The Basic Reconnaissance Course class familiarizes themselves with Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction rigging southeast of Las Flores in an open field within the 41-area on Oct. 22. The training, also known as SPIE rigging, gives the students hands-on experience while hanging from the helicopter. “The biggest preparation for SPIE rigging was learning the knots, other than that it’s all practical application,” said HM2 Dustin Green, a student in the Basic Reconnaissance Course. The Marines will tie in on the ground and walk forward as the pilot gently takes off and lifts each student one by one until all are in the air. “It’s kind of unexplainable, you can’t really do anything besides stabilize while on the rope,” said Lance Cpl. Kyle Lopez, a student in the Basic Reconnaissance Course. The Basic Reconnaissance Course provides students with the basic knowledge of reconnaissance doctrine, concepts, and techniques with emphasis on amphibious entry, extraction, beach reconnaissance, Combat Rubber Reconnaissance Craft (CRRC) operator skills and ground reconnaissance patrolling skills. The course combines lecture, demonstration, and practical application in communications, land navigation, supporting arms, rough terrain skills, patrolling information reporting, M18A1 claymore mine, nautical navigation, coxswain skills, scout swimmer techniques and physical training.