any team member in regards to HRST procedures could result in danger or even death for themselves or others," Simpson said, explaining what's at stake.