hardcore military *ranger/special forces/force recon/seals/sas etc picture thread. - Page 6

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - hardcore military *ranger/special forces/force recon/seals/sas etc picture thread. (Page 6 of 7)

Posted: 2/15/2008 12:15:28 PM EDT

[#1]

height=8

Quoted:
SrA Jason D. Cunningham, USAF Pararescueman

upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6d/SrA_Cunningham.JPG i29.tinypic.com/29bf68.jpg

In the early morning of March 4, 2002, two SEAL teams under the command of TF 11 were tasked to establish an observation point (OP) on the peak of Takur Ghar to support on-going U.S. and Afghan military operations in the Shahi-Kot Valley as part of Operation Anaconda. As a result of command and control ambiguitities, resulting from a change in command over the US special forces in the operation, and mechanical difficulties with the two MH-47E Chinook helicopters that were to insert the SEAL teams, a landing zone was chosen on the peak itself instead of a landing zone offset of the peak. The SEALs experienced heavy resistance from the Taliban and Al-Qaida forces entrenched on Takur Ghar, suffering several casualties and heavy damage to the Chinooks. The SEALs requested the assistance of the US Army Ranger Quick reaction force stationed at Bagram Air Base, of which Senior Airman Cunningham was attached as part of a US Air Force Special Tactics team.

The Quick reaction force experienced communications difficulties en route to Takur Ghar, and did not receive the correct coordinates for the offset landing zone. Instead, the force attempted to land at the peak around 0610 hours and the Chinook carrying Cunningham was shot down after a RPG destroyed the helicopter's right engine. Heavy rifle and machine gun fire was directed at the downed Chinook, causing "three fatalities and five critical casualties." Cunningham quickly went to work inside the aircraft on Specialist Marc Anderson, but Anderson had died immediately after being hit by small-arms fire as the Rangers began to leave the Chinook. Cunningham remained inside the helicopter, which remained a large target for the Taliban and Al-Qaida forces, to treat the wounded along with an Army medic, Cory Lamereaux. The soldiers inside the Chinook were visible to enemy fighters on the peak, forcing Cunningham and Lamereaux to move the wounded under enemy small-arms and mortar fire from the Chinook to a location behind the helicopter with less exposure to enemy fire. Cunningham and Lamereaux were able to stabilize the casualties, but they required helicopter medevac. After reinforcements had arrived and the Rangers had cleared the peak and were awaiting extraction and medevac pickup, a small enemy group counterattacked. While continuing to administer an IV to a wounded aircrew member, Cunningham and Lamereaux were hit.Cunningham was hit in the pelvic region at 1232 hours and was bleeding heavily. He was listed as an "urgent surgical" casualty, which requires immediate evacuation in order to save the patient's life. However, commanders were wary to commit another helicopter in daylight, even though the on-scene tactical air controller said it was safe to do so with adequate close air support. While waiting for medevac, Senior Airman Cunningham died of his wounds at approximately 1810 hours. Helicopters arrived at 2015 hours to evacuate the remaining Rangers, SEALs, and their casualties.

On 13 September 2002, the SECAF posthumously awarded the the Air Force Cross to Jason Cunningham. The ceremony was an extremely emotional event. Approximately 1400 persons were in attendance. Over 500 PJ's were in the audience, all proudly wearing maroon berets. The PJ's included active duty, air national guard, reserve, and retirees. Many of these men were hardened combat veterans but were either moved to tears or close to it.

Thank you for posting this. This is the reason I joined the AF. Everyone talks about throat cutters and trigger pullers, yet I find it awsome that PJ school is the hardest most dropped out DOD SOC program out there. I was at his ceromoney at Kirtland when his wife was presented the award, I cried, and was proud of it. They do it so that others may live.

Posted: 2/15/2008 12:28:36 PM EDT

[#2]

Troops assigned to Special Operations Command, Pacific, wait to hook up to a static line on a C-17 Globemaster III, Feb. 11, 2008, during a training mission over Oahu, Hawaii. The C-17, from the 535th Airlift Squadron, is helping the command conduct jump currency training. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo.

---------------------------------

From Blackfive's Picture of the week entry.
www.blackfive.net/main/picture_of_the_week/index.html

Posted: 2/15/2008 12:32:23 PM EDT

[#3]

My childhood friend and current U.S.M.C. badass:

Posted: 2/15/2008 12:36:31 PM EDT

[#4]

Ever read Michael Yon's Gates of Fire? There are some badass pics, but you really should read it, the whole thing kicks ass.

Posted: 2/15/2008 1:03:26 PM EDT

[#5]

USAF TACP

Posted: 2/15/2008 1:07:29 PM EDT

[#6]

height=8

When I was in Iraq, heard of a little story about some Army SF giving a TACP some shit, a friendly competition ensued. I won't divuldge in what it was or the outcome, I don't want to start a shit storm.

Posted: 2/15/2008 1:08:43 PM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
Is that statue practicing proper trigger finger discipline?

eta...I shouldve used Winky

Guilty as charged of improper use of the incorrect smiley and poor attempt at humor.....Dont taze me

Lay off Bronze Bruce...

I hear they moved him a few years back... been a while since I was at Bragg

Posted: 2/15/2008 1:10:24 PM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Is that statue practicing proper trigger finger discipline?

Perhaps you should take it up with the commander of SF Command, USASOC or even JFKSWCS. Call him up and tell him that you have issues with Bronze Bruce. Im sure he will get right on getting it fixed.

Im sorry I didnt use the correct smiley

I was IN NO WAY dissing the SF of my countrys ARMED FORCES.

Feeling sensitive today?

Hey not even guys from the 82d can make comments about Bruce.............

+10

Posted: 2/15/2008 1:10:32 PM EDT

[#9]

Quoted:

When I was in Iraq, heard of a little story about some Army SF giving a TACP some shit, a friendly competition ensued. I won't divuldge in what it was or the outcome, I don't want to start a shit storm.

The Army wouldn't have airstrikes if it weren't for TACP. Special Forces included, seeing as how TACP gets attached to them. Wherever you see an Army brigade, you'll see one, if not two, JTACs.

Posted: 2/15/2008 1:13:46 PM EDT

[#10]

I know all about them, once I make staff, I plan to cross-train. Missed it by one last year. There are very unknown, but they can bring hell on top of you if they want. I also know that Combat Weatherman are very baddass. A buddy of mine stationed at Kirtland, his older brother is one, after 4 tours in A-stan, he recieved a recruitment letter from Delta, he showed all of us, he ain't bullshittin'

Posted: 2/15/2008 1:18:22 PM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:
DO aviators count? This is the guys from my unit while they were in Afgan. My acting First Sergeant is the Flight Engineer calling this plane down to a pinnacle landing.

img.photobucket.com/albums/v414/madmathew/91-00264_a.jpg
img.photobucket.com/albums/v414/madmathew/Afghan_Roof_Top_a.jpg

Yes this guy definitely counts!... he is with the 28th isnt he?

Posted: 2/15/2008 1:18:44 PM EDT

[#12]

Quoted:
I know all about them, once I make staff, I plan to cross-train. Missed it by one last year. There are very unknown, but they can bring hell on top of you if they want. I also know that Combat Weatherman are very baddass. A buddy of mine stationed at Kirtland, his older brother is one, after 4 tours in A-stan, he recieved a recruitment letter from Delta, he showed all of us, he ain't bullshittin'

They seem to be their own seperate entity now. You used to have to spend two years in the meteorlogical field, THEN be able to cross train to combat weather. Now you can go straight into it, because they're all attached to Special Tactics Squadrons, which is part of JSOC. The STS at my base is REALLY coming up. The commander was in Mogadishu for the whole Operation Gothic Serpent deal. He co-wrote a book with Matt Eversmann that is available everywhere. I believe he got a field commission out of it.

Posted: 2/15/2008 1:24:09 PM EDT

[#13]

Quoted:

Quoted:
www.517prct.org/documents/82nd_airborne_poster/82d_poster.gif

That has got to be one of the coolest things that I've ever read..... they had a TON of moxy back then didn't they?!

- Clint

FUCKING METRIC TON.. we still do!

Posted: 2/15/2008 1:31:46 PM EDT

[#14]

Sweet pics, definite tag

Posted: 2/15/2008 1:39:38 PM EDT

[#15]

height=8

Quoted:
height=8

Quoted:
viahj.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/31.jpg

Thank you very much for your family's sacrifice.

I should only hope his death was quick. War destroys so many young lives. Theres no glory in dying for your country. Life is Finite. Everyone dies, its just how you go out. Either on your feet or on your knees. I should only hope he sent many many many of those stubburn little bastards straight to hell before he danced with the devilh
-Marcus Aurelius

+1000000000000000000000

Posted: 2/15/2008 1:41:18 PM EDT

[#16]

Quoted:
www.blackfive.net/photos/uncategorized/2008/02/13/homepagephoto_200802_hires_080211f2.jpg

Troops assigned to Special Operations Command, Pacific, wait to hook up to a static line on a C-17 Globemaster III, Feb. 11, 2008, during a training mission over Oahu, Hawaii. The C-17, from the 535th Airlift Squadron, is helping the command conduct jump currency training. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo.

---------------------------------

From Blackfive's Picture of the week entry.
www.blackfive.net/main/picture_of_the_week/index.html

Jeebus!... comfy ride there JM does not even have to walk up and down their rucks...

Posted: 2/15/2008 1:46:19 PM EDT

[#17]

http://www.romad.com/frontpages/donkey.JPG

Only an 18E could get away with that!...

Posted: 2/15/2008 1:54:43 PM EDT

[#18]

Quoted:
Don't hijack this with Tillman's story. It's already on the site, do a search.

I didn't post the pics but I will stop the discussion.

Posted: 2/15/2008 2:00:37 PM EDT

[#19]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I know all about them, once I make staff, I plan to cross-train. Missed it by one last year. There are very unknown, but they can bring hell on top of you if they want. I also know that Combat Weatherman are very baddass. A buddy of mine stationed at Kirtland, his older brother is one, after 4 tours in A-stan, he recieved a recruitment letter from Delta, he showed all of us, he ain't bullshittin'

They seem to be their own seperate entity now. You used to have to spend two years in the meteorlogical field, THEN be able to cross train to combat weather. Now you can go straight into it, because they're all attached to Special Tactics Squadrons, which is part of JSOC. The STS at my base is REALLY coming up. The commander was in Mogadishu for the whole Operation Gothic Serpent deal. He co-wrote a book with Matt Eversmann that is available everywhere. I believe he got a field commission out of it.

I have some very good friends that are USAF TACP, active and retired. One day there was a discussion about what gun was the most badass you could have in combat. Some said a Barrett .50, others an M60 or M2, etc. My buddy who is a TACP MSgt says "I'll take my radio and a 2 ship" ... End of discussion!

Posted: 2/15/2008 2:03:13 PM EDT

[#20]

While not Special Forces or "badasses" These are my friends whom I would trust with my life. Except the guy on the left. He's a wuss.

Iraq '91

-Mark

Posted: 2/15/2008 2:03:15 PM EDT

[#21]

height=8

Quoted:
height=8

Quoted:
I know all about them, once I make staff, I plan to cross-train. Missed it by one last year. There are very unknown, but they can bring hell on top of you if they want. I also know that Combat Weatherman are very baddass. A buddy of mine stationed at Kirtland, his older brother is one, after 4 tours in A-stan, he recieved a recruitment letter from Delta, he showed all of us, he ain't bullshittin'

They seem to be their own seperate entity now. You used to have to spend two years in the meteorlogical field, THEN be able to cross train to combat weather. Now you can go straight into it, because they're all attached to Special Tactics Squadrons, which is part of JSOC. The STS at my base is REALLY coming up. The commander was in Mogadishu for the whole Operation Gothic Serpent deal. He co-wrote a book with Matt Eversmann that is available everywhere. I believe he got a field commission out of it.

I have some very good friends that are USAF TACP, active and retired. One day there was a discussion about what was gun was the most badass you could have. Some said a Barrett .50, others an M60 or M2, etc. My buddy who is a TACP MSgt says "I'll take my radio and a 2 ship" ... End of discussion!

Nice!!! Yea a TACP and a AC-130 Gunship is about the baddest, or scariest thing on earth. They are truly baddass!

Posted: 2/15/2008 2:07:03 PM EDT

[#22]

I knew about this kid named Nicholas Ranstad, now that IS a real American hero!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!----------134thSIGNAL

Read the SIG line!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted: 2/15/2008 2:07:54 PM EDT

[#23]

This was a fine young man from my hometown in Kansas. I first met him when he was 8 or 9 years old, his dad had just passed away and I was one of his junior football coaches. It was immediately apparent that Joe was something special.

Over 1500 people turned out for his funeral, it had to be held at the high school football stadium.

Friends of Spc. Joseph F. Herndon II said he was a model soldier who rewrote the book on loyalty, a man who would drag your wounded body to safety with enemy cross hairs trained on his back.

Specialist Joe Herndon

Fallen Soldier remembered in Iraq

To many, Spc. Joseph F. Herndon II may have seemed indestructible. Twice this dedicated Soldier, assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry, looked into the face of death and survived.

On April 7 an RPG hit his chest and failed to detonate during a battle in Hawijah, Iraq. Despite being wounded, he risked his life to aid two other injured Soldiers on his fire team, and helped carry them to safety. On June 27 he was again wounded while on patrol in the city of Huwayjah, when an improvised explosive device hit his vehicle. For his selfless service, Herndon received two Purple Hearts and an Army Commendation Medal with Valor.

Posted: 2/15/2008 2:16:18 PM EDT

[#24]

It pains me, really pains me to see the pictures and read the stories of our guys who have died overseas in this current war. The thing that brought it all home to me was the death of one of my classmates and teammates who was killed in Afghanistan December 15, 2006.

www.legacy.com/HartfordCourant/GB/GuestBookView.aspx?PersonID=20354317

Posted: 2/15/2008 5:39:10 PM EDT

[#25]

Quoted:
http://www.romad.com/frontpages/donkey.JPG

Only an 18E could get away with that!...

That's a JTAC, not an 18E

Posted: 2/15/2008 6:25:43 PM EDT

[#26]

Our family's only granddaughter from her web site

While providing convoy security support on Wednesday September 28 in Safwan Iraq, Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Nicole Jacobson, 21, of Riviera Beach Florida, became the first Security Forces Airman to die in Operation Iraqi Freedom. She died as a result of her vehicle making contact with an improvised explosive device (IED). Safwan is on the border of Iraq and Kuwait.

She is also the first female Airman killed in the line of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Airman Jacobson had been in Iraq for just over three months. "A1C Jacobson was a great troop...always sought the hardest challenges and never gave up. She worked very hard to get on the convoy section and had only been working it for a couple of weeks when the incident occurred. She was a bright and intelligent young lady who cared deeply for her country and the military."

Airman Jacobson joins Airman Laura A. Lucas as the first Security Forces Female Airmen to be killed in action. Airman Lucas was killed in a non-combatant accident. Our prayers go to A1C Jacobson's family and to our Security Forces Airmen at Goodfellow AFB Texas who have experienced a second tragic loss from their Security Forces family due as a result of hostile actions.

Maxwell

Posted: 2/15/2008 6:40:42 PM EDT

[#27]

Posted: 2/15/2008 6:56:20 PM EDT

[#28]

Posted: 2/15/2008 7:11:57 PM EDT

[#29]

Thanks for your post, S-1. That is one heck of a powerful picture you posted. I am glad this thread got "revived"

Posted: 2/15/2008 7:12:34 PM EDT

[#30]

Posted: 2/15/2008 7:29:14 PM EDT

[#31]

Any pics of SOG?

Posted: 2/15/2008 7:34:31 PM EDT

[#32]

Nice pics.

I am noticing quite a few LaRue mounts amongst the pics.

Posted: 2/15/2008 7:56:16 PM EDT

[#33]

Quoted:
Why don't the Special Forces or Rangers wear the Blue Infantry Cord or the Blue disks around the branch of service?

I thought they are part of the Infantry family

Infantrymen assigned to the 75th Ranger RGT do wear a blue cord amd disk with thier Class A uniform as its an infantry regiment

SF is not part of the Infantry career field so they do not.

MOS 11 infantry
MOS 18 SF

Posted: 2/15/2008 8:55:09 PM EDT

[#34]

Quoted:
I am noticing quite a few LaRue mounts amongst the pics.

Ummm.... I looked through the thread again and only noticed one LaRue mount on a Rangers Mk11.

I'm not taking anything away from LT, they are definitely used by the HSLD types, but so are a lot of other mounts. LaRue, KAC, PRI, Wilcox and a host of others are in use in the .mil. I see a lot of Aimpoint QRP mounts in this thread....

Posted: 2/21/2008 2:21:44 AM EDT

[#35]

i'm glad this thread still has life!

thanks for the awesome contribution guys!

Force Recon 1968

I want this :)

LLRPS 1969

Posted: 2/21/2008 9:53:49 AM EDT

[#36]

halo guys somebody posted earlier
hard fucking core. These sob's are playing around on the back of a plane at 45,000 ft. That iron balled psycho on the right is surfing on the door.

I would be on my knees with my arms wrapped around the payload master guy while pissing my pants and begging not to go.

I swear we have the craziest, most ferocious soldiers in the history of warfare....

Posted: 2/21/2008 9:57:43 AM EDT

[#37]

Quoted:
halo guys somebody posted earlier

Made hot:

Posted: 2/21/2008 10:04:19 AM EDT

[#38]

How about one of me!

Posted: 2/21/2008 10:06:56 AM EDT

[#39]

Quoted:
halo guys somebody posted earlier
hard fucking core. These sob's are playing around on the back of a plane at 45,000 ft. That iron balled psycho on the right is surfing on the door.

I would be on my knees with my arms wrapped around the payload master guy while pissing my pants and begging not to go.

I swear we have the craziest, most ferocious soldiers in the history of warfare....

you and me both. the courage and fortitude of the men and women in our armed forces never ceases to amaze me.

Posted: 2/21/2008 10:10:53 AM EDT

[#40]

ost.. I'll see what I can come up with

Posted: 2/21/2008 11:01:19 AM EDT

[#41]

Selous Scouts

Posted: 2/21/2008 11:40:01 AM EDT

[#42]

Not a badass or hardcore, but just two tired GIs fuckin' around in Germany in 1944. My old man on the left, with the grease gun.

Posted: 2/21/2008 2:41:03 PM EDT

[#43]

Quoted:
Not a badass or hardcore, but just two tired GIs fuckin' around in Germany in 1944. My old man on the left, with the grease gun.
img.photobucket.com/albums/v717/Guevera/WWII.jpg

thats awesome!

speaks for itself

SOG RT Washington i believe..i might be wrong

a good insurgent is a dead insurgent

This gives me a VERY good idea :)

no words...

Posted: 2/21/2008 3:35:35 PM EDT

[#44]

it just breaks my heart to see pictures of these brave men,knowing that there are those that want to nominate someone for president, that has never served, and has no use for the military. and they still must call him commander in chief.sorry for the rant.

Posted: 2/21/2008 9:17:17 PM EDT

[#45]

Quoted:
it just breaks my heart to see pictures of these brave men,knowing that there are those that want to nominate someone for president, that has never served, and has no use for the military. and they still must call him commander in chief.sorry for the rant.

I couldn't agree more. There should be law written in stone stating that in order to be a politician you have to have served in the military, lead men into battle, prooved your self in the field of battle and have done brave couragous things in order to sit in those positions, to make the decisions they make based on experience and training, not some SOB Rear Echelon Mother Fucker or someone who's never been where the metal meets the meat..

Thats what there needs to be..that and the american public needs to be active and aware..not brainwashed and stupified.

Posted: 2/21/2008 9:20:50 PM EDT

[#46]

Quoted:
Our family's only granddaughter from her web site

While providing convoy security support on Wednesday September 28 in Safwan Iraq, Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Nicole Jacobson, 21, of Riviera Beach Florida, became the first Security Forces Airman to die in Operation Iraqi Freedom. She died as a result of her vehicle making contact with an improvised explosive device (IED). Safwan is on the border of Iraq and Kuwait.

She is also the first female Airman killed in the line of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Airman Jacobson had been in Iraq for just over three months. "A1C Jacobson was a great troop...always sought the hardest challenges and never gave up. She worked very hard to get on the convoy section and had only been working it for a couple of weeks when the incident occurred. She was a bright and intelligent young lady who cared deeply for her country and the military."

Airman Jacobson joins Airman Laura A. Lucas as the first Security Forces Female Airmen to be killed in action. Airman Lucas was killed in a non-combatant accident. Our prayers go to A1C Jacobson's family and to our Security Forces Airmen at Goodfellow AFB Texas who have experienced a second tragic loss from their Security Forces family due as a result of hostile actions.

Maxwell

Very sorry for your family's loss.