Ron - Equipment

Rather than the standard LCE, many MACV-SOG personnel opted instead to build their load harness on the STABO extraction device. Developed at the Special Forces Recondo School in 1968, the STABO was a means of quick extraction where the landing of a helicopter was not possible. Ropes were lowered from the helicopter, then attached to the D-rings on the STABO -- and the operative was effectively yanked from the jungle, suspended by the ropes to an area where the helicopter could safely land. Naturally, this was an exceedingly dangerous means of extraction -- but often preferable to the alternative of staying on the ground under enemy fire.