Overcoming the rappel tower at MCRD

Instructional Training Company drill instructors inspect recruits' harnesses before allowing them to descend the rappel tower aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Aug. 5. Safety is the most important factor when recruits face the 60-foot rappel tower

For three months the recruits of Company C have overcome obstacles, swim qualification, the confidence course and countless other challenges. August 5 they overcame their biggest challenge to date.

The depot’s rappel tower shoots 60 feet into the San Diego skyline terrifying those afraid of heights and giving recruits exciting Marine Corps training.

“It’s just like the pool, some are afraid of water (and) others are afraid of heights,” said Sgt. Christopher Blas, drill instructor, Company C, 1st Recruit Training Battalion. “The tower teaches them that they need to trust their equipment and their leaders. It allows them to overcome their fears, and with that confidence, they can increase what they do through a better mindset.”

Company C recruits watch as Sgt. James Barnhill an Instructional Training Company drill instructor shows them how to make their harness out of a length of rope Aug. 5. They were to follow the directions meticulously to make sure their harness was tight enough to hold them.

The recruits of Company C got used to the tower by fast roping before their rappelling classes. Fast roping is a method for quick insertion on an objective from a helicopter. The recruits slide down a 15-foot rope, grabbing it with both hands and using the inner portion of their boot to control their descent. After hitting the ground, they run to collect a length of rope, a carabineer and gloves.

A recruit from Company C begins his descent down a 60-foot rappel tower Aug. 5 aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Drill instructors watch the recruits from above and below to ensure their safety

With equipment in hand, the recruits gathered on bleachers to learn how to make a rappel harness and the art of rappelling safely.

Drill instructor demonstrators showed the recruits how to go down the wall and the proper way to use their guide and brake hands. The recruits hold the rope with their left hand at about chest level and use their right hand to hold the rope at the small of their back to slow their descent. The recruits only needed to apply about 20 pounds of pressure with their brake hand to stop themselves.

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