Thats how long it should take, Englen said. The 160th SOAR fly the following helicopters: MH-47G Chinook MH-60M Black Hawk MH-60M DAP (gunship variant) AH-6M / MH-6M Little Bird Stealth / Ghost Hawk Haditha Dam was one that I knew we were going to get hit, were going to get hit. The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment's mission is to organize, equip, train, resource and employ Army special operations aviation forces worldwide in support of contingency missions and. No family members were allowed. I couldnt wait any longer, Englen said. We literally just needed them to be on the objective, which they did phenomenally well. (Seth Rosenberg/DoD) It was past midnight Sept. 18 when an. The Works; Oct 2, 2018; Replies 5 Views 3K. She knew I had heard from her dad, so I said, Go. 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. Green Platoon is the initial training program all Soldiers must attend prior to becoming a member of the 160th. Attention #FortCarson! They were just as worried. Her grandmother always told her that faith would get her through life. Our crews also provide support to U.S. Southern, Pacific, Africa, and European commands. We're the ones that have to elude the air defense, early warning network. 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. And, Im like, Hey, good luck guys. Remember how dramatic you were at 16, 17 years old? RippedHalo; Oct 17, 2014; Replies 7 Views 6K. The 160th brought AH-6 helicopters the light helicopter gunship based on MH-6 Little Bird and defensive armed penetrators, the MH-60L modified attack helicopter that looks like a Black Hawk, and one Chinook to that firefight. That was a stake a claim,' so theres always a target for certain individuals, so we stay quiet. He tried yelling at me, you know, just, What the F, why are we here, whats going on? Englen recalled. The fact that her husband had called was. The fuse was ready to blow up the crashed helicopter. The flight lead was left seat, I was his copilot in the right seat, he recalled. But we all crossed that border. In the days that followed, Englen smirked at the media coverage. Temporary Duty and Temporary Duty and Return (TDY-R): TDY-R 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 installation to out-process prior to PCS to Ft. Campbell, KY; Hunter Army Airfield/Ft. I was probably 100 feet from the aircraft when it blew up. As most military families can attest, transitioning out of the service is a big adjustment. 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. Their Navy EOD tech lost his leg and needed medical evacuation. Combat Skills will challenge you in many different ways. The 160th is the only rotary wing precision special operations aviation force in the entire Defense Department. While Englen was amused, Tina was bothered. 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. Consistently put themselves in harm's way to make sure we are covered on the ground. There truly are few people of this 9/11 generation that have been as heroic and as courageous as Doug Englen, McRaven added, without revealing any specifics. We actually crashed a helicopter, Englen admitted. Regardless, they were still jinking and jiving, flying nap-of-the-earth. Everyone (in the special operations community) worried if they didnt hear from their spouses. The mini-gunners, or door gunners, were scanning. My manner is that of the Special Operations Quiet Professional, secrecy is a way of life. We like to be 10 to 15 seconds. Stewart, GA; or Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. (Courtesy of Doug Englen). 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 combatant commanders. And, that he thinks what my husband did, is horrible, Tina recalled. The 160th SOARs motto, Night Stalkers Dont Quit, still applies to Douglas Englen. "You could see lights coming off and on, said Englen. Due to operational security concerns, only a few people were involved in the planning of that mission. We didnt want to run into one of them, and have them ask What are you guys doing here? Englen added. Englens MH-47 Chinook was supposed to be the contingency force, but ended up being the primary aircraft to put the first guys in to go running after bin Laden. And theyre throwing on more last minute ground force. As soon as they landed at Jalalabad, a C-130 transported the team and Englen to Bagram Air Base to help exhume the body of Osama bin Laden. As Englen and ground force members brought the body bag out to them, they expressed some frustration. United States Army Special Operations Aviation Command Flying the Best, without Fear, without Fail, without Equal, no Matter what the Future Holds. Two days after arriving home, Englen was at Jiffy Lube with Tina, getting an oil change. We're the ones that have to make sure we can get the ground force in, where they need to go. Thats what Adm. McRaven is, just the true professional, true leader and here I am getting side-barred with the vice president.. "He was really concerned, you know, Youre gone a lot. They are not normal pilots. She thought she heard someone say there was a concern about a helicopter down. Trusted them completely. Id say, two or three minutes before we got in there. I didnt know if the aircraft was going to hold together, because we still had five hours to fly to get back to the USS Kitty Hawk. Theyre walking out. Finally I just politely asked him, 'Sir, if you dont mind, I have to pay attention.. Soleimani was killed in an airstrike at Baghdad Airport this past January. Shed literally just sat down when the news bulletin interrupted CSI.". I will never surrender. He is, without a doubt, the finest Army aviator of our generation. For instance, former Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Advisor John Brennan, said that the ground forces had been met with a great deal of resistance, and bin Laden had used a woman as a human shield. Englen had just trained 160th crews on electronic warfare: deep-insertion attacks against an enemy threat with an air defense network. . I would just get pissed, because I knew that we had young kids on mini-guns getting scared, and if I got scared, they would freeze. Of course, there was no news until Obama made the announcement about Neptune's Spear. ***Your post must be a question; chat posts are not allowed. We (the spouses) were always imbued with, Just support them, Tina said. Helicopters. 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. The 160th SOAR actively seeks and assesses the best-qualified aviators, crew members and support personnel in the Army. I landed to the east of the compound, right next to it. You realize, by you being concerned and asking that question, you know youre not, theyd said. 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 other Chinook had set up prior to the Black Hawk coming in, shutting the aircraft down and running the fuel hoses out. The regiment headquarters is collocated with the 1st and 2nd battalions and the Special Operations Aviation Training Battalion at Fort Campbell, Ky.; 3rd Battalion is located at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.; and 4th Battalion is located at -Base LewisJoint- . That was the No. You could tell that we are waking up Pakistan, because this is not normal. pictured asg 160 SOAR on static Display at Oceana Airshow: M.3712: mh-47e: 92-00464: US Army. So, if mom was worried, they were worried. While the local populace was aware something was up (and began tweeting and calling 911), the special operations aviators werent getting indications that the Pakistani military or the Air Force was keen on what they were doing. I couldnt get in and out of the car.. Englen just put his hand on that Marine gunny sergeant, and pointed at the body bag. It originated after the failed Iran hostage rescue attempt in 1980. "It truly is a decision brief each time, but you have to go through the concepts. Given how rapidly this could devolve into classified info, I'll just remind everyone to NOT send classified information via this forum, public or private. A quick phone call just to hear my voice, and tell them everyones OK, I knew that was all that was needed, Englen said. In battle, I eagerly meet the enemy for I volunteered to be up front where the fighting is hard. Recruiters and SME's for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment will conduct briefings next week for Aviation, Ground, and Support MOS fields. "We're the ones that are penetrating into a sovereign nation. Englen was on nearly every special operations insertion in the two weeks prior to the Shock and Awe campaign on March 19, 2003. Those few planners worked for nearly four months at the CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia. But for special operations aviators of the 160th, thats an eternity. Link: https://goarmysof.com/160th/SOARrecruiting.html 10 11 comments Best Add a Comment 13F in 160th. Certainly not trying to get any classified info. The 160th SOAR (A) is comprised of a regiment headquarters and five battalions. What makes it different than being in a normal air assault unit? Englen documents his last flight in the Army. Plus, I always felt like it took you out of your frame of mind, he said. I am trying to get a little more information about their roles. Im one of the ones who wrote the report that delayed Obama by about 45 minutes, Englen admitted. All Night Stalkers share this experience that unites them under a common goal which is to serve our Nations most elite Special Operations Warriors. Probably less than a hundred miles from Triple Nickel (Special Forces ODA-555, which along with ODA-595 became known as the 'Horse Soldiers), and rescued Karzai, because he was surrounded by hundreds of Taliban, Englen said. 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 . Ive got to find a ride home, Tina recalled. 160th SOAR Chinook "Crazy Horse Airlines" Co. (But,) once we crashed the aircraft, within the first 30 seconds of the mission, then thats when we really woke up that entire valley, Englen said. Only a few days following Objective Gecko, Englen (under a senior flight lead) rescued Hamid Karzai from the Taliban. Maintenance courses are designed and built around maintaining our unique air frames. Somebody was always planning or doing something for those guys. On the actual bin Laden compound, the risk to the ground force was high (which is why comparisons were made to it being like just another night in Afghanistan, where operations occur multiple times a night). Hearing Black Hawk down over the radio changed everything. But, he was searching and hunting for me, and three times came very close to actually launching a missile, Englen said. Vehicle stopped and the woman acted like she was pregnant, feigned that she needed water. In Green Platoon, you will find the standards of performance exacting and unwavering. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. He bootstrapped his way up. The risk was different, depending on who you asked. History of the 160th SOAR(A) - The Army owes its modern night fighting aviation capabilities to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) who pioneered night flight techniques, shared in the development of equipment, and proved that "Night Stalkers Don't Quit," a motto the Regiment lives by. DISCOVER MORE Officer 21 USASOAC United States Army Special Operations Aviation Command - Flying the Best, without Fear, without Fail, without Equal, no Matter what the Future Holds. They were on the ground for probably a minute and a half. The mission and my precious cargo are my concern. The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), abbreviated as 160th SOAR (A), is a special operations force of the United States Army that provides helicopter aviation support for general purpose forces and special operations forces. Im just sitting there, smiling, because they thought that it never happened. Because they were out there running full rotors turning for like two hours waiting for us, Englen said. Englen, the air component planner for Operation Neptunes Spear, was pissed off. He was relieved details about his 160th SOARs air piece never really got out. "Haditha Dam was a big one. This strategic organizational structure postures the regiment to support special operations forces mission and training requirements well into the future. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. MURS160-13-F from Diodes Inc at Allied Electronics & Automation, part of RS Group "Thats because I was joking around, we were high-fiving and celebrating, and so was the ground force commander, said Englen. Find us at Go160thSOAR. On the objective, his crew chiefs on the ramp, hopped out do a head count. 160 SOAR, crash with 91-00496 on night + M.3713: Which is exactly the point. Was just curious if they would hold a role more of like a battalion FSNCO or be an aerial observer. His 34 deployments translate to six years and nine months worth of combat time downrange, away from his wife Tina and four children. Promotion opportunities are regularly available, but are competitive and based on performance. You will find the standards of performance exacting and unwavering. I had to actually fly away, make a tight circle and come back in, and land under the mushroom cloud. Green Platoon is your first step to becoming a Night Stalker. Sterile meant no identification, name tags, unit patches, family photos. But our rules of engagement was, 'capture only.. It takes a little bit of time, Englen said. They really didnt talk about the air piece. B160-13-F Diodes Incorporated Schottky Diodes & Rectifiers 60V 1A datasheet, inventory, & pricing. For years, the special operations aviator flew figuratively under peoples radar back home, while flying literally under the enemys radar downrange. McRaven would speak 90 percent of the time. "It was not typical. And when the impossible has been accomplished the only reward is another mission that no one else will try. 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. Killed probably 30 or 35 insurgents. And Im not here to explain it to them, hed chuckled. We went back and forth. Including Special Forces, Civil Affairs, Psychological operations, 160th SOAR, Explosive Ordnance Explosives, Warrant officers, 75th Ranger Regiment, and how to get started. has two MH-47 Chinook helicopter companies; and 3rd and 4th bns. The 160th first saw combat . Today, Night Stalkers continue to develop and employ new technology and tactics, techniques and procedures for the battlefield. When he flew over Abbottabad, it felt as familiar as flying over his hometown of Clarksville, Tennessee. 1981 to present . Today, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment continues a sustained and active forward presence in the U.S. Central Command area of operations at multiple locations in support of operations Enduring Freedom. Rigorous training continues upon assignment to the line units. So they brought me on the team, Englen said. what would an artilleryman be doing in it? Didnt know the severity if it was crashed with casualties? I had to anticipate and load the engines. Hes only venturing into the light because former CIA Director Leon Panetta and retired Navy Adm. William R. McRaven the overall commander of the bin Laden mission encouraged him to, calling him an American hero.. His crew in Chinook-1 and another crew in Chinook-2 had been setting up a refuel site for the two Black Hawks, about 30 miles to the north. 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. The rest of the air crew would receive Silver Stars. Hell be inducted into the Army Aviation Hall of Fame in April. Were fine, were good, everythings great, couldnt be better.. "They said it was too hot, and we just went in anyway. But the news, There is a helicopter crash, theyd think the worst. 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 think if they did talk about the air piece, we (160th SOAR) would have come out and said, No, theyre completely wrong. I said. Promotion opportunities are regularly available, but are competitive and based on performance. This is the official U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command and 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) Recruiting Team . Ever. 160th SPECIAL OPERATIONS AVIATION REGIMENT (Abn) CAREER PATHWAYS Your path to becoming a Night Stalker begins here. A 160th SOAR helicopter has allegedly been downed in a US Special Operations raid in Syria as well as possible US casualties. Englen's 2nd UBL attempt was at this compound during darkness prior with his MH47. Home. Your vehicle deserves only genuine OEM Honda parts and accessories. They have no idea, do they? Shed whispered to him. Nothing personal, in case they were taken hostage. The third time Englen went after bin Laden was between the Khost Bowl and the Tirah Valley in Afghanistan, right next to Pakistan, in 2008. 23 and 24 August at Building 9648 Room 102 #4thInfantryDivision #MountainPostREADY. Link: https://goarmysof.com/160th/SOARrecruiting.html, Scan this QR code to download the app now, https://goarmysof.com/160th/SOARrecruiting.html. If you are screened favorably, your packet will be sent to HRC for your branch to approve release to the 160thSOAR. If an aircraft went down, and you didnt hear anything. I was selected because I knew that type of environment very well. They emit a smaller signature from a radar standpoint. Service in the 160th is a calling only a few will answer for the mission is constantly demanding and hard. "Take a baseball bat and hit the side of your car thats what a bullet sounds like inside an aircraft, he said. Over the course of his career, and their marriage, Doug Englen never shared much. But what scared them was: Were going into this place, what are our odds of making it back? I never thought that. Bin Laden was there. In Iraq, there were also several high-profile missions the public knew little about. 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