text: Chapter 5
  centered and slightly below the cargo hatch. Attaching snaplinks close to all four tie-down points serves as
  a backup in case of a faulty tie-down ring, and reduces the amount of movement in the cargo suspension
  straps. The team should use eight snaplinks, two at each point, with swing gates reversed, for added
  security.
  Figure 5-8. SPIES rigging procedures for CH-46 or CH-47.
  FAST-ROPE INSERTION/EXTRACTION SYSTEM
  5-67. The FRIES, also know as "fast rope," is a polyester rope, consisting of three olive drab 1 3/4-inch
  strands, and comes in 20-, 40-, 60-, 90-, and 120-foot lengths. The top of the main rope has an 8-inch eye
  spliced in, which allows the team to attach the rope to specially equipped helicopters. Before conducting a
  fast-rope operation, the team must thoroughly inspect the rope. The following paragraphs cover the
  requirements and procedures for FRIES operations; however, FM 3-05.210 and USASOC Reg 350-6 cover
  training requirements.
  INSPECTION
  5-68. The team lays out the rope so they can inspect the full length for fraying and the eyelet on the end
  for excessive wear. Snags from normal use will not significantly weaken the rope. A rope with several
  strands frayed in one particular spot or any single strand cut halfway through cannot be used. If the fast
  rope gets wet, team members "S"-fold it or hang it in a dry, warm area out of direct sunlight. It must dry
  thoroughly before the next use. If the team uses the fast rope in salt water or it becomes imbedded with dirt
  or mud, the rope must be washed in fresh water within 72 hours and then dried as described above. Inspect
  the rope for contamination by acid, alkaline compounds, salt water, fire extinguishing solutions, or
  petroleum-based solvents. Although ropes gradually change color uniformly with use, this does not
  necessarily indicate a decrease in strength, unless the change is due to contact with strong chemicals.
  Chemicals usually cause spotting, not uniform discoloration. A DA Form 5752-R (Rope Log (Usage and
  History)) for each rope must be maintained. See TM 10-1670-262-12&P for detailed maintenance and
  inspection information on FRIES equipment. The aviation unit is responsible for installing, removing,
  storing, and maintaining the FRIES mounting bars.