Commandos conduct sling load training

By Spc. Robert Cook, 2nd Brigade Combat Team JournalistOctober 29, 2015

Commando sling load 1
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2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Field artillerymen assigned to C Battery, 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team "Commandos," exit the landing zone before the helicopter crew chief gives the pilot the OK to raise the M777 howitzer during sling load tr... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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FORT DRUM, N.Y. - Field artillerymen assigned to C Battery, 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team "Commandos," conducted sling load training Thursday on Fort Drum.

Members from 3rd Platoon practiced how to safely link (or hook) up a M777 howitzer to a cargo helicopter. Soldiers must learn the right way of securing the equipment, along with entering and exiting the helicopter safely to avoid injuries.

This training isn't just a one-day event. Air assault-qualified noncommissioned officers trained Soldiers on how to properly secure the cannon and where to be when the helicopter is hovering above them.

This process lets the platoon work through their systems, or procedures, on how to conduct sling load training the right way.

As the helicopter comes in, Soldiers are ready to hook up the ropes. After the cargo is secured and the helicopter crew chief gives confirmation that the area is clear, the pilot begins to raise the aircraft to ensure the load is safe for transportation.

Transporting equipment by cargo helicopters can be an effective way to move equipment where the roads are too dangerous to move by military trucks.

First Lt. Shawn Thomas, Cherokee Battery executive officer, said this is a good way to transport equipment in and out of remote areas.

That capability plays an important role for ground forces on the battlefield.

"Artillery air-assault operations, especially the M777, are critical in providing flexibility and increased lethality to maneuver force. The increased range and firepower to a light infantry unit makes this piece particularly valuable as a force multiplier," said Capt. John Meier, Cherokee Battery commander. "For decisive action conflicts, it is important for Soldiers to know how to conduct resupply operations for artillery missions as well as being able to conduct raids and other types of artillery missions requiring forward support of a fast moving and mobile maneuver force.

"This training ensured the Soldiers are trained and ready to execute air-assault operations, which gives the (brigade) an increased lethality and flexibility in any operating environment," he explained.