Special forces trains for infiltration/exfiltration in Honduras

by Capt. Zach Anderson
Joint Task Force-Bravo Public Affairs

11/18/2013 - SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras -- U.S. Special Forces operators from the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) conducted RAPIDS infiltration/exfiltration training here, Nov. 15.

RAPIDS is a special forces tactic for quickly inserting and removing personnel into and out of an area. In Central America, this tactic would most likely be utilized for personnel recovery of an isolated individual.

For the training, Green Berets from the 7th SFG (A) practiced quickly exiting and re-entering a C-130 Hercules aircraft. During the exercise, the special forces operators used all-terrain vehicles, but a U.S. special forces member who participated in the exercise said they can utilize virtually any form of transportation needed.

"We can use all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, or pick-up trucks," said the special forces member. "If it can fit into the aircraft, we can use it for this type of operation."

The training was conducted to allow the special forces members to maintain proficiency in the RAPIDS procedures.

"It is practice so we can do for real when needed," said the special forces member. "It allows us to practice infiltration and exfiltration as quickly as possible as well as communicating with the guys on the ground and the aircrew when we need them to come pick us up."

The training exercise was just one of many conducted by special forces operators in order to continue to maintain proficiency in this important U.S. special forces tactic.

Editor's Note: The names of special forces members are withheld for security reasons.