Kiowa Warriors Leaving Afghanistan...and the Army...

1SG Steven Stankovich — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 23:42:19 -0500

I wanted to share this articles with everyone because as the Kiowa Warrior leaves the battlefield in Afghanistan, it marks an end of an era for air-ground integration. The KWs are also being phased out of use on the Army and that also marks an end of an era. While serving in Afghanistan with A/3/4 CAV, my Troop were the ground scouts with two Troops of KWs. They went out with us on every mission and were, what I like to call, angels over our shoulders. I will always have fond memories of the pilots, crews, and the aircraft themselves. I actually have about 30 minutes flight time in one...believe it or not. A few of us got to go up with some our pilots after their aircraft came out of maintenance while we were in Shindand. It was an experience, but I am much more comfortable on the ground. ;)

http://www.fayobserver.com/military/with-the-troops-kiowa-pilots-have-been-protecting-soldiers-on/article_14e480cb-306f-5b97-98db-52d7705165d9.html

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 12:28 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 00:28:26 -0500

Sad to see them being phased out.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 2 at 2014 2:58 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 02:58:35 -0500

I was talking with a Kiowa pilot I met on RallyPoint and found out that only 1/4 of the Aviation Officers will have retraining slots offered and only 1/3 of all the Aviation Warrants will be offered retraining in other airframes. In the past, other airframes were slowly phased out from service. I had Cobras dropping 20mm cartridges in my foxhole in 1990 and I was still flying in Hueys in 1997. These highly qualified aviators are just out of luck. What a huge loss to the ground troops. To my knowledge, this is unprecedented in the military. Are there any Vietnam aviators out there who can weigh in on this transformation? I am devestated by this news. Many of my dear friends feel betrayed. Cav pilots don't just stop flying and go to work in the motor pools and offices as walking warrants. All that combat experience wasted and now going to work in the civilian sector.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 2 at 2014 3:06 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 03:06:10 -0500

In tribute to our Kiowa aviators, who flew more combat hours than any other airframe in theatre, please share your experiences with them.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/who-had-their-butt-saved-by-a-oh-58d-when-they-were-in-afghanistan-or-iraq?n=350963&page=1&urlhash=350963#350963

Who had their butt saved by a OH-58D when they were in Afghanistan or Iraq? | RallyPoint

In tribute to our Kiowa aviators, who flew more combat hours than any other airframe in theatre, please share your experiences with them.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 2 at 2014 8:39 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 20:39:19 -0500

Q: How many helicopters in the Army inventory can come out of various AF transport planes and be able to go on a combat mission within 15 minutes of landing?

A: None. Because they retired the Kiowa Warrior.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jan 21 at 2015 11:18 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 23:18:46 -0500

The final Kiowa Warrior was just delivered to the Army. End of an era. RESPECT!!!

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v= [login to see] 52805&set=vb [login to see] 37031&type=2&theater

Bell Helicopter | Facebook

After more than forty-five years in production, Bell Helicopter delivered the last OH-58D Kiowa Warrior cabin to U.S. Army this week. We are proud of the...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2015 11:33 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 23:33:30 -0500

Ahhh what memories. I do believe ive reloaded one or both of those kiowa's while performing FARP duties. And those sand bags are another story lol

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jan 23 at 2015 10:26 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 10:26:38 -0500

I was on Davis Monthan AFB yesterday and say it for my own eyes. A line of Kiowas (almost a full squadron) fully shrink-wrapped among the F-16's and other retired badasses. Very sad.

Response by SPC David S. made Jan 23 at 2015 1:00 PM

SPC David S. — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 13:00:49 -0500

I know the Army is moving to UAV's and modified Apaches in removing the Kiowa from the arsenal. My concern is in preserving the scout mindset. Definitely agree with twin engine aircraft concept of more power and redundancy and the rotating fire power of the Apache however what I think would be a good addition is even a smaller drone controlled by ground scouts with a video feed where troopers on the ground can take a peek up top or look around a corner as the battlefield can shift to a more urban setting or more challenging terrain. This could come in handy not just for scouts but also for infantry or other ground forces clearing buildings room to room. Being that I'm already I will admit its still a little sad to see the OH-58's go. It was always good knowing that those birds where overhead. Scouts Out!

http://canadianawareness.org/2012/04/halton-regional-police-now-using-drone-aircrafts/

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 8 at 2015 11:25 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 23:25:23 -0400

8 more of those sexy ladies flew over my house today en route to the boneyard.