Outside of Special Forces and possibly the Rangers, is there still a need for an airborne division?
2007-10-17 05:43:54 · 20 answers · asked by B. Wags 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Paratroopers have a reputation that is priceless. Remeber Haiti well as soon as they found out the 82nd was on the way they gave up with out a fight. That kind of ability to get an enemy to quit without a shot fired is priceless.
Further there are several hotspots all over the world. We can not have troops everywhere. If something happens the Airborne option is the only way to get large amounts of troops in to the area fast. Also remeber Turkey refused to let the 4th ID roll in to Iraq from its borders so the 173 Airborne Brigade got the call.
I will say this though there is no reason why everyone in the 82nd needs to be on active jump status. Most MOS's have no logical reason to be jump qualified. It is a waste of money that way.
2007-10-17 07:57:55 · answer #1 · answered by satcomgrunt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
absolutely. war changes and if there's a need to mobilize troops in a short amount of time then the airborne is ready for any situation.consider that the rangers are a regiment- roughly 3000 men at most. they're good but if the enemy outnumber then they're going to need more men. the airborne division have 4 times that numbers.bedsides we don't know when are we going to need them so best be prepared for the worst
2007-10-17 06:15:29 · answer #2 · answered by Airbound Gabe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course we do. That is like asking if we still need aircraft carriers. The ability to put large number of troops and equipment on the ground anywhere in the world in 24 to 48 hours is a huge deterrent to those countries with less than noble intentions. Airborne units were used in both Irag and Afganistan with great success.
2007-10-17 05:54:52 · answer #3 · answered by Marcel Weezt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes as the Iraq war demonstrated. We could not get the permission we needed from Turkey, Iran or Syria to allow our troops to enter. Airborne helped us establish a quick northern entry into the country.
2007-10-17 05:51:34 · answer #4 · answered by dadvice1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we should always be prepared for anything. this division in our forces has proven itself useful before so as a wise African man said "do not insult the midwife while you are pregnant" War is always around and we need all the help we can get even from the Airborne
2007-10-17 05:51:33 · answer #5 · answered by Saint Michael 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What we don't need is someone from the comfort of their armchair attempting to assess the viability or necessity of units that serve with distinction. Though certain capabilities have little relevance in this present conflict, there is no need to allow those skills to fall into obscurity, because theaters of operation change with frequent regularity. Find something else to occupy your time.
2007-10-17 05:51:07 · answer #6 · answered by Captain S 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you need that option to be able to drop a whole division by air if need be. Even dropping a company of men into the fight will be help full tacticly.
2007-10-17 05:50:06 · answer #7 · answered by Frederich S 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, we do. The ability to deposit large scale fighting units into an enemies rear areas is a great advantage. It is one we are continuing to improve and upgrade. This ability is an interracial part of our strategic planning.
2007-10-17 05:54:45 · answer #8 · answered by Herodotus 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh Hell Yeah
Rapid deployment of large amounts of troops could be called for at anytime.
2007-10-17 05:48:18 · answer #9 · answered by CFB 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
there will always be a need for airborne troops.they are a different type of soldier.we couldn't do without them.
2007-10-17 05:58:27 · answer #10 · answered by git r done 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋