Sad example of Conv-SOF "cooperation" all around
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Originally Posted by
82redleg
You can argue that if you want. I'll argue that we couldn't drive there (Turkey wasn't letting us), and if 10th Group had the capability to execute the 173d's follow on tasks, they would have- WITHOUT the airborne operation.
173d jumped into enemy held territory (ok, 10th Group and some Pesh had the DZ secured), expanded the lodgement, brought in follow-on airlands (2-63 AR, and some 10th MTN, IIRC?) and executed a tactical mission.
To be a valid airborne operation doesn't mean you have to jump onto an enemy armored formation- in fact, we actively try to avoid that.
Not only did the 173rd knowingly jump onto an airfield already secured and held by SF and Kurdish Iraqis; but they then essentially fortified themselves into it denying it for use to support the guys who'd actually taken it.
The real sad part of this whole sordid chapter is that in a novel approach that placed the 173rd subordinate to the 1oth SFG, the CDR of the 173rd from all accounts that I have heard essentially refused to follow that order as he would not submit to being under an SF command.
Some silly #### really, but the guy should have been fired; because he could have gotten a lot of good men killed with his attitude and actions.
Alway's look for the bright side
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Originally Posted by
davidbfpo
Correct point and I know the UK Airborne Division did drop at Arnhem (1944) onto an armoured formation, which soured the operation somewhat. It is not implausible given the "fog of war" for airborne troops to land in the wrong place, even amidst armour.
davidbfpo
At least if you land in the middle of tanks theres less likelihood that someone somewhere is about to open the flood gates and make ability to swim a life or death matter
Just a side note/question.
Exactly how likely is it in todays world that you drop without requiring at least a requisite number of Heavier items quite quickly otherwise your gonna be in trouble. This in reference to large group drops,