FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- On a cold, crisp morning, the troopers of B Troop "Blackhawks" from 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, assembled in their unit area to prepare for a mission. The training exercise would combine air insertion of dismounted troopers and sling loads of two M1151 humvees.
The goal of this training, which took place Jan. 22, was to certify the troop's standard operating procedure on sling loads and prepare for potential air-insertion and sling-load missions in a contemporary operating environment. Blackhawk Troop's two mounted scout platoons and dismounted infantry platoon all participated in the training event.
The air-insertion and sling-load training exercise was designed to develop proficiency in multiple areas. The troopers honed their competency in snowshoeing and long-range communications, in addition to air-insertion and air-assault operations. Some personnel trained to conduct sling-load operations at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield by practicing skills in preparing vehicles for air movement. Air-assault and sling-load operations are paramount in the contemporary operating environment.
"The primary purpose of this training event was to build capability," said Capt. Joseph Tricomi, B Troop commander. "The 10th Mountain Division is one of the most deployed units in the U.S. Army. Insertion by helicopter provides added flexibility in an expeditionary environment, and many future operations will require us to move personnel and vehicles by helicopter. We want to have the capability and freedom of maneuver to move by foot, vehicle and air to gain the advantage in combat."
With rucksacks on their backs, snowshoes at the ready and rifles in hand, the Blackhawk troopers stepped off for their first phase of the operation, a 1.5-mile road march from the troop command post to the helicopter pickup zone. The Soldiers then prepared to board CH-47 Chinook helicopters and deploy into the training area.
They completed the first mile on pavement and then turned to the aid of snowshoes to effectively move through deep snow as they reached the pickup zone. While waiting for the helicopters, Soldiers rehearsed boarding and exiting the Chinooks, and establishing security upon exiting the aircraft.
As the dismounted personnel of Blackhawk Troop prepared to board the helicopters at the pickup zone, another group moved to Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield with two M1151 humvees to prepare for sling-load operations.
Despite the knee-deep snow on the pickup zone and icy wind kicked up by rotor wash, the troop rapidly boarded the aircraft. Once they arrived at the helicopter landing zone, the CH-47 ramps dropped and the dismounted personnel fluidly exited the aircraft and established security. The aircraft then departed to pick up the humvees at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield.
Through constantly deepening snow, the Blackhawks secured the area for the Chinooks to drop the humvees safely.
Soldiers of 1st and 2nd Platoon established security east and west of Antwerp Tank Trail, while 3rd Platoon pushed south and established a screen line in vicinity of Poagland Road to identify any enemy movement towards the landing zone.
As the Chinooks hovered closely above both humvees, Blackhawk troopers efficiently hooked up the sling legs to the aircraft with the assistance of cadre from the 10th Mountain Division (LI) Light Fighter School.
The vehicles were then transported to the landing zone and placed on Antwerp Tank Trail, where a group of Blackhawk troopers rapidly de-rigged the humvees and prepared them for combat operations.
The final task of the training exercise involved advanced communications proficiency, particularly with the long-range high-frequency radio systems. Each platoon assembled their radios and established successful communication with Blackhawk Tactical Operations Center, located more than 16 kilometers away.
High-frequency communications, in conjunction with long-range FM communications, allow the troop to move far beyond normal operating ranges in support of any mission. Once communications were established, the troop consolidated and conducted a tactical vehicle road march back to the troop area to recover.
Of all of the situations Blackhawk Troop encountered during the operation, the environment and climate posed the greatest challenge.
Fort Drum's unpredictable weather patterns and bitter climate in the winter months render tactical movement more difficult, particularly in three feet of snow. Snowshoeing specifically was an obstacle for the Blackhawk troopers.
"Many of the Soldiers have never used snowshoes before," said Sgt. Casey Milsop, a team leader in 1st Platoon. "It was a new experience, and so many of them struggled to adjust to moving through the snow with their rucksacks, weapon and now, the snowshoes. However, as 10th Mountain Soldiers, it is an important skill (that) we must learn."
This exercise was a culmination of several months of training towards developing air-assault proficiency within the troop and squadron. Troopers expressed their excitement at finally conducting a sling-load operation, despite the biting cold and freezing wind. This piece of dynamic training reflects how the troopers of 1-89 Cavalry continue to build capability while always remaining "Ready Now."
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