"101 Air Assault Div loses 2 HH-60s" Topic

101 Air Assault Div has two HH-60 Blackhawk Medevac helicopters collide on night training ops. May they RIP …

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AP News says 9 killed. :(

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Yes FOX has said the same … Night flying with NVGs can be challenging. That is why the pilots as well as everyone else has to train to operate at night, etc. Accidents like this rarely happens. But very sad when it does. Higher risk training to gain experience is very important for combat readiness. Risks can be mitigated, as much as possible. But there still is some risk.

Very sorry to hear this. My condolences to their families.

There have been a bunch of accidents in Blackhawks since 2019. 22 people lost. Training is made as safe as possible, but the job itself carries risk so training must also. These were med evac variants, I think.

RIP and with gratitude for their service.

Training is made as safe as possible, but the job itself carries risk so training must also. These were med evac variants, I think.

There is a number of ways to get injured or worse in training. Working with aircraft, AFVs, parachutes, assault boats, heavy rolling stock, ammo, demolitions, etc., etc. has its risks.

And yes AFAIK these were Med evac variants.

Again, may they all RIP …

The life of people in the military is very dangerous. Many civilians tend to forget this.

Someone in the military once made a remark to the effect of, "Our job is destroying things and killing people. There is some risk involved."

And, you know, life in a corporate office isn't all fun and games. Someone bumped into me in the break room once, causing my coffee to slosh onto my hand. It was almost a first-degree burn!

Joking aside, hats off to those who put their bodies on the line to protect their fellow citizens.

That's why aviators get flight pay and wear fire retardant clothing, aviation is especially dangerous, even in peacetime.

Despite what the non-rated folks think, it is not just to drive fancy cars and look cool at the O'Club.

HazeGray +1

Oberlindes +1

ScoutJock +1

Sadly, based on poles, the media, etc. many don't really know or care about the military. Or want to join either. I do believe it is a sign of the woke, DEI, CRT/1619, etc. dogmas that has infiltrated our culture/society. Hopefully that will change in the future.

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." ― George Orwell

RIP. Sometimes things go wrong in training.

Let's hope someone doesn't turn it into a witch hunt, as they did here after a similar accident in '96.

I think they are looking at what happened, but not just for blame. There are things to learn for the next training in this, and it means those who were lost still serve those who continue on.

I'm guessing pilot error … regardless as we have said, accidents happen in training at times, sadly. Hopefully no witch hunts. But I'm not so sure about today's currently US Military?

Again … RIP Soldiers …

Polls show that trust in the military and law enforcement dropped significantly during the last administration, but the armed forces still enjoy far more support than much of the government, especially the Congress. Nearly 75% of Americans support increasing funding for the military. Only health care draws more agreement, I believe.

But most feel that the greatest danger to the U.S. comes not from foreign threats but from within due to domestic division and political violence. Lincoln's assessment still holds true apparently.

I felt like the Black Hawk accident drew a lot of public sympathy and support, as it should do. With so many jobs in the economy, recruiting continues to be tough. But public support is there.

We wonder about witch hunts, and we wonder about lack of accountability at the same time. I think you just have to learn what you can from this kind of tragedy, fix what you can.

I think you just have to learn what you can from this kind of tragedy, fix what you can.

That's the way it should be, Tort. But I've done a few tech investigations (land vehicles only) and there's always some high level idiot who wants to apportion blame.

Polls show that trust in the military and law enforcement dropped significantly during the last administration,

I heard that was currently … Guess it's who you listen too …

But most feel that the greatest danger to the U.S. comes not from foreign threats but from within due to domestic division and political violence.

Our Oath in the Army was – "To protect the Constitution from enemies foreign and domestic." … etc.

there's always some high level idiot who wants to apportion blame.

I'm shocked ! Shocked I tell you !

Well, I am not shocked! There are also a dozen idiots at any given time who want credit for anything that looks good.

In my line of government work, I learned to avoid anyone who believed he was in charge, especially appointees and politicians…they were just there short term to make a name, grab some status. I was undercover in my own agency when these people appeared, was mostly in the field anyway.

Legion, I got that poll from Military Times. I don't know if it's considered a reliable source. I did not take it to mean it was one guys fault, more a sign of the times. A lot of chaotic domestic events. But people are still mostly satisfied with the military.

I hope the day never comes that we need our own troops for domestic enemies. We will be in serious trouble at that point.

Flying in tandem and clipped each other?

Legion, I got that poll from Military Times. I don't know if it's considered a reliable source. I did not take it to mean it was one guys fault, more a sign of the times. A lot of chaotic domestic events. But people are still mostly satisfied with the military.

Ok, I can go with that …

I hope the day never comes that we need our own troops for domestic enemies. We will be in serious trouble at that point.

I don't think that will ever happen. But the concern about domestic terrorists, etc. is still there.

Flying in tandem and clipped each other?

I am awaiting what official investigation says. However, one bird drifting into another would be my guess.