Beginning a special-operations mission unobserved is often crucial to its success. The end of a mission can require a rescue effort if the team encounters superior numbers of the enemy. With good reason, special-ops forces have devised a variety of specialized insertion and extraction procedures. Some, such as the High Altitude Low Opening parachute insertion are routine. Others, such as the airplane-rescue technique called Skyhook are so risky that no one relishes having to use them.

All insertion and extraction methods must be workable at night. Starlight television cameras and infrared viewing systems help aircrews see what they are doing. Nightvision goggles are nearly indispensable both aloft and on the ground. Dim lights are sometimes used to mark parachute drop zones, the path of a rope, or the position of an individual to be retrieved.

There is no fixed way of performing any of the techniques that are explained in this handbook. Airborne and waterborne methods are frequently combined, and equipment can be substituted or modified. As in so many other aspects of special operations, flexibility is the key requirement.



Insertions

High Altitude Low Opening - H.A.L.O.
Arriving with a whisper.

High Altitude High Opening - H.A.H.O.
A cross country ride.

Fast Roping
Got strong hands? You'll need them!



Extractions

Special Procedures Insertion/Extraction - S.P.I.E.
Up and out by rope.

Fulton STAR - SkyHook
Desperate times call for desperate measures.



Other Stuff

Tandem Jump
When you have to jump with a newbie.

Static Line Jump
When you have to deploy many jumpers.

Cargo Drop
Your gear has to get down somehow!

Reserve Parachutes
When something goes horribly wrong.

The Chart
Just how fast *do* you go in freefall?



The GM Section

How It's All Done - The GM Section
Explains everything you need to know.

Back to Black Ops

This is an original work by Ross Hedvicek