Controversial article about parachute operations
The following article is from Carlton Meyer's g2mil site:
http://www.g2mil.com/Fall2007.htm
Let me say up front that I don't agree with most of it; and many other things Meyer writes as well. But what I found intriguing was his assertion that small scale tactical parachute operations - sort of a fireforce type operation, I guess you could say - could be safer and more effective in some cases than landing large helicopters in hot LZs.
As for the whole thing about landing on top of buildings.....well, what's possible for an ODA is one thing, but obviously Meyer has never done a night mass tactical operation before.
Leg pathfinders leading the way
When I read the critiques I initially thought the article couldn't be that bad, but after finishing it there was no doubt that the author is an idiot. When I read his last sentence, "
Quote:
Today's paratroopers are adrift, and need pathfinders to show them a meaningful role"
, I was ready to grab this clown by the head and slam by knee into his face a few times, but the moment passed.
He has a warped view of history, we have a better air delivery capability now than we did during WWII, and we can definitely mitigate surface to air threats more effectively. Airborne assualts are generally short in duration, such as the airfield seizures in Grenada, Panama, and Western Iraq, so logistics isn't the huge concern he makes it out to be.
I just loved his comment about making only one Bn per Bde in the 82d ABN qualified, and the remainder Air Assault. First he doesn't understand the alert cycle, and second I would love to see his logistical plan for "rapidly" deploying the helicopters that are going to insert these 2 bns. That is assuming we can find an intermediate staging base within range of the helicopters, or perhaps this idiot thinks all helo's are air refuelable, or that opening a FARP is no major issue in a combat environment. Yes everyone in the 82d jumps because it builds espirit corp, and the guys and gals willing to go that extra step are generally better Soldiers. I'm beginning to think some Airborne Sergeant ran off with this clown's girlfriend, and I'm sure she is better off.
You guys already addressed the building top landings and his reference to the Golden Knights ability to execute precision landings, I about fell out of my chair when he compared the Golden Knights to most of us who are pretty happy just to hit the drop zone. The majority of the Army doesn't have the time to reach that level of airborne proficiency. Also this clown simply ignores the weather issues related to Airborne operations. Yea baby, 24/7 we can drop a platoon of paratroopers anywhere into the mountains of Afghanistan to reinforce anyone in duress regardless of the winds, ceiling, and of course the whole world is a drop zone. I'm sure we won't have 50% casualties on the jump if this great pathfinder leads the way. I would like to take him up on his proposals and actually see him demonstrate how we should do them.