HRST, part of 1st Marine Division Schools, prepares Marines for helicopter-borne insertion and extraction operations. It also certifies Marines as HRST Masters, allowing them to oversee HRST operations with their respective units.

  “It provides units with the ability to conduct insertion and extraction operations on their own,” explained Camargo.

  Every infantry unit needs a HRST Master, said Cpl. Edward C. Bruegman, a radio operator with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division.

  With only nine training days to work with, the instructors waste no time teaching Marines the material.

  “We throw a lot at them during this course,” said Camargo.

  “We have a lot to teach them and we only have two weeks to do it. They will need to be able to pass on their knowledge of HRST to other Marines.”

  Once certified, HRST Masters are considered experts. Ensuring the safety of Marines during HRST operations is their primary responsibility. This is why students are left with little room for error during the course.

  “Marines’ lives will be in our hands,” explained Alexander, a light armored vehicle crewman assigned to 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division. “One little mistake can get you killed. It gets you ready to go back and train your Marines.”

  The curriculum is broken down into two phases, each spanning approximately five days.

  “The first week really focuses on knot tying and the equipment,” explained Camargo, who has been an instructor for two years. “That’s when they get stressed the most because it’s so new to these guys. We qualify them on fast roping and rappelling off of a tower so they how to implement the techniques, and we spend the rest of the week teaching them knots.”

  The second phase, known as “air week,” is when Marines have the chance to rappel, fast-rope, and SPIE (Special Purpose Insertion Extraction) from helicopters.

  To fast-rope, Marines simply slide down a rope free of any harness or connection. SPIE rigging is where a four-to-eight-man team, or stick, dons harnesses and attaches to a rope hanging underneath a helicopter. Both techniques are considered the most expedient means of insertion and extraction.

  Marines are also tested as HRST Masters during this time.

  “Air week is when they finally start to relax a little bit,” said Camargo. “They get the chance to do what they’ve been looking forward to doing. They also start feeling more confident in what they’ve been taught.”

  The curriculum doesn’t let up, as Marines are blindfolded and then tested on their ability to tie every knot they have learned.

  “The blindfold knot tying was probably one the most difficult parts of the course,” said Alexander, who is currently training to become an instructor.

  Marines very rarely fail the course, despite the level of difficulty. This can be attributed to the dedication of the instructors, not a lowering of standards.

  “These instructors are always staying late and going over material with the Marines to make sure they don’t fail,” remarked Alexander. “They’re always more than willing to help.”