The Republic of Korea Air Force Operations Command (AFSOC) has carried out its first-half 2025 helicopter rappel training for counterterrorism personnel.
This rappel training is conducted twice annually—in the first and second halves of the year—to enhance the operational capabilities of military police counterterrorism personnel from all ROK Air Force units.
This year’s first-half training took place from May 19 to 22, with over 100 counterterrorism operatives participating and one HH-60 helicopter mobilized.
The training involved deploying operatives into operational zones using helicopter rappel techniques, where personnel descend by rope from a rotary-wing aircraft for rapid insertion.
To maintain operational readiness across all units, the training was divided into two rotations. Each rotation included ground-level training followed by live helicopter rappel exercises.
On Day 1, ground training was conducted at the 17th Fighter Wing’s base defense training site under the guidance of expert instructors from the Military Police Training Battalion of the Air Force Education and Training Command. Trainees were thoroughly briefed on rappel theory, equipment usage, and helicopter descent procedures.
On Day 2, participants held a joint pre-mission briefing with pilots and ground controllers, followed by a final safety inspection. Each participant then boarded the HH-60 and completed two rappel descents.
Lieutenant Colonel Park Jong Gyu, Chief of Base Defense, emphasized that mastering helicopter rappel techniques is a key component of flawless counterterrorism operations. He stated that mission-focused, hands-on training will continue to enhance the capabilities of the Air Force’s counterterrorism personnel.
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