Air
H.A.H.O.
High Altitude/High Opening Jumping is an extremely difficult form of insertion, which requires a tremendous amount of training as an individual and team. A typical HAHO profile has a squad jumping out of either a commercial aircraft or military craft, with a commercial IFF signature in the normal air traffic lanes so as to not raise suspicion. The jumpers will exit the aircraft at a high altitude - approximately 30,000- feet - and deploy their parachutes in ten to fifteen seconds at an altitude of 27,000-feet or so. The squad will form up in a stack in the air, with the low jumper setting the course and acting as the guide. The squad will then fly upwards of thirty or more miles in formation, using a compass, way points and terrain features to navigate to their targeted landing zone. Along the way, the navigator must correct his course for changes in winds speed and direction, making for a tricky navigation problem. It has been said that the only thing more difficult than navigating while flying a Ram-Air is navigating with an attack board underwater. Nonetheless, HAHO free fall operations can get SEALs where they want to be clandestinely and ready to wreak havoc!
Fast Rope & Rappel
Helo fast rope and rappel operations are also effective methods of getting a small force of men on the ground ready to go fast. The helo can approach the area low and out of radar range, with the platoon standing by for the rope-master's signal. The helo flares, the rope is tossed out (SEALs use a 50 or 90 foot rope depending on the obstacles on the dz) and the entire platoon (or squad) is on the ground in a defensive perimeter in less than 20 seconds. This is especially effective for Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) and Close Quarter Battle (CQB) missions, or any situation where a helo is the preferred (or only available) form of transportation - and time is of the essence.
Equipment for these operations is simply the individual's operating gear, the fast rope or rappel lines, and Swiss seat harness, carabineers and rope gloves. Helmets and goggles are also required for protection. The SEAL will fast rope with full gear without putting his feet on the rope to brake. Braking with the feet wears out the rope and makes it dangerous for the last few down the rope. Rather, he will brake with his hands by gripping tightly and turning his hands inward, as if wringing a towel. Of course, braking too late or too softly will result in a nasty pile of SEALs with equipment at the base of the rope, slowing down the whole operation.
High Altitude/High Opening Jumping is an extremely difficult form of insertion, which requires a tremendous amount of training as an individual and team. A typical HAHO profile has a squad jumping out of either a commercial aircraft or military craft, with a commercial IFF signature in the normal air traffic lanes so as to not raise suspicion. The jumpers will exit the aircraft at a high altitude - approximately 30,000- feet - and deploy their parachutes in ten to fifteen seconds at an altitude of 27,000-feet or so. The squad will form up in a stack in the air, with the low jumper setting the course and acting as the guide. The squad will then fly upwards of thirty or more miles in formation, using a compass, way points and terrain features to navigate to their targeted landing zone. Along the way, the navigator must correct his course for changes in winds speed and direction, making for a tricky navigation problem. It has been said that the only thing more difficult than navigating while flying a Ram-Air is navigating with an attack board underwater. Nonetheless, HAHO free fall operations can get SEALs where they want to be clandestinely and ready to wreak havoc!
Fast Rope & Rappel
Helo fast rope and rappel operations are also effective methods of getting a small force of men on the ground ready to go fast. The helo can approach the area low and out of radar range, with the platoon standing by for the rope-master's signal. The helo flares, the rope is tossed out (SEALs use a 50 or 90 foot rope depending on the obstacles on the dz) and the entire platoon (or squad) is on the ground in a defensive perimeter in less than 20 seconds. This is especially effective for Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) and Close Quarter Battle (CQB) missions, or any situation where a helo is the preferred (or only available) form of transportation - and time is of the essence.Equipment for these operations is simply the individual's operating gear, the fast rope or rappel lines, and Swiss seat harness, carabineers and rope gloves. Helmets and goggles are also required for protection. The SEAL will fast rope with full gear without putting his feet on the rope to brake. Braking with the feet wears out the rope and makes it dangerous for the last few down the rope. Rather, he will brake with his hands by gripping tightly and turning his hands inward, as if wringing a towel. Of course, braking too late or too softly will result in a nasty pile of SEALs with equipment at the base of the rope, slowing down the whole operation.
