RHINE ORDNANCE BARRACKS, Germany -- 5th Quartermaster Theater Aerial Delivery Company Soldiers "shocked" the community with an airborne operation at the Alzey Dropzone in Germany August 21.
The unit airdropped a six and a half ton up-armored M1165A1 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle and 40 Container Delivery Systems using the Advanced Cargo Parachute Release System. This is the first time the Army has used this system in Europe.
The 5th QM TADC is the only forward stationed company of its kind in Europe. A small unit primarily comprised of Parachute Riggers, it is the only airborne unit in the 16th Sustainment Brigade. The unit packs parachutes and rigs up to 50 tons of supplies and equipment for airdrop by the Army, Air Force, and Navy, and maintains and supplies airdrop equipment used by supported units.
Capt. James Arthur, 5th QM TADC commander's goal for this mission was to "shock" his Soldiers, making them step out of their comfort zone. The commander was so confident in his Soldiers' abilities that he volunteered his own tactical vehicle for the airdrop.
Right on time, the U.S. Air Force arrived overhead with eight C-130J aircraft containing the 50 tons of equipment destined to land at Alzey drop zone. As Soldiers and about 50 German locals watched in awe, the HMMWV and two platforms containing supplies emerged from the rear of the aircraft. Nine static line jumpers followed, to recover the equipment once consolidated on the ground.
Soldiers from the 5th QM TADC and the 66th Transportation Company were on the ground to assist in recovery of the equipment. 5thQM TADC instructed 8th Medical Company, 30th Medical Brigade Soldiers how to prepare their supplies for airdrop.
8th Medical Company's Soldiers rigged two out of the 40 bundles dropped and 5th QM TADC inspected them. This joint effort and coordination between the U.S. Army units and the U.S. Air Force set this operation apart from routine airborne operations.
Maintenance and transportation personnel, riggers, planners and coordinators, inspectors, safeties, jumpmasters, and pilots all played crucial roles in the success of the operation. Cross training opportunities such as these help unify and build the military's versatility.
The jumpers incurred no injuries and the drops resulted in zero errors or deficiencies. The operation confirmed proficiency and exhibited the potential and readiness of the 5th QM TADC in sustaining troops across Europe at short notice in austere locations. "Until Soldiers Grow Wings!"
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