"Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality that guarantees the others" - Aristotle
What depicts Special Operations "Personnel" above all others - Courage. Some may say it's strength, both physical and mental. But above all, it's the courage that comes from down within your soul that forces you to go on one more day during training, to look fear, pain, I'm sorry agony, and everything to continue on. To know that there is no other plan, no other option but to complete the training that they started. There is no amount of yelling or screaming in their face that can stop them, but yet it motivates them to continue - one more moment, one more hour, one more day, one more phase - sleep and food are luxuries. All the sweat, tears, pulled muscles, torn ligaments, twisted ankles, etc. to graduate, to be apart of an elite class of Special Operations Warriors, Heroes.
"Courage is fear holding on a minute longer" George Patton
Monday, May 20, 2013
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Special Tactics
Most people know about the Special Operations units of the US Army, US Navy and the US Marines. They are easy, Delta Force, Rangers SEALS, etc. Not many people know about the US Air Force's Special Operations Special Tactics Pararescue - PJs. There are two elements of the Pararescue career field, rescue and special tactics.
"Rescue" is the path that the movie 9 Line covers. It depicts what the PJs accomplish on a day to day basis in both the civilian stateside sector and also within the war zone, Afghanistan. The National Geographic Channel "Nat Geo" aired a fabulous mini-series documentary this past winter depicting the "rescue" side, entitled "Inside Combat Rescue". It can be watched on YouTube at: (note: each episode has it's own url):
The other part of Pararescue is the unseen Special Tactics. Shhhhhhhh The Special Tactics side of Pararescue is not spoken of very much, they are the unseen men embedded with the Navy SEALS, Delta Force and the Army Rangers. They provide the medical assistance that these teams require in certain missions that they accomplish. Pararescuemen are the only Medical Personnel that are fully trained in all aspects of the Special Operations field and Combat. They train directly with the SEALS, Delta Force and the Rangers. Practically every high profile mission that has been accomplished, and then fed to the media had a PJ with them. Such missions include the rescue of Jessica Lynch, the 1st individual she saw was a PJ, the mission in Somalia known to the public as "Black Hawk Down" it was a PJ that was the medic working on the wounded (the operation on the leg, who can forget?!), and also, among SEAL Team 6...and when they were shot down, yes we lost a PJ. They are never spoken of, and within the movies they are never displayed and are usually just shown as an Army Medic. They ask for no glory, no fame, they don't boast of what they do. None of that matters to the PJs, they do it "That Others May Live"
Thursday, May 2, 2013
9 Line Medevac
I have people ask me on a regularly about the title of the film: "9 Line". What does it mean? I have had both Active Duty and Veterans from all branches ask. It's not a common knowledge term, but for those who do know what it means, they understand that it means, simply - "rescue".
The Special Tactics and Special Operations units across the globe clearly understand the importance of receiving a 9 Line request. It means we have men down, military or civilian, but they are down and in need of help and rescue. The request is going to inform of a medical evaluation and patient pick up site, necessary equipment and or materials that may be needed for extraction. Medical personnel from the different branches utilize this information and determine how and who will be sent in. The Air Force's Special Operations Pararescue Search and Rescue units have quickly become the most common group of men (no there are no women in this career field) to perform such extractions. The Pararescuers, or more commonly known as PJs (pararescue jumper) are highly trained in combat rescue and live by there motto "that others may live".
A 9 Line is requested, then received by the what is known as a "TOC" - tactical operations center, the information is then passed onto the "CRO" - combat rescue officer (an officer who is a PJ), who discusses it with his team that will be sent in - the time starts to tick...
9 Line request proceeds as such:
Line 1: Location
Line 2: Call Sign/Frequency
Line 3: # of Patients by Precedence
A- Urgent (w/ in 2 hrs)
B-Urgent Surgery (w/ in 2 hrs)
C - Priority (w/ in 4 hrs)
D - Routine (w/ in 24 hrs)
Line 4: Special Equipment
A - None
B - Hoist
C - Extraction Equipment (i.e. jaws of life, etc)
D - Ventilator
Line 5: # of Patients by Type
L + # = Litter
A + # = Ambulatory
Line 6: Wartime (Security of PZ)
N - No enemies
P - Possible Enemy
E - Enemy in Area, Proceed with Caution
X - Enemy in Area, Armed Escort Required
Line 6: Peacetime (if an extraction is needed stateside or outside of a warzone for example Hurricane Katrina - PJs were called in and this was used compared to the above information)
Number and Type of Wounded
Line 7: Method of Marking PZ
A - Panels (color)
B - Pyrotechnic Signal
C - Smoke Signal
D - None
E - Other
Line 8: Patient Nationality and Status
A - US Military
B - US Civilian
C - Non-US Military
D - Non-US Civilian
E - EPW
Line 9: Wartime (NBC Contamination)
N - Nuclear
B - Biological
C - Chemical
When there is no contamination, a description of the scene, location, will be used, i.e mountain terrain, low trees, etc
Overall, yeah, okay, somewhat simple, to hear one come through or actually read one, is totally different. In this film, it's all about the 9 Line's that come through during "Chase's" deployment in Afghanistan. Here is one such 9 Line that is sent in: (OS means Off Stage)
GONZO - O.S.
Scepter 2-3, this is Gonzo 9, over.
COMPTROLLER 2
Gonzo 9, go for Scepter 2-3 over.
GONZO - O.S.
Scepter 2-3, 9 Line request, over.
COMPTROLLER 2
Gonzo 9, send it, over.
GONZO - O.S.
Line 1: 4-1 Sierra Mike Romeo
3136680729, break.
GONZO - O.S. (CONT'D)
Line 2: Papa Echo, Gonzo 9, break.
GONZO - O.S. (CONT'D)
Line 3: 6 Alpha, 5 Bravo, 8
Charlie, 5 Delta, 4 Echo, break.
80.
GONZO - O.S. (CONT'D)
Line 4: Delta, break.
GONZO - O.S. (CONT'D)
Line 5: 19 Alpha, 9 Bravo, break.
GONZO - O.S. (CONT'D)
Line 6: Papa, break.
GONZO - O.S. (CONT'D)
Line 7: Charlie, break.
GONZO - O.S. (CONT'D)
Line 8: 4 Alpha, 5 Charlie, 19
Delta, break.
GONZO - O.S. (CONT'D)
Line 9: flat and open with
buildings, 250 meters to the
northwest, break.
GONZO - O.S. (CONT'D)
How copy, over.
COMPTROLLER 2
That’s a solid copy Gonzo 9,
standby for inbound Casevac, over.
GONZO - O.S.
Roger that Scepter 2-3, standing
by.
Looks a little different than the original. Stay tuned for more...
The Special Tactics and Special Operations units across the globe clearly understand the importance of receiving a 9 Line request. It means we have men down, military or civilian, but they are down and in need of help and rescue. The request is going to inform of a medical evaluation and patient pick up site, necessary equipment and or materials that may be needed for extraction. Medical personnel from the different branches utilize this information and determine how and who will be sent in. The Air Force's Special Operations Pararescue Search and Rescue units have quickly become the most common group of men (no there are no women in this career field) to perform such extractions. The Pararescuers, or more commonly known as PJs (pararescue jumper) are highly trained in combat rescue and live by there motto "that others may live".
A 9 Line is requested, then received by the what is known as a "TOC" - tactical operations center, the information is then passed onto the "CRO" - combat rescue officer (an officer who is a PJ), who discusses it with his team that will be sent in - the time starts to tick...
9 Line request proceeds as such:
Line 1: Location
Line 2: Call Sign/Frequency
Line 3: # of Patients by Precedence
A- Urgent (w/ in 2 hrs)
B-Urgent Surgery (w/ in 2 hrs)
C - Priority (w/ in 4 hrs)
D - Routine (w/ in 24 hrs)
Line 4: Special Equipment
A - None
B - Hoist
C - Extraction Equipment (i.e. jaws of life, etc)
D - Ventilator
Line 5: # of Patients by Type
L + # = Litter
A + # = Ambulatory
Line 6: Wartime (Security of PZ)
N - No enemies
P - Possible Enemy
E - Enemy in Area, Proceed with Caution
X - Enemy in Area, Armed Escort Required
Line 6: Peacetime (if an extraction is needed stateside or outside of a warzone for example Hurricane Katrina - PJs were called in and this was used compared to the above information)
Number and Type of Wounded
Line 7: Method of Marking PZ
A - Panels (color)
B - Pyrotechnic Signal
C - Smoke Signal
D - None
E - Other
Line 8: Patient Nationality and Status
A - US Military
B - US Civilian
C - Non-US Military
D - Non-US Civilian
E - EPW
Line 9: Wartime (NBC Contamination)
N - Nuclear
B - Biological
C - Chemical
When there is no contamination, a description of the scene, location, will be used, i.e mountain terrain, low trees, etc
Overall, yeah, okay, somewhat simple, to hear one come through or actually read one, is totally different. In this film, it's all about the 9 Line's that come through during "Chase's" deployment in Afghanistan. Here is one such 9 Line that is sent in: (OS means Off Stage)
GONZO - O.S.
Scepter 2-3, this is Gonzo 9, over.
COMPTROLLER 2
Gonzo 9, go for Scepter 2-3 over.
GONZO - O.S.
Scepter 2-3, 9 Line request, over.
COMPTROLLER 2
Gonzo 9, send it, over.
GONZO - O.S.
Line 1: 4-1 Sierra Mike Romeo
3136680729, break.
GONZO - O.S. (CONT'D)
Line 2: Papa Echo, Gonzo 9, break.
GONZO - O.S. (CONT'D)
Line 3: 6 Alpha, 5 Bravo, 8
Charlie, 5 Delta, 4 Echo, break.
80.
GONZO - O.S. (CONT'D)
Line 4: Delta, break.
GONZO - O.S. (CONT'D)
Line 5: 19 Alpha, 9 Bravo, break.
GONZO - O.S. (CONT'D)
Line 6: Papa, break.
GONZO - O.S. (CONT'D)
Line 7: Charlie, break.
GONZO - O.S. (CONT'D)
Line 8: 4 Alpha, 5 Charlie, 19
Delta, break.
GONZO - O.S. (CONT'D)
Line 9: flat and open with
buildings, 250 meters to the
northwest, break.
GONZO - O.S. (CONT'D)
How copy, over.
COMPTROLLER 2
That’s a solid copy Gonzo 9,
standby for inbound Casevac, over.
GONZO - O.S.
Roger that Scepter 2-3, standing
by.
Looks a little different than the original. Stay tuned for more...
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Boston Marathon Tragedy
In the city known as the Cradle of Liberty two bombs exploded near the finish line of the historic Boston Marathon. Three people were killed, to include an 8 year old boy, and injuring at least 140 more people.
Windows were shattered as the explosions, nearly simultaneous,went off; sending runners and spectators fleeing through a chaos full of smoke, and debris. Emergency workers and the police quickly ran to the aid of the those lying on the blood covered cement.
"This is something I've never seen in my 25 years here...this amount of carnage in the civilian population. This is what we expect from war," stated Dr Alasdair Conn, chief of emergency services at Mass General.
Fears of this being a terrorist attack ran rapid through the great city of Boston, and rippled through the country. There are reports that stated 5 additional bombs were found prior to exploding. The characteristics of the way the bombing occurred, a smaller one first sending people back from the explosion followed by a larger one where people had moved to, indicates it was professionally done. However, as of now, there is still no claim from any groups for the bombing. There are still no suspects or motives reported by the authorities. Last night, a "person of interest" was being watched at a local hospital.
Whatever the motive, or whomever did this should know this.... These acts of terrorism on the United States does not pull our country apart, but does the opposite. We become stronger, we unite, our patriotism will wave strong and will rock those who did this. "United we Stand".
My prayers go out to all of those who were injured or killed, and to their families. Now that America stands behind you, and our eyes are focused on the tragedy there in Boston.
If you feel compelled to help, contact the American Red Cross - the hospitals will be low on blood, and a simple blood donation can save a life.
www.redcross.org
God Bless America!!!!
Windows were shattered as the explosions, nearly simultaneous,went off; sending runners and spectators fleeing through a chaos full of smoke, and debris. Emergency workers and the police quickly ran to the aid of the those lying on the blood covered cement.
"This is something I've never seen in my 25 years here...this amount of carnage in the civilian population. This is what we expect from war," stated Dr Alasdair Conn, chief of emergency services at Mass General.
Fears of this being a terrorist attack ran rapid through the great city of Boston, and rippled through the country. There are reports that stated 5 additional bombs were found prior to exploding. The characteristics of the way the bombing occurred, a smaller one first sending people back from the explosion followed by a larger one where people had moved to, indicates it was professionally done. However, as of now, there is still no claim from any groups for the bombing. There are still no suspects or motives reported by the authorities. Last night, a "person of interest" was being watched at a local hospital.
Whatever the motive, or whomever did this should know this.... These acts of terrorism on the United States does not pull our country apart, but does the opposite. We become stronger, we unite, our patriotism will wave strong and will rock those who did this. "United we Stand".
My prayers go out to all of those who were injured or killed, and to their families. Now that America stands behind you, and our eyes are focused on the tragedy there in Boston.
If you feel compelled to help, contact the American Red Cross - the hospitals will be low on blood, and a simple blood donation can save a life.
www.redcross.org
God Bless America!!!!
Friday, April 12, 2013
A1C William H. Pitsenbarger
Airman First Class William H. Pitsenbarger, of Piqua, Ohio, was apart of the USAF Det 6, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery unit in Bien Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, assigned with them as a Pararescue Crew Member.
On April 11, 1966 (Yes I'm a day late...) his rescue team responded to an evac approximately 35 miles east of Saigon. The infantry unit was under fire and their were casualties that needed to be evacuated out. A1C Pitsenbarger volunteered to take down a hoist through the jungle, over a hundred feet to the ground. Once on the ground his rescue efforts started immediately. He professionally cared for and evacuated nine casualties, ensuring them to safety.
During one of the pick-ups, one of the rescue helicopters had taken on some enemy fire and was forced to an emergency landing....Instead of leaving, A1C Pitsenberger courageously elected to stay on the ground and continue providing medical treatment to the wounded.
Quickly the area was hit hard with enemy fire and mortars. After several evacuation attempts the area was attacked by large Viet Cong forces, thus causing any additional attempts of evacuation to be held off. A1C Pitsenberger took up arms and helped in the fight alongside the infantry men he was there to rescue. Continually, he pulled the wounded out of further harms way and treated them, thus putting himself in the line of fire, becoming wounded three times himself, but never stopped caring for the others. As the line was breached, nearly 80 percent of the American soldiers had become casualties and A1C Pittsenberger finally succumbed to fatal wounds.
On December 17, 2000, A1C William H. Pittsenberger received the Medal of Honor Posthumously, and was received by his father by the Secretary of State.
www.pararescue.com/history.aspx?id=452
On April 11, 1966 (Yes I'm a day late...) his rescue team responded to an evac approximately 35 miles east of Saigon. The infantry unit was under fire and their were casualties that needed to be evacuated out. A1C Pitsenbarger volunteered to take down a hoist through the jungle, over a hundred feet to the ground. Once on the ground his rescue efforts started immediately. He professionally cared for and evacuated nine casualties, ensuring them to safety.
During one of the pick-ups, one of the rescue helicopters had taken on some enemy fire and was forced to an emergency landing....Instead of leaving, A1C Pitsenberger courageously elected to stay on the ground and continue providing medical treatment to the wounded.
Quickly the area was hit hard with enemy fire and mortars. After several evacuation attempts the area was attacked by large Viet Cong forces, thus causing any additional attempts of evacuation to be held off. A1C Pitsenberger took up arms and helped in the fight alongside the infantry men he was there to rescue. Continually, he pulled the wounded out of further harms way and treated them, thus putting himself in the line of fire, becoming wounded three times himself, but never stopped caring for the others. As the line was breached, nearly 80 percent of the American soldiers had become casualties and A1C Pittsenberger finally succumbed to fatal wounds.
On December 17, 2000, A1C William H. Pittsenberger received the Medal of Honor Posthumously, and was received by his father by the Secretary of State.
www.pararescue.com/history.aspx?id=452
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Help Raise Money for Chief McCaskill's Family
There are two great ways we can show our love and gratitude toward Chief McCaskill's family. Below you will find two groups that are currently raising money for his family, please check them out, and help honor our lost "Guardian Angel". Thank you!
www.thatothersmaylive.org
https://www.facebook.com/GreenFeetBrewing?fref=ts
During Angel Thunder, now through 20 April, Green Feet Brewing is donating all profits from sales of their sand T-shirts to a fund for CMSgt Nick McCaskill's family.
Shirts are $20, and shipping is $3.50 if you are not in the Tucson area. Sizes currently on hand M / L/ XL, backorders will be available as long as the order is placed by the 20th. (Women's tan fitted T's will not be available.
For further ordering information message Green Feet Brewing on Facebook and use the subject "XX Sand" for priority shipping.
www.thatothersmaylive.org
https://www.facebook.com/GreenFeetBrewing?fref=ts
During Angel Thunder, now through 20 April, Green Feet Brewing is donating all profits from sales of their sand T-shirts to a fund for CMSgt Nick McCaskill's family.
Shirts are $20, and shipping is $3.50 if you are not in the Tucson area. Sizes currently on hand M / L/ XL, backorders will be available as long as the order is placed by the 20th. (Women's tan fitted T's will not be available.
For further ordering information message Green Feet Brewing on Facebook and use the subject "XX Sand" for priority shipping.
CMSgt McCaskill - RIP
CMSgt Nick McCaskill - Watching diligently over those he loves, always and forever! Rest in Peace Chief you will be deeply missed!
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