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***image1***Soldiers here literally learned the ropes as they became certified sling load inspectors in a weeklong course taught by instructors from the Army’s Quartermaster Center and School in Fort Lee, Va.
Approximately 50 Soldiers from 191st Ordnance Battalion and 26th Quartermaster Supply Company, Hanau, completed the Sling Load Inspector Certification Course Nov. 5 at Miesau Army Depot. A five-person mobile training team from the school’s Aerial Delivery and Field Services Department trained Soldiers on basic helicopter sling load operations before certifying them as inspectors.
The Aerial Delivery and Field Services Department trains officers and enlisted personnel from all branches of the Armed Services, Allied Nations and civilians as parachute riggers, airdrop loaders, sling-load inspectors, and laundry and textile specialists.
With both units gearing up for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan, the load inspectors will be vital in preparing supplies and equipment for movement to even the most remote locations, according to 2nd Lt. Rajesh Ramlakhan, 5th Quartermaster Company officer in charge of training, which hosted the training.
“Soldiers need supplies – be it ammunition, food or basic supplies – and we’re going to provide them, regardless of the challenging terrain,” said Lieutenant Ramlakhan.
Ensuring that Soldiers know how to move a load safely is the goal of the certification course. Among other things, the course focused on the types of helicopters and their limitations, cargo carrying devices, sling sets, hook-up team and signalman duties, and the proper rigging and inspection of loads.
Soldiers put their lessons to use during the last two days of training with actual sling load lifts of a humvee with a UH-60A “Blackhawk” helicopter from the 236th Medical Company, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.
“If someone misses a deficiency on a load, that load could crash or even bring the aircraft down,” said Sgt. 1st Class Keith Costley, mobile training team NCO, which recently trained 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers at Fort Stewart, Ga.
When Spec. Heidi Hartman, 5th Quartermaster Company, signs her name on the load inspection form that confirms it is fit for lift, she said she will do it with “confidence.” She said that assertion is the by-product of the training she received.
Sergeant Costley stressed the importance for Soldiers to use every available resource to maintain their proficiency as load inspectors. The team supplied training material and Army manuals on CDs for continuous learning.
“It’s a perishable skill. Like any other skill,” he explained, “if you don’t practice and research it, you can lose it.”
Spec. Candice Stewart, 26th Quartermaster Supply Company, said she feels the same way.
“It wouldn’t be very effective if we deploy and then don’t use (our skills) again until the end of the deployment or if we never practice,” Specialist Stewart said. “If we practice, we’ll be good to go because we were trained very well.”
