9-6. Anchors-Rock Climbing Ranger Style

     Anchors are the base, for all installations and roped mountaineering techniques. Anchors must be strong enough to support the entire weight of the load or impact placed upon them. Several  pieces of artificial or natural protection may be incorporated together to make one multi point anchor.

     Anchors are classified as Artificial or Natural.
a. Artificial Anchors. Artificial anchors are constructed using all manmade material. The most common anchors incorporate traditional or fixed protection (Figure 9-3).
b. Natural Anchors. Natural anchors are usually very strong and often simple to construct using minimal equipment.      Trees, shrubs and boulders are the most common. All natural anchors simply require a method of attaching a rope. Regardless of the type of natural anchor used, the anchor
must be strong enough to support the entire weight of the load.
(1) Trees. These are probably the most widely used of all anchors. In rocky terrain, trees usually have a very shallow root system. Check this by pushing or tugging on the tree to see how well it is rooted. Anchor as low as possible to prevent excess leverage on the tree. Use padding on soft, sap producing trees to keep sap off ropes and slings.
(2) Rock Projections and Boulders. You can use these, but they must be heavy enough, and have a stable enough base to support the load.
(3) Bushes and Shrubs. If no other suitable anchor is available, route a rope around the bases of several bushes. As with trees, place the anchoring rope as low as possible to reduce leverage on the anchor. Make sure all vegetation is healthy and well rooted to the ground.
(4) Tensionless Anchor. This is used to anchor rope on high load installations such as bridging. The wraps of the rope around the anchor (Figure 9-4) absorb the tension of the installation and keep the tension off the knot and carabiner. Tie it with a minimum of four wraps around the anchor; however a smooth anchor (small tree, pipe, or rail) may
require several more wraps. Wrap the rope from top to bottom. Place a  fixed loop into the end of the rope and attached loosely back onto the rope with a carabiner.

Figure 9-3

Figure 9-4

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Influence Techniques Continued-Army Leadership

7-14. Apprising happens when the leader explains why a request will benefit a follower, such as giving
them greater satisfaction in their work or performing a task a certain way that will save half the time. In contrast to the exchange technique, the benefits are out of the control of the leader. A commander may use the apprising technique to inform a newly assigned noncommissioned officer that serving in an operational staff position, prior to serving as a platoon sergeant, could provide him with invaluable experience. The commander points out that the additional knowledge may help the NCO achieve higher performance than his peers and possibly lead to an accelerated promotion to first sergeant.

7-15. Inspiration occurs when the leader fires up enthusiasm for a request by arousing strong emotions to build conviction. A leader may stress to a fellow officer that without help, the safety of the team may be at risk. By appropriately stressing the results of stronger commitment, a unit leader can inspire followers to surpass minimal standards and reach elite performance status.

7-16. Participation occurs when the leader asks a follower to take part in planning how to address a problem or meet an objective. Active participation leads to an increased sense of worth and recognition. It provides value to the effort and builds commitment to execute the commitment. Invitation to get involved is critical when senior leaders try to institutionalize a vision for long-term change. By involving key leaders of all levels during the planning phases, senior leaders ensure that their followers take stock in the vision.
These subordinates will later be able to pursue critical intermediate and long-term objectives, even after senior leaders have moved on. 

7-17. Relationship building is a technique in which leaders build positive rapport and a relationship of mutual trust, making followers more willing to support requests. Examples include, showing personal interest in a follower’s well-being, offering praise, and understanding a follower’s perspective. This technique is best used over time. It is unrealistic to expect it can be applied hastily when it has not been
previously used. With time, this approach can be a consistently effective way to gain commitment from
followers.

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