Royal Marines launch dramatic rescue bid to save fallen soldier

[T_igger_cs_30]

Heroe's one and all I salute you........

While its good that it worked out without any casualties on the part of the rescuers, I'm just saying that this time luck was on their side. Executing an op like that is just asking for it, in my opinion. The line between daring and disasterous is drawn by the outcome.

I disagree, you make your own luck(FEAR NAUGHT)

Given what the boys are facing,non stop fire fights/contacts, lack of equipment, broken promises by politicians this incredible act of bravery by this group will have done more for morale than anyone can imagine.

Also can you imagine what it means to the Marines parents....who will be able to achieve closure, there son will be home. ....RIP L/Bdr James Dwyer.......

[gunnut]

Video for those of you who haven't seen it.

LiveLeak.com - Royal Marines daring rescue attempt in Afghanistan - Strapped to an Apache

[pdf27]

Also can you imagine what it means to the Marines parents....who will be able to achieve closure, there son will be home. ....RIP L/Bdr James Dwyer.......[/B]

It also means a hell of a lot to any of the guys out there who might be cut off. They're going to know that someone is coming to get them, rather than them being left to (in the words of Kipling talking about another Afghan war):
"When you're wounded and left on Afghanistan's plains,
And the women come out to cut up what remains,
Jest roll to your rifle and blow out your brains
An' go to your Gawd like a soldier.."

[kams]

Wow, We salute you.

We had a Colonel (Aviation) who flew into the night in his helicopter in the Siachen where there is a raging battle daily and rescued a trooper who was surely going to die otherwise.

It was, and still is, against the rules to fly at night since there are no night navigational instruments on board. He did it. He got sacked. But he is a legend today.

His name is Tom Dulat.

I am surprised that he was sacked. What he did was beyond the call of duty, putting his life in danger, to save a fellow stricken brother. He took initiative, improvised in adverse conditions. That is what we look for in a leader. Am I wrong?

[MarquezRazor]

I am surprised that he was sacked. What he did was beyond the call of duty, putting his life in danger, to save a fellow stricken brother. He took initiative, improvised in adverse conditions. That is what we look for in a leader. Am I wrong?

I think the bravery is beyond reproach but discipline needs to be maintained..you dont want to set precedents ..which in other cases may go horribly wrong and jeopardise many lives.

Anyway thats what I think of it.

[Stan187]

All I'm saying is, while it was a remarkable rescue and boost for morale and such, as their CO, I would not have authorized that. Not the whole thing mind you, but just the part where the Apache sets down inside the enemy compound. The other parts I have no problem with.

[HistoricalDavid]

Until I saw it, I certainly would have laughed at anyone who said you could strap people to an Apache's wings.

[pdf27]

All I'm saying is, while it was a remarkable rescue and boost for morale and such, as their CO, I would not have authorized that. Not the whole thing mind you, but just the part where the Apache sets down inside the enemy compound. The other parts I have no problem with.

So as a CO, you'd happily abandon your men to the barbarians if there is a risk of losing expensive equipment? Nice to know the loyalty thing would go both ways!

[Stan187]

So as a CO, you'd happily abandon your men to the barbarians if there is a risk of losing expensive equipment? Nice to know the loyalty thing would go both ways!

You're not reading what I'm writing. I said I didn't have a problem with the other parts of the mission, but I wouldn't set down the Apache inside the fort itself, but instead outside of it, like the other one did.

I don't think that was a smart move. I never said I'd abandon anyone in such a situation. I'm just saying I wouldn't land a chopper inside an enemy fort, but outside of it. Really, read what I write before you respond.

[Ray]

Stan,

You may have a point and I can see what you are getting at, but then I am sure the pilots of both the helicopters would have sized up the situation, made a quick plan and decided to take the calculated gamble.

This is what combat leadership, camaraderie and daring is all about!

If they had failed hopelessly and if they had done without the OK, then it could have been a different matter, especially if the citizens, the media and the politicians made a huge hue and cry about taking unnecessary risks and getting people killed and such stuff.

Now, that is another professional hazard. Some take it and some don't.

[Stan187]

Occupational hazard indeed Brigadier, all I'm saying is that as long as its within reason, we should try to reduce those occupational hazards as much as possible.