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From: bcstec!shuksan!major@uunet.UU.NET (Mike Schmitt)
Newsgroups: sci.military
Subject: Re: Helicopter resupply mission
Message-ID: <1990Nov29.003059.19570@cbnews.att.com>
Date: 29 Nov 90 00:30:59 GMT
References: <1990Nov19.001338.8426@cbnews.att.com>
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From: bcstec!shuksan!major@uunet.UU.NET (Mike Schmitt)

In article <1990Nov19.001338.8426@cbnews.att.com>, v064lnev@ubvmsd.cc.buffalo.edu (Zerxes Bhagalia) writes:
> 
> 
> From: v064lnev@ubvmsd.cc.buffalo.edu (Zerxes Bhagalia)
> 

  Re your questions about a helicoptor resupply mission for the US embassy
  in Kuwait:  The answers to your questions could be very complicated - 
  however, for simplicity, how 'bout a simple answer and a brief explanation
  - in military terms: 

> My question is this:

  > Who chooses who to operate the helicoptors on such a seemingly
  > suicidal mission?

    Commanders do.  The first question is - who is in the best position
    to resupply - and protect the resupply elements.  Army?  Navy?  Marines?
    So, based on a 'brief estimate of the situation' (mission vs capabilities
    vs availability vs readiness) one service is picked.  To "resupply" usually
    means "heavy lift" Chinooks (CH-47) or the heavier Marine CH-53s.  
    I'd probably give the mission to the Marines - remember - it's not a
    'suicidal mission' until AFTER YOU COUNT THE SCORE.  So, after the 
    "Senior U.S. Commander designates the Marines as the resupply force,
    he simply "tasks" the senior Marine Commander with the mission.  The
    Marine Commander and his staff then "plan" and select the 'best capable
    unit' and simply "task order" them to conduct the operation.  

  > And on what basis is the selection made?

    First, the mission and requirement - how much stuff - how many helicoptors
    to lift that much stuff - how many gunships to escort and protect - 
    how many troops to provide security on the ground - how much air power
    to 'cover' etc etc.  Then the unit is selected based on its readiness
    and capabilities (and to a lesser extent but also important - who the
    commander is) 

  > If selected, are the personel given the option to reject the mission?

    Nope - they don't get a vote!  The military, by its very nature, is
    autocratic and dictatorial.   Semper Fi! 

  > Would selection be totally voluntary?

    Not likely.  If there were 2-3 'like' units capable of the mission - a
    commander might ask "Who wants this one?"  It would probably be more
    like "Colonel, the General want to see you - he's got a job for you....."


      "No mission too difficult.  No sacrifice too great.  Duty first!" 

                                  - motto of the 1st Infantry Division
                                                    The Big Red One


    mike schmitt