The United States Army special operations community is comprised of four main combat elements: Delta Force, Green Berets (Special Forces), Rangers and Nightstalkers (Special Operations Aviation Regiment or SOAR). In the past thirty years, these units have participated in conflicts around the globe.
With mechanical issues with three helicopters, the mission was aborted.
Shortly after the order was issued to abort, another helicopter crashed into a C-130 causing eight casualties.
The mission was a failure and the hostages remained in Iran until the following January.
A great portion of the forces had to unexpectedly jump into the combat zone while the rest were inserted by fast roping out of Blackhawk helicopters.
The mission was a success though highly criticized by other nations including Canada, Russia and Britain.
They seized the airfield and the surrounding areas under heavy gun fire from the PDF. Even with 23 American casualties, the mission was a success and ended on December 27th.
Noriega surrendered on his own to face the charges against him.
The United States deployed elements of Delta Force, 3rd Ranger Battalion and Nightstalkers to accomplish the task.
The elements entered the country in August but the real mission took place on October 3rd when intelligence indicated Aidid would be meeting with two of his top lieutenants.
The mission was going as planned until the opposition took down a Blackhawk helicopter that was circling the area. Some of the teams were redirected to the downed helicopter. Shortly after, a second helicopter was hit. Known for never leaving a fallen comrade, the special operations teams worked their way to secure the bodies in the two helicopters.
The pilot of the second helicopter had his body dragged through the streets and was held hostage for eleven days before eventually being released. When October 4th arrived, the Americans had suffered nineteen casualties and endured the worst fighting in recent history ultimately resulting in a failed mission.
With communication issues, the Rangers were unaware they were landing in a hot zone and immediately came under heavy fire. The troops were able to secure the mountain top. Whether the mission was a success depends on who is asked.
Arguing between high-ranking officers led to the communication issues and played a part in the American deaths that occurred. It is also widely believed that high ranking Al Qaeda officers, including possibly Bin Laden, were able to escape during the battle.
All photos courtesy of USASOC.
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I served in the AF in the 60's. I was in crypto. I believe all the service men and women play a vital part, whether at the tip of the sword or in support. In WWII, intelligence was critical to the Allies victory.
Also in WWII, my father was the top enlisted Engineer in Patton's army. He lead a small group of engineers behind enemy lines each time Patton was planning a major campaign or move. They figured out the best path, exactly where to put the portable bridges, etc.
Maybe the author of this article will discuss other components such as logistics, communications, engineering, etc.
I got tired of listening to rah rah Marines when I was a pup but they still thrive on making inane statements and often times showing their ignorance of geography and other such frivilous educational matters. You cant change them. 23 Years in the Army and I saw thousands of great young people serving their country from Marine Corps cooks to Coast Guard mechanics they are all top notch people that our country is blessed to have. But the article is about the Army Special Ops so next time Marine use the brain before engaging the mouth. You made yourself look dumb.
@ 1SG Bowers. You said it top, this is an article on Army, not other branches. We're all soldiers who serve a role in this large and very diverse war machine. Marines are taught that they are better than any Army grunt, because it's just part of the mindset you need to have to be a Marine. In this case, "I think, therefore I am" isn't necessarily accurate though. I've met some great Soldiers and some great Marines. All the same, we're just gears in a big ass cogwheel.
1st Ranger Bn. Oct 1983 - Grenada - Operation Urgent Fury
Rangers Lead The Way!
Iwas a ranger from 87 to93 when i then went through the bear program. I was stationed with the 7thSF and the 3RD. i worked with the britts speacial forces yhe korianrocks and almost every group in ths USA,but i would still rather have good old ranger on my side when shit hits the fan.
ah the good ol BEAR program, I went that route too, it's an odd journey
Doesn't matter who you are or what you do in the military, everyone is vital and no one is better than the other. It really depends on how well that individual allows themselves to be trained, and ultimately how they train themselves. Marines are still people, and people are not perfect. Anybody can do what the Marines think only they can do, doesn't matter what branch you serve. It really doesn't matter.
get off it you guys and stop whining like a bunch of babies...everyone thought their units were the best... and its good... its called pride,