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SOF Training Excercise Outside Houston

by Jack Murphy · January 28, 2013 · Posted In: SOF News

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359 comments

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Henry2

Firing machine guns in a US city is normal training procedure? I don't think it's the "interweb's" fault that people are pissed about this.

PatrioticCitizen

What do you think about this maybe be training exercises for a possible invasion of Iran ...Do they not have a lot of cities and territory that is urban ? The Israeli's have already said that they might be planning some kind of strike in the Spring or Summer as far as their red line is concerned , could this just be preparing for the outcome that might come out of that? ....I still think it is highly unsafe to conduct these exercises over US cities as accidents do happen , and have happened in the past ..and just from a PR standpoint it would be disastrous if one of these choppers crashed into a civilian building or killed countless civilians.

John2763

Any UN or Russian military involved in these exercises?

JackMurphyRGR moderator

@John2763 No.

The Midnight Philosopher

A little RUT never hurt no one.

This comment has been deleted

HugeFan moderator

2 Like

@PatrioticCitizen "why did the West point counter terrorism group put out a report saying right wing political supporters might also be involved in US terrorist , think they even used the tea party by name." Consider that before 9/11 the single most devastating act of terrorism was the Oklahoma City Federal Building Bombing. Timothy McVeigh was a right wing extremist with links to several state militias. Then there was the terror attack this year by that white supremacist against the Sikh temple in Wisconsin. There are in fact, homegrown terrorists here. Prime example aside from the above: Bloods, Crips, Latin Kings, Neo Nazis, etc. I don't know if they are technically, but I sure as hell count them as terrorists or possible terrorists.

I'm not saying that the report you cite is prophetic but it is not an entirely unreasonable estimation.

theAtrium (banned)

1 Like

@HugeFan @PatrioticCitizen

Totally agree with you, bro. Me and rod had a discussion on this when he first posted the West Point study and the letter he wrote to them urging them to do a similar study on left wing extremists.

You're from around the Cascadia region, you probably still listen to Mother Love Bone & Temple of the Dog, so in your estimation should West Point do a study on left-wing extremists, how dangerous are they these days? National threat?

Remember in 2007, the NYPD released their Homegrown Threat study, and everyone was like 'What the fuck is a local PD doing white papers fo'?'. But everyone thought it was timely, sure the Muslims got pissed... when doing these kinda studies (where you implicate groups) people will get their panties in a knot, no need to get conspiratorial.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUb450Alpps

Txazz

1 Like

@HugeFan @PatrioticCitizen Majrod wrote to West Point Counter Terrorism Group but, have not heard whether he has had a response.

AUNITEDPEOPLE

2 Like

So we have training ops in Florida, Texas and Illinois over the past few days, right? Two nights ago I saw a formation of helos fly by my home in NC (no where near any of our numerous bases we have here). The formation had a leading prop aircraft, a V formation of five helos and a trailing aircraft. So I'm wondering, not that I am some conspiracy nut, but what's going on? I mean, I really don't care, I don't believe that the government is coming after us, but just wondering if this is a national JSOC event, or something that a typical training exercise.

ArcticWarrior

@AUNITEDPEOPLE

Normal training. The intrawebs just lets everyone know nationwide, back in the olden days only local papers carried these stories.

AUNITEDPEOPLE

@ArcticWarrior OK thanks man. Just curious is all.

JackMurphyRGR moderator

2 Like

@TheAtrium @AUNITEDPEOPLE Actually this has nothing to do with UFO's no matter how much you might want it to. Lets keep this on topic.

ArcticWarrior

1 Like

@TheAtrium @AUNITEDPEOPLE

Hey just because I am in the employ of the man doesnt mean I cant believe the Star people mytho's ; )

theAtrium (banned)

2 Like

@AUNITEDPEOPLE AW is part of the system, that's all disinformation. Remember the Phoenix Lights? Ask him about the Star People.

AUNITEDPEOPLE

3 Like

@ArcticWarrior Makes absolute sense. Plus, working in real urban environments around real urban hazards, power lines, buildings and such is much more 'real-world' than you can normally get with just base training exercises.

I guess people are just spooked because of the political environment right now, causing a little bit of paranoia.

ArcticWarrior

2 Like

@AUNITEDPEOPLE

Have to look at it this way, you cant always use the same shoothouses and simulated towns on the various posts. Sooner or later your just walking it through because you know every corner and every shadow. Drop you in hot on a "compound" or "structure" you are not familiar with it will keep them sharp.

Scenarios pop up all the time, and these two Tier 1 units may be involved with little prep time.

Cant tell the locals with too much PR and advertisements otherwise you will have 10k people coming to watch like its an airshow, and that isnt good for anyone.

ArcticWarrior

8 Like

@JackMurphyRGR " The Houston Fire Department wasn't told; it responded to all the radio traffic about shots being fired. Even the mayor's office says it was not notified. " - Now THAT is OPSEC

This comment has been deleted

ArcticWarrior

1 Like

@J34 @JackMurphyRGR

None taken brother. That quote was directly off the local Houston station. The local LE and Command PAO's almost always release a statement in regards to upcoming FTXs, public generally doesnt pay attention to them.

The OPSEC thing was a joke, Army as opposed to Navy

theAtrium (banned)

3 Like

@ArcticWarrior @JackMurphyRGR

De-conflict that shit, last thing we need are little birds crashing in city streets because they got hosed down by local fire on their low fly by's.

But seriously, AW, this is the kinda shit that keeps me up at nights, not really these SOF/local PD spec units training:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HUtPfoaiGg

ArcticWarrior

2 Like

@TheAtrium @JackMurphyRGR

Im more worried about the OG I saw at the range trying to figure out how the mag went into his brand new and sparkling AR.

ArcticWarrior

3 Like

@TheAtrium @JackMurphyRGR

Most of the major cities have had them, the list is long. With the sizable prescence in Hawaii I would imagine someone has worked it.

Look at the AF Sky Shield FTXs in the 60s, the skies would be closed to all civilian air traffic for the duration of the FTX on nearly no notice.

These things arent new.

theAtrium (banned)

2 Like

@ArcticWarrior @JackMurphyRGR

LOL. Not to worry. Old age in that line of work usually means common sense and a better sense of target.

Is anyone keeping a list of all the cities participating in these exercises? Has there been one in Honolulu?

Riskbiz

2 Like

Note to self. Don't EVER cut off another white mercedes utility truck on the highway again.

Lt Ryker

2 Like

@Riskbiz

nor an unmarked heli with tubes

ArcticWarrior

1 Like

@Lt Ryker @Riskbiz

Any 160th Birds I ever saw were all wearing US Army and had numbers

Lt Ryker

Pt 2

Seems to me that by adding civilian law enforcement to the drill, we are increasing risk. What say all??

TKW406

3 Like

@Lt Ryker I may be wrong but I believe the civilian law enforcement was there for traffic control.

theAtrium (banned)

1 Like

@TKW406 @Lt Ryker

Either that, or they were there for autographs.

The Midnight Philosopher

@HugeFan Portland is old news, look up black helicopters in Portland.

HugeFan

@ArcticWarrior Oh yeah bro, I knew about that FTX because SOFREP mention that last spring. Problem is that said FTX was way out in Umatilla/Pendleton(pretty sure that was to retain OPSEC) areas. That's a good 4-5 hrs from me. Still waiting for JSOC to conduct that bonkers shit right in the heart of the People's Republic of Portland(I use that affectionately). Would love to see the mouth-breathers reaction to CAG and 275 guys taking the Rose Quarter! @TheAtrium @TKW406 @Lt Ryker

KineticFury

3 Like

@oldSquid But I like the pretty lights....

oldSquid

3 Like

rubbernecking in Houston is a faavorite pastime. I remember too many times being hung up on 640 because there was a minor fender bender on the OTHER side of the freeway - and people on my side had to slow down and look...

o-o-o-o-h-h, look flashing blue sparkly lights....

ArcticWarrior

2 Like

@HugeFan @TheAtrium @TKW406 @Lt Ryker

You missed it bro, 2/75 hit an airport with an airborne insertion in Oregon last year.

The armada of aircraft that supports them is another matter. Bailey described an inventory that would stagger any aviation buff:

•MC-130 Combat Talon: a specialized version of the sturdy C-130 used for inserting and removing special operations troops

•AC-130 Spectre: another C-130 version, this one a powerful gunship

•AH-6 Little Bird: a light reconnaissance and attack helicopter

•CV-22 Osprey: the latest in aviation technology, a tilt-rotor aircraft that takes off and lands like a helicopter but flies as a fixed-wing aircraft

•C-17 Globemaster: the workhorse airlifter for the U.S. Air Force; flies globally, inserts troops, supplies, weapons locally

http://www.northwestmilitary.com/news/fort-lewis-blog/2012/03/2-75-Rangers-train-in-Washington-and-Oregon-March-12-22/

http://www.opb.org/news/article/rangers_practicing_airfield_seizure_tactics_in_pendleton/

http://sofrep.com/4723/rangers-conduct-airfield-seizure-training/

Ya gots to keep your eye on the PAO and litlle LE briefs that inform the locals its coming.

HugeFan moderator

2 Like

@ArcticWarrior @TheAtrium @TKW406 @Lt Ryker "Can you imagine the rubberneckers going down to that school to check out the action?" Shit, that shit ever pops off in Portland or Seattle I'm grabbing a chair, some beer and turning off my phone because there is no movie that will ever be that cool!

ArcticWarrior

1 Like

@TheAtrium @TKW406 @Lt Ryker

Lol...no joke it would be a bonafide recruiting bonanza

theAtrium (banned)

3 Like

@ArcticWarrior @TKW406 @Lt Ryker If I were an Army/Marine recruiter, I'd get the low down on these joint exercises, bring my poolees and hand out a gank of business cards--personal contact written on the flipside for the hotties.

ArcticWarrior

2 Like

@TheAtrium @TKW406 @Lt Ryker

Can you imagine the rubberneckers going down to that school to check out the action?

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz303/MIKEONE_2009/75RangersMountingtheLittleBirdMH-61.jpg

http://www.americanspecialops.com/images/photos/rangers/rangers-direct-action-hr.jpg

OPR

1 Like

If you click to watch the actual news report you'll see Rangers with with what looks like quad-tube NVGs.

usapatriotonthemove

2 Like

I got a guy I work with who thinks that is exactly what they are training for, to suppress the citizens of the United States of America. They've done some of this stuff in Boston as well. I love hearing those birds scream over the top of the house at tree level,in shear darkness....just hope everyone remains safe, is all.

Lt Ryker

1 Like

@usapatriotonthemove

New to this site, and I greatly appreciate it. But, I have a question: What possible urban scenario would their be that we are not already doing "live" abroad?

ArcticWarrior

2 Like

@Lt Ryker @usapatriotonthemove

They never hit that abandoned school, so its a new experience and keeps them sharp between deployments. If you look at it, that school is a "compound" like structure with many rooms and exterior corridors along with a large LZ. Perfect for the 160th/75th to hit as an FTX.

ArcticWarrior

4 Like

@usapatriotonthemove

Being that population centers around the world are becoming more urban, conflicts being fought in major cities (Baghdad as a recent example) makes urban warfare a very real possibility. Training around urban infrastructure is an absolute must. Large cities tend to have narrow streets that reduces tech superiority as one of the components that make this training necessary, hence why you see most major cities seeing these excercises. Now factor in that many US cities have varying, if not confusing urban layouts its easy to see the value in these FTXs.

And its not new to the 21st Century, the Army ran the Louisiana Maneuvers pre WWII 1941 as well as a host of others up to presnt time.

KineticFury

3 Like

Here's a video of some NZ SAS guys 'taking a city' (Auckland) in the dark. Pretty simple video, but it just goes to show that if you want men men effectively trained you need to train them in the enviroment they will be working in.

NZ S.A.S. First Among Equals - Part 13 of 18 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0qlSivR8WE

You can fast forward to 3:30 if you want. But the whole video series (each about 10min) is pretty interesting.

Jaycel Adkins

2 Like

@KineticFury Thank you for posting that link, never heard of this series. It's definitely going onto the playlist. Cheers!

NMOne

1 Like

I thought I'd seen crazy, then I happened to look in here. Good God some people need to move out from under the power lines....

SEAN SPOONTS

9 Like

Seriously folks, CTFO. I know a lot of you people don't like Obama,(I not a fan either) but lets keep things here on planet Earth. A couple of little birds running an exercise on what looks like a hostage rescue scenario is NOT preparation for the occupation of America by the US Armed Forces. If twenty Islamist terrorists grabbed an elementary school in this country do you think your hometown SWAT team is up for dealing with that? Or do you think Delta, the Rangers or a SEAL Platoon would be better? Our troops train for various possible scenarios and they have to do it somewhere so it might as well be here in the States. And secret preparations for the military takeover will not happen in broad daylight in full public view. SOFREP is not a fever swamp for doomsday prepper conspiracy kooks. If you sense powerful forces secretly moving against you whenever you see a black helicopter you've got a serious problem. There are only 10,000 FBI agents in this country of 350 million people. They've got better things to do than worry about something you posted on Facebook. You're just not that important or worth the trouble. Here's another dose of reality. In the American Revolution only about 2% of the population actually fought in that war. About 1/3 supported the Crown, about 1/3 supported the Revolutionaries and about 1/3 just sat it out and waited to see who won. So unless you're a committed two percenter(which I doubt any of you are) you will probably be a fence sitter who just hides and watches. As long as you stay on the fence you will be perfectly safe from both sides. So hoard your food, work on your little buried hideout and STFU about the coming military crackdown, because it isn't going to effect fence sitters like you who just want to survive.

Jaycel Adkins

@SEAN SPOONTS And in the American Civil War it was 2% of the population that Died, which in today's body count would be about 6+million Americans.

StoneHunter

3 Like

This thread got way off topic in a hurry. I've been working in Houston area this week and didn't hear about it until now, wish i had seen it though.

oh and glad that shagstar got banned, we aren't all like that dude.

Recon6 moderator

4 Like

@StoneHunter WTF? You don't know Shag, therefore your opinion doesn't mean shit to those of us that Do know him, he has been a loyal fan of SOFREP for a long time with a great sense of humor and general all around good guy, his 'opinions' are often off the wall but totally harmless and in jest....6

HM1 (FMF) Ret.

3 Like

Holy Shit Balls it is getting rough in here! #2, I dont think the military is preparing for an invasion anymore than we were in 2004 when we invaded old George AFB housing. Kicking in a door of a house I lived in as a kid was fun though....

SOF Training Excercise Outside Houston

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