JULY 23, 2025 – Confidence and mutual respect are the words to describe the working relationship between the Soldiers from the Airborne Test Force (ATF) at Yuma Test Center and the Marines from the Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) at Marine Corps Air Station-Yuma.
The two branches serving in Yuma County recently worked together for a Helicopter Sling load Training (HST).
Sing load operations are a vital lifeline for missions in any branch of service as they provide everything from food, supplies, combat vehicles and shelter in remote locations.
ATF’s primary mission is parachute testing for the Department of Defense and allied nations. Whether they are strapping them on humans, combat vehicles, or sling loads, it’s their forte. Some members of ATF have used the tactic outside of training like ATF Master Sgt. Donald Bullock, an Army Ranger.
“They came to us because of our experience. Some of us have experienced it in Afghanistan and Iraq and have done it live, for a real reason.”
VMX-1 entrusted ATF when it came time to certify their crew for HST.
“We have helped them in the past with sling loads, certifying their pilots, they reached out to us to help certify their Marines so they’re able to support themselves and do sling loads on their own without us needing to be there,” explained Staff Sgt. Casey Simmons who led the Army side of the training alongside Marine Capt. Martin Kern.
The three days of training took place over the skies of the desert Southwest. The Marines used the MV-22B Osprey and CH-53K King Stallion which are common carriers for heavy-lift transport.
ATF’s role was to show, shadow, and standby for safety. On day one they showed the group of 15 Marines how to rig and hook a load using a bundle of tires.
“We walked them through rigging it up, having them rig it up so they knew how to do it,” said Simmons. “And then we did a dry run before hooking it up, with us demonstrating how to hook it.”
The next step was to split up into three groups, so the Marines work independently, and ATF could observe and assist.
“At the very beginning, if they had questions, we would walk them through it again, helped them out, and then the aircraft would come down and then we’d go straight into the training,” explained Simmons.
Simmons, Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Moss and ATF Medic Staff Sgt. Jonathan Harris served as safeties on the ground. They supervised the load configurations.
“The first day, all three of us were out there together for the first about three or four picks to make sure that they were really comfortable. We each safetied a different position. And then after those first three or four picks, we went down to just two of us. And then on the second day, it was just one of us with each group making sure that they were comfortable. We really let them do a lot of it on their own on the second day.”
After three days, two different helicopters, and various types of the loads, the HST was complete.
Both the Army and Marines have extensive training in sling loads having both attended specialized schools on the topic. This training served to certify an entire crew together.
This is not the first time the two branches have worked side-by-side, and it will not be the last, as they see the value in it.
“We are making partnerships,” said Bullock. “Being able to work closely with them to, you know, vice versa, ‘hey, you scratch our back, we’ll scratch yours,’ is a great opportunity, especially since we’re just as small unit here, compared to that they’re a giant, you know, Marine operation base.”
As for the Marines, they can now do the heavy lifting when it comes to supporting their HST program, said Capt. Martin Kern.
“During the three-day exercise, MSG Bullock’s team provided the Marines of VMX-1 with expert guidance on the conduct of helicopter external lifts as well as ensuring the safe execution of the training. This training allowed VMX-1 to establish its own self-sustaining helicopter support team program that will enhance the VMX-1 Assault Support Department’s ability to conduct external lift tests of new equipment.
Story by Ana Henderson
U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground