usaf36031

It seems unlikely to me that we'll see any RIF'ing from the "blacked out" AFSC fields. The AF wants very badly for people to leave voluntarily so they don't have to non-vol people who want to stay. If they're saying that an entire AFSC is ineligible then I don't see them allowing fighter, rescue, or RPA dudes out. Voluntary or otherwise.

Damn. A toast to our fallen brother. Prayers for his family.

It seems like any possible platform will have strengths and weaknesses. If your survivor is 500 miles away and in the open desert, then sure, send in the Ospreys. If he's in the ocean at night, needs to be hoisted, or is in a small LZ....Maybe not.

The V-22 is an absolutely horrible choice for the PR mission. For a number a reasons that I'm sure most of you are already aware of.

Really glad they're all alive. Those things scare the shit out of me.

When I went through Rucker there were two former fixed wing O-4 types (A-10s) who were integrated with our classes. They had been picked up to fly 60's for guard and reserve units. Not sure how the transition would work on the active side.

I was surfing wikipedia and came across this picture. Is this her!? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US_Navy_070919-N-5319A-008_Two_Sailors_shows_off_the_prototype_uniform_for_service_dress_khaki,_a_throwback_to_the_traditional_WWII_style_uniform.jpg

Though we're wearing them downrange, there still isn't (as far as I know) any published wear guidance. I think we made it up. EDIT: The convention was tan undershirt, tan web belt, tan boots, brown name strips, black or brown rank (depending on the color of your insignia). E's wore brown chevrons. American flag on left sleeve, squadron patch on right...oh, and lots of morale patches. (because show me in the reg where it says they aren't authorized on my two piece flight suit)

Before... After... Cocaine's a helluva drug!

After watching that video again, I want to find that fat piece of shit and kick him in the throat

Cut it all. If I can get one more bag of gas out of the deal it was worth it.

We heard the chatter coming over satcom on Tuesday night. We were hoping it wasn't anything too serious. Here's a toast...

Balls. I should have known...I'll go sit in my corner now.

This rant may have been posted on here, but I haven't seen it yet, and It's too great to not share. Sorry if it's a repost. Rumor is that it showed up at some chow hall a while back... image2011-06-26-051122.pdf

'2' P.S. PM sent Busdriver

The point is, we don't go out looking for people to shoot. If someone engages us, we return fire and fly away. I don't see why that upsets you. They don't load bombs on a B-52 to deter the enemy from engaging them. That's the difference.

I wasn't there, and I don't know the details of the mission or the Marine Corps weapons employment procedures/ROE. I do know that our weapons are defensive in nature, generally speaking they aren't used except to defend our helicopter, our wingman or our survivor. I don't know how much more restrictive you can get than that. If you take away our guns then we might as well be Army Medevac with a big red cross (target) painted on our side.

TRAP teams do a similar mission, but they do it very differently. I'm not an expert on their TTP, but suffice it to say it involves big ass helicopters and a platoon of combat loaded ground pounding marines vs. our 2 x HH-60's plus maybe a rescort and our J's in the back. EDIT: http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1995/rmd.htm Article is old, but maybe still somewhat useful, at least for general reference

Your points are valid, and if my tone came off like that it's not what I intended. My initial comment was somewhat tongue in cheek, more of a rivalry driven jab at the Marines. As has been said, there was more to this decision than is currently available open source... But since you've brought up the political side of things, please consider this. Our community has been fighting in the halls of congress for the past several years to basically convince the politicians that the CSAR/PR/Whatever you want to call it mission is not one that can just be dropped on the nearest rotary wing asset. To be done right it requires a high level of technical proficiency and expertise, it's what we focus on and practice perfecting every time we fly. It is disheartening to see an opportunity go to somebody else. While I agree with your point that the nearest asset capable should get the call when the shit hits the fan, I was simply pointing out that I wish it had been us, that's all.

First of all, I never said it was the biggest concern. When I made that comment the crew had been safe for more than two days. It's well after the fact, which is where this type of discussion belongs. Secondly, If I were bleeding on the side of the mountain, I'd be fucking glad to know that there were people fighting over who got to come rescue my little pink ass. It's what we train to do every day, not any different than the fighter guys chomping at the bit to be the first to snag an air to air kill, which has already been discussed ad nauseum in this thread.

I know a downed aircrew situation is not a good time to start a turf war...but DAMMIT! The first real CSAR in years and the Marines get the call! WTF.

I really hope an O-7 didn't actually write that.

The army and the AF need to cut their losses with the digital FAIL uniforms. The idea of a different pattern for each service is ridiculous and never should have gotten off the ground. I think that multicam (which is the commercial name for the pattern, not the name of a uniform) is a good choice for a universal camo pattern, but good luck convincing the marines to give up their MARPAT. As for the Navy and their abortion of a digital smurf uniform, I got nothing. Also, I would be willing to buy a desert two piece flight suit to wear down range if it were authorized, but I have no problem wearing a green bag in garrison.

It's just embarrassing...I mean, like realllly realllly embarrassing. Quick, create a diversion...Look! Sea-Chanters!!!!

Question for the other 60 drivers on this forum: Have any of you ever heard of or come across an H-60 exchange with the Navy? If so do you have any info on that?