I'd also like to know what the numbers on the bird were and who was in it. And what the protocol is. And if, after someone with an interest in the matter removed the video from public view, any official inquiry will happen.
Let's see, the U.S. Army is a "primary user"... and the post says this happened near Salt lake City... what base do you think this came in from? You know, so they can be asked? Maybe by someone with constituents and supporters?
As for the comment poster who shrugs it off with "they were just screwing around," I guess Cooper's rules don't apply in his world.
And as long as I'm free-styling with impressions here, why is it the same feds who took punitive action against the Redskins think it's OK to use "Apache"? Not that I mind in either case, even though I've been a lifelong "victim" of blatant (and hurtful--don't forget hurtful!) stereotyping, but it just seems a bit contradictory...
[Via Florida Guy]
UPDATE: If there's more that needs to be known about this, at least the right person to find out has been approached:
UPDATE 2: Without knowing, it appears to me the Apache crew were being friendly and giving the folks on the ground a thrill, rather than meaning to intimidate, and it seemed many on the ground got a kick out of it. That said, this is still unsettling to me.
Anon@9:58-- that's one reason I cited Cooper's rules, particularly all guns are always loaded and never point the muzzle at anything you aren't willing to destroy. We've documented lots of mishaps where "trained professionals" were surprised by an ND from an "unloaded" weapon.
5 comments:
"Protocol"? Protocol is whatever the hell the porcine enforcers say is protocol! And if it ain't already protocol, they'll just have their protocol writers insert it. That way everything is always "by the book" . . . ahem!
Redskins vs. Apache . . . the king always was a tad fickle . . . as you say "progressive opposites day". :)
Here is a 1:39 video of the helo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DI7pPVJTeSY
Here is a 6:55 video of the helo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xgz6V0e-Vq0
Utah was one of four states with Army National Guard units with AH-64 Apache helicopter battalions.
The other three were North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida. I understand that the Florida has or will be losing their Apaches, don't know how far along that is or if that's been stopped.
The unites do not have 30 mm cannon ammo on hand, they're only issued that when they do annual range qualifications. That ammo is stored in Ammunition Supply Points (ASPs) located on Army bases. North Carolina uses Fort Bragg, South Carolina uses either Fort Jackson orShaw Air Force Base.
The video, each Apache has a VCR onboard, could be recorded regardless of an empty ammo bay.
This isn't an apology, just for your information.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xgz6V0e-Vq0
Go to FULL SCREEN.
Watch the chain gun from
4:00 - 4:05.
(It's located just forward of the main landing gear. )
He's tracking the crowd.
Not cool.
I am not an authority on Apache helos however I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. While at the Inn I saw a Discovery TV show about the tech on Apache helicopters. The pilot has a HUD system in the helmet which is connected to the gun. The gun MOVES wherever the pilot is looking. So, if the pilot is LOOKING at YOU his gun is ALSO pointed at you. Now you know, and knowing is half the battle. GO JOE!!
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