An internal element of the supported unit who de-rigs the load is the _______?

The term that accurately identifies the internal element responsible for de-rigging the load within the context of sling load operations is the receiving unit. This unit plays a crucial role in the overall sling load process, particularly during the recovery and handling of loads that have been airlifted.

The receiving unit is designated to manage the load once it has been delivered to the intended location. This includes safely unloading and de-rigging the equipment or supplies from the aircraft, which is critical for ensuring that the items are handled correctly and not damaged during the transition from airborne to ground-based operations. Understanding the responsibilities of the receiving unit is essential for ensuring efficient, safe, and successful sling load missions.

In contrast, the pathfinder unit typically coordinates the sling load operation, while the supporting unit may be involved in providing logistical support during the operation, and the supported unit refers to the unit that requested the sling load. Each of these units has distinct roles that are important in their own right, but the responsibility for de-rigging the load falls specifically to the receiving unit.