Load rounds, not your fingers.

Dear SFC Blade,

We have a problem with soldiers getting their fingers caught in the sideloader while loading 30mm ammo on the Apache.

During Field exercises, because of the rapid pace of the forward area ammo refueling point (FAARP) operations, soldiers don't always pay attention to the warnings or cautions in the IETM about the sideloader.

The lip inside the loader is damaged when the declutching block is inserted wrong. When ammo trays are damaged, rounds won't load correctly and may fall out.

In either case, the armament soldiers use a finger to push the round into the loader while uploading and then CRUNCH ... their finger gets smashed between the round and the loader.

We've come up with a way to remind soldiers to keep their fingers out; of harm's way. We made a warning label out of sticker paper with black lettering and placed it on she sideloader as a reminder. It says, "WARNING: keep fingers clear of sideloader."

SSG William Popplo

2/101 Avn

Ft Campbell, KY

Dear SSG Popplo,

Good idea, especially when you're hustlin' to load ammo. Remember, keep fingers clear of the sideloader gears, sprockets and ammunition. Head off loading problems by never using damaged ammo trays and correctly stowing the declutch wedge like the IETM says.

Rotor Blade