Fast Rope Infiltration/Exfiltration System

Definition/Scope: The fast rope infiltration/exfiltration system (FRIES) is a system used by Special Forces or Rangers in that it is a rope hanging from an aircraft/helicopter that the service member slides down. The service members gloved hand acts as the brake by squeezing and releasing the pressure on the rope. This method is the fastest way of deploying troops from a helicopter unable to land, but the service members have a very limited amount of equipment and supplies with which they deploy with. A special harness must be used when as an exfiltration system.

Acronym:

FRIES

Related Terms:

helicopter
infiltration
long range surveillance units
Ranger
rotary wing aircraft
SERE
U.S. Navy Sea-Air-Land teams