Innovation in the Quest for VICTORY!
@redyellowblackdog (10629)
United States
September 8, 2007 6:28am CST
For some time now the US Military has had armed unmanned remote controlled aircraft. However, until now, these were operated mostly by the Air Force and mostly for recon. A new day has dawned in Iraq.
The US ARMY now has added to the TOE (Table of Organization and Equipment) UAV (unmanned aerial vehical) hunter/killer companies. Army Aviation has long been lethal to our enemies because of helicopter gunships. Now, Army Aviation is even more deadly. UAV's are smaller, quieter, harder to see and hear. Utilized properly this is a bad day for our enemies.
The job of these units commanded by an O-3 is primarily to seek out the enemy and kill them. Read about their first victory over 2 insurgents at the url below. The enemy dead were attempting to emplace IED's near a road. Turns out these UAV's are ideal for watching roads and killing anyone trying to place IED's. Just the kind of inovation that will lead to victory if our men and women are allowed to do their jobs.
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13847&Itemid=128
So, what do you think? Has placing IED's just got a whole lot more dangerous for the enemy?
1 person likes this
1 response
@MntlWard (878)
• United States
9 Sep 07
Maybe more dangerous, but I'm not sure if it's a whole lot more dangerous. How large an area can be viewed at one time? How visible and audible are the planes? If the insurgents learn how to spot these drones, then they'll just wait until the plane is gone or plant the IED somewhere. I hope this doesn't lead to our soldiers getting careless and getting hurt or killed.
Then there's that issue of collateral damage rearing its ugly head again. If the bombs dropped by these drones accidentally kill civilians, then if their families don't already hate us, they'll start hating us.
There's nothing I can do about it but hope for the best.
1 person likes this
@redyellowblackdog (10629)
• United States
9 Sep 07
The UAV is less dangerous than a helicopter gunship in the sense it carries fewer munitions. On the other hand, they are much cheaper (to build and operate), we are going to have many more of them, and you don't risk the life of our soldiers when they engage the enemy.
They can view a huge area from too high up to be viewed easily or heard. Additionally, this offers the advantage of flying what could be termed "area denial operations". Fly a few UAV's low where they can be seen on purpose, just to keep the enemy away from the roads. You don't always have to kill the enemy to defeat him.
Collateral damage will be minimal with these weapons as they are carrying precision smart weapons and have on board video. Certainly, collateral damage will be less than with something like artillery.
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