13f in 160th soar

Alex was supposed to be on that helicopter. But, he was searching and hunting for me, and three times came very close to actually launching a missile, Englen said. That was the famous last quote of the pilot that crashed that helicopter. . Once, when he'd called to ask how she and their four children were doing, her washing machine was flooding water out their front door. Find us at Go160thSOAR. It was one of our 160th Black Hawks. The 160th first saw combat . Hed never done that throughout his entire career of dangerous missions. And, when it starts ricocheting inside, its even more horrific. Morale, esprit de corps, and the retention of special operations aviation Soldiers and NCOs is critical to our mission and the future of our force. "Thats because I was joking around, we were high-fiving and celebrating, and so was the ground force commander, said Englen. But their order was capture only., "It wasnt capture or kill, so if we couldnt guarantee a capture, then we couldnt take it to the next level, Englen said. The couples son Chris had come down from their local college to fill the dad role, since Englen couldnt be there. Ranger Joe Haroskys friend Russ Rippletoe was killed in that vehicle-borne IED (VBIED) incident, along with three other Rangers. We have guys that know where our kit bags are at, in case something were to happen, he said. Englen and his fellow special operations aircrew went to their helicopters for final checks that they had nothing personal on board. We rely on those NCOs placed in charge of these types of missions to use their leadership skills, training, knowledge, and intellect to complete their teams assignment. No wedding rings. So, that (Black Hawk) crew that had the famous last words to my two MH-47 (Chinook) crews before leaving Jalalabad of, Just get us gas, bitches had miscalculated, and came into that courtyard and lost effective lift, Englen explained. Not this type of objective. The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment(Abn) is the primary rotary-wing support to Department of Defense Special Operations Forces. In addition to training, developing and mentoring subordinates, USASOAC and the 160th SOAR(Abn) leadership are charged with the talent management and leader development for every Soldier. It originated after the failed Iran hostage rescue attempt in 1980. Ill admit (it) was very distracting, Englen said. The things the military and especially SOF taught me Ill use to problem-solve some of the issues in the state that I live in., I reached every level in the Army, so I must do it take on this new mission. It sounds like nothing. I want my experiences to explain who I am, so people know they can believe in me. "I volunteered for that. But, not before telling her mother, Why the hell did I want a Cinderella dress? Our assessment process is conducted by the Special Operations Aviation Training Battalion to ensure every prospective member of the organization is fitto serve as a Night Stalker. I thought retirement would be the time for us to take some walks and spend some time together. Gallantly will I show the world and the elite forces I support that a Night Stalker is a specially selected and well trained soldier. The 160th SOAR actively seeks and assesses the best-qualified aviators, crew members and support personnel in the Army. During those Iraq War years, Englen was involved in a number of missions supporting operations out of Mission Support Site Fernandez operations, which was near Baghdad. Our crews also provide support to U.S. Southern, Pacific, Africa, and European commands. The presidents waiting on your executive summary.. And more than likely I dont want to ever second-guess anybody but in this condition, we would not have crashed, because we (the Chinooks) have the lift, Englen said. Shed literally just sat down when the news bulletin interrupted CSI.". We flew all the way from the Indian Ocean, off the USS Kitty Hawk, all the way through Pakistan, all the way through Afghanistan. And, I was one of the few who trained 160th crews how to do that," he added. Four months later, Englen received his second Silver Star (for that same year) in Afghanistan. The professionalism and capabilities of Army special operations aviation are developed through a train as you fight mentality. (I highly doubt it). All we do is minimize our time and get there as quick as possible," Englen said. It is believed to be Delta Force operators. The risk was different, depending on who you asked. Only a few days following Objective Gecko, Englen (under a senior flight lead) rescued Hamid Karzai from the Taliban. "We had to keep it down to such a minimum, because we didnt want to leak it out in our own (special operations) community, Englen said. Thats whats motivating me. Englen had gone after bin Laden three times prior to Operation Neptune's Spear. The 160th SOAR (A) is comprised of a regiment headquarters and five battalions. The last thing he said to me was, I will not be able to talk to you until Im back in-country. So, I just glued myself to the TV, and tried to read between the lines of anything being reported, if I could, Tina said. But the administration, from 2008 on, would not allow us to cross the border (into Pakistan) to go get him, Englen said. They flew with an escort, all the way up to the USS Carl Vinson and buried bin Laden in the North Arabian Sea. We're the ones that have to make sure we can get the ground force in, where they need to go. They kept an eye on their sector. This is the official U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command and 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) Recruiting Team website. I mean, he's very savvy, and eluded us once again," Englen said. Then transition to getting work done for my community," Englen said. We just went into contingency mode, said Englen, talking about the raid, and his life, for the first time in an exclusive interview with Military Times. Promotion opportunities are regularly available, but are competitive and based on performance. Doug Englen back row, left, "goofing off", hugging soldier. Service in the 160th is a calling only a few will answer for the mission is constantly demanding and hard. Englen was the only one able to call home. The 160th SOAR known as the "Night Stalkers" are the US Army's best aviators and the premiere rotary wing aviation unit in the military's Special Operations . U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, 8th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne), U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command. My manner is that of the Special Operations Quiet Professional, secrecy is a way of life. But Englen turned it down. In our (160th SOAR) community, the first thing is, is everybody OK, Tina said. Tina didn't know when she'd hear from her husband again, during those busy months away from home. It pushed our aircraft to the side. His 34 deployments translate to six years and nine months worth of combat time downrange, away from his wife Tina and four children. Your mom doesnt need it. And I was like, Thank you, somebody tell this child to be good tonight,' Tina laughed. All she heard between the ruckus outside, was: I love you, everythings good, and Im coming home.. Sometimes the president would ask details. The following is a general overview of the process: Process for becoming a Night Stalker and a valued member of the United States Army Special Operations Aviation Team is as follows: Since our inception, the 160th SOAR has filled its ranks with tested volunteers. Enlisted Soldiers and NCOs are actively recruited to fill our ranks with the best men and women capable of executing our mission. People outside were running up and down the street with air horns. Some asked, Whereve you been the last several months? In fact, nobody even within the unit (160th SOAR), really knew about it afterwards, Englen added. I didnt know any of that, really, during the whole all of those deployments. On the TV in the tiny lobby waiting room, the news was all about the killing of bin Laden. U.S. Army 160th SOAR has Aviation Jobs, Military Jobs, and Army Jobs. Service in the 160th is a calling only a few will answer for the mission is constantly demanding and hard. He knew exactly where everything was; he didnt need a map. They are highly trained and ready to accomplish the very toughest missions . They are the best of the best. Listen as these tried and true Volunteers share their Army Special Operations Aviation experience and what its like to be a Night Stalker. There were even reports of some media members being slightly tipsy from the party as they reported the breaking news. Specify Army, Navy, etc. JavaScript is disabled. DISCOVER Enlisted 30 160TH SOAR (Abn) "I used to love the moon, Englen said. Every other day, Englen assisted in briefing CIA Director Leon Panetta and Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A lot of people asked why I didnt. All the prom parties at Fort Campbell High School stopped. As a member of the Night Stalkers I am a tested volunteer seeking only to safeguard the honor and prestige of my country, by serving the elite Special Operations Soldiers of the United States. Ft. Campbell ATRRS (FC-ATRRS): Soldiers will report directly for Enlisted Combat Skills Training, and on completion of Enlisted Combat Skills and any follow-on training will report back to their Ft. Campbell unit for out-processing before proceeding to Ft. Campbell, Hunter Army Airfield/ Ft. Stewart, GA, or Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Task Force Sword 2001. This was a do-or-die type mission, Englen said. It may not display this or other websites correctly. While Chinooks can be a little slower, in this case his was the only helicopter with the power to hover over that building and drop a rope down so the ground forces could rope onto it. 1981 to present . TOP. Oct 2, 2018 #1 I've tried to search this forum and Google to see what a 13F would do in 160th. (Same air crews who fought Haditha, Iraq, 2003.) We went back and forth. The primary reason 160th aviators are special is their selection process, realistic training and resourcing. Not only that, the ground force commander I had rescued him numerous times throughout the globe. Attention #FortCarson! Especially if it appears to be for personal or financial gain. I think crashing a helicopter on one of the most important missions of our generation, and later being asked by the director of the CIA (Leon Panetta), Why the hell did you crash? I think thats enough said, Englen stated. Enlisted Combat Skills Course (Green Platoon), Travel Status for Enlisted Combat Skills Training, Crewmember Enlisted Flight Training/Qualification, Qualified in one of the authorized MOS or able to reclassify, Have or be able to obtain a SECRET security clearance, Pass a standard ACFT (70% minimum in each event), Special Operations Combative Program (SOCP), Mountain, Desert, Overwater/Ship Environments, Special Operations Aviation Advisor Directorate. Missions at home station and TDY require small and dispersed teams that will call on Soldiers who demonstrate character and competence in order to accomplish the mission. "That's why we were picked for this mission. Among her documentaries areHorse Soldiers of 9/11, narrated by actor Gary Sinise, and Chinook Down, investigating the fatal shoot-down of a helicopter in Afghanistan. So they brought me on the team, Englen said. When most people think of the bin Laden mission, they think of SEAL Team 6 and the CIAs Special Activities Division members, shooting its high value target, code named Geronimo. What they may not realize is the majority of duration of that mission belonged to the special operations aviators. Due to operational security concerns, only a few people were involved in the planning of that mission. They take pride in supporting the elite: working with special operations forces of all branches on classified missions. Because hed anticipated and planned for that, he was able to defeat and evade the fighter jet. "When we're a top tier, you don't advertise what you do, you don't follow up with what you do, and that's why you don't see books and movies about TF Sword," he explained. Englen always wanted to fly helicopters. Each battalion also has a strategic composition of light, medium and heavy helicopters, all highly modified in designed to meet the units unique mission requirements. "He was really concerned, you know, Youre gone a lot. . I didnt ask, he didnt tell, she added. I never thought that we werent coming back, Englen said. Honestly, the best fit is 18B. If someone has worked with 13F is 160th, please feel free to PM me. No family members were allowed. The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiments mission is to organize, equip, train, resource and employ Army special operations aviation forces worldwide in support of contingency missions and warfighting commanders. The unit originally formed from attachments of the 101st . They thought Obama staged it, like putting that on the news to boost his numbers, Englen laughed. During the longest helicopter assault in U.S. history, Englens was the first helicopter into Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks, on Oct. 19, 2001. They are both great pilots and great fighters. But for special operations aviators of the 160th, thats an eternity. Those crews took no less risk than I did," Englen told them. Let me figure it out.'". With their blessing, hes shared here the story of the air component side of the bin Laden mission, and his experiences which personify all SOF warriors and their unconventional work. I see you have to be a senior or promotable E6 to apply, however I'm confused as to what they would actually be doing in the Regiment. We felt safe, Englen said, Which is a totally weird thing to say about (a war zone) in Afghanistan.. And when the impossible has been accomplished the only reward is another mission that no one else will try. Certainly not trying to get any classified info. As a Joint Fire Support Specialist, you'll gather intelligence and enemy target location to help the Army determine where and how to deploy artillery in mission-based situations. Cookie Notice Plus, I always felt like it took you out of your frame of mind, he said. Englen teaches pilots vertical lift, tiltrotor & coaxial there. He could see where the police lights were, where the commotion was happening. Had coordinated . Soldiers of the 160th have been actively and continuously engaged in the combat operations since October 2001. "TF 160 was truly amazing at Haditha Dam, he said. So, even if we were shot it, it would be hard to even return fire. This strategic organizational structure postures the regiment to support special operations forces mission and training requirements well into the future. During the longest helicopter assault in U.S. history, Englen's was the first helicopter into Afghanistan after . The photos show a National Guard Chinook with its back wheels on the rooftop of that same mud building hanging there.), Another daylight PA NG CH47 resupplying ground troops. Al Mack, who has publicly disclosed his name, gets the credit for that. "They've got to get the headcount right, to make sure (we've) got the right amount of fuel. When were on the ground, its just us, he said. But our rules of engagement was, 'capture only.. She knew I had heard from her dad, so I said, Go. While the risk to the airframes was fairly low on the objective, it was extremely high during the other nearly four hours of flying. . In October 1981, the unit was officially designated the 160th Aviation Battalion. RippedHalo; Oct 17, 2014; Replies 7 Views 6K. I had some money on me, and a few cigars for bargaining (with captors), but that was it (besides his M9 pistol and M4 rifle), Englen said. Killed probably 30 or 35 insurgents. Once they got the word to proceed with rehearsal, that's when they brought the rest of the ground force and the air crews in. I serve with the memory and pride of those who have gone before me for they loved to fight, fought to win and would rather die than quit. I dont, I dont know, let me Tina hung up, because the live feed picture of the White House with the empty podium came on. Shes received two national Edward R. Murrow Awards, and the Medal Of Honor Societys Excellence in Journalism Award. I was probably 100 feet from the aircraft when it blew up. Regardless, they were still jinking and jiving, flying nap-of-the-earth. Anchors and reporters filled time on air waiting for the president to come out. Somebody was always planning or doing something for those guys. The thing is, you get into this level of operation, its not the standard SAR. Promotion opportunities are regularly available, but are competitive and based on performance. They really didnt talk about the air piece. We literally just needed them to be on the objective, which they did phenomenally well. Operation Neptune's Spear was not Englen's first time in Afghanistan. Right now, Im just telling you the story, because theres never been an air piece conveyed on what happened that night, Englen reiterated. But nobody probably because my executive summary was so vague there was no contextual data to say, Heres what happened on the air side,' Englen speculated. Though the global special operations never ceased for Englen and his fellow 160th aviators, the one the public always wanted to know about was the famous bin Laden mission. In reality Englen, who just retired as the senior warrant adviser to the secretary of the Army and most decorated aviator in the Army, led the air component for the bin Laden raid, one of the most famous military operations in recent history. FILE: A Marine, watches a U.S. Army MH-60 Black Hawk with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) conduct night air-to-air refueling during unit-level training called El Centro . He'd done that before with other fighter jets on other missions. Im just sitting there, smiling, because they thought that it never happened. And, if we are shot down, we had to make sure we were sterile.. I knew it was prom, and when this hit the news, theyd connect the dots. I just knew he was going to come home. We really wanted to do this (mission), and make sure we are the absolute professional, Englen said. Some people may have thought he was being cocky or arrogant, but cockiness was what had earned him the nickname Stud Muffin when he first arrived at the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, or SOAR. Theres nobody to protect us (the aircraft and crew) while were on the ground. Known as Night Stalkers, these Soldiers are recognized for their proficiency in nighttime operations. Known as Night Stalkers, these Soldiers are recognized for their proficiency in nighttime operations. Because I really couldnt do it by myself, so I knew he was going to come home, Tina said. Upon completion of training, TDY-E Soldiers will proceed to Ft. Campbell, KY; Hunter Army Airfield/ Ft. Stewart, GA; or Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. Enlisted Combat Skills aka Green Platoon, is led by the Special Operations Aviation Training Battalion and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). But we were minutes behind him and his vehicles in Iraq, and we couldve gotten him. They had other attempts against bin Laden. They are highly trained and ready to accomplish the very toughest missions in all environments, anywhere in the world, day or night, with unparalleled precision. "Take it out of the body bag, inspect and take samples and things like that, to verify," he clarified. Look what happened with Extortion 17 (most of the 38 people on board the fatal Chinook shot down in Afghanistan were special operators). 160 SOAR, crash with 91-00496 on night + M.3713: We (the spouses) were always imbued with, Just support them, Tina said. The Rangers never gave the clearance for Englen to come in. For years, the special operations aviator flew figuratively under peoples radar back home, while flying literally under the enemys radar downrange. pictured asg 160 SOAR on static Display at Oceana Airshow: M.3712: mh-47e: 92-00464: US Army. Reporter Alex Quade covers U.S. special operations forces on combat missions. Englen flying MH47 on training exercise. 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), Night Stalkers, Night Stalkers Don't Quit! An advance contingent secured a base at the Chadian airfield adjacent to the airport in the capital, N'Djamena. Which is exactly the point. Complete the 160th SOAR Enlisted Application. They are not normal pilots. Hanging there primary reason 160th aviators are special is their selection process, realistic training and.... Dad, so I said, go was a do-or-die type mission, &! The last thing he said '' Englen said see where the police lights were, they..., smiling, because they thought Obama staged it, like putting that the. 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And five battalions they may not realize is the majority of duration of that mission belonged the. Dad role, since Englen couldnt be there or other websites correctly jets on missions! Outside were running up and down the street with air horns truly amazing Haditha! In me service in the capital, N & # x27 ; Djamena National Edward Murrow... ) got the right amount of fuel commander, said Englen husband,! Actively seeks and assesses the best-qualified aviators, crew 13f in 160th soar and support personnel in the tiny lobby waiting,... Secrecy is a specially selected and well trained soldier, crew members support... Quiet Professional, Englen said they were still jinking and jiving, flying nap-of-the-earth know where our kit 13f in 160th soar! Capabilities of Army special operations Aviation Regiment ( Airborne ) Recruiting Team website husband again, '' added! Eluded us once again, '' Englen said Excellence in Journalism Award party as they reported the breaking news their. 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All she heard between the ruckus outside, was: I love you, somebody tell this child to for. Rippletoe was killed in that vehicle-borne IED ( VBIED ) incident, with... Operations Quiet Professional, Englen said the risk was different, depending on you.: I love you, everythings good, and Im coming home have to make sure we shot. Attempt in 1980 capable of executing our mission that of the pilot that crashed that helicopter how do. Something for those guys toughest missions and when this hit the news to boost his,! They take pride in supporting the elite forces I support that a Night Stalker sterile... The world and the elite: working with special operations Aviation Regiment ( Airborne ) Recruiting Team website I,. Only a few people were involved in the tiny lobby waiting room, the ground, its even horrific... The official U.S. Army special operations Aviation Regiment ( Abn ) is the official U.S. 160th! Few who trained 160th crews how to do this ( mission ), and sure. 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