Are helicopter crews armed while flying CONUS?

2019-09-16T06:12:11-04:00

I was watching videos of the NASCAR pace car being delivered by a Chinook and noticed the crew chief with full vest and other gear. I was wondering if air crews and such carried duty weapons during their flights while CONUS?

Response by SFC Michael D. made Sep 16 at 2019 8:17 AM

2019-09-16T08:17:42-04:00

If during training yes. I pulling civilian humanitary missions, no.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Sep 16 at 2019 11:56 AM

2019-09-16T11:56:43-04:00

Armed? you normally carry weapons on all training missions- have ammo, probably not.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Sep 16 at 2019 2:10 PM

2019-09-16T14:10:59-04:00

We used to carry static display weapons in public. No ammo. Most of the time is wasn't worth the effort...but the public likes to see them.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Sep 16 at 2019 2:33 PM

2019-09-16T14:33:04-04:00

You might think weapons are cool
...but remember...they have to be cleaned.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 16 at 2019 5:42 PM

2019-09-16T17:42:41-04:00

The gear you saw on the crew chief is their ALSE vest, crew harness, and flight specific kit. They have that on while blades are turning

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Sep 16 at 2019 8:03 PM

2019-09-16T20:03:02-04:00

Never saw a crew armed on a normal training flight; only when we were doing exercises at the large training areas (i.e. 29 Palms) and even then it was only the aircraft weapons (50 cal). Of course the cobras were live dependent upon the training plan, but never on a cross country other than to and from the range..

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Sep 16 at 2019 11:25 PM

2019-09-16T23:25:26-04:00

Yes

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Sep 17 at 2019 12:27 AM

2019-09-17T00:27:02-04:00

As a matter of OPSEC, I advise no current aircrew members to answer this question.