Training Circular Tc 21-24 Rappelling January 2008

This training circular provides basic rappelling techniques to Soldiers and leaders for the conduct of rappelling operations. It serves as the primary reference for both resident and nonresident instruction presented to cadets, officer candidates, and commissioned or noncommissioned officers. Guidelines on how to conduct safe rappelling operations are also contained in this training circular. The safety notes and considerations presented provide only minimal acceptable standards. Rappelling is inherently dangerous; so commanders at all levels must analyze the complete training event to determine the degree of risk involved to men and equipment. After determining the risks, risk reduction options or controls should be integrated into the training activity. These options or controls may range from safety briefings-to providing additional safety resources-to selecting other means of accomplishing the mission. This publication applies to the Active Army, the Army National Guard (ARNG)/Army National Guard of the United States (ARNGUS), and the United States Army Reserve (USAR) unless otherwise stated. USASOC Regulation 350-2, Training Airborne Operations, 27 September 2001, and USSOCOM Regulation 350-6, Training Special Operations Forces Infiltration/Exfiltration Operations, 25 August 2004, contain relevant information for rappelling operations but are not readily available. Contact John Edmunds, information provided below, for instructions on accessing these publications. The proponent for this publication is the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. The preparing agency is the U.S. Army Infantry School.