Aerial Reconnaissance

[Starbuck]

I will agree--for an air assault, this is key. A unit can really make some good money by practicing entering and exiting a parked aircraft a few times before the mission. Entering a helicopter in a hurry, throwing in the bag and buckling the seat belts isn't like hopping in your minivan for a road trip. You have got to get used to the motions.

[William F. Owen]

1. Rehearsals. Prior to the aircrafts arrival, chalk leaders should have boys rehearse enter/exit of the aircraft. If possible, ground commander should not be a chalk leader. In my example, I was the ground commander and my 1SGT was the chalk leader responsible to get everyone in and out of the aircraft. We rehearsed approach, order of march, entering the aircraft, seating arrangement, and exit PRIOR to the the aviators arrival.

I will agree--for an air assault, this is key. A unit can really make some good money by practicing entering and exiting a parked aircraft a few times before the mission. Entering a helicopter in a hurry, throwing in the bag and buckling the seat belts isn't like hopping in your minivan for a road trip. You have got to get used to the motions.

I concur, and the simplest possible drill should be used. My Bn lost a guy walking into the disk of a Scout, partly because this hadn't been addressed - and some very bad luck- be safe, simple and quick trumps sexy and slick.