SOUTHWEST ASIA --
Airmen from the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing,
along with Soldiers and Marines, received refresher training on the Joint
Precision Airdrop System here Nov. 25, 2014.
The refresher training ensured the parachute riggers are
up-to-date on the current system and procedures, said Chief Warrant Officer 2
Roger Bradford, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, who coordinated the Army-led
course.
In order for an airdrop to take place, there must be a
rigger asset, he said. The joint training ensures that regardless of the branch
of service providing the personnel, they are trained on the current system.
Airman 1st Class Holly Yancey, hasn’t had JPADS
training since rigger school, she said. This training was extremely beneficial
to her in the event she needs to assist with a drop. She added that this
training really helped her understand the computer settings, something she
didn’t get in depth training on in rigger school.
“It’s important to understand the whole system so that if I
need to rig a bundle, I do it successfully,” she said.
Several Air Force loadmasters also attended the training to
get a better understanding of the JPADS rigging procedures.
“As a joint airdrop
inspector, the course was beneficial because JPADS is an evolving process, and
it’s important that we stay up on the latest procedures and information to
ensure successful airdrops,” said Chief Master Sgt. John Grutzmacher, 737th
Expeditionary Airlift Squadron.
During the course, the instructor, Tom Meador, an equipment
specialist with Cargo Airdrop, explained the system, how to replace parts and
the items to check prior to use, as well as care during storage. He also
demonstrated, with the help of students, how to properly rig and attach the
bundle for use.