Marines conduct HRST training at Camp Hansen in Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 23.2020.

The training, or Helicopter Rope Suspension Technique (HRST) hones techniques and methods of various fast roping, rappelling and Insertion/Extraction operations. Like most air assault training, HRST is a means to insert or extract ground forces quickly in areas of rough terrain, urban areas or bodies of water where typical insertion is impractical or impossible.

Practiced primarily by reconnaissance teams, HRST  is a crucial part of the Marine Corps’ quick-reaction capabilities.