QUONSET AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, RI –
Soldiers of the 56th Troop Command, Rigging Detachment, Rhode Island Army National Guard are getting a new name as they become their own unit.
Now known as 56th Quartermaster Rigger Support Team, Rhode Island Army National Guard, the unit will have an increase in responsibility. In years prior the main objective for the riggers were personnel parachutes, “We would inspect and pack over 700 parachutes in preparation for the annual Leapfest event” said Sgt. Roger Montanez. Now they will also need to be skilled in cargo drops.
To assist in a refresher course, the riggers with the 56th Quartermaster Rigger Support Team cross trained with airmen from the 143rd Logistics Readiness Squadron at the Quonset Point Air National Guard Station in North Kingstown, Rhode Island on January 5, 2019.
Master Sergeant Giovanni Zapata, 143rd LRS, Rhode Island Air National Guard, led the class on the G-12E Cargo Parachute Assembly. The class included 13 checks that must be conducted for each parachute including checks prior to assembly, before it’s packed, while it’s packed, after it’s packed and a final inspection.
“It’s good training to make sure we maintain our skills” said Sgt. Montanez. “A lot of things are muscle memory for riggers so if you don’t do it, you lose it.”
With the increase in responsibility the unit will have an increased need for personnel and will be looking to expand their team with an additional 4-6 people.
For those who may be interested it’s a very important job that is intense and high pressure, said Sgt. 1st Class James Cartier, 56th Quartermaster Rigger Support Team, Rhode Island Army National Guard.