Pentagon to deploy A-10 Squadron to the Middle East

SGT Richard H. — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 23:09:54 -0400

"The Pentagon is deploying 300 airmen and 12 A-10 combat jets to the Middle East in early October, according to the Indiana Air National Guard.
The six-month deployment from the 122nd Fighter Wing is not specifically part of President Obama’s fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, but the airmen and jets could provide air support to troops battling ISIS on the ground."

Just wanted to get some thoughts from the RP crowd on this....Are the 300 Airmen in this Squadron "Boots on the ground"? My reason for bringing this up is that these aren't "Air Strike" aircraft per say. These are Close Air Support aircraft.

Pentagon to deploy 12 A-10s to Middle East

The 122nd Fighter Wing will send 303 airmen, according to local reports.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2014 11:50 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 23:50:40 -0400

WOOOT!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2014 12:25 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 00:25:26 -0400

Let's face it we had boots on the ground when the first 200 or so went over there. They can call it what ever they want, spin it how they want it's still boots on the ground.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2014 12:29 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 00:29:15 -0400

I wouldn't read too much into this IMO. Just because it is primarily a CAS bird does not mean it can not do other mission sets.

My guess is that this is a standard rotation of assets. Being that the AF is going to stand down the A-10 in its support thereof, this is probably this unit's final hurrah before retiring their planes.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2014 12:28 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 00:28:59 -0400

Hey! Aren't A-10s those things that the Air Force was trying to get rid of because they're one dimensional and continuing maintenance and upgrades would be far cheaper in the long run than developing a stealth aircraft that will truly be obsolete in 5 or 10 years??

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 23 at 2014 12:35 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 00:35:52 -0400

Impossible. A-10's and OH-58D's aren't useful anymore...........

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Sep 23 at 2014 6:48 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 06:48:24 -0400

And...once again we see the value of the mighty Warthog! Simply one of the best platforms every developed!

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Sep 23 at 2014 6:55 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 06:55:08 -0400

http://www.resboiu.ro/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/multirol-vs-singlerol.png

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Sep 23 at 2014 8:58 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 08:58:18 -0400

Nothing better to bust a bunker (or a few heads) with!!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 24 at 2014 1:08 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 01:08:37 -0400

Let me hear those "Freedom Farts" rip! BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAP!!!

Response by SSG Steve Furman made Sep 24 at 2014 9:54 AM

SSG Steve Furman — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 09:54:03 -0400

This Administration does not know what it is doing. Be careful guys I do not know if he will come get you if you get shot down I worry for any one over there more that I ever have. We loved to see your A-10s above it it meant the day was going to suck more for the bad guys than it was for us Thanks.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jan 22 at 2015 8:29 AM

Capt Jeff S. — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 08:29:44 -0500

They ARE boots on the ground.