How Air Assault Works - Featuring the Rakkasans of the 101st Airborne

Summary

In this video, Ryan Macbeth explores the relevance of air assault in modern warfare, focusing on the 101st Airborne Division's capabilities. He discusses the Russian military operation in Ukraine, where air assault tactics faced challenges, and questions the viability of such strategies against advanced surface-to-air missiles. Macbeth's firsthand experience at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, home to the 101st Airborne, reveals the division's unique air assault techniques, including night operations and sustainment strategies. The video also highlights the rigorous training and courage of the soldiers, emphasizing the importance of air assault in contemporary military operations.

Takeaways

• 💤 The video discusses the effectiveness and relevance of air assault tactics, particularly in the context of modern warfare.
• 🛏️ Ryan Macbeth, the host, shares his personal experience with a Helix mattress, emphasizing its American assembly and health benefits.
• 🚁 The Russian military's failed air assault on Hostomel airport in Ukraine is highlighted to question the current utility of air assault strategies.
• 🎖️ The 101st Airborne Division's history and evolution from an Airborne to an Air Assault division is detailed, showcasing its adaptability and specialized capabilities.
• 🏔️ The significance of the air assault doctrine, especially in providing rapid mobility and sustainment in combat operations, is underscored.
• 🔥 The video provides insights into the planning and execution of air assault missions, including the critical role of aviation in modern warfare.
• 🛬️ The discussion includes the challenges of air assault operations, such as the vulnerability of helicopters to surface-to-air missiles.
• 👥 The unique capabilities of the 101st Airborne Division, including their ability to move and sustain large forces by helicopter, are highlighted.
• 🌙 The importance of night operations and training for the 101st Airborne Division is emphasized, showcasing their preparedness for various combat scenarios.
• 🎖️ The video concludes by acknowledging the courage and resilience of the soldiers in the 101st Airborne Division, highlighting the human element in air assault operations.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Helix mattress sponsorship in the video?

The Helix mattress sponsorship is significant as it provides financial support for the content creator to conduct research and produce the video. The creator discusses the benefits of the Helix mattress, such as being assembled in America, fiberglass-free, and contributing to reduced back pain, which adds a personal touch and endorsement to the product.

What was the outcome of the Russian VDV Airborne Forces' air assault on Hostomel airport during the military operation in Ukraine?

The air assault on Hostomel airport was a disaster for the Russian VDV Airborne Forces. They lost several helicopters, failed to resupply their troops, and the runways were eventually rendered unusable by Ukrainian artillery. Despite eventually taking the airport, its utility as a logistics hub was denied to Russian forces.

Why is the 101st Airborne Division considered unique in the US Army?

The 101st Airborne Division is considered unique because it is the only division solely dedicated to air assault operations. It has the capability to move and sustain troops by helicopter, including the ability to sling load artillery and other heavy equipment, making it a versatile and rapidly deployable force.

What historical event marked a shift in the 101st Airborne's operational focus from Airborne to Air Mobile?

The historical event that marked a shift in the 101st Airborne's operational focus from Airborne to Air Mobile was the Vietnam War. The US realized it needed light units to engage the Viet Cong, leading to the development of air mobile operations, which relied on helicopters for troop movement and sustainment.

How did the 101st Airborne validate the doctrine of air assault during the Gulf War?

The 101st Airborne validated the doctrine of air assault during the Gulf War by moving an entire brigade 155 miles into Iraq and establishing a forward arming and refueling point (FARP) at FOB Cobra, which was used to cut off the Iraqi city of Basra from Baghdad. This demonstrated the effectiveness of rapid, helicopter-borne troop movements and sustainment.

What is the difference between a 'hot' and 'cold' Landing Zone (LZ) in the context of air assault operations?

A 'hot' Landing Zone is expected to receive enemy fire, while a 'cold' LZ is not. The designation is crucial for planning air assault operations as it influences tactics, such as whether to land or loiter airborne, and the level of caution and preparation required for the troops.

What is a 'gun raid' as mentioned in the context of the 101st Airborne's capabilities?

A 'gun raid' refers to a technique used by the 101st Airborne where artillery can be moved by helicopter closer to the front line to support a raid or to be the raid itself. This allows for the rapid deployment and retrieval of artillery in a single period of darkness, enhancing the element of surprise and tactical flexibility.

What is the role of the Aviation Brigade in the 101st Airborne Division?

The Aviation Brigade in the 101st Airborne Division plays a crucial role in providing air mobility, delivering troops, artillery, and supplies via helicopter. It contains various types of helicopters, including Apache attack helicopters, Blackhawk utility helicopters, and Chinook medium lift helicopters, enabling rapid deployment and sustainment of forces.

Why is the planning and execution of air assault operations described as a 'ballet'?

The planning and execution of air assault operations are described as a 'ballet' because of the intricate coordination and timing required among various elements, such as helicopters, ground troops, and support units. Each component must move in harmony to ensure the mission's success, much like the synchronized movements in a ballet.

What is the significance of the 'cherry' and 'ice' terms in air assault planning?

The terms 'cherry' and 'ice' represent risk levels in air assault planning. 'Cherry' indicates a landing zone that is too dangerous to land in, requiring diversion to an alternate LZ or other actions. 'Ice' means the landing zone is below acceptable risk criteria for landing. These terms help assess and manage risk during mission planning.