Now we have our relief helicopters taking defensive measures while delivering those supplies. Want to know a dirty little secret that the Marine Corps and the Defense Department refuses to admit?
Our forces are in danger while providing this relief. The Pakistani Intelligence Agencies are thoroughly infiltrated by terrorist and the MANPAD threat inside Pakistan is more of a threat than it is in Afghanistan. Look at the following pictures...a CH-53E firing off flares? Hordes of people allowed to crowd around our helicopters when they touch down?
We definitely need to revamp this mission. Allow the USAF to run with this ball. The USAF can transport goods into the country and the Pakistan Army can distribute it from different airfields. USAF Red Horse teams can establish/reinforce existing fields and they can use trucks or aircraft to get it to the population.
The way that we're doing it now is putting our people at risk, is needlessly tying up our strategic reserve (26th MEU) and is (in my opinion) not efficient than a squadron of C-17 flying supplies into a relief hub.
Byline: Sgt. Jason Bushong
Date: 2010-09-11 01:07:00
A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopter from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit shoots off flares as a self-defense measure while delivering supplies in support of the flood relief effort in Pano Aqil, Pakistan, Sept. 11, 2010. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jason Bushong/Released)
Byline: SSgt. Wayne Gray
Date: 2010-09-10 09:03:00
U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary use a CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter to deliver food to flood victims in Pano Aqil, Pakistan, Sept. 11, 2010. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Wayne Gray/Released)
Byline: SSgt. Wayne Gray
Date: 2010-09-10 08:43:00
U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary use a CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter to deliver food to flood victims in Pano Aqil, Pakistan, Sept. 11, 2010. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Wayne Gray/Released)
