Airborne operations have their own unique hazards and risks. Mishaps can occur while exiting the aircraft and/or during descent, but more often injuries are a result of improper Parachute Landing Fall (PLF). While PLF injuries are usually minor, they can result in permanent disabling injuries. Regardless if the injuries are minor or major, they reduce a unit's combat power on the battlefield.
When equipment is not properly rigged it is often damaged or destroyed during airdrops. The loss can be severe enough that it compromises or cancels the mission.
The following references provide information that can assist in you in reducing or preventing airborne operation mishaps:
Aerial Delivery Readiness and Safety Team (ADRST)
The Aerial Delivery Readiness and Safety Team (ADRST) is a HQDA G-4 Program, which follows DA’s Organization Inspection Program (OIP) regulatory guidance. The ADRST purpose is to codify the inspection and assessment process of Aerial Delivery Support activities across the Army. The ADRST conducts on-site assessments of parachute rigger units across all compos IAW AR 1-201.
The ADRST’s checklist— Aerial Delivery Support Checklist Activity Record (AD-SCAR) is a tool used to assess a unit’s strengths and weaknesses. It is a starting point for inspectors, but for the inspected units, it will help pinpoint areas of improvement and make recommended changes in line with relevant publications.
For more information on the ADRST and the AD-SCAR or the most current inspection schedule, visit the ADRST website. CAC REQUIRED