160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), Night Stalkers, Night Stalkers Don't Quit! Tina closed her eyes and ears to the possibility and prayed a lot. While the risk to the airframes was fairly low on the objective, it was extremely high during the other nearly four hours of flying. Nevertheless, crossing back into Afghanistan was an unusually good feeling. His 34 deployments translate to six years and nine months worth of combat time downrange, away from his wife Tina and four children. Tom DiTomasso, a retired lieutenant colonel and former Army Special Operations Command squadron commander, was at Objective Gecko and praised Englen and the 160th SOAR. These types of leadership responsibilities are a regular occurrence within the special operations aviation community, and no two are the same. Perform your best and arrive every day at the right time, right place, right uniform, in the right attitude to conduct training, and you will be successful. I knew what he was doing was big. Special operations aircraft are highly modified with special mission equipment, advanced avionics, and communications. 1 planned contingency: a Black Hawk crashing.. Its a little bit different of an environment. I had some money on me, and a few cigars for bargaining (with captors), but that was it (besides his M9 pistol and M4 rifle), Englen said. And, of course, one of the MH-60 Black Hawk helicopters crashed. 160th Application Review Enlisted Combat Skills Course (Green Platoon) Travel Status for Enlisted Combat Skills Training SERVICE IN THE 160TH Listen as these tried and true Volunteers share their Army Special Operations Aviation experience and what it's like to be a Night Stalker. Its missions have included attack, assault, and . Meanwhile, the other Chinook stayed at the refueling site. Real answer: You will be in a staff assisting with managing airspace. Chris had his whole dorm floor watching the TV in the common areas. I guard my units mission with secrecy, for my only true ally is the night and the element of surprise. On the TV in the tiny lobby waiting room, the news was all about the killing of bin Laden. An advance contingent secured a base at the Chadian airfield adjacent to the airport in the capital, N'Djamena. The mission was to kill/capture him. 160th SOAR Recruiter Contact Information Officer and Warrant Officer Recruiter Email: 160thRecruiters@socom.mil Enlisted and NCOs Recruiter Email: 160thenlistedrecruiters2@socom.mil Phone: 270-956-3882. But we all crossed that border. She thought she heard someone say there was a concern about a helicopter down. "Thats because I was joking around, we were high-fiving and celebrating, and so was the ground force commander, said Englen. ***"The military" is vague. Many answers can be found in our FAQs Page.We provide information on the following topics: Officer/Warrant Officer Recruiter Email: 160thRecruiters@socom.mil, Enlisted and NCO Recruiter Email: 160thenlistedrecruiters2@socom.mil. Plus, remember, we had people already on board, and this 800-gallon fuel tank inside. I couldnt get in and out of the car.. Englen's 2nd UBL attempt was at this compound during darkness prior with his MH47. And it worked," he said. "I used to love the moon, Englen said. That number does not include all the other operations and training missions away from home. Look what happened with Extortion 17 (most of the 38 people on board the fatal Chinook shot down in Afghanistan were special operators). Videos. These were high-level, the overall concept of what the risk and probability was: all the things the president would want to know to make a decision. But she refused to think about him getting hurt, and leaving her and their four children. The 160th brought AH-6 helicopters the light helicopter gunship based on MH-6 Little Bird and defensive armed penetrators, the MH-60L modified attack helicopter that looks like a Black Hawk, and one Chinook to that firefight. She prayed to God Go ahead and take Doug and use him, and do what You need to do. Crossing into Pakistan was emotional for everyone. You will find the standards of performance exacting and unwavering. Attention #FortCarson! Everybody focused to what was happening on TV. And thats just enough., (A Pennsylvania National Guard Chinook, CH-47, slung-loaded the crashed MH-60 Black Hawk out of there, so nobody would be the wiser about that nighttime special operation though some famous daytime photos of resupplying the ground troops later went viral. They were just as worried. We hung out in the print shop of the CIA because its a little outside of the main building, he said. So, Ive got this teenager, going over-the-top that her hair wasnt going (right), huge Cinderella dress wasnt going, shoes were horrible, I look fat, 'everything sucks, and on and on, Tina sighed. 160TH SOAR (Abn) The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Abn) is the primary rotary-wing support to Department of Defense Special Operations Forces. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. While Englen was amused, Tina was bothered. We just sat there and watched TV, like the rest of you, Tina said. They really didnt talk about the air piece. But, not before telling her mother, Why the hell did I want a Cinderella dress? ", I am a tested volunteer seeking only to safeguard the honor and prestige of my country, by serving the elite Special Operations Soldiers of the United States.. A missile never left the rail. Stewart, GA; or Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. Almost all of the news coverage was about the SEALs, which he was perfectly fine with Folks really did not need to know about what special operations aviators do period. I am trying to get a little more information about their roles. Turbine engines are running at a constant speed about 6,000 rpm (revolutions per minute). Plus, in the SOF community, theres always criticism against any operator who talks about their former career. Remember how dramatic you were at 16, 17 years old? After retiring earlier this month, Englen donated the small U.S. flag from his body armor to the 9/11 Museum at Ground Zero in New York. U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, 8th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne), U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command. Theres nothing you can do, theres nothing you can change. "When we pulled out, I yanked the guts out of the engines and we were at max power. In battle, I eagerly meet the enemy for I volunteered to be up front where the fighting is hard. The unit originally formed from attachments of the 101st . In October 1981, the unit was officially designated the 160th Aviation Battalion. Cookie Notice Some we didnt, because they were burnt too bad, Englen said. Throughout his career, Englen never got scared when bullets hit his aircraft. Living on post at Fort Campbell, home of 160th SOAR, was always trying, she said. Special Operations Combat Skills and MOS specific training is the foundation for all newly assigned and/or re-qualifying Enlisted Soldiers. They had other attempts against bin Laden. Sometimes, shed forget he was back, since hed been absent so often in their marriage. Our crews also provide support to U.S. Southern, Pacific, Africa, and European commands. What makes it different than being in a normal air assault unit? Englen teaches pilots vertical lift, tiltrotor & coaxial there. 'You know who that is?' I was leading," Englen said, of one the legendary battles in Army Ranger history. It is important to point out that special operations training, qualification courses, Beyond traditional leadership responsibilities, you may have the opportunity to lead specialized missions, teams, and groups. Many operators wrote letters to be delivered to their loved ones back home, should the worst happen. The fact that her husband had called was. The mission and my precious cargo are my concern. The fuse was ready to blow up the crashed helicopter. Right now, Im just telling you the story, because theres never been an air piece conveyed on what happened that night, Englen reiterated. You could tell that we are waking up Pakistan, because this is not normal. The United States Army 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), also known as Night Stalkers, is a special operations force of the United States Army that provides helicopter aviation support for general purpose forces and special operations forces. This time his Chinook was in a huge firefight rescuing 7th Special Forces Group ODA-7223 in Panjway after it hit an IED. I knew this was definitely a little bit different, because of the hours of training, how much he was gone, and how he was taken. I mean, he was taken out of an award ceremony, like, You come now. He looked at me and said, Hey youre going to have to catch a ride, I got to go. Im like, Crap. The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiments mission is to organize, equip, train, resource and employ Army special operations aviation forces worldwide in support of contingency missions and combatant commanders. Especially when random helicopter pilots and aviation consultants offered their expertise on what they thought happened on the mission. Based on your MOS and duty position, you may have the opportunity to attend civilian/military schools and training that offer professional credentialing and certification opportunities.. Probably 20 seconds later, the announcement came from the White House that he was killed, bin Laden. "It was not typical. I know he has the same feelings, because all of a sudden, hell say, I think Im going to the gym, and Ill go, Oh, youve had too much of me, gotcha,' Tina laughed. There might be a reason you can't find the answer to this, has that crossed your mind? DISCOVER Enlisted 30 160TH SOAR (Abn) The Chinooks were the smack down force the extra assaulters, extra gas in case anything were to happen like an aircraft crash. Englen has more than 7,000 flight hours. You realize, by you being concerned and asking that question, you know youre not, theyd said. The official website of Special Operations Recruiting Battalion SORB. And, he looked at me, and I go, Thats Number One. And there, he just snapped a salute, immediately changed his tone, Englen said. Were fine, were good, everythings great, couldnt be better.. Twice between 2013 and 2016, Englen was in hot pursuit of Irans Quds Force leader, Gen. Qassem Soleimani. We would go to these awards events and I was like, You did what? Now, hes very good at warning me ahead, so Im not shell-shocked in front of everybody, and trying to keep on a smiley face, Tina shared. For PSYOP, it's between $6,300 and $72,000, while civil affairs offers $4,400 to $46,000.. Of course, there was no news until Obama made the announcement about Neptune's Spear. Turns out, Vice President Joe Biden pulled Englen to the side every time to make small-talk. The 160th SOARs motto, Night Stalkers Dont Quit, still applies to Douglas Englen. The following is a general overview of the process: Process for becoming a Night Stalker and a valued member of the United States Army Special Operations Aviation Team is as follows: Since our inception, the 160th SOAR has filled its ranks with tested volunteers. Enlisted Soldiers and NCOs are actively recruited to fill our ranks with the best men and women capable of executing our mission. Pakistani security forces began demolishing the compound where Osama bin Laden was killed in a covert US raid last May in the garrison town of Abbottabad, police and witnesses said. As a result, Soldiers in the 160th realize their potential through service in this environment rich with quality leadership and trust. If an aircraft went down, and you didnt hear anything. Bin Laden was there. (But,) once we crashed the aircraft, within the first 30 seconds of the mission, then thats when we really woke up that entire valley, Englen said. Link: https://goarmysof.com/160th/SOARrecruiting.html, Scan this QR code to download the app now, https://goarmysof.com/160th/SOARrecruiting.html. Key Tasks: 1) Execute Mission Command of theater sustainment operations for joint forces, coalition forces and civil authorities 2) Support theater opening and execute JRSO 3) Provide sustainment. is located at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.; and 4th Bn. When I know something, yall will know something, give me a minute. And he just was crying on the other end of the phone, This is our dad, this is my dad, this is my dad.' each have two MH-47 Chinook helicopter companies and one MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter company. 160th SOAR CAREER BRIEFING EVENTS 5-6 April Fort Carson, Colorado Daily Briefing Times Officer/Warrant: 0930/1130/1430 Enlisted/NCO: 1030/1330/1530 Location: 4-4 Attack Helicopter Battalion Hangar Classroom Which is exactly the point. In the situation room, the vice president approached me with off-topic discussion. We're the ones that have to make sure we can get the ground force in, where they need to go. Shes received two national Edward R. Murrow Awards, and the Medal Of Honor Societys Excellence in Journalism Award. "We went after him there, and sure enough, it was another extremely dark night. Right after Englen dropped the body off with the Marines so they could fly it up to the Carl Vinson and had written his executive summary report, he received approval to run inside real quick to call his wife. All Night Stalkers share this experience that unites them under a common goal which is to serve our Nations most elite Special Operations Warriors. I couldnt wait any longer, Englen said. What makes it different than being in a normal air assault unit? A lot of guys wrote letters. I just knew he was going to come home. As a crew chief, he was in one of the first helicopters in Bosnia in 1995. Some helicopter maintenance and crew members in the 160th SOAR can make between $2,600 and $36,800. The regiment headquarters is collocated with the 1st and 2nd battalions and the Special Operations Aviation Training Battalion at Fort Campbell, Ky.; 3rd Bn. This photo shows inside the back of MH47. Many of these courses consist of formalized training resulting in Additional Skill Identifier (ASI), Special Qualification Identifier (SQI), and college credits for military education. The risk was different, depending on who you asked. A sub for anyone to ask questions about the military. I didnt know if the aircraft was going to hold together, because we still had five hours to fly to get back to the USS Kitty Hawk. Selection and training is conducted by the SOATB Cadre and instructors during the Special Operations Combat Skills course otherwise known as Green Platoon.. Four months later, Englen received his second Silver Star (for that same year) in Afghanistan. I knew it was prom, and when this hit the news, theyd connect the dots. It was Doug, Tina shared. Serving the Rugged Professional", Survivor Outreach Services | Total Army Sponsorship | Safety, Human Resources | Civilian Expeditionary Workforce, U.S. Army Environmental Command | Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy & Environment, Detachment 4, 18th Combat Weather Squadron, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Regional Network Enterprise Center Bluegrass Region, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy & Environment. The raid is allegedly in the Jarabulus countryside, targeting IS leaders in a Turkish controlled part of Syria. Thats what Adm. McRaven is, just the true professional, true leader and here I am getting side-barred with the vice president.. Local residents watch ongoing demolition of the compound where Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden was slain last year in the northwestern town of Abbottabad on February 26, 2012. I mean, he's very savvy, and eluded us once again," Englen said. Got a question? I just literally sat down in the middle of the water and talked to him, she recalled, not saying anything about the chaos at home. Combat Skills will challenge you in many different ways. That meant they were sitting on the ground vulnerable inside a sovereign nation, after invading its airspace and assaulting a compound. Corestacks; . They lived on post, and everyone was excited. And Im not here to explain it to them, hed chuckled. Whats the appeal in going 160th for a 13f? Our assessment process is conducted by the Special Operations Aviation Training Battalion to ensure every prospective member of the organization is fitto serve as a Night Stalker. I had to remain calm.. Her daughter came home, worried, from prom in her huge ball gown. Service in the 160th is a calling only a few will answer for the mission is constantly demanding and hard. ALT. Not far from the south of Canada, 'Murica! Maintenance courses are designed and built around maintaining our unique air frames. Among other missions, he infiltrated Top Tier members, along with British and Australian special operations in Al-Anbar, near the Syrian border, to deal with H-3 and H-2 Air Bases. So, he was awarded that Silver Star with that non-descript citation for that operation, along with the rest of the air crew. No wedding rings. I think crashing a helicopter on one of the most important missions of our generation, and later being asked by the director of the CIA (Leon Panetta), Why the hell did you crash? I think thats enough said, Englen stated. For instance, former Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Advisor John Brennan, said that the ground forces had been met with a great deal of resistance, and bin Laden had used a woman as a human shield. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The 160th SOAR, otherwise known as Task Force 160 (TF-160), or the 'Night Stalkers', are an elite U.S. Army special operations unit who fly helicopters in support of both SOF and regular forces. So we went in, and I've never seen so many bullets coming our way, hitting us, going over the top of us, below us," Englen said. "The use of Black Hawks was to get them (the ground forces) quickly roped into the objective, Englen said. To ensure reliability, purchase Honda part # 08F13-TBA-160 Wing Spoiler.It is sometimes referred to as Honda Wing Spoiler. We had a gunny sergeant who was pissed off like you wouldnt believe. My manner is that of the Special Operations Quiet Professional, secrecy is a way of life. He wore it on all of his more than 2,500 missions, including the bin Laden mission. The other Chinook had set up prior to the Black Hawk coming in, shutting the aircraft down and running the fuel hoses out. UNLESS CONTACTED BY YOUR CHAIN OF COMMAND, USASOC OPERATES FROM THE FORT BRAGG INSTALLATION STATUS. Currently, 1st Bn. So, that (Black Hawk) crew that had the famous last words to my two MH-47 (Chinook) crews before leaving Jalalabad of, Just get us gas, bitches had miscalculated, and came into that courtyard and lost effective lift, Englen explained. has two MH-47 Chinook helicopter companies; and 3rd and 4th bns. We went back and forth. People outside were running up and down the street with air horns. Submit completed application to local SORB recruiter. We got shot at with absolutely everything: RPGs, RPK, AKs. Only a few days following Objective Gecko, Englen (under a senior flight lead) rescued Hamid Karzai from the Taliban. As he landed under the mushroom cloud of the exploding Black Hawk, the flight lead and planner was pissed off. So he and another Chinook went in with the risky approval from a 160th BN commander at Bagram. Stateside, there had been speculation about the delay between the time all the TV networks broke into prime time programming with the surprise announcement that Obama would be addressing the nation shortly and the president actually walking to the podium, nearly an hour later. Among her documentaries areHorse Soldiers of 9/11, narrated by actor Gary Sinise, and Chinook Down, investigating the fatal shoot-down of a helicopter in Afghanistan. Nothing very glamorous at all. Englen had studied the area around bin Ladens compound for months. I didnt ask, he didnt tell, she added. 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. But their order was capture only., "It wasnt capture or kill, so if we couldnt guarantee a capture, then we couldnt take it to the next level, Englen said. Certainly not trying to get any classified info. Blue police lights dont show up in night vision goggles, so Englen looked under his goggles to see those blue lights. 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