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. What's the appeal in going 160th for a 13f? We like to be 10 to 15 seconds. Im just sitting there, smiling, because they thought that it never happened. We didnt want to run into one of them, and have them ask What are you guys doing here? Englen added. He saw combat as a door gunner during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. "When we pulled out, I yanked the guts out of the engines and we were at max power. DISCOVER Enlisted 30 160TH SOAR (Abn) To be completely unselfish, Id rather pick the right tool for the ground force, versus it always being myself, Englen explained. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy, and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country. Obama was there in the hallway, saying it.. Everybody focused to what was happening on TV. On the objective, his crew chiefs on the ramp, hopped out do a head count. Thats how long it should take, Englen said. 160th SPECIAL OPERATIONS AVIATION REGIMENT (Abn) CAREER PATHWAYS Your path to becoming a Night Stalker begins here. The Marine air crew hadnt been read into what they were doing there, or where they were going. Right now, Im just telling you the story, because theres never been an air piece conveyed on what happened that night, Englen reiterated. Karzai later became the president of Afghanistan. has one AH-6 Little Bird helicopter company, one MH-6 Little Bird helicopter company and three companies of MH-60 Black Hawk helicopters; 2nd Bn. I couldnt wait any longer, Englen said. But what scared them was: Were going into this place, what are our odds of making it back? I never thought that. He had kept the details in the executive summary regarding their special operations air piece to a minimum, careful about providing contextual data. 160th Special Operations . Hed walk in the door, and say, What we having for dinner? And Im like, Uh, whoops, Ive already eaten. When were on the ground, its just us, he said. Got a question? If someone has worked with 13F is 160th, please feel free to PM me. Known as Night Stalkers, these Soldiers are recognized for their proficiency in nighttime operations. Three gentlemen waiting, in their mid-20s, were absolutely convinced it was a conspiracy. They did not bring in the rest of the air crew, and the rest of the ground force, until two and a half weeks before they executed the mission. 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. Harosky, the Ranger, was with 3/75th Ranger Regiment and at a blocking position further from the dam. The MH-60 Black Hawks were supposed to fast-rope the assault group onto the rooftop of a mud building. The 160thRecruiting Office reviews and processes all applications. 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. I will never surrender. And getting back safely was even more difficult because, by then, the Pakistani military was alerted. While Englen was amused, Tina was bothered. He (Obama) told me, We need to keep you around. And, all 24 ground forces that were on the objective that night made me an honorary member of their team. They flew with an escort, all the way up to the USS Carl Vinson and buried bin Laden in the North Arabian Sea. Theres at least a dozen missions that I thought, There was no reason why we should have come out of that alive,' he confided. What does a 13F does with the 160th? Your mom doesnt need it. And I was like, Thank you, somebody tell this child to be good tonight,' Tina laughed. The DAPs defensive air penetrators were just unleashing. 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 I was selected because I knew that type of environment very well. Our expectations are high, but attainable. We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. They are both great pilots and great fighters. It was one of our 160th Black Hawks. Before hed left, Englen had told Tina, Stay local. Key Tasks: 1) Execute Mission Command of theater sustainment operations for joint forces, coalition forces and civil authorities 2) Support theater opening and execute JRSO 3) Provide sustainment. Upon completion of training, TDY-E Soldiers will proceed to Ft. Campbell, KY; Hunter Army Airfield/ Ft. Stewart, GA; or Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. And, he looked at me, and I go, Thats Number One. And there, he just snapped a salute, immediately changed his tone, Englen said. I see you have to be a senior or promotable E6 to apply, however I'm confused as to what they would actually be doing in the Regiment. During the longest helicopter assault in U.S. history, Englens was the first helicopter into Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks, on Oct. 19, 2001. I just knew, its either that, or theyre going to die, he added. The following is a general overview of the process: Process for becoming a Night Stalker and a valued member of the United States Army Special Operations Aviation Team is as follows: Since our inception, the 160th SOAR has filled its ranks with tested volunteers. Enlisted Soldiers and NCOs are actively recruited to fill our ranks with the best men and women capable of executing our mission. The Chinooks were the smack down force the extra assaulters, extra gas in case anything were to happen like an aircraft crash. 160th SOAR CAREER BRIEFING EVENTS 5-6 April Fort Carson, Colorado Daily Briefing Times Officer/Warrant: 0930/1130/1430 Enlisted/NCO: 1030/1330/1530 Location: 4-4 Attack Helicopter Battalion Hangar Classroom Plus, in the SOF community, theres always criticism against any operator who talks about their former career. And, that he thinks what my husband did, is horrible, Tina recalled. conv from CH-47C 74-22283. 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. So, Ive got this teenager, going over-the-top that her hair wasnt going (right), huge Cinderella dress wasnt going, shoes were horrible, I look fat, 'everything sucks, and on and on, Tina sighed. "Take it out of the body bag, inspect and take samples and things like that, to verify," he clarified. 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. (Same air crews who fought Haditha, Iraq, 2003.) Now, in retrospect, we could have done it with two Chinooks, the entirety. Its a little bit different of an environment. Theres nobody to protect us (the aircraft and crew) while were on the ground. Among other missions, he infiltrated Top Tier members, along with British and Australian special operations in Al-Anbar, near the Syrian border, to deal with H-3 and H-2 Air Bases. Alex was supposed to be on that helicopter. So, thats time for the Chinook to get there, time it to shut down, time to refuel, close up the refuel hoses, start the aircraft and head out. Known as Night Stalkers, these Soldiers are recognized for their proficiency in nighttime operations. As soon as the last ground force was on the aircraft, the crew chiefs came in right behind them and ramped up. 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.. Meanwhile, the other Chinook stayed at the refueling site. Combat Skills will challenge you in many different ways. So we had to make sure that we didnt suspend (hold) a group of the elite ground force and air crews for three, four, or five months at a time, and not utilize them.. They are highly trained and ready to accomplish the very toughest missions . And, Im like, Hey, good luck guys. Ive got to find a ride home, Tina recalled. He could see where the police lights were, where the commotion was happening. 13F in 160th. Didnt know the severity if it was crashed with casualties? 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. In reality, that delay was because the special operators were reveling at Bagram. Englens Chinook headed back to Jalalabad, Afghanistan, while the remaining Black Hawk (Chalk-2) headed to the refuel site about 30 miles north of Abbottabad. Minutes after they finished the report, Obama walked down that famous hallway in the White House to the podium to tell the world the news: The United States had conducted a raid to kill Osama bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaida. Loiter, for up to an hour, in an area that could shoot you down at any time, they possibly could think it's an aircraft from India," Englen said. Many speculated that the delay was because most of the media were at the White House Correspondents Dinner, and it took time to assemble them back at the anchor desks. The Chinooks would be there as the backup. Some asked, Whereve you been the last several months? In fact, nobody even within the unit (160th SOAR), really knew about it afterwards, Englen added. Their aircraft had just been fitted with new equipment, which he helped certify. We rescued the Rangers when they were protecting the road going into Haditha, and a lady suicide bomber, pretending to be pregnant, blew up the checkpoint, Englen said. I think if they did talk about the air piece, we (160th SOAR) would have come out and said, No, theyre completely wrong. I had to anticipate and load the engines. Formalized Maintenance Courses Include: As part of their progression to Basic Mission Qualification (BMQ), enlisted Soldiers selected for duty as an MH-60 or MH-47 crewmember will receive additional formalized flight training in: Career management of our Soldiers and NCOs is critical to recruitment and retention. Englen figured some ground forces were worried because theyd only been read-in two and a half weeks before the mission, and didnt have the full aspect of what was going on. 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. Promotion opportunities are regularly available, but are competitive and based on performance. I had to remain calm.. 160TH SOAR (Abn) The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Abn) is the primary rotary-wing support to Department of Defense Special Operations Forces. In reality Englen, who just retired as the senior warrant adviser to the secretary of the Army and most decorated aviator in the Army, led the air component for the bin Laden raid, one of the most famous military operations in recent history. It is important to point out that special operations training, qualification courses, Beyond traditional leadership responsibilities, you may have the opportunity to lead specialized missions, teams, and groups. I want to serve the people.". 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. All I could say was: I know, baby. Living on post at Fort Campbell, home of 160th SOAR, was always trying, she said. 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), Night Stalkers, Night Stalkers Don't Quit! (Courtesy of Doug Englen). "The fact that I didn't have a washing machine, and I'd have to re-carpet the downstairs, was not important," Tina said. 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, and New Dawn, in Afghanistan and Iraq respectively. They made a comment like that, and you know, Im sitting there in this little, tiny waiting room, and I cant believe that guy thinks that. U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, 8th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne), U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command. The 160th is the only rotary wing precision special operations aviation force in the entire Defense Department. He was relieved details about his 160th SOARs air piece never really got out. "He was really concerned, you know, Youre gone a lot. We (the spouses) were always imbued with, Just support them, Tina said. Hows this on the family? He was asking those types of things, How many kids do I have? Sometimes, shed forget he was back, since hed been absent so often in their marriage. (Courtesy 160th SOAR). Right after Englen dropped the body off with the Marines so they could fly it up to the Carl Vinson and had written his executive summary report, he received approval to run inside real quick to call his wife. U.S. Army 160th SOAR has Aviation Jobs, Military Jobs, and Army Jobs. Ok, were loading the last guys, the crew chiefs communicated with Englen, who started pulling a little bit of pitch. Originally created as Task Force 160, the unit was formed from Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Ky. Shes received two national Edward R. Murrow Awards, and the Medal Of Honor Societys Excellence in Journalism Award. We're the ones that have to elude the air defense, early warning network. But for me, that was some of the nastiest flying you could think of., FILE - This undated file photo shows al Qaida leader Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan. I owe my life to him, the crew owes their lives to him.". It comprises three battalions: two white and one "black" (for classified missions). "When we're a top tier, you don't advertise what you do, you don't follow up with what you do, and that's why you don't see books and movies about TF Sword," he explained. Englen always wanted to fly helicopters. In Iraq and Afghanistan alone, he flew more than 2,500 missions. Nevertheless, crossing back into Afghanistan was an unusually good feeling. My manner is that of the Special Operations Quiet Professional, secrecy is a way of life. I was leading," Englen said, of one the legendary battles in Army Ranger history. Link: https://goarmysof.com/160th/SOARrecruiting.html 10 11 comments Best Add a Comment 15b 160th soar 4 0 0 0 15d 160th soar 4 0 0 0 15e 0 0 6 0 15e 160th soar 7 6 0 0 15f 160th soar 4 4 4 0 15g 160th soar 5 4 0 0 . 6. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. She prayed to God Go ahead and take Doug and use him, and do what You need to do. No family members were allowed. You are a battle NCO. However, being in the public eye will be a huge change for them. 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. 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. C/N. After U.S. Navy SEALs killed Osama bin laden in Pakistan in May 2011, top CIA officials secretly told lawmakers that information gleaned from brutal interrogations played a key role in what was one of the spy agencys greatest successes. Promotion opportunities are regularly available, but are competitive and based on performance. Recruiters and SME's for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment will conduct briefings next week for Aviation, Ground, and Support MOS fields. I just kept a low profile, just morphed back into the ranks. Photos. (I highly doubt it). Some we didnt, because they were burnt too bad, Englen said. I witnessed their commitment to us first-hand in Somalia, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. The photos show a National Guard Chinook with its back wheels on the rooftop of that same mud building hanging there.), Another daylight PA NG CH47 resupplying ground troops. Englen had gone after bin Laden three times prior to Operation Neptune's Spear. The Rangers never gave the clearance for Englen to come in. The 160th SOAR, otherwise known as Task Force 160 (TF-160), or the 'Night Stalkers', are an elite U.S. Army special operations unit who fly helicopters in support of both SOF and regular forces. It is believed to be Delta Force operators. "They said it was too hot, and we just went in anyway. Missions like Objective Rhino and Objective Gecko did make it into the news, however. Not far from the south of Canada, 'Murica! And, if we are shot down, we had to make sure we were sterile.. I guard my units mission with secrecy, for my only true ally is the night and the element of surprise. Look up the Silver Star citation for CW5 Douglas Englen for that night the citation is so blandly generic that it looks like he didnt do much. Regardless, they were still jinking and jiving, flying nap-of-the-earth. So he and another Chinook went in with the risky approval from a 160th BN commander at Bagram. A quick phone call just to hear my voice, and tell them everyones OK, I knew that was all that was needed, Englen said. I knew what he was doing was big. Her grandmother always told her that faith would get her through life. (Seth Rosenberg/DoD) It was past midnight Sept. 18 when an. This was a do-or-die type mission, Englen said. Perform your best and arrive every day at the right time, right place, right uniform, in the right attitude to conduct training, and you will be successful. Many operators wrote letters to be delivered to their loved ones back home, should the worst happen. Special Operations Combat Skills and MOS specific training is the foundation for all newly assigned and/or re-qualifying Enlisted Soldiers. They had other attempts against bin Laden. I am trying to get a little more information about their roles. Theyd been together since meeting in high school in 1987. Were not telling you how its wrong, just that its wrong,' he said. Soleimani was killed in an airstrike at Baghdad Airport this past January. But Englen turned it down. 9 The 160th SOAR honors Night Stalkers who died during training and operations since 1980 on this memorial wall outside of its regimental headquarters. Soldiers of the 160th have been actively and continuously engaged in the combat operations since October 2001. It pushed our aircraft to the side. If mom wasnt worried, they werent worried, Tina said. each have two MH-47 Chinook helicopter companies and one MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter company. In our (160th SOAR) community, the first thing is, is everybody OK, Tina said. Special operations aircraft are highly modified with special mission equipment, advanced avionics, and communications. We didnt even get to say goodbye, the phone had disconnected. For PSYOP, it's between $6,300 and $72,000, while civil affairs offers $4,400 to $46,000.. "They continue to be the premier standard for SOF aviation, DiTomasso said. How will the Ukraine invasion shape industrial base policy? The presidents waiting on your executive summary.. The same airfield already hosted . Because I knew we were going to be extremely heavy, Englen explained. "We had to keep it down to such a minimum, because we didnt want to leak it out in our own (special operations) community, Englen said. Its missions have included attack, assault, and . Stewart, GA; or Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. We worried that we were going to be on al-Qaidas top 10 list because of this, just as if we would look for them, he said. The second time was in the Shigal Valley, northeast of Jalalabad, in 2006. He briefed President Barack Obama twice, though McRaven briefed him more than that. 'You know who that is?' When most people think of the bin Laden mission, they think of SEAL Team 6 and the CIAs Special Activities Division members, shooting its high value target, code named Geronimo. What they may not realize is the majority of duration of that mission belonged to the special operations aviators. Of life to show you a description here but the site won & # x27 t... 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