09 December 2011
Since I’ve started writing about the Dustoff problems, the Army has practically put a bounty on my head. A theater wide alert has gone out that I am to be denied access to ISAF bases in Afghanistan, and that my movements are to be reported. This went out through classified channels.
These dispatches are embarrassing for the Army. They have been allowing troops to die on battlefields in Afghanistan for politics. I don’t care about Army embeds, but I do care about my friends in uniform.
Recently, a combat unit invited me to go with them in about January. I kept it confidential for some time, but decided to mention it publicly on Facebook to check for Army reaction. The Army overreacted as predicted and put out the classified alert to report any sightings of me.
Shutting me out is not shutting me up, or down.
Stranger still is that an Army PAO officer just asked if would be a guest speaker at a conference. There is much love-hate going on. Increasingly hate as I drive home this medical evacuation problem.
I’ve been working on another dispatch about the Dustoff issue. It should be ready by Monday.
Meanwhile, a military friend sent this neat video of a US Air Force Pedro landing on the USNS Yukon. The video was made with an iPhone4 through night vision.
US Air Force "Pedro" CSAR Landing on USNS Yukon
For more on the Dustup about the Dustoffs, please read:
RED AIR
Fool’s Gold & Troops Blood (Video of combat MEDEVAC failure)
Golden Seconds (More on MEDEVAC failures)
Pedros (Air Force Search and Rescue)
Marked for Destruction
CrusaderCopters
The Army ain’t Dumb (It’s Crazy)
Dustoff Helicopters: Violating Geneva Conventions in Afghanistan
Read the complete post at http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/michaelyon-online/~3/OVePAGak3GY/embarrassed-army.htm
Posted
Dec 09 2011, 01:17 PM
by
Michael Yon - Online Magazine