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usaf36031

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Posts posted by usaf36031

    CSAR-X

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    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.

    Multicam 2 piece flightsuits

    in General Discussion

    Posted · Edited by usaf36031

    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)

    F-15E Down in Libya

    in General Discussion

    Posted · Edited by usaf36031

    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.

    F-15E Down in Libya

    in General Discussion

    Posted · Edited by usaf36031

    On open source side of this discussion, there are a lot of negative lessons learned as to the value of the traditional CSAR mission when you look at the assets that were available to even stage the mission. As was stated previously this is the first CSAR since O'Grady that occurred in a contested environment and we didn't not even have the opportunity to execute IAW doctrine. It will be interesting to see what the future holds and what lessons are derived. Especially, after the reports of civilian injuries, if they start putting handcuffs on where a CSAR package can shoot during the mission.

    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.

    F-15E Down in Libya

    in General Discussion

    Posted · Edited by usaf36031

    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

    F-15E Down in Libya

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    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.

    F-15E Down in Libya

    in General Discussion

    Posted · Edited by usaf36031

    Good to know if I ever turn my helicopter into a 30 million dollar, one time use, ditch digging machine the big concern will be over who gets credit for coming to get me of the side of the mountain Im currently bleeding on.

    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.

    More Uniform Changes!

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    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.

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