U.S. troops parachute into northern Iraq - CNN

Reuters | 3/26/03

[kattracks]

U.S. troops parachute into northern Iraq - CNN

WASHINGTON, March 26 (Reuters) - About 1,000 U.S. troops have parachuted into northern Iraq and seized an airfield in Kurdish-controlled territory, CNN reported on Wednesday.

The network said the troops were from the 173rd airborne brigade and seized the airfield to clear the way for armored tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles.

03/26/03 17:23 ET

[error99]

More poor reporting from Reuters-
"...to clear the way for armored tanks..."
- - -
Is there any other kind?

[kattracks]

US paratroopers seize north Iraq airfield-official


WASHINGTON, March 26 (Reuters) - U.S. Army troops parachuted into and took control of a key airfield in northern Iraq on Wednesday, becoming the first sizable American military presence in that part of the country, defense officials said.

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said elements of the Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade, based in Italy, parachuted into the airfield. The officials would not state the precise location of the airfield nor give the number of troops involved.

A defense official said that before this operation, several hundred special forces troops had been operating on the ground in northern Iraq.



03/26/03 17:46 ET

[WilliamWallace1999]

Yeah, and your point is? Why not fly the sorties and really screw up Saddam's day in Hell.

[doodad]

Yes sir. And airmobile ability too. Watched my Dad's unit many a night load C-5s with rotor folded cobras and hueys to land after the initial drop and secure operation. And at the demonstrations I saw as a kid simulating drop zone secure and capture...you wouldn't want to be there defending it.

[11B3]

The 2nd Bn 75th Rangers did the initial jump into Panama, securing the airfield.

[Dog]

Is that do able??

How long would it take to put that division in there??

[demlosers]

We are going to fly tanks in?

Why Not? I would. We got 2 aircraft that can carry them the C5 and C17. Especially the C17 that can land on dirt and austere landing sites. Fly in a few platoons of M1A2 and bunches of M2 Bradleys and we get some offensive power.

[Cicero]

If American troops hope to guard against Kurdish separatist inclinations, they are also there to dissuade Turkey from making any bold moves in Northern Iraq, commanders said.

That's what I figured. This is from another article posted on the thread. Turkey has refused to promise to stay out of Iraq, and we want to make it clear that if they try to invade the northern oil fields they will be fighting Americans as well as Kurds.

[JamminJAY]

I say we let the Kurds take eastern Turkey

Let the french part of NATO help them.

Jammer

[leadpenny]

I think they are known as the "Herd", or "Third Herd."

Thank you. My experience with them was as a huey driver with the 119th AHC out of Camp Holloway in Pleiku in Nov and Dec of 67. I DEROS'd from my first tour 7 Jan 68 (before Tet68)

[freepersup]

I think a 'gold' star means the wearer has made 5 combat jumps. Very rare- near God-like status amongst jumper and military community... coveted by 'some' having never made a combat jump / highly respected and admired by all others

[HardStarboard]

>>How do you clear the way for armored tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles by seizing an airfield?<<<

Well technically your correct. You seize the airfield for the C-5's and C17's that will land with M1A2 Abrams tanks and Bradleys in their bellys.

[AzSteven]

That's the 3rd Infantry Regiment, the guys that do the guard duty at Arlington and general DC security/show duties.

[CholeraJoe]

From the 82nd's history page:

On December 20, 1989, the "All-Americans," as part of Operation JUST CAUSE, conducted their first combat jump since World War II onto Torrijos International Airport, Panama. The paratroopers' goal was to oust a ruthless dictator and restore the duly-elected government to power in Panama. The 1st Brigade task force made up of the 1st and 2nd Battalions, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, parachuted into combat for the first time since World War II. In Panama, the paratroopers were joined on the ground by 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment which was already in Panama. After the night combat jump and seizure of the airport, the 82nd conducted follow-on combat air assault missions in Panama City and the surrounding areas.

The whole brigade (~3000) of the 173rd jumped on 22 Feb 1967 in operation Junction City.

[homeschool mama]

Makes perfect sense, mystery. :o)

[CIB-173RDABN]

Were these guys known as "the hurd ?"

---

Close, "The Thundering Herd"

[madison10]

Shhh...thought there was a war on. Doesn't this fall under the loose lips category. No, I'm not a mod or admin or whatever they call themselves.

PS Ever heard of a vice-grip? There may be a "nut" in the middle of this one.

[Natural Law]

Great outfit. Now stationed in Italy.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

ROME (AP) -- About 1,000 U.S. paratroopers landed in northern Iraq on Wednesday, a U.S. military spokesman said, part of the American strategy of opening a northern front against Saddam Hussein's regime.

A unit of the 173rd Airborne, based in Vicenza, Italy, went into the north Wednesday night, said Lt. Col. Thomas Collins, spokesman for the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force.

[CIB-173RDABN]

That was after my time, I was with them in 1966-1967 while they were at Bien Hoa Airbase.