MARSOC Helicopter Rope Suspension Training

A MARSOC operator rappels from the belly-hatch of a CH-46E Sea Knight helicoter as part of a Helicopter Rope Suspension Training Masters course.

HRST is a two-week course which teaches a range of skills including fast roping, rappeling, and special patrol insertion extraction (SPIES).

Marines passing the course are certified as HRST Masters.

The HRST course teaches knot-tying, rigging and basic rappeling techniques, before the trainees get to practise rappeling from high towers and down mountains.

By the end of the training, the Marines can safely insert from a helicopter hovering at up to 60 feet in altitude.

HRST techniques are a vital part of a MARSOC Critical Skills Operator's skill set.

HRST methods, such as fast roping are called for when a helicopter is unable to land at an insertion or extraction point, a common scenario in urban and jungle environments.

Other United States Marine Corps units undergo Helicopter Rope Suspension Training.

These include f.a.s.t. Platoons, Special Reaction Teams and Reconnaissance Marines.