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Soldiers with the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division conducted sling load training flights last Tuesday at Butts Army Airfield. Sling load operations provide the capability to move large equipment and cargo outside of the aircraft. This training helps flight crews prepare for deployed environments and gets them ready to assist Defense Support Civil Authorities (DSCA) with operations across the Front Range during local natural disasters. Soldiers participated in several types of sling load training, including Bambi Bucket operations which are crucial during wildland fire suppression efforts like the October 2020 Wild Horse Fire. The pilots and their crews also practiced flying over mountainous terrain with sling loaded equipment, which is more challenging because of the higher altitude.

Sgt. Sidnie Smith-Swift