MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Aug. 4, 2005) -- Imagine dangling from a helicopter, zipping along at more than 80 miles an hour, with a crystal clear view of the coast and Marines on the ground looking like ants. That’s how Marines with 1st Force Reconnaissance Company spent their day July 28 — literally hanging by a thread to brush up on SPIE-rigging (special purpose insertion extraction) and “fast-roping” techniques. The training was held to requalify those who train Marines in such skills. Fast roping is the “main means” of inserting Marines quickly when a helicopter can’t land, said...