Nebraska Guardsmen Sharpen Helocast Skills

Nebraska Guard Executes Helocast Training

By Staff Sgt. Gauret Stearns, Nebraska National Guard

RAYMOND, Neb. - Soldiers from Troop C, 1st Squadron, 134th Cavalry Regiment, took to the skies and the water Sept. 12 to strengthen combat readiness by conducting helocast insertion training at Branched Oak Lake.

The operation involved loading inflatable Zodiac boats and crews into CH-47 Chinook helicopters, flying over the reservoir and dropping both the boats and the Soldiers directly into the water.

"It's one of our insertion methods," said Capt. Joshua Kelsey, commander of Troop C, 1st Squadron, 134th Cavalry Regiment, and officer in charge of the training. "The goal is to get proficient at it, being confident doing it."

About 70 Soldiers participated in the training, executing eight total lifts with six to seven personnel per flight. After plunging into the water, the Soldiers swam to their dropped boat, started the motor and navigated to shore while the helicopter returned to load the next group.

According to Kelsey, Troop C last conducted a helocast in 2017 or 2018. While the unit regularly takes the boats out to train, combining them with helicopter insertion is rare.

The day began early for the unit, which staged at the Beatrice Armory before moving to the Branched Oak State Recreation Area. Safety was a primary focus, with three safety boats stationed around the drop zone and guards posted to keep the area clear of civilians.

For many of the participating Soldiers, including Spc. Devon Speakman, it was their first time executing the maneuver.

"It was a blast, definitely nerve-wracking at the get-go, but once you hit the water, it was good," said Speakman, who has served in the Army for five years, the last two as a member of Troop C.

Speakman emphasized the importance of keeping composed and focused when conducting a helocast.

"Just breathe, don't panic," Speakman said. "Nerves get really high in the helicopter, so staying calm is key."