On rappel, on belay

  • Published
  • By SMSgt. John S. Chapman
  • 181 IW/Public Affairs
     Air Guard members from the 181st Intelligence Wing Security Forces Squadron trained at Camp Atterbury, Edinburgh, Ind. May 14 -15, 2013.
     During the two day training environment, security forces members trained on repelling techniques, which included basic repelling maneuvers on the six foot wall, a 40 foot repelling tower, UH60 helicopter elevator lift, and Special Patrol Infiltration Exfiltration System (SPIES) training.
     "The purpose of this training was to participate in a multi-agency law enforcement training event, which promotes better communications between agencies and allows for additional skill sets directly related to the Air National Guard's mission of Homeland Security and Domestic Operations," said Capt. John Mutnansky, security forces commander.
     "We never know what we might be called upon to do because we're Guardsmen...a natural disaster, mass casualty situation, and we could be required to get in rapidly. This kind of training would give us the opportunity to be able to do that," said Tech. Sgt. Richard Tryon, security forces.
     "The repelling training forces us to push our self a little further then would normally do in our normal operational environment", said Capt. Mutnansky.
     The SPIES training was the most impressive maneuver I watched. As Capt. Mutnansky, Airmen Cutler, Tech. Sgt. Tryon and Master Sgt. Grassick were raised into the air approximately 200 feet by the UH60 helicopter, then travelled over the area, hanging from a rope under the helicopter.
     "I think I just gained a lot of confidence not only in myself but in my leaders that I came out here with,"said Airmen Candace Cutler after her experience.