How do military personnel, on helicopter night patrol, using IR, know that the targets are insurgents ?

Question

I caught this video footage, in this music video, and was lead to wonder if those people down there, being shot at, are really enemy insurgents. I guess one could conclude, if they are out at night, they are up to no good, but then I like to do much of my work at night.

See Music Video: Time = 1:10 through 1:35.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?search=&mode=related&v=agr5fdMNyxc

I realize it is a tough job, but if you could give me some insight as to what is really happening, I would appreciate it.

Thanks...

Answer 1

You have ground troops that patrol the area. Once they find an area with enemy troops that they can not take out themselves they will call in air support. That is what this helicopter is. Air Support. The Ground troop will relay coordinates to the copter, and that is how they know the targets are insurgents. The ground troops are specializeed in relaying coordinates for air support. So the attack are always 99% correct. The helicopter pilot and artilierry men just have to get to the position, and make sure the missiles and air fire are locked on the grid (like GPS positionor)

Answer 2

I dont want to get into some of the details on how we spot potential targets, but I will say the obvious. Most areas in Iraq have curfews and it is well known by the general populace. If someone is seen out past that curfew they are automatically considered "up to no good." The Rules of Engagment (ROE) are still adhered to. When someone is actually fired upon, they have been seen commintting an act against Coalition/Local National Forces; such as setting up an IED, taking up a sniper position, transporting arms, and so on.

Answer 3

There is usually good enough communication for the helo to know whether friendly troops are in the area, and where they are...btw, on a smaller scale, ground forces also have IR visible signs that they are not the enemy

Answer 4

The military people know because - unlike yourself - they saw the whole video.

There seems to be a cottage industry centered around editing videos to make it appear to present something other than the truth.

Answer 5

Well I think it's because they know where their troops are..

They will usually know what divisions and squads are on patrol and where they are... And they'll usually have IR patches so in Night time they'll shine.

Before they fire they'll try get confirmation and order to fire, and usually if they're going to fire the squad down there might have some word on it.. And its simple, they have guns or they dont.

Answer 6

they are informed where the insurgents are. there for they know where to look at certain times. people who live in that country also inform are troops on there where abouts.

Answer 7

i have the whole video of what you're talking about and what geronimo writes is the best that someone like you can understand....

Answer 8

Maybe you should try learning what's going on from sources OTHER than music videos...