The one hundred and sixtieth Particular Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), often known as the one hundred and sixtieth SOAR or Evening Stalkers, are the critically vital aviation help of America’s particular operations forces. Additionally recognized inside JSOC as Process Power Brown, it fulfils a number of totally different functions, together with direct fight engagement and help, in addition to reconnaissance operations. They’ve the power to conduct transportation and rescue operations, performing as an especially fast response drive.
1. Doctrine
The one hundred and sixtieth Particular Operations Aviation Regiment has the first process of being an especially fast aerial response drive, specializing in working alongside particular operations forces and working in extraordinarily harmful conditions. (Supply) Inside this self-discipline, the Evening Stalkers earn their namesake from proficiency in night time operations, and low-altitude operations that allow them stay undetected till the precise proper second.
Speedy response is a crucial facet of their doctrine, being a fast response drive that helps particular operations. (Supply)
2. Historical past
The creation of the one hundred and sixtieth really took form within the aftermath of Operation Eagle Claw. This operation compelled the USA to rethink its design and utilization of particular operations forces. (Supply) Mismanagement of air energy in addition to lack of coordination between operational teams have been specific short-fallings. This put stress on the creation of aerial fight teams devoted to particular operations. Among the many many new teams shaped on this restructuring was the one hundred and sixtieth Particular Operations Aviation Regiment.
The Army turned to the a hundred and first Airborne Division (Air Assault)’s Aviation Group as a result of their confirmed monitor file and numerous capabilities. Pilots from varied battalions have been chosen to go to extremely specialised fight and night time flying programs. Following the primary class’s completion of the course a brand new process drive was shaped: Process Power 158. Named after the 158th Battalion the place the majority of the pilots got here from, they maintained the Screaming Eagles unit patch of the a hundred and first Airborne Division.
2.1. The Day the Eagles Got here Off
The Process Power’s unique objective was to help within the second rescue try for the hostages in Iran. Nevertheless, on the day of Ronald Reagan’s inauguration, the hostages have been launched. Moderately than dropping the newfound capabilities of this elite process drive, the Army determined to type a brand new unit. On the sixteenth of October 1981, the one hundred and sixtieth Aviation Battalion was shaped. The day would change into often called “the day the eagles got here off” by the unit’s founding members.
It will rapidly change into concerned in a lot of particular operations, together with the battle within the Persian Gulf, Panama, Desert Protect in addition to Storm to call only some. It grew to become the one hundred and sixtieth Particular Operations Aviation Regiment in 1990, after which level the unit’s op tempo would change into much more intense. (Supply) 9/11 and the next World Warfare on Terror was a time of nice depth, change and exercise. Their operational frequency would enhance as all different elements of JSOC gained an increasing number of accountability and operations. (Supply) The one hundred and sixtieth acts as a taxi service of kinds for JSOC. At any time when and wherever certainly one of JSOC’s Particular Missions Units must go by helicopter, its the one hundred and sixtieth that will get them there. The one hundred and sixtieth would take part in Operation Enduring Freedom Afghanistan, Operation Iraqi Freedom and a myriad of aspect operations.
3. Group
The one hundred and sixtieth consists of eight totally different elements. These embrace a headquarters firm, a coaching firm, 4 energetic aviation battalions and two UAV/UAS firms. (Supply) The HQ firm is in control of drive group and tasking.
Every of the 4 aviation battalions fly the missions of the one hundred and sixtieth. They use quite a lot of totally different plane on the disposal of the regiment with a purpose to fulfill fight in addition to help wants within the area. The 4 battalions have the next inner helicopter compositions: (Supply)
- 1st Battalion: One AH-6 Little Hen helicopter firm, one MH-6 Little Hen firm, three MH60 Black Hawk helicopter firms.
- 2nd Battalion: Two MH-47 Chinook helicopter firms.
- third Battalion: Two MH-47 Chinook helicopter firms, one MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter firm.
- 4th Battalion: Two MH-47 Chinook helicopter firms, one MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter firm.
The 2 UAV/UAS firms present the one hundred and sixtieth with extraordinarily precious reconnaissance and intelligence functionality to not solely the regiment itself, however any group that it’s supporting within the area. (Supply) It could each inform allied forces and assist precisely find and strike enemy targets. The coaching battalion is a crucial part of the one hundred and sixtieth , serving to the group not solely skinny out solely the very best of trainees, but additionally instill the tradition of the group as an entire in potential recruits. This “Inexperienced Platoon” focuses on instilling the virtues of belief, integrity and the unrelenting pursuit of finishing a mission, exemplified of their motto “Evening Stalkers Don’t Give up”. (Supply)
3.1. Power Composition
- 1st Battalion, one hundred and sixtieth SOAR (A)
- Headquarters and Headquarters Firm :
- Firm Commander
- Government Officer
- Command Sergeant Main
- Personnel (S1)
- Intelligence (S2)
- Operations (S3)
- Logistics (S4)
- Plans (S5)
- Communications (S6)
- Mild Assault Helicopter Firm Alpha
- MH-6M Little Hen Squads x 15
- Mild Assault Reconnaissance Firm Bravo
- AH-6M Little Hen Squads x 15
- Assault Helicopter Firm Charlie
- MH-60M Black Hawk Squads x 10
- Assault Helicopter Firm Delta
- MH-60M Black Hawk Squads x 10
- Assault Helicopter Firm Echo
- MH-60M Black Hawk Squads x 10
- Aviation Upkeep Firm Foxtrot:
- Aviation Security Officer
- Standardization Teacher Pilot
- Tactical Operations Officer
- First Sergeant
- Further help employees (measurement depending on plane used and measurement of supporting battalion.
- Headquarters and Headquarters Firm :
- 2nd Battalion, one hundred and sixtieth SOAR (A)
- HHC (Identical composition as 1st Battalion)
- Heavy Helicopter Firm Alpha
- MH-47G Chinook Squads x 8
- Heavy Helicopter Firm Bravo
- MH-47G Chinook Squads x 8
- Assault Helicopter Firm Charlie
- MH-60M Black Hawk Squads x 10
- Aviation Upkeep Firm Delta (Identical composition as 1st Battalion)
- third Battalion, one hundred and sixtieth SOAR (A)
- HHC Firm (Identical composition as 1st Battalion)
- Heavy Helicopter Firm Alpha
- MH-47G Chinook Squads x 8
- Heavy Helicopter Firm Bravo
- MH-47G Chinook Squads x 8
- Assault Helicopter Firm Charlie
- MH-60M Black Hawk Squads X 10
- Aviation Upkeep Firm, Firm Delta (Identical composition as 1st Battalion)
- 4th Battalion, one hundred and sixtieth SOAR (A)
- HHC (Identical composition as 1st Battalion)
- Heavy Helicopter Firm Alpha
- MH-47G Chinook Squads x 8
- Heavy Helicopter Firm Bravo
- MH-47G Chinook Squads x 8
- Assault Helicopter Firm Charlie
- MH-60M Black Hawk Squads X 10
- Aviation Upkeep Firm, Firm Delta (Identical composition as 1st Battalion)
- Echo Firm
- Unmanned aerial automobile help group, precise personnel composition unknown. Unlikely to be bigger than 200 personnel. Separate from the battalions.
4. Ways, Methods and Procedures (TTP)
The techniques and strategies of the one hundred and sixtieth are primarily based primarily across the plane that the drive is utilizing on any given mission. They could perform a fight, infiltration, extraction and/or reconnaissance mission on a really brief discover, requiring adaptability of their strategies.
In a direct fight operation, members of the one hundred and sixtieth will present hearth help or perform a direct strike on enemy positions and forces. (Supply) Mild, medium in addition to heavy helicopters assist perform the hearth missions of the one hundred and sixtieth. Helicopters utilized by the one hundred and sixtieth are largely combat-oriented. The one exception being Chinooks, which primarily help in extraction and transportation.
4.1. The Low Strategy
Inside their fight missions, it’s common for the one hundred and sixtieth Particular Operations Aviation Regiment to make use of a low-approach methodology, whereby they fly very low to the bottom to keep away from detection. (Supply) This has a number of utilities, as a helicopter staff that may arrive at an space undetected has a bonus of their first strike capabilities. Within the occasion that the one hundred and sixtieth is transporting particular operations forces, the low-to-ground strategy permits them to extra quickly drop off or choose up pleasant forces which is crucial in contested airspace.
The Evening Stalkers are additionally able to superior reconnaissance operations, gathering essential info and intelligence through their helicopters in addition to their UAV groups. (Supply) This may be fed to different elements of the one hundred and sixtieth for hanging along with different operational forces. They moreover present the help service of transportation and extraction of each floor forces in addition to gear. Moreover, like all Army aviation items, the one hundred and sixtieth has its personal flight medics. Nevertheless, flight medics within the one hundred and sixtieth are way more extremely skilled than their typical counterparts and might present a lot better second line medical care.
5. Choice
Personnel in search of to affix the one hundred and sixtieth have a number of conditions they need to contemplate earlier than making an attempt to affix this elite staff. Members have to be energetic army in addition to qualify for airborne coaching with a purpose to start the choice course of. (Supply)
Members are anticipated to excel in a lot of fields, not solely having bodily expertise past that of a daily soldier but additionally the technical data and talent to endure coaching for his or her specialised duties. Candidates who meet the preliminary standards proceed to Inexperienced Platoon to start the choice course of. (Supply) SOAR members are anticipated to acquire Secret safety clearance, have a GT rating over 100, and be a US citizen. (Supply)
5.1. Coaching
The choice course of for brand spanking new recruits in Inexperienced Platoon is extraordinarily tough. Upon arrival recruits take an Army Bodily Health Take a look at alongside runs, marches in addition to normal bodily stress checks. The Army Bodily Health Take a look at is 2 minutes of pushups, and sit-ups along with a timed 2-mile run. (Supply) This check lays the groundwork for the extra intensive bodily coaching the recruits will undergo.
Rope work, full equipment marches, 4-6 mile runs, 4-10 mile street marches, in addition to more and more tough workout routines all, mix to push recruits to their absolute restrict. (Supply)
The choice for enlisted personnel final solely 5 weeks. This is because of the truth that enlisted personnel within the one hundred and sixtieth are in a help position and don’t fly plane. Choice for pilots usually final between 20 and 28 weeks relying on the plane that they pilot. Officers, each warrant and fee, arrive on the unit as Primary Mission Certified. After attending boards and going via further testing pilots change into Totally Mission Certified which usually takes two years. After a further three to 4 years pilots change into eligible to be Flight Lead Certified. (Supply)
As a result of the one hundred and sixtieth falls below the US Army Particular Operations Command all of its flight medics should undergo further coaching. Along with the fundamental flight medic coaching, one hundred and sixtieth medics should attend the 36-week-long Particular Operations Fight Medic course in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
6. Tools
Members of the one hundred and sixtieth carry with them most of the identical firearms their ground-based particular operations counterparts do. (Supply) They carry a typical M9 or M17 sidearm and an M4A1 carbine, within the occasion of extraordinarily harmful circumstances on the touchdown zone. Nevertheless, it’s the plane that’s the major weapon of the Evening Stalkers.
6.1. Little Hen
The smallest of the Evening Stalkers helicopter, the Little Hen is each a quick reconnaissance automobile and a strike automobile. It’s geared up with its signature 7.62x51mm mounted miniguns and/ or its 70mm Hydra rocket pods. (Supply) The Little Hen can be geared up with 50 cal machine weapons, 40mm grenade launchers, Hellfire missiles and Stinger anti-air missiles.
These helicopters are way more manoeuvrable than bigger fashions. Their measurement permits for the fast insertion of small numbers of floor personnel into confined areas and is gentle sufficient to land on rooftops. Operators can journey on the perimeters through detachable benches and both quick rope or step off. And when geared up with armaments they’ll present shut air help or strikes within the classical rapid-response vogue of the one hundred and sixtieth.
6.2. Blackhawk
The MH-60 Black Hawk is probably one of many best-known American helicopters of our age. The Black Hawk serves the twin functions of each transport and hearth help.
The Blackhawk is supplied with techniques that enable for quick ingress and egress via fast-roping onto the target and clipping into the rope for extraction. For defence, it has simpler armour techniques in comparison with different medium-sized helicopters. (Supply) Additionally they characteristic aerial refuelling techniques, quite a few countermeasure techniques and superior optical techniques. The MH-60M, the model utilized by the one hundred and sixtieth, can use a lot of weapon techniques. These techniques embrace side-mounted miniguns and rocket pods through its Multi-Station Light-weight Armament Assist Construction (MLASS). (Supply)
The Black Hawk is the spine of the one hundred and sixtieth, it’s an efficient helicopter that may deal with any scenario.
6.3. Chinook
The most important of the three particular operations helicopters used is probably one which fulfils probably the most totally different of roles. As an alternative of being a hanging helicopter, the MH-47 is America’s foremost transport helicopter for its typical and particular operations forces.
It options a big dual-rotor design, with one rotor on the fore and aft ends of the automobile. This permits the general weight stress of the helicopter to be a lot increased, making it a wonderful transport automobile for troops, automobiles, and gear. (Supply) The Chinook additionally has restricted fight functionality with radially mounted weapons meant for defence slightly than offence.
7. Notable Operations
Like all elements of JSOC, most of the methods the one hundred and sixtieth is utilized shouldn’t be fully recognized. Nevertheless, a number of key deployments of the Evening Stalkers have introduced them each notoriety and renown. These occasions embrace their participation in Operation Gothic Serpent, Operation Mount Hope III and Operation Neptune’s Spear.
7.1. Operation Gothic Serpent
Few issues have drawn the eye of American battle film followers greater than Blackhawk Down, and it’s becoming that those that flew the Black Hawks above Mogadishu have becoming renown. The Black Hawks delivered Delta Power and DEVGRU into their varied fight zones in the course of the US intervention in Somalia. (Supply)
Not solely was this a real show of the capabilities of the one hundred and sixtieth, however it additionally demonstrated the area of interest but important position the Evening Stalkers play alongside different particular operations forces. Operations requiring aerial protection, extraction and hearth help want a devoted drive that may watch the skies and react rapidly to wants on the bottom, and the one hundred and sixtieth is pleased to oblige.
7.2. Operation Neptune’s Spear
It’s typically DEVGRU that takes the forefront picture of the “Killers of Bin Laden”, being the official raid staff. Had it not been for the one hundred and sixtieth, utilizing their specialised expertise and gear to stay undetected, the operation couldn’t have occurred. (Supply)The one hundred and sixtieth transported DEVGRU, flying variations of the Black Hawk that had by no means been seen earlier than. The modified helicopters featured angular hull designs to assist mitigate radar detection and quiet rotors, permitting the staff to be way more silent and efficient. (Supply)
There was additionally a fast response drive of SEALs on standby in Chinooks piloted by the one hundred and sixtieth ought to the raid go incorrect. Regardless of flawless rehearsals of the raid one of many experimental Black Hawks ended up crashing. This was primarily as a result of surprising quantities of rotor wash inflicting the engine to stall. Mockups of the compound have been constructed with chain hyperlink fences. Nevertheless, the precise compound had stone partitions which resulted in an extra of rotor downwash and a scarcity of air circulation into the engines.
7.3. Operation Mount Hope III
Mount Hope III is an operation that isn’t terribly well-known, nor does it contain any fight. Not even a single shot was fired. It does, nevertheless, present the extraordinarily distinctive and efficient talent set of the one hundred and sixtieth.
Within the aftermath of the Chadian-Libyan battle, there lay a single shot down, however fairly intact, Mi-25 Hind helicopter in Chad. This was of specific significance, as NATO energy struggled to achieve any great amount of Soviet know-how, not to mention intact army know-how. (Supply) The plan was drawn to covertly extract your complete helicopter from Chad and ship it again to the USA. The one hundred and sixtieth was chosen for this process.
The operation went extraordinarily effectively. Two Chinooks and their Evening Stalker crews shipped abroad through C-5 to an airport inside Chad. From this airport, the Chinooks flew just below 500 miles and secured the Hind, which was then transported again to the USA. (Supply) A Chinook transported the Hind to its extraction level. A C-5 fixed-wing cargo airplane transported the helicopter again to the US mainland.
This operation helped safe a useful piece of Soviet know-how. It additionally demonstrated and examined the Evening Stalker’s potential to function independently and successfully in enemy territory.
8. Abstract
The one hundred and sixtieth SOAR is an integral part of the fashionable US particular operations doctrine, supporting its floor forces via exact and efficient fast response operations. They draw from an distinctive line of extremely expert personnel and are trusted to help, struggle and transport alongside different US particular operations forces. With out the talents of the one hundred and sixtieth, many US particular operations would merely be not possible, and their position will proceed to be invaluable sooner or later.
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