FORT HOOD, Texas- As improvised explosive devices become more and more prevalent in conflicts across the world, moving equipment and supplies throughout a combat zone has become an increasingly hazardous occupation.
In an effort to reduce the danger of this job and provide the leaders more options, Soldiers from Alpha Company, 15th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, trained on sling load operations Oct. 27 on Fort Hood, Texas, where they learned to attach vehicles, equipment and supplies to a CH-47 Chinook helicopter for transportation purposes.
"[This will] cut down on some of the convoy operations," explained Sgt. 1st Class Tyree Powell, a Brookhaven, Miss., native and a fueler with Company A. "It's a lot faster and a lot safer."
For many of these Soldiers, this was the first time they've had a chance to work this close to a helicopter.
"This was the first time I've done this in the five years I've been here," explained Sgt Terry Jackson, a Summerton, S.C., native and a fueler with Company A.
Soldiers trained for two days prior to this event to make sure they understood how to rig equipment for transportation by the Chinook and how to properly secure the equipment to the helicopter.
"We're the only ones in the brigade with sling load capabilities," explained 2nd Lt. Ryan Davis, a Darlington, S.C., native and a platoon leader with Company A. "We'll be the ones that have to do this downrange."
According to Davis, sling loads will be used to move supplies to remote locations and will help save lives by not having to put as many Soldiers on the roads.
During the training, the Soldiers rigging the equipment stood on top of it and tried to hold on as the Chinook hovered overhead. The Soldiers then attached the equipment to the bottom of the helicopter, dismounted the equipment and ran for safety as the helicopter lifted off.
"This was fun," said Jackson about the training. "My Soldiers really liked it. It was unusual."
With this new training under their belt, leaders from 2nd BCT can feel confident that they have improved their ability to safely move equipment across the battlefield.
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