[Arab TV Claims] US Jet Shot Down by Iraqi Anti Aircraft Fire [Female Pilot Captured]

Islamic Republic News Agency and 'Al Arabiya' TV ^ | March 22, 2003 | BH/JB

[ewing]

Iraq anti aircraft shot down an invading jet over Baghdad Saturday, the al-Arabiya television channel said.

The aircrafts pilot-a woman-and its co-pilot parachuted safely but were captured by Iraqi forces.

[annyokie]

Yes there are women pilots. My husband had MANY commands and is as decorated as Audie Murphy.

How about you?

[annyokie]

No, I have never had a command. However my husband has had many. You?

[Jhoffa_]

Look.. I don't want to hurt your feelings, but if you can't change a tire or kick my ass then you should just reserve these GI Jane screeds for the choir.

I have great respect for women, but don't insult my intelligence with posts like that.

[wardaddy]

Lt. Kara Hultgreen.....killed due to pilot error on her first carrier landing (it may have been her first night carrier landing). Her gunner ejected safely. She would have washed out long before if she had not been given waivers repeatedly to appease the feminists. The officers who complained about this after her tragic death were forced to resign not for lying but for breaking the Navy's confidentiality.

[Dec31,1999]

As long as the subject is on the table, I don't like the gays either.

It's not so much the gay thing as it is politics, for me. I've never met any gay Conservatives. Have you?

[HairOfTheDog]

Women were first being accepted into fighter jet training around 1985 when I was a senior in high school and seriously considering going for it. I was the only chick I knew who had posters of F-16s on her wall and a copy of "Jane's Aircraft Recognition" on my nightstand.

For many years, women served in roles such as test-flying and ferrying of fighters between locations, and giving flight instruction. There are many roles in operations where sending a pilot through or to an area without combat training was silly and a liability, so they receive the same training. Many turned out to be just as good and have now been flying in combat roles for our last few scuffles around the world, including Kosovo, Afghanistan and Gulf War 1.

I won't deny that there are issues with validity about women in combat. I would not push for very many of the women I know to be infantry. They aren't strong enough. I do however think that they make fine pilots.

I won't usually talk about those issues with people that sound so angry about it that they want to insult those women who wish to pursue it. I almost became one, though I didn't and stayed civillian. But I know some that did, and they were sharp plucky girl-pilots I would be proud of, as proud as I am the sharp plucky guy-pilots I know. Pilots are my favorite people, the cocky brats.

[wardaddy]

Actually I know 2 homosexual men here in Nashville (a couple) who are Republicans. It happens. Fiscal conservatives.

[Jhoffa_]

Well, there are the Log Cabin Republicans..

I was more concerned about the gay thing as it relates to a military environment.

I just don't think it's a good idea.

[TankerKC]

I sure have, but not of combat unit. I've been doing my part for 22 years. I thank your husband for his service. I'm sure it gets you a great parking spot at the PX.

Still you haven't documented that commanders avoid letting women fly in combat.

[wardaddy]

You are confusing women political/military leaders of old with being equal in a combat role today.

I would never quarrel with the notion that a few women throughout history have been very warlike in their rule and deliciously vicious at times....but they are the exception and those who were effective were an exaggeration of men.

The list of reasons why women should not serve in comabt is so long it is essay worthy and we all know what they are.

Historically very few nations have relied on women in combat unless as a last resort. I suppose they were all stupid. This is not some new noble idea that the feminists have stumbled upon 30 years ago.

Like other misguided social engineering experiments, this one will fail with time. Mark my words.

[Archdean]

You seem to know more about the Streeses of Comanding the PX parking lot to me!!!!

[Jhoffa_]

No, she's a legit aviator.

There's an in-situ picture of her floating around on one of these threads.

[mass55th]

"This is bad.."

But is it series?

[dandelion]

That post didn't insult your intelligence - you did that yourself. If history or truth insults you, go to DU and hang out with the other anti-Warrior weenies.

As for you're little challenge; I CAN kick a tire and I CAN kick your ass - so you didn't hurt my feelings at all.

[Dec31,1999]

I just don't think it's a good idea.

I agree. From what I've seen and heard, gays and women (or socialists of any kind) in the military is not a good idea.

[Jhoffa_]

Well, "Dandelion" it might interest you to know that I am not an anti-war, DU type.

The rest of your boast is ridiculous. It's not my fault it's ridiculous, go yell at God or your parents if you're angry about it.

[annyokie]

"I thank your husband for his service. I'm sure it gets you a great parking spot at the PX."

I guess you'd know since your expertise is in LOGISTICS, not COMBAT.

[dandelion]

I don't believe that most women are fitted for some forms of combat, and I have long fought against the idea of women trying to be men. I do not believe in affirmative action or PC appointments, and I HATED Clinton's military policies concerning women in all positions, regardless of ability. Women on the battlefield can do many kinds of jobs, but THEY MUST BE ABLE TO PULL THE LOAD. If they cannot do it, they should not be advanced, period. Clinton's "experiment" has already failed. But the women now in place and now taking fire deserve our support, not the put-downs and rantings that some heap upon them here.

This thread is about the brave women now serving with pride in this war, and those who are possibly now in harms' way. These women deserve our support at this time, as well as the men who fight with them. Anyone who highjacks this thread and puts down our troops who might be in harms way deserves my bile, and those who do so belong in San Fransisco on the sidewalk with the rest of the pukes.

[HairOfTheDog]

if you can't change a tire or kick my ass then you should just...

I hate changing tires. I did it once... in the garage changing over to snow tires in the fall. But now I take them to a shop to swap out because it is so much easier that way. I changed my own oil once to. never again. It's a mess.

I wish I could kick your ass, just for fun!

[dandelion]

Not angry, just right. I'm supporting our troops, you're putting them down.