[Rokke]

It isn't much of a stretch to say we probably knew the names of the pilots as they stepped to their aircraft. Before they got their engines running, we'd already assessed what type of threat they represented. And by the time they were airborne we'd already settled in to watch their "exercise" with a mixture of amusement and nostalgia about the threat they used to represent.

Of course, it also isn't a stretch to consider the possibility that this Russian exercise never really happened.

[ClearCase_guy]

Of course, it also isn't a stretch to consider the possibility that this Russian exercise never really happened.

I'm reminded of the old gunslinger joke. "I'm the fastest draw in the West. Want to see me draw? Want to see it again?"

[driftdiver]

"Of course, it also isn't a stretch to consider the possibility that this Russian exercise never really happened."

Here's how it goes. Moscow sends orders for an exercise to the military base. The commander sees that his pilots, ground crew and security forces are selling off all the parts and getting drunk. Of course he gets a cut. The commander tells Moscow he can't fly the mission, Moscow shoots him.

New commander sends report back to Moscow that mission was a total success and the Americans never knew we were there.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

We knew the names of the children.

[Sacajaweau]

Ding..Ding...Ding....We have a winner!!