Apache Escort?

[iPodder]

Laughingboy, well said.
SASless, I'm on a Chinook Sqn, there are RAF Chinooks in theatre, the Stn has an Int Offr or 3. We're trying hard to learn lessons before we deploy proper; including re-learning lessons from the last time WE were out there as wel as all the other Chinook ops we've been on in the last few turbulent years. The only lesson we don't want to learn is how to be more like the Army, let it sink in fellas the Army and the RAF are not the same; we're similar but different.
Front Seater- One of the best bits of Herrick Eagle for me was meeting and working with Lynx and AH crews, top lads; except the RSM who shouted at everyone post Church parade even though the RAF were on time for once!

Jointery will be a success in theatre if we respect our differences. We'll laugh at you marching up and down the square and you can laugh at us for needing help to dress and eat in the morning! Godspeed one and all.

[cobaltfrog]

Ipodder

Good post. We all work for a common goal and yes we do have our differences. In my, somewhat limited, experience we crack on and find ways round any problems to get the job done. I see no reason why the deployment to Afghanistan should not be the same. I would urge people not to slag off the JHF(A) before it has had time to bear fruit! It will be tough but I have no doubt that it will work, mostly because of the attitude of the people in it!

[NURSE]

Originally Posted by Evalu8ter

Nurse, please don't get carried away with the thought that an Apache could/would have prevented the Chinook getting shot up back in 2003. The myth of Apache invincibility / aura of striking fear into anything that moves that was generated by Gulf War 1 (and perpetuated by McD Douglas) has long gone. It started waning in Kosovo when, under the heavy glare of the media, Apaches were sent to Albania as a "message" to Serbian troops in Kosovo; the Serbs didn't surrender, particularly after they started crashing all over Albania during trg sorties. Witness how "reluctant" the Taleban/AQ/ACF have been to engage Apaches / Cobras during OEF & OIF. For many of them it is a badge of pride to take on an attack helo, probably akin to driving a car of full of C4 into a checkpoint. While I fully agree that having an AH running shotgun is a damn good thing to have, it must be realised that it will not prevent you being engaged-just lessen the chances of you being brought down as (hopefully) the ambushees will receive swift justice in the form of a 30mm burst once they initiate an engagement. The publicity hype from the early 1990s has gone, AH is just another (albeit powerful & flexible) tool in the box and must be planned and used accordingly.

I am well aware how vulnerable the Apache is I saw the US army scrap park after they tried to take on the Iraqi armoured div in 03 when they got shot to sh1t. But given the fact that the Paras who were pinned down had to wait for armour to stabilise the situation i personally think that a few AH64's could have provided some fire support to both the chinook and the troops in conntact. Yes I agree having some dedicated fire support is no bad idea. And there is some anxiety about the first deployment of the AH but until we do have an inital operational deployment the problems can't be sorted and actually this type of 'Entry Op' is probably the best chance to sort it as from the elements of 16Air Assualt i was helping work up there appears to be alot of flexibility. And RSM's do shout scream and Ball at everyone on exercise its what they get paid for but once deployed he'll be a fairly busy man.

[MightyGem]

or for that matter, for it to wake up the locals in advance of my arrival

Wake up the locals? If they can hear it over the approaching thud of your chinook!!

[iPodder]

Front Seater,

If you and I can agree on prune then Afghan will be no problem at all.
Chinook is big and fast, AH is smaller with a much bigger punch. Mix up the two without senior officers (excluding the RQHI and the Navy exchange, both top lads on Herrick Eagle) and I think we'll have a great volleyball comp.

Godspeed all.

[peoplespoet]

Ipodder,
you cant not be talking about the RQHI and navy exchange at the AH unit I know!


PP

[iPodder]

I can only comment on my own experience. I thought all the AAC line aircrew that I met and flew with during the exercise were good value. We are going to batter you at volleyball and looking sloppy though!!

[The Apprentice]

100 kts

Where on earth did the 100 kts crap come from for Apache, and why on earth restrict chinook to 100 kts, neither make sense nor are in any staff handbook.

Detached Escort anybody.......?

Oh and half the Fast Air is leaving so like or not your security blanket for the day will be an Apache team.

Finally towards the back end of this thread common sense seems to have broken out. Living together and working together will make you talk, only flying and fighting together will make you a team.

The province of Helmund will be like another province back in the late 80`s. Regular contacts lots on the ground (wouldn`t want to be in a truck), long periods of boardom, interrupted but some very exciting moments.

Have fun see you out there - fight as a team !