Rappel Trainer Certification

1. WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS Introduce self and assistant instructors. Briefly describe background/experience. Acknowledge known acquaintances and key personnel. Obtain list of instructors present and schools represented. If group size and time permit, go around room and have participants introduce themselves and give their relevant experience. WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS Introduce self and assistant instructors. Briefly describe background/experience. Acknowledge known acquaintances and key personnel. Obtain list of instructors present and schools represented. If group size and time permit, go around room and have participants introduce themselves and give their relevant experience.

4. Primary responsibility for training/certification falls on brigades. Region HQ assists brigades by conducting rappel trainer certification classes in conjunction with annual instructor training conferences, and when requested by brigades or units. 2. Overall level of competence throughout the Army is low. Techniques taught and equipment used in most Army training is obsolete. Even when modern equipment is available, it is often misused simply because of lack of experience or misunderstanding. Furthermore, training publications focus on combat training which is often not relevant to cadet rappelling. This training is intended to raise the overall level of competence and introduce/promote non-tactical methods and equipment that are most appropriate for JROTC cadet rappelling. 3. Rappelling builds confidence, encourages outdoor fitness and is a great recruiting and retention tool. Unfortunately it is and will remain a risky activity. Failure to comply with regulations or accidents involving cadets could very easily result in cancellation of JROTC cadet rappelling. This training is designed to bring brigades and schools into compliance with regulations, and to prevent accidents by insuring all JROTC instructors conducting cadet rappelling are thoroughly competent. Primary responsibility for training/certification falls on brigades. Region HQ assists brigades by conducting rappel trainer certification classes in conjunction with annual instructor training conferences, and when requested by brigades or units. 2. Overall level of competence throughout the Army is low. Techniques taught and equipment used in most Army training is obsolete. Even when modern equipment is available, it is often misused simply because of lack of experience or misunderstanding. Furthermore, training publications focus on combat training which is often not relevant to cadet rappelling. This training is intended to raise the overall level of competence and introduce/promote non-tactical methods and equipment that are most appropriate for JROTC cadet rappelling. 3. Rappelling builds confidence, encourages outdoor fitness and is a great recruiting and retention tool. Unfortunately it is and will remain a risky activity. Failure to comply with regulations or accidents involving cadets could very easily result in cancellation of JROTC cadet rappelling. This training is designed to bring brigades and schools into compliance with regulations, and to prevent accidents by insuring all JROTC instructors conducting cadet rappelling are thoroughly competent.

5. Self-explanatory. Allow participant’s to read.Self-explanatory. Allow participant’s to read.

6. Rules of Engagement If you’re not having fun you’re screwing up. Share what you know. We all know something. None of us knows everything. If something doesn’t look right or doesn’t make sense, challenge it. You can’t learn this by watching. Get involved. Exit criteria: - Get your questions answered - Practice until you are proficient and confident that you can do this on your own with your cadetsRules of Engagement If you’re not having fun you’re screwing up. Share what you know. We all know something. None of us knows everything. If something doesn’t look right or doesn’t make sense, challenge it. You can’t learn this by watching. Get involved. Exit criteria: - Get your questions answered - Practice until you are proficient and confident that you can do this on your own with your cadets

7. “That’s not the way I learned it in Ranger School!” “That’s not what they taught us at Air Assault School!” “We’ve been doing it this way for years and nobody’s ever gotten hurt!”“That’s not the way I learned it in Ranger School!” “That’s not what they taught us at Air Assault School!” “We’ve been doing it this way for years and nobody’s ever gotten hurt!”

8. Actual vs. Perceived Proficiency This slide comes from the airline industry. It shows pilots’ perceived levels of proficiency over time compared to their actual levels of proficiency as demonstrated by testing. Intellectually we all recognize that without regular practice or training, skills must diminish over time. But we tend to misjudge how quickly they atrophy. CCR 145-2, para 8-15b requires annual refresher training and formal training every five years to maintain certification. Brigades may impose tougher standards. This slide comes from the airline industry. It shows pilots’ perceived levels of proficiency over time compared to their actual levels of proficiency as demonstrated by testing. Intellectually we all recognize that without regular practice or training, skills must diminish over time. But we tend to misjudge how quickly they atrophy. CCR 145-2, para 8-15b requires annual refresher training and formal training every five years to maintain certification. Brigades may impose tougher standards.

10. These are the basic references governing JROTC cadet rappelling. Some are excellent and some are badly out of date. You will need to use the knowledge you gain here and your own experience to make some critical judgment calls. Some of these references should be embraced, others merely nodded to. All require some logical interpretation. I will point out some of the discrepancies and ambiguities and leave you to discover some of the others. If you have questions on the interpretation of any reference source, call your brigade. If you have a question, chances are good that others do too. These are the basic references governing JROTC cadet rappelling. Some are excellent and some are badly out of date. You will need to use the knowledge you gain here and your own experience to make some critical judgment calls. Some of these references should be embraced, others merely nodded to. All require some logical interpretation. I will point out some of the discrepancies and ambiguities and leave you to discover some of the others. If you have questions on the interpretation of any reference source, call your brigade. If you have a question, chances are good that others do too.

11. 1 May 2005 revision of CCR 145-2 Highlights requirements for rappel site inspections and JROTC instructor certification. Prohibits using cadets to belay. Requires two “certified” JROTC cadre members on each rappel lane. Some conflicts and confusion still exist. HQ Western Region will continue to conduct rappel trainer certification classes and assist the JROTC Directorate in writing an accurate and comprehensive rappeling policy. 1 May 2005 revision of CCR 145-2 Highlights requirements for rappel site inspections and JROTC instructor certification. Prohibits using cadets to belay. Requires two “certified” JROTC cadre members on each rappel lane. Some conflicts and confusion still exist. HQ Western Region will continue to conduct rappel trainer certification classes and assist the JROTC Directorate in writing an accurate and comprehensive rappeling policy.

12. Risk management process replaced the old risk assessment matrix. FM 3-100.12 gives more information. Risk management process involves identifying and assessing potential hazards then taking appropriate steps to reduce or mitigate risks. CCR 385-10 permits Sr. ROTC cadre to conduct rappelling for JROTC cadets at approved camps (JCLC) but prohibits them from conducting rappelling for non-cadets due to liability concerns. This prohibition applies specifically to visiting educators and school adminsitrators. CCR 145-2 allows qualified JROTC cadre to conduct rappelling for non-cadets at school-sponsored training events, but only with brigade approval.Risk management process replaced the old risk assessment matrix. FM 3-100.12 gives more information. Risk management process involves identifying and assessing potential hazards then taking appropriate steps to reduce or mitigate risks. CCR 385-10 permits Sr. ROTC cadre to conduct rappelling for JROTC cadets at approved camps (JCLC) but prohibits them from conducting rappelling for non-cadets due to liability concerns. This prohibition applies specifically to visiting educators and school adminsitrators. CCR 145-2 allows qualified JROTC cadre to conduct rappelling for non-cadets at school-sponsored training events, but only with brigade approval.

15. Rappel site inspection is probably the greatest challenge to JROTC rappelling, and one that cannot be avoided. The rationale is obviously a concern over liability and it originated in Sr. ROTC where cadre are active duty military personnel or Comtek employees under contract to the Army. By directive of the Commanding General, USACC must now provide the same measure of supervision and control over JROTC rappelling as it does for Sr. ROTC. While the JROTC requirement for school district approval of rappel sites appears to be a burden, in many cases it has proven to be an advantage. School principals in many cases have the latitude to approve sites based on their own judgment and are willing to do so when presented with reasonable justification. Most will willingly accept standards established by other agencies and endorse inspections conducted by other competent individuals. There is no established Army standard for rappel site inspections. The checklist contained in CCR 145-2 (appendix I) pertains to purpose-built rappel towers only. It does not apply to field (cliff) rappel sites. Installation safety offices charged with inspecting training sites use a variety of checklists and locally established standards. A draft field rappel site checklist is included in your handout packet. Rappel site inspection is probably the greatest challenge to JROTC rappelling, and one that cannot be avoided. The rationale is obviously a concern over liability and it originated in Sr. ROTC where cadre are active duty military personnel or Comtek employees under contract to the Army. By directive of the Commanding General, USACC must now provide the same measure of supervision and control over JROTC rappelling as it does for Sr. ROTC. While the JROTC requirement for school district approval of rappel sites appears to be a burden, in many cases it has proven to be an advantage. School principals in many cases have the latitude to approve sites based on their own judgment and are willing to do so when presented with reasonable justification. Most will willingly accept standards established by other agencies and endorse inspections conducted by other competent individuals. There is no established Army standard for rappel site inspections. The checklist contained in CCR 145-2 (appendix I) pertains to purpose-built rappel towers only. It does not apply to field (cliff) rappel sites. Installation safety offices charged with inspecting training sites use a variety of checklists and locally established standards. A draft field rappel site checklist is included in your handout packet.

16. A variety of options are available to meet the inspection requirement. Which option best suits your program depends on your individual situation. In many cases, school administrators assume that JROTC cadre are fully qualified to select and inspect rappel sites and will readily accept your guidance. If that holds true for your program, I recommend you explain the requirement to your principal and walk him through an inspection of your intended rappel site using an appropriate checklist. If rappelling from on-campus buildings, the engineer or maintenance supervisor responsible for the building may be able to provide a credible assessment of structural integrity that will meet the requirement. The objective is not to meet a specific standard but rather to gain the school’s participation in the process and acceptance of responsibility for the activity.A variety of options are available to meet the inspection requirement. Which option best suits your program depends on your individual situation. In many cases, school administrators assume that JROTC cadre are fully qualified to select and inspect rappel sites and will readily accept your guidance. If that holds true for your program, I recommend you explain the requirement to your principal and walk him through an inspection of your intended rappel site using an appropriate checklist. If rappelling from on-campus buildings, the engineer or maintenance supervisor responsible for the building may be able to provide a credible assessment of structural integrity that will meet the requirement. The objective is not to meet a specific standard but rather to gain the school’s participation in the process and acceptance of responsibility for the activity.

17. Best “current” military reference for rappelling. Updates terms, techniques, and equipment to reflect modern standards. Draws heavily from civilian climbing sources and publications. Supersedes previous military training manuals. It’s not a “snap link” any more boys. It’s a “carabiner”. Chapter 7 provides contains critical new information on constructing one-rope bridges. (static vs. dynamic rope, max. 3-man pull team to tighten system, new knots for transport tightening system)Best “current” military reference for rappelling. Updates terms, techniques, and equipment to reflect modern standards. Draws heavily from civilian climbing sources and publications. Supersedes previous military training manuals. It’s not a “snap link” any more boys. It’s a “carabiner”. Chapter 7 provides contains critical new information on constructing one-rope bridges. (static vs. dynamic rope, max. 3-man pull team to tighten system, new knots for transport tightening system)

18. Rope usage recorded on Rope Log is no substitute for regular inspection. Ropes should be retired when they become damaged or severely worn. Even with proper storage and minimal use, ropes should be retired no more than 10 years after the date of manufacture. Rope logs can provide a valuable source of information about rope manufacture after packaging/tags/labels are removed. This was illustrated recently when ropes manufactured by Andrew Crowe & Sons, Inc. were deadlined by the US Army Safety Center (show next slide). Countless perfectly safe ropes were needlessly removed from service and destroyed because records had not been maintained and the actual manufacturer could not be reliably determined. (Relate the “rest of the story” if time permits. Deadlined ropes re-issued due to depot mismanagement. Deadline applied to ropes cut to 120-ft lengths but not applied to ropes cut to 200-ft lengths. Ropes issued regardless of age.) Distinctive permanent rope end markings (color, pattern) are the best means to key individual ropes to their appropriate rope log. When inspecting ropes, ensure distinctive markings remain legible. Re-apply markings that have become indistinct.Rope usage recorded on Rope Log is no substitute for regular inspection. Ropes should be retired when they become damaged or severely worn. Even with proper storage and minimal use, ropes should be retired no more than 10 years after the date of manufacture. Rope logs can provide a valuable source of information about rope manufacture after packaging/tags/labels are removed. This was illustrated recently when ropes manufactured by Andrew Crowe & Sons, Inc. were deadlined by the US Army Safety Center (show next slide). Countless perfectly safe ropes were needlessly removed from service and destroyed because records had not been maintained and the actual manufacturer could not be reliably determined. (Relate the “rest of the story” if time permits. Deadlined ropes re-issued due to depot mismanagement. Deadline applied to ropes cut to 120-ft lengths but not applied to ropes cut to 200-ft lengths. Ropes issued regardless of age.) Distinctive permanent rope end markings (color, pattern) are the best means to key individual ropes to their appropriate rope log. When inspecting ropes, ensure distinctive markings remain legible. Re-apply markings that have become indistinct.

20. Reasonably good reference. Reasonably good reference.

22. Climbing Anchors by John Long is the “gold standard” source on building solid reliable rock anchors. Authoritative, readable, and humorous, this reference explains the principles and provides clear examples of how to, and how not to establish anchors using bolts, chocks, cams and pitons as well as natural rock features. Rappelling by tom Martin is the best single source reference on all aspects of sport rappelling techniques and equipment. Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills is the “bible” of American mountaineering techniques. FM 3-97.61 draws heavily from this text. Climbing and Rock and Ice magazines are the best up-to-date sources of information on techniques and equipment. Climbing Magazine Online maintains a file of tech tip articles. American Safe Climbing Association is an organization dedicated to the systematic replacement of unsafe bolt anchors. Website contains information on bolt design, strength, and reliability. Equipment manufacturers websites explain equipment design and use.Climbing Anchors by John Long is the “gold standard” source on building solid reliable rock anchors. Authoritative, readable, and humorous, this reference explains the principles and provides clear examples of how to, and how not to establish anchors using bolts, chocks, cams and pitons as well as natural rock features. Rappelling by tom Martin is the best single source reference on all aspects of sport rappelling techniques and equipment. Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills is the “bible” of American mountaineering techniques. FM 3-97.61 draws heavily from this text. Climbing and Rock and Ice magazines are the best up-to-date sources of information on techniques and equipment. Climbing Magazine Online maintains a file of tech tip articles. American Safe Climbing Association is an organization dedicated to the systematic replacement of unsafe bolt anchors. Website contains information on bolt design, strength, and reliability. Equipment manufacturers websites explain equipment design and use.

29. Commercial Equipment Plain oval aluminum carabiner $5.00 D-shaped aluminum carabiner 7.00 Locking aluminum carabiner 10.00 Sewn 2-ft. Spectra sling 6.00 1-in. tubular webbing .30 per foot 6mm accessory cord .30 per foot 7mm accessory cord .40 per foot 8mm accessory cord .50 per foot Figure 8 rappel device 19.00 ATC belay device 17.00 Seat harness 30.00 to 45.00 Commercial Equipment Plain oval aluminum carabiner $5.00 D-shaped aluminum carabiner 7.00 Locking aluminum carabiner 10.00 Sewn 2-ft. Spectra sling 6.00 1-in. tubular webbing .30 per foot 6mm accessory cord .30 per foot 7mm accessory cord .40 per foot 8mm accessory cord .50 per foot Figure 8 rappel device 19.00 ATC belay device 17.00 Seat harness 30.00 to 45.00