Annex C Rappelling Program Sop

RAPPELLING PROGRAM SOP

ATOW-J 6 August 2009

MEMORANDUM FOR All Personnel Assigned to 3rd BDE, JROTC

SUBJECT: Rappelling Standard Operating Procedures

1. References: Cadet Command Regulation 145-2, Cadet Command Regulation 385-10, Cadet Command Safety Program, TC 21-24, Rappelling, United States Army Infantry School Training Support Package 1 for Basic Rappelling (available upon request from BDE HQ).

2. The following procedures will be used when conducting rappelling training within the 3rd ROTC BDE’s Senior and Junior ROTC Programs. This training included overview of: regulations; required knots; use of rappel/climbing harnesses; rope type and inspection; hookup of rappeller; rappelling; and rescue of distressed rappeller.

3. In order to conduct rappelling, instructors must successfully complete annual certification training conducted by brigade approved rappelling instructors. Only properly trained and certified personnel may be responsible for setting up the rappelling site, inspecting equipment, “hooking up” rappellers and supervising the cadet’s descent. Rappelling certification training will be made available at JROTC Summer Camp at a minimum and will occasionally be offered during the school year and Brigade Conferences as time and resources permit. The following 3rd Brigade JROTC personnel have completed Cadet Command and Western Region training and certification and are authorized to conduct rappel training. This authorization certification is valid until 1 October 2010 unless extended by the 3rd Brigade Commander:

Rank L Name F Name MI School City State Phone Email SFC Bruyette Douglas Malden Malden MO 573-276-5794 [email protected] 1SG Wright Richard New Madrid New Madrid MO 573-688-5168 [email protected] SFC Jones Vince MTS Minneapolis MN 612-328-3511 [email protected] Leadership Academy 1SG Munn Donald Topeka West Topeka KS 785-438-4110 [email protected] 1SG Marbut John SWACC Monett MO 417-235-7022 [email protected] MAJ Jayko Philip Joliet Central Joliet IL 815-727-6709 [email protected] LTC McConnell William Ozark Ozark MO 497-582-5901 [email protected] .k12.mo.us 1SG Jacobson Randal Missouri Mexico MO 573-581-1774 [email protected] Military Academy SFC Moser Dale Devils Lake Devils Lake ND 701-662-1200 [email protected] MSG Fabish Joseph Pekin HS Pekin IL 309-477-4379 [email protected] MAJ Eldert Monte Wells HS Chicago IL 773-534-7868 [email protected] 1SG Hooper Frank Jr CMA-B Chicago IL 773-263-4940 [email protected] MSG Pettigrew Lon H. Auburn Rockford IL 815-490-4715 MAJ Moore Harold Omaha North Omaha NE 402-557-3463 MooreHD@ .org SFC Coleman Scottie Lakeview Chicago IL 708-473-0329 [email protected] COL Hester R V Wichita Wichita KS 316-866-8190 [email protected] LTC Kennedy Bob Wichita West Wichita KS 316-973-3711 [email protected] HS 785-565-3618 1SG Attaway Stephanie Webb City Webb City MO 417-673-3250 [email protected]. mo.us LTC Hallinan James Schurz HS Chicago IL 773-534-3442 [email protected] LTC Nelson William L. Waynesville Waynesville MO [email protected]. Career Center us LTC Cunningham Harry L. Smith-Cotton Sedalia MO 660-815-1800 [email protected] HS o.us SFC Walker Michael Phoenix Chicago IL 312-919-7317 [email protected] Military il Academy LTC Black David Leavenworth Leavenworth KS 913-909-4008 [email protected] HS MSG Matthews Richard L. Burke HS Omaha NE 402-557-3258 richard.matthews.ops.org ?

4. In addition to instructor training and certification, the following paperwork is required for each JROTC Program conducting rappel training:

a. Copy of the current and valid instructor rappelling certification must be on file at the 3rd Brigade Headquarters.

b. Each JROTC Program conducting rappelling operations must have a letter on file at 3rd Brigade Headquarters signed by the principal or superintendent of the school granting permission for JROTC cadets and cadre participating in rappelling training.

c. Parental consent forms, covenant not to sue forms (CCR 385-10), and a copy of the school’s liability insurance covering rappelling operations must be on hand for all JROTC cadets and cadre participating in rappel training.

d. Rappelling is a relatively safe activity when conducted properly, but must still be considered high risk prior to risk analysis. Therefore, a current risk assessment must be completed before rappel training and forwarded to the Brigade HQ for review.

e. Rappelling from a fixed and approved rappelling tower is the only type of rappelling authorized in the 3rd Brigade. Any exceptions must be approved by the Brigade Commander in writing and will only be done on an individual basis. All rappel towers must be inspected and certified annually through a safety inspection conducted by the support installation Safety Office or other competent authority having jurisdiction or authorization to conduct such inspections. A written record of the inspection will remain on file with the office having operational control of the site. Additionally, a certified rappel master will inspect the site immediately prior to each use.

f. DA Form 5752-R (Rope Log, Usage and History) must be filled out and on hand for rappel ropes (FM 3-97.61 and TC 21-24). Ropes should be inspected for frayed, damaged fibers and partially cut strands. Inspect the sheath of kern mantle ropes for excessive fuzziness or places where the sheath is worn through and the core visible. Check for core damage by feeling for bumps, depressions, or soft spots. Ropes used occasionally (three or four times a year) should be retired after seven years, even if they do not show significant signs of wear. More frequent use indicates earlier retirement. Any rope showing signs of significant wear or damage should be retired immediately. Retired ropes may be cut at the point of damage and the remaining serviceable sections can be used as Swiss Seats (not to be used for rappelling). ATOW-J SUBJECT: Rappelling Standard Operating Procedures

3. In accordance with the references listed in this SOP, the following are additional requirements for rappelling operations in the 3rd Brigade area:

a. Rappel operations will be limited to basic, individual, hip-seat rappels only, and will be done on established towers. Australian or other advanced rappels are not authorized.

b. While rappelling, cadets will wear certified safety headgear and use leather gloves. Lightweight commercial climbing and kayaking helmets are excellent protection, but consideration should be given to the need to protect from falling objects. Helmets must be secured with chinstraps. Gloves must be worn to prevent rope burns and should be equipped with cinch straps or fitted to prevent them from slipping off. Thick work gloves provide good protection. Consideration should also be given to adding wool or polypropylene glove liners.

c. Cadets will not wear or carry equipment while rappelling.

d. Prior to making a rappel from a height of more than ten feet, cadets are required to rappel form a height less than 10 feet or on an incline to make them familiar with proper position and braking techniques, and to build confidence before rappelling from a significant height.

e. Only certified JROTC staff may be used for belaying at the bottom of a rappel lane.. The belayer should be rotated frequently to prevent friction burn and blistering from handling the rope over a long period of time. Helmets are not required for belayers. Rappellers should be taught smooth controlled descents. Bounding rappels are not prohibited, but should be discouraged because they are inherently risky and hard on equipment.

NORMAN D. KING SHARON WIZNEWSKI MAJ (Ret), Senior Army Instructor COL, 3rd Brigade Rappel Trainer Commanding