I Will Be Sure Always > Rhode Island National Guard

The G12E Parachute is the focus of cross-training for Soldiers from the 56th Quartermaster Rigger Support Team, RI Army National Guard and their RI Air National Guard counterparts, January 5, 2019, Quonset Point, North Kingstown RI. Training on the G12E Cargo Parachute increases proficiency on air drop systems and improves interoperability. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Michael A. Simmons)

Master Sgt. Giovanni Zapata, RI Air National Guard instructs Soldiers from the 56th Quartermaster Rigger Support Team, RI Army National Guard on the use of the G12E Cargo Parachute, January 5, 2019, Quonset Point, North Kingstown RI. The training ensures proficiency on aerial delivery systems. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Michael A. Simmons) (Photo by Sgt 1st Class Michael A. Simmons)

The G12E Parachute is the focus of cross-training for Soldiers from the 56th Quartermaster Rigger Support Team, RI Army National Guard and their RI Air National Guard counterparts, January 5, 2019, Quonset Point, North Kingstown RI. Training on the G12E Cargo Parachute increases proficiency on air drop systems and improves interoperability. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Michael A. Simmons) (Photo by Sgt 1st Class Michael A. Simmons)

Soldiers from the 56th Quartermaster Rigger Support Team, RI Army National Guard conduct joint training with their RI Air National Guard counterparts to improve their proficiency on the G12E Cargo Parachute, January 5, 2019, Quonset Point, North Kingstown RI. The training ensures proficiency on aerial delivery systems. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Michael A. Simmons) (Photo by Sgt 1st Class Michael A. Simmons)

QUONSET AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, RI —

Soldiers of the 56^th Troop Command, Rigging Detachment, Rhode Island Army National Guard are getting a new name as they become their own unit.

Now known as 56^th 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 56^th Quartermaster Rigger Support Team cross trained with airmen from the 143^rd Logistics Readiness Squadron at the Quonset Point Air National Guard Station in North Kingstown, Rhode Island on January 5, 2019.

Master Sergeant Giovanni Zapata, 143^rd 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. 1^st Class James Cartier, 56^th Quartermaster Rigger Support Team, Rhode Island Army National Guard.