Air Assault

The Air Assault certification is a mobility qualification available to operators within MSOT 8213 – Task Force Raven. This certification prepares operators to conduct helicopter-based insertion and extraction operations, including fast-rope, rappel, and sling-load procedures.

It is modeled after the U.S. Army Air Assault School and SOCOM rotary-wing integration training.

Responsibilities

Serve as the team’s expert in helicopter-based infil and exfil.
Plan and supervise air assault operations for the MSOT.
Train fellow operators in fast-rope and rappel procedures.
Coordinate with aviation assets for sling-load and resupply missions.
Ensure safety and discipline during helicopter operations.

Training Required

Must be a Critical Skills Operator (CSO) in good standing.
Completion of the Air Assault Training Course.

Skills & Capabilities

Proficiency in helicopter load/unload procedures.
Fast-rope and rappel insertion techniques.
Planning and executing helicopter assaults.
Sling-load hookup and release procedures.
Integration of air assault into mission planning.
Safety enforcement during rotary-wing operations.

Equipment

Personal harness and fast-rope/rappel gear.
Gloves and protective equipment for descent operations.
Standard CSO kit configured for air assault.
Sling-load rigging gear (if mission requires).

Training Course

Module 1 – Rotary-Wing Familiarization

Helicopter load and unload drills.
Safety around rotary-wing aircraft.
Air assault planning considerations.

Module 2 – Fast-Rope & Rappel

Fast-rope descent techniques.
Controlled rappels from helicopters.
Emergency procedures during descent.

Module 3 – Sling-Load Operations

Hookup procedures for sling-load cargo.
Safety checks and communication with pilots.
Release procedures on LZ.

Module 4 – Air Assault Integration

Coordinating multiple aircraft for insertion/extraction.
Planning LZs and PZs.
Conducting a full air assault operation in training scenario.

Graduation Criteria

Demonstrates proficiency in fast-rope and rappel techniques.
Executes sling-load hookup and release safely.
Successfully participates in a full simulated air assault mission.

Advancement

After earning Air Assault certification, operators may advance to:

Air Assault SME roles within the MSOT.
Training cadre for helicopter operations.
Integration with aviation planning cells for large-scale air operations.

Summary

The Air Assault certification provides Task Force Raven with advanced helicopter infiltration and resupply capability. By mastering fast-rope, rappel, and sling-load operations, operators ensure the MSOT can insert, maneuver, and sustain operations in any environment.