wanted: fighter pilots opinion

[Saxman]

Wow, we're up to story number three.

First you had no interest in baby-sitting bombers and went off to find a fight because on your own admission that's all you wanted to do.

When you were (rightly) blasted for that, all the sudden you WERE defending the bombers because the cons were "the threat of the moment."

Now you say you were defending YOURSELF.

Can't wait to hear story #4.

[Guppy35]

Wrong. At least three enemy fighters passed within 500ft of me and went straight through our squad formation. They may not have been a threat to the bombers at that point but they sure as hell were a threat to us. After that, protecting the bombers went on the back burner for me and protecting my squaddies was more important.

Did they blow through or engage your group?    It sounds like they did what they were supposed to do and sucked your guys off the bombers.  Real easy for fighter drivers to get kill fever and forget the job at hand.

[Larry]

Wow, we're up to story number three.

First you had no interest in baby-sitting bombers and went off to find a fight because on your own admission that's all you wanted to do.

When you were (rightly) blasted for that, all the sudden you WERE defending the bombers because the cons were "the threat of the moment."

Now you say you were defending YOURSELF.

Can't wait to hear story #4.

I don't need to make up stories. You weren't there and don't know what happened other then what has been said on the BBS. Sure I said some stuff under a time of anger and stress and I told the reason why I did to sled and from his reply I think he understands. Iv reviewed the film of that night many times and Iv come to the conclusion that maybe we didn't do the right thing but we cant change that. I don't know if you are a squad leader but when you run into the enemy like that as CO you have to process a lot of information in a very short time and with squad and range vox going off it can get a little hectic.

If you really want the truth I wasn't happy when I saw we had escort duty. It was even worst when I saw who we were flying with. BUT I was willing to put aside our differences for a night because I like flying as a group with my squad. When we ran into the LA7s I saw a few of my squad members fighting a few of them and made the call to turn back and help. (As I said it may not have been the right call but it is the call I made and I cant change that.) We were doing pretty good, and would have rejoined the bombers, until another group of LA7s came in and I started hearing squaddies call out that they were down. From what I saw in the stats the bombers made it to target and most made it back to base. And (I cant believe I'm saying this) the TAC guys did a good job picking up the slack.

I really don't think anyone would have made a fuss if I didn't open my big mouth and I really do regret that because I screwed it up for them. Maybe someday they will let us back in and if we get escort duty Ill just tell the squad to keep flying with the bombers of we pass by any enemy.

At this time I would like to apologise to the FSO community and this will be the last thing I have to say about what happened that night.

Did they blow through or engage your group?    It sounds like they did what they were supposed to do and sucked your guys off the bombers.  Real easy for fighter drivers to get kill fever and forget the job at hand.

Dan a few flew past us to the right a few K out then I had to dodge three that flew right into our group. There were more coming in that flew below us right after them and that was when I looked back for the first time to see a few squaddies already engaged with the enemy. What we learned afterward was that the bombers weren't their target nor were we. From the looks of it they were after another group of jabos that were in the same area (I think), but we didn't know that at the time.

[Steve]

At this time I would like to apologise to the FSO community and this will be the last thing I have to say about what happened that night.

Hey, it takes integrity to be the first in an argument to step up and say this. I hope others can agree and let this go, no parting shots necessary.

[Sincraft]

again, refer to my earlier post about this.  Roc continues.

Nuff said.  No peeling away 3-5 fighters to chase a plane that has blown past you.  Your wingman should pickup anything that may be approaching from the rear, and then if you really need to evade to lead him toward the group so YOU can take the shot.

Far too often EVERYONE breaks off to kill the enemy fighter.  One pass by a few guys and that should be it.  Regroup


Regroup should be easy as you SHOULD be higher than the bombers, so diving on a threat to the bombers is easier but lets face it, they are going to get that first shot off unless they come in from the six, at which point it should be an decently easy kill correct?  AND you are in line to form with the bombers for any additional 6 threats.

[Steve]

again, refer to my earlier post about this.  Roc continues.

Nuff said.  No peeling away 3-5 fighters to chase a plane that has blown past you.  Your wingman should pickup anything that may be approaching from the rear, and then if you really need to evade to lead him toward the group so YOU can take the shot.

Far too often EVERYONE breaks off to kill the enemy fighter.  One pass by a few guys and that should be it.  Regroup


Regroup should be easy as you SHOULD be higher than the bombers, so diving on a threat to the bombers is easier but lets face it, they are going to get that first shot off unless they come in from the six, at which point it should be an decently easy kill correct?  AND you are in line to form with the bombers for any additional 6 threats.

you know, you could just let it go.