Was the Superbowl fly over a waste of funds?

Another thing that the Facebook bashers may not have considered is the fact that all of those air crews have training requirements that they have to meet in terms of flight hours, night flying, etc.  If the Army can meet training requirements AND get world wide exposure, why not?

It is said that they spent $100,000 to do the flyover. Seems to be one of the cheapest Superbowl commercials if you ask me. If it was $100,000 then I say it was money well spent. The reaction from the attendees was amazing. Just look at all of the cell videos of people in the upper decks. If that flyover made kids, young adults or adults think of the Army then I say mission accomplished.<div><br></div><div>On top of that it is great training for our aviators and one hell of a way to reward them for a job well done. I am in the Aviation Brigade that flew over and there were TONS of pilots and crews hoping to get to participate. I grow tired of the typical Soldiers on the field unfurling the flag or standing on the sideline in uniform - this was one hell of a way to kick it up a notch.</div><div><br></div><div>Plus most people don't understand that the cost to fly up there and partake rested mostly on the units performing the event. Uncle Sam or the Pentagon didn't write a blank check to us. Majority of the money came from our Brigade.</div>

I don't see an issue with the flyover except that it was a bit difficult to see with it being night time.  My old Troop commander who is now the BN commander for 1/101 AVN was in the lead aircraft for the flyover, and I was very proud to see them out there.  Flyovers are a long standing tradition, and Im glad to see them again.

They have to fly somewhere.  They need hours.

What some of the people commenting on Facebook may not understand, is that just like any business that paid for air time for commercials during the game, the Army was doing the same thing. Flyovers or other displays at public events such as the Super Bowl are good recruiting opportunities. As you say, the ability to get a view of military personnel and equipment that you simply can't see at your local recruiters office will give a broader perspective to those thinking of joining. Additionally, especially with the current budget situation and a long drawn out conflict, it is important for the populace to see us, and remember that we are still there protecting their freedoms.<br>

Im glad to see pretty much everyone saw the logic in the flyover. Its like a live advertisement for the army, and for the spectators something very cool to see. Also I didn't even think about the flight hours thing. Good points.

Not necessarily a waste of time but using aircraft designed not to be seen at night to do a flyover at night???? Logically it didn't click.

Honestly I just kind of assumed that the NFL paid the bill for the flyover...