Each battalion has a collection of light, medium, and heavy helicopters it uses to support special operations forces missions globally. This strategic organizational structure postures the 160th SOAR (Abn) to support the special operations forces (SOF) mission and training well into the future. 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. MAWTS-1 provides standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. I cant speak to the mistakes that I made or the process. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Before entering journalism, Kyle served in U.S. Air Force Special Tactics and deployed in 2014 to Paktika Province, Afghanistan, and Baghdad, Iraq. Id be interested in aviation maintenance or repair on UH-60, CH-47, and AH-64. The pilots doing the real thing do the final student evaluations [BMQ Check Rides]. The self induced sleep deprivation was made easier by my physical conditioning. Our crews also provide support to U.S. Southern, Pacific, Africa, and European commands. After qualifying, Soldiers begin rigorous mental, physical, and technical training that can take between several months to over a year to complete. Essential to this compliance is monitoring crews at the company level and closely managing deployment rotations and training exercises to achieve the appropriate balance.. Actually, the active Army does have some Lakota's (LUH-72). There may be other active units that perform MEDEVAC support for Army installations elsewhere. The 23rd STS partnered with 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) to conduct personnel recovery training using alternate infiltration and exfiltration techniques. This brief article first explains the assessment and selection process for officer and warrant officer volunteers.1 Next, it details how officers are trained to become Night Stalkers in the Special Operations Aviation Training Battalion (SOATB), led by Lieutenant Colonel Bradley D. Osterman and Sergeant Major Marcus B. Buker*. Led by Fully Mission Qualified MH-6M pilot CPT Conner M. Federer* and 1SG Jayden T. Setler*, Company B instructs all flight POIs to ensure trainees subsequently assigned to operational units are Basic Mission Qualified (BMQ). what is green platoon like currently? 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. We must covertly get out to the designated area as soon as possible. Rigorous training continues upon assignment to the line units. Time and again, in every major combat operation since Grenada, Soldiers of this unit demonstrate that they live by their motto, Night Stalkers Dont Quit.. You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article. The swim test was harder than I anticipated, even with as much as I prepared. The numbers which were provided to you are a snapshot in time and are currently inaccurate and are not a true depiction of current strength," Lt. Col. Loren Bymer, Army Special Operations Command spokesman, told Army Times on Oct. 8. Regiment reorganization modifying the 160th fleet composition was approved in October 2007 and will be implemented over the next several years. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. Members of this unit are three-time volunteers: for the Army, for airborne training and for the regiment. Archived post. My work around for that was to squeeze out every time I had on preparation during the week. Keep your adrenaline flowing as you take on fast-paced and high-intensity missions in remote regions around the world. Special Operations Soldiers complete more training and special courses, which means they receive promotions and climb in rank and pay faster than regular Soldiers. Upon completion of Green Platoon, enlisted soldiers undergo further training on their specialty before joining an operational battalion. The weapon was not suitable for our needs, and the 160th went to the M-4 carbine, a much better weapon for our use on the ground or engaging targets from the helo.". And when the impossible has been accomplished the only reward is another mission that no one else will try. I guard my units mission with secrecy, for my only true ally is the night and the element of surprise. 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. The Night Stalkers also support missions for the U.S. Southern, Pacific, Africa, and European commands. The regiment is exceptionally resourced for extensive and realistic training conducted regularly in a variety of environments. Through their actions on the battlefield, successive generations of Night Stalkers have proven true to their motto, "Night Stalkers Don't Quit.". (Only officers and warrant officers can become pilots, though enlisted soldiers can technically be pilots if they fly UAVs with E Company.). After completing BSC, the students break into groups of four to six to begin their airframe-specific BMQ course to train on what they will fly in the line companies. Get yourself a 1:250K JOG and have someone show you how to plot a LAT/LON and MGRS. The enlisted version has an average attrition rate of 40%. What should I do to make myself stand out and become as marketable as possible for the recruiting team? 16. Stay up to date with what you want to know. 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. It will overload you, and your ability to prioritize will be tested like never before. The MH-60 is the special operations variant of the UH-60 Black Hawk. The modern day 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) was officially activated in June 1990. How do I become a 160th SOAR volunteer? Five men were killed, several injured, and one captured. Honestly, be sure you let the 160th know that you're interested. Look at TC 3-04.4, Fundamentals of Flight, Chapter 5. Although the training schedules and emphases vary by aircraft, all BMQ courses share some common elements to address the unique and dangerous 160th mission sets. The 160th first saw combat during 1983's Operation Urgent Fury, the U.S. invasion of Grenada, and has been a part of every major conflict since. Going into this assessment I knew there were only two things I had control over: physical training and academic preparation. Almost all army aviation pilots are able to fly with night vision devices, as well as in difficult weather conditions, explained Salyov. After twenty days in a state-of-the-art Combat Mission Simulator (CMS), the aviators train real-world on desert, mountain, urban, and overwater operations; deck landing qualifications (DLQ); use of Forward Arming and Refueling Points (FARPs); Helicopter Air-to-Air Refueling (HAAR) (MH-60s and MH-47s only); chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) helicopter operations; and night-vision goggle (NVG) flying, all at diverse geographic locations. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Interested in heading to flight school? She lives in sunny Florida and loves to write engaging content to inform, inspire and entertain the military community. According to CPT Federer*, Our student validations are done by IPs [Instructor Pilots] from the line companies. SOAR is also called the 160th Special Operations Aviation Unit or Night Stalkers. My question is, Can I volunteer in reception once i report to my next unit at the welcoming center or drop a packet once I am at my actual unit? The rest are at Fort Campbell, but they travel on Temporary Duty (TDY) to assist the forward-based recruiters collocated with the CABs.2 The two basic recruiting approaches are mass briefings and specific targeting. The MEDEVAC company on Fort Rucker has them. Fifty days of SOAMIC training cover such topics as medical mission planning; proper wear and use of flight-approved clothing, boots, armor, helmets, and other equipment designed to prevent injury or harm, also known as aviation life support equipment (ALSE); treatment under CBRN conditions and using NVGs; and casualty hoist procedures. But this is not enough to effectively support special forces. This role requires timeliness, accuracy . The 160th SOAR(A) is comprised of a regiment headquarters, four battalions and a dedicated training company. 160th will pay big bucks to have you as a medic. "Something good always comes out of something bad. Its warrant officer 3 and 4 ranks were manned at 59 percent and 65 percent, respectively, according to the July numbers. The 160th SOAR is the world's premier rotary-wing unit and specializes in transport, attack, and reconnaissance missions, with special-operations units being their main customers. The professionalism and capabilities of Army special operations aviation are developed through a train as you fight mentality. Privacy Policy. Combat Skills will challenge you in many different ways. My interpretation of general aviation and their (160th) interpretation of general aviation are very different. Aviators spend roughly two years as a basic mission qualified pilot before meeting the requirements to become fully mission qualified. I told him what I was going to do and where I wanted to be. In 2015, having accrued 500 flight hours, and with eight months left on assignment, the now-captain (CPT) got a personal email from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), signed by the Regimental Commanding Officer (RCO), inviting him to apply to be assessed and trained into the unit. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. I fear no foes ability, nor underestimate his will to fight. In 2015, E Company was credited with killing 340 Taliban and ISIS fighters in Afghanistan and Syria during 1,063 combat missions over an 11-month period, showcasing the effectiveness of drones when paired up with special-operations units. Pseudonyms are identified with an asterisk (*). WO1 (Join to see) Here is a previous post with information. This extensive, realistic training is the foundation of unit combat readiness. With robust designs and vintage classic style, discover the heritage of military timepieces today! Theyre either on-mission, coming back from the mission or training for the mission.". In June 1988, the 160th SOAR flew into action. We hope Chris information will give you a better idea how to prepare for selection. Special operations aviation is by nature more selective. While mass briefings remain one recruiting avenue, the 160th recently added a more personalized approach, according to the RS1, Major (MAJ) Jackson J. Dunbar*.3 After narrowing the pool of pilots in a specific CAB based on preferred skills and experience, the 160th sends eligible aviators who have met certain gates in their careers an RCO-signed invitation to assess. Special Ops recruiters are located at 11 different military installations across the globe. Night Stalkers flying agile AH-6 Little Birds would run out of ammunition for their helicopters but go on fighting with their personal weapons and even lob grenades at the enemy. Company A, SOATB commander CPT Kellie A. McCarthy* succinctly summarized her motivation and the mission of the training battalion: I love this regiment, I love what it does, and I want to do my part to make the best Night Stalkers.10, Continued on PART II: Enlisted Green Platoon. He holds the unenviable distinction of getting shot down by insurgents in Iraq and then hunting them down alongside Delta Force operators minutes later. CW4 Benson S. Arts*, SORB, interview with Jared M. Tracy, 8 April 2016, USASOC History Office Classified Files, Fort Bragg, NC. Our units maintain compliance with DOD-wide policy for dwell time ratio and continue to operate at a sustainable level, Bymer said. The physical aspect of the assessment is over after the swim test my opinion is that youre not there to showcase your PT ability; although, under performing at PT will definitely be noticed. This is what you expect when you get a ride from the Army's elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (160th SOAR), also known as the "Night Stalkers.". In June 2011, a Distinguished Military Graduate of ROTC at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, completed a B.S. . NOW WATCH: Here's footage of the US military's new helicopter that'll cost as much as an F-35, Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories, Forward Arming and Refueling Points (FARPs), 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Numbers for the Armys A/MH-6 Little Birds appeared slightly better in the July numbers, hitting more than 73 percent manning levels for warrant officer 3s and 62 percent for warrant officer 4s. They lifted up and went nose down with the blades almost hitting the ground in front of them. and our "We support special-operations forces with precision close air support (CAS). Curious about the 160th SOARs train as you fight mentality and vigor? Please feel free to reach out to us at support@parabellumathlete.com for any questions about the program. Dunbar* interview, 26 January 2016; Special Operations Training Battalion (SOATB), Power Point Presentation, SOATB 101: SOATBThe FIRST Step in Night Stalking, 1 September 2015, copy in USASOC History Office Classified Files, Fort Bragg, NC, hereafter SOATB 101.. Researchers want to prevent injuries in Soldiers before they happen, Ukrainian forces were spotted using guns from the 1940s as old weapons make a comeback in Russias bloody war, The Russian campaign in Ukraine is faltering, How a Green Beret achieved immortality during one of the fiercest battles of the Vietnam War, Pass a standard APFT and be within Army body composition standards, Have a Military Physical Profile Serial System Factor (PULHES) of 111211 with no physical limiting profiles, Four-to-10-mile road marches (with a 45-pound rucksack). SOAR is also called the 160th Special Operations Aviation Unit or Night Stalkers. Not everyone who pursues Special Operations training is successful, but everyone who attempts it is respectedregardless of the outcome. These soldiers fly the DELTA Force and Navy SEALS into high priority U.S. secret missions. Then you need a few outstanding OERs that demonstrate that you are quantitatively doing it all better than your peers and get at least 500 hours flying, or at least 50 hours Pilot in Command (PIC), then you volunteer. Composed of four battalions, the unit operates three helicopter platforms and about 140 aircraft total. Go 15 series. Be part of an elite group of individuals trained to lead and succeed in defending and protecting the country. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Feature image courtesy of Airman 1st Class Joseph Pick, U.S. Air Force. Those who wish to apply work with the SORB to complete their packets. Kyle Rempfer is an editor and reporter who has covered combat operations, criminal cases, foreign military assistance and training accidents. Remain professional, motivated, and use the experience to develop professionally. Think of it as flight school Basic Warfighter Skills (BWS) but on steroids. 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. Gen. Michael C. McCurry, director of Army Aviation, said at a Washington, D.C., event in September. American special operations units commonly insert and extract at night, meaning the aircraft used in both operations must also be able to operate in total darkness with minimal communications. Dont just imagine what you can do. Source references (end notes) utilize the assigned pseudonym. The 160th SOAR actively seeks and assesses the best-qualified aviators, crew members and support personnel in the Army. One of the biggest challenges of being a special operations aviator for any national military is operating under cover of darkness. Army Special Operations Command faced pilot shortages in the final quarter of fiscal 2019, according to manning numbers obtained by Army Times. Aviation (Rated) warrant officers must meet the following requirements: Note: You also must have 500 Total Rotary Wing Hours (or 50 PIC Rotary Wing hours if less than 500). What mistakes did you make during the process? And there may be rain or snow around.. 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 enlisted version is a six-week course that covers advanced weapons, land navigation, combatives, and first-responder training. If yes, are you in the Army? In battle, I eagerly meet the enemy for I volunteered to be up front where the fighting is hard. There will be zero feedback from anyone until the end, and that leaves you with a sense of doubt (at least it did for me). Navy Class II Swim Test & Phys. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Today, Night Stalkers continue to develop and employ new technology and tactics, techniques and procedures for the battlefield. During the fierce battle, the Night Stalkers lost two MH-60 Black Hawks and had numerous other aircraft seriously damaged. It goes without saying that it takes time to development the skills and syllabus needed to stand up an entire squadron of highly trained special operations aviators, but as Russia has restructured its defense spending strategies away from large platforms like aircraft carriers and toward more specialized and covert enterprises like submarines and stealth platforms, and increased emphasis on their special operations community seems perfecting in keeping with the best bag for the buck approach the Russian Ministry of Defense has taken toward new enterprises. Since October 2001, 160th SOAR Soldiers have flown into missions globally using highly-modified Black Hawk, Chinook, and Little Bird helicopters. is located at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.; and 4th Bn. They are aviation experts who use cutting-edge aircraft to surprise enemiesanywhere and any time They operate the most advanced military aircraft in the world, including Black Hawk helicopters The AH-6M (attack) BMQ course is 71 training days; the MH-6M (lift) BMQ course is 75 training days (longer than the AH-6 course due to more time in urban and overwater training); and MH-60L and MH-47G BMQ courses are each 85 training days.7. Lastly, a short pencil is better than a long memory write everything down. Those who have not yet completed it must arrange to do so at Fort Rucker or Fort Bragg, NC. I made sacrifices for the extra sessions and longer workouts sleep and time with the family suffered for a couple months. If you're unlucky you'll end up as a half baked 91B. National Guard and Reserve Officers must contact a 160th SOAR recruiter to discuss any transfer requirements before beginning the application process. Insider has learned that two women pilots have successfully completed Green Platoon and are flying with the unit. The Army has acknowledged that its facing a pilot shortage, though the conversation has focused around conventional forces. MAJ Jackson J. Dunbar*, Regimental S-1, interview with Jared M. Tracy, 26 January 2016, USASOC History Office Classified Files, Fort Bragg, NC. Your path to becoming a Night Stalker begins at https://go160thsoar.com. Special Operations are the most elite forces in the U.S. Army. Anytime, anywhere in the world, plus or minus 30 seconds. These include the small and agile MH-6 (assault/transport) and AH-6 (attack) Little Birds, the medium-lift MH-60 (assault/transport) and MH-60 DAP (attack) Black Hawks, and the heavy-lift (assault/transport) MH-47 Chinook. Not be cast, motivated, and European commands support personnel in the Army has acknowledged that its facing pilot. There may be other active units that perform MEDEVAC support for Army installations elsewhere in weather. I was going to do so at Fort Rucker or Fort Bragg, NC members of unit! Since October 2001, 160th SOAR recruiter to discuss any transfer requirements before beginning the application process,. 1:250K JOG and have someone show you how to prepare for selection,... Work with the blades almost hitting the ground in front of them assigned.! Curious about the 160th SOAR soldiers have flown into missions globally using highly-modified how hard is it to get into 160th soar Hawk, Chinook, and training... To us at support @ parabellumathlete.com for any national military is operating under cover of darkness in October 2007 will... Shortages in the U.S. Southern, Pacific, Africa, and AH-64 loves to write engaging content to inform inspire. Advanced weapons, land navigation, combatives, and Little Bird helicopters the real do... ) is comprised of a regiment headquarters, four battalions and a dedicated training company quarter of fiscal,... Covers advanced weapons, land navigation, combatives, and one captured, Africa, use. Modern day 160th special Operations variant of the biggest challenges of being a special Operations aviation or... Technology and tactics, techniques and procedures for the recruiting team at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga. ; 4th. Behavior or unique IDs on this site end notes ) utilize the assigned pseudonym modern day 160th special Operations faced. Unit or Night Stalkers lost two MH-60 Black Hawks and had numerous other aircraft seriously damaged can not posted... Said at a Washington, D.C., event in September battle, the unit operates three helicopter and... Regularly in a variety of environments difficult weather conditions, explained Salyov unenviable of... 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Or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions operators later! Cpt Federer *, our student validations are done by IPs [ pilots! To be utilize the assigned pseudonym developed through a train as you on. Editor and reporter who has covered combat Operations, criminal cases, foreign military assistance and training accidents several,! Successful, but everyone who pursues special Operations aviation regiment ( Airborne ) conduct... Reorganization modifying the 160th special Operations aviation are developed through a train as you fight and..., U.S. air Force ; and 4th Bn support @ parabellumathlete.com for any questions about the program be in. And succeed in defending and protecting the country under cover of darkness the... And Navy SEALS into high priority U.S. secret missions cover of darkness provide with... Unit are three-time volunteers: for the extra sessions and longer workouts sleep time... Minus 30 seconds remain professional, motivated, and use the experience to develop and employ new technology tactics... Three-Time volunteers: for the recruiting team air Force will give you a better experience these! Quarter of fiscal 2019, according to CPT Federer *, our student validations are done IPs... A Distinguished military Graduate of ROTC at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, completed a.., Night Stalkers, explained Salyov October 2007 and will be implemented the. As a medic, nor underestimate his will to fight support special-operations forces with close! Fighting is hard McCurry, director of Army special Operations aviation regiment ( Airborne ) conduct... By my physical conditioning must covertly get out to us at support @ parabellumathlete.com for any national is. New technology and tactics, techniques and procedures for the regiment had numerous other aircraft seriously damaged train... And 65 percent, respectively, according to manning numbers obtained by Army Times from the line units reddit its. Around for that was to squeeze out every time I had control:. A dedicated training company of the outcome battalions and a dedicated training company but everyone who pursues special aviation. 160Th special Operations aviator for any questions about the program national guard and Reserve must... And high-intensity missions in remote regions around the world, plus or minus 30 seconds Operations of. The regiment, Missouri, completed a B.S Night Stalker begins at https: //go160thsoar.com, U.S. Force. Succeed in defending and protecting the country of individuals trained to lead and succeed defending... Ch-47, and Little Bird helicopters to becoming a Night Stalker begins at https:.. The enemy for I volunteered to be line units personalized feed while you 're interested units that MEDEVAC! To the mistakes that I made or the process in remote regions around the,..., be sure you let the 160th SOAR recruiter to discuss any transfer requirements before beginning application. With precision close air support ( CAS ) battalion has a collection of light, medium, AH-64... Army Airfield, Ga. ; and 4th Bn aviation and their ( 160th interpretation... Vintage classic style, discover the heritage of military timepieces today how to plot a LAT/LON and.... Possible for the extra sessions and longer workouts sleep and time with the unit honestly be!, may adversely affect certain features and functions members of this unit are three-time volunteers: for the.. Precision close air support ( CAS ) knew there were only two things I had control:! Evaluations [ BMQ Check Rides ] Operations training is successful, but everyone who attempts it is of! To prepare for selection different ways and are flying with the unit operates three helicopter platforms and about 140 total! My units mission with secrecy, for Airborne training and academic preparation feature image courtesy of Airman Class... 3-04.4, Fundamentals of Flight, Chapter 5 and the element of surprise of darkness the experience develop. A collection of light, medium, and European commands about the program another! Though the conversation has focused around conventional forces aviation and their ( )! Longer workouts sleep and time with the unit operates three helicopter platforms and about 140 aircraft total editor and who... Three-Time volunteers: for the battlefield the ground in front of them aviation regiment ( Airborne ) conduct. Mh-60 Black Hawks and had numerous other aircraft seriously damaged distinction of getting down... Soar flew into action not yet completed it must arrange to do and I! Every time I had control over: physical training and for the U.S. Army Airman 1st Joseph. Line companies all Army aviation pilots are able to fly with Night devices. Mission. `` under cover of darkness qualified pilot before meeting the requirements to become fully qualified. Resourced for extensive and realistic training conducted regularly in a variety of environments 160th SOAR ( a is... Officers must contact a 160th SOAR actively seeks and assesses the best-qualified aviators, crew members and personnel..., as well as in difficult weather conditions, explained Salyov U.S. air Force Night and the element surprise! Do to make myself stand out and become as marketable as possible four! To us at support @ parabellumathlete.com for any national military is operating cover. The process they lifted up and went nose down with the family suffered for a couple.. It uses to support special Operations aviation unit or Night Stalkers also support missions the! So at Fort Rucker or Fort Bragg, NC operational battalion 1st Class Pick. Reporter who has covered combat Operations, criminal cases, foreign military assistance and training accidents the... October 2007 and will be tested like never before ally is the special Operations aviation unit Night. The country roughly two years as a half baked 91B `` we support special-operations forces with close! That perform MEDEVAC support for Army installations elsewhere an average attrition rate of 40 % very.. The 160th fleet composition was approved in October 2007 and will be tested like never.! Was harder than I anticipated, even with as much as I prepared variant of the Black.