Vertical Insertion - Depot Coasties learn the fast ropes

[thedrifter]

Vertical Insertion - Depot Coasties learn the fast ropes
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification Number: 20031121161334
Story by Lance Cpl. Ed Guevara



MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(November 21, 2003) -- Marines, sailors and Coast Guardsmen are responsible for maritime warfare and security for the United States.

Given the similar working environments for the three services, it has been beneficial for them to share resources in accomplishing their individual missions.

The Coast Guard's Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team here is a shining example of that. They use Depot facilities and training equipment to train other Coast Guard units with similar missions.

Monday marked the beginning of the Coast Guard's Vertical Insertion Course, a three-day training evolution.

"We are known as the center of excellence for the VI program," said Petty Officer 1st Class Devin D. Dix, instructor, PACTACLET.

The training relies heavily on the use of the Depot's rappel tower and pre-qualification in the Depot swim tank.

"You have to pass Shallow Water Egress Training," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Jeff R. Hanchett, electrician, Maritime Safety Security Team 91101, Seattle.

The requirements are comparable to the Marine Corps' first class swim qualification, according to Dix.

Once the Coast Guardsmen have shown their proficiency in water survival, they are taken to the rappel tower for fast roping lessons.

Students climb two flights of stairs, before approaching the ledge to departure.

They perform a gear check and let the instructor know their gear is ready with thumbs up.

When the instructor sees all thumbs up, the students sit down in a tight line, which leads to the edge in front of the rope.

The class teaches students how to slide down the rope and stop at a specific point; they are allowed a body-length distance of leeway.

The exercise's intent is to train the Coast Guardsmen to stop quickly and check their landing targets before final descent.

Landing targets are boats and ships that might move during descent.

The students are required to carry packs for two of their tested drops.

"I like the roping course," said Hanchett. "You have to do lockouts with weight and it's good to see your progression throughout the day."

Although some made it look easy at the end of the day, others had difficulty keeping pace.

"The most difficult part is locking out with the pack on," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Steve W. Bell, airport screener, MSST 91101 Seattle. "I'm fatigued from (rappeling) all day."

Some have never been in a helicopter before and this can be seen as a transition stage before they are allowed to rappel from a helicopter into a seaborne vessel.

This training allows Coast Guardsmen to board vessels for inspection from the air instead of from another vessel in the water.

"In August, the commandant approved the VI program for boarding," said Dix.

The Coast Guard is the only maritime law enforcement for the United States, which means they're allowed to make arrests and enforce federal law at sea.

"The VI program is a direct result of (the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks) and Coast Guard efforts to enhance maritime abilities," said Lt. Cmdr. Pat DeQuattro, commanding officer, PACTACLET.

Training began three years ago in preparation for approval of the new method.

The training began at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., where three Coast Guardsmen trained to become masters in Helicopter Rope Suspension Training.

Masters are now able to pass on this training to the rest of the Coast Guardsmen.

"The VI program was built off Marine Corps and Navy programs," said DeQuattro. "It will clearly enhance our ability to protect the homeland and interdict any vessel at sea."

This class was comprised of Coast Guardsmen from Alaska, Seattle and Camp Lejeune. All units across the Coast Guard come to the Depot to participate in this training.

"We have an awful lot in common with the Marine Corps (and) especially with the Navy," said DeQuattro. "Our challenges are similar. We receive tremendous support from the Marines and are happy to be a part of the team here on MCRD."

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2...6E?opendocument

Sempers,

Roger