text: Insertion and Extraction Methods
  communication equipment, and understand aviation terminology. Additional qualifications
  requirements include--
  • Holds the rank of sergeant or above (may be waived).
  • Completed initial SPIES training.
  • Knows all aspects of a SPIES operation.
  • Has received instructions on and demonstrated proficiency in:
  — Rigging of the helicopter.
  — Inspection and preparation of SPIES.
  — Donning of the SPIES harness.
  — Coordination responsibilities.
  — Soldier or aircrew briefings.
  — Organization of the personnel to be extracted.
  — Instruction to pilots in maintaining the aircraft position over the target.
  — Throwing and retrieving SPIES.
  — Hand-and-arm signals.
  — Emergency procedures.
  GENERAL DUTIES OF THE SPIES MASTER
  5-42. The SPIES master is responsible for the safe conduct of the SPIES operation. Preflight, he—
  Equipment
  5-43. Inventories and inspects all SPIES equipment.
  Briefs
  5-44. Briefs pilots and others concerned about the details of the operation, concentrating on extraction
  and dismounting procedures.
  Inter-Cockpit Communications System Helmet
  5-45. Ensures that he has an inter-cockpit communications helmet and a gunner's belt or, lacking a belt,
  a sling rope instead. He connects, then checks the operation of the inter-cockpit communication system. On
  all SPIES operations, he, the crew chiefs, and the pilots must establish interagency communications using
  this system.
  Rope
  5-46. Attaches the SPIES rope to the helicopter as previously described.
  Loose Items
  5-47. Checks for loose items that could fall on a team member during flight.
  Axe
  5-48. Ensures that the axe is available, sharp, and securely stored so that it presents no danger to the
  Soldiers on the SPIES rope. He also ensures that he has an alternate means of cutting the rope in case of
  emergency.