SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii-- Troops from the 95th Engineer Company (Clearance) exercised quick infiltration and exfiltration skills -- essential tasks in combat engineer reconnaissance missions in rough terrain -- during rappel tower training here Sept. 18.
The engineer troops rappelled, belayed and fast-rope descended to build confidence, increase technical competence and enhance the 95th Engineer Company's overall ability to conduct reconnaissance missions.
The 95th is the sole combat engineer company in the 130th Engineer Brigade, and its missions and environment are unpredictable, ranging from demolition to bridge reconnaissance. Regardless of the terrain, its Sappers must be prepared to move to the objective quickly and safely.
Staff Sgt. Andrew Cutsforth, a squad leader in the company who helped lead the rappelling tower training, said that while most Sappers have rappelled prior to arriving at their first duty stations, rappelling and belaying are highly technical skills that require repetition and muscle memory to master.
During the training, the troops also completed classes in knot tying, another important facet of engineer proficiency, which included swiss-seat tying, braking, correct hook-up procedures, and assembling and utilizing a prusik climbing system, an important method of ascension during rescue and emergency operations that demands mental and physical concentration.
He said the training was exciting and important--especially for the younger Soldiers within the company as it prepared them for making decisions in all situations, even at 58 feet up in the air.
"It gives us different things to put in our toolbox, and gives us a leg up when it comes to preparing for the different types of missions we face," said Pvt. Mason Morgan, a combat engineer who completed the training.
Cutsforth said,"It also helped to ensure that we all are honing our skills as Sappers. Whether it is rappelling during a patrol or when an emergency hits the island, we will always remain the U.S. Pacific Command's combat engineer unit of choice."
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