A U.S. Air Force Combat Control trainee assigned to Operating Location C, 342nd Training Squadron, works with instructors as he readies himself to fast-rope from a training tower, Feb. 13, 2015 at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina. Fast-roping is a technique often used by Combat Control Airmen and other military members when descending a thick rope. It is useful for deploying troops from a helicopter in places where the helicopter itself cannot touch down. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kenny Holston)