Having watched several Bear Grylls shows, I was curious if anyone has any practical uses for a "commando rappel", as he calls it, or an "Australian rappel". It seems like they're only used for entertainment since I've never seen anyone do one outside of television. On the other hand, their name suggests an origin in military training (perhaps so one could shoot down while rappelling?)
It was briefly mentioned herehere as being dangerous.
Are there any practical uses for a commando rappel, or is it simply unnecessary and dangerous?