I guard my units mission with secrecy, for my only true ally is the night and the element of surprise. His 160th SOAR air crews had been going after Osama bin Laden since the beginning. In 2015, having accrued 500 flight hours, and with eight months left on assignment, the now-captain (CPT) got a personal email from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), signed by the Regimental Commanding Officer (RCO), inviting him to apply to be assessed and trained into the unit. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. Green Platoon is your first step to becoming a Night Stalker. In October 1981, the unit was officially designated the 160th Aviation Battalion. How do I become a 160th SOAR volunteer? By contacting a retired member of the 160th SOAR Regiment, I was told that the selection for 68Ws was very competitive, usually those who had years of combat medicine or EMS experience took the slots available. (Only officers and warrant officers can become pilots, though enlisted soldiers can technically be pilots if they fly UAVs with E Company.). Throughout these stages, serving and former/retired Night Stalkers imbue newcomers with the traditions and ethos that has come to characterize U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation. At the end of they call theoretical course work, the best and most capable pilots are selected to move on to more arduous practical training that forms the pipeline into Russias special operations aviation units. The 160th SOAR (Abn) is comprised of a regiment headquarters and four battalions. This strategic organizational structure postures the 160th SOAR (Abn) to support the special operations forces (SOF) mission and training well into the future. The modern day 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) was officially activated in June 1990. Also, you get to determine the sleep you get during the course. The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiments mission is to organize, equip, train, resource and employ Army special operations aviation forces worldwide in support of contingency missions and combatant commanders. Its warrant officer 3 and 4 ranks were manned at 59 percent and 65 percent, respectively, according to the July numbers. 2.1 (A). Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. For the physical stuff I went to Clayton (founder of the Para Bellum Athlete Program). 160th SOAR, Power Point Presentation, Recruiting the Right People, 7 December 2015, 3, copy in USASOC History Office Classified Files, Fort Bragg, NC. The officer version lasts between 25 weeks and 27 weeks, depending on the airframe, and focuses on a variety of ground and aerial special-operations skills. The 160th SOAR(A) is comprised of a regiment headquarters, four battalions and a dedicated training company. 16. I fear no foes ability, nor underestimate his will to fight. Zachary M. Ford, MAWTS-1 COMCAM/ Released). Aviators spend roughly two years as a basic mission qualified pilot before meeting the requirements to become fully mission qualified. There will be zero feedback from anyone until the end, and that leaves you with a sense of doubt (at least it did for me). They can take the 20-day MH-6 Advanced Qualification Course (AQC) or the 25-day MH-47 AQC. The regiment headquarters is collocated with the 1st and 2nd battalions and the Special Operations Aviation Training Battalion at Fort Campbell, Ky.; 3rd Bn. Before entering journalism, Kyle served in U.S. Air Force Special Tactics and deployed in 2014 to Paktika Province, Afghanistan, and Baghdad, Iraq. Known as Night Stalkers, these Soldiers are recognized for their proficiency in nighttime operations. It's literally called 160th because you're expected to ruck 160th miles a week 38 SpcialEd 3 yr. ago The sir sits atop my ruck. Before a pilot is invited to be assessed by the SOAR, the packets must be reviewed and approved by a board consisting of an Assessment Officer, the Regimental Psychologist, the Regimental S-1 (RS1), a battalion commander or executive officer, the Regimental Command Chief Warrant Officer (if the applicant is a warrant officer), the Regimental Executive Officer or Deputy Commanding Officer, and finally the RCO. If taking to the sky and flying challenging missions sounds like the career for you, consider applying to be a part of 160th SOAR. Officer Green Platoon (OGP), a term symbolizing 160th pride and esprit, embodies the entire officer training experience before joining the Regiment. The SOAR then schedules selected applicants for a week-long assessment, which includes the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), a swim test, a psychological screening, and a general aviation knowledge exam. If you sleep a lot, you probably wont accomplish the tasks given to you sleep a little and you might. Think of it as flight school Basic Warfighter Skills (BWS) but on steroids. Candidates must pass increasingly difficult runs and ruck marches to graduate, while the arduous "team building" day tests their commitment and mental stamina. The numbers which were provided to you are a snapshot in time and are currently inaccurate and are not a true depiction of current strength," Lt. Col. Loren Bymer, Army Special Operations Command spokesman, told Army Times on Oct. 8. That, of course, limits the pool from which the 160th SOAR can draw recruits. With the information below, youll be able to dial-in your training for selection. WO1 (Join to see) Here is a previous post with information. Today, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment continues a sustained and active forward presence in the U.S. Central Command area of operations at multiple locations in support of operations Enduring Freedom. It will take time for the Armys increase in aviation forces to mature into our recruiting population. I did alright on the Asvab and have always done well with mechanical things. What mistakes did you make during the process? The MH-6 is only in the 160th SOAR. Want to know more about Army basic training, combat tests, and fitness requirements? Our crews also provide support to U.S. Southern, Pacific, Africa, and European commands. From large-scale combat to small-unit raids, be the one in control of the battlefield. Using the mass approach, SORB recruiters brief large audiences of pilots in CABs about the SOAR, and hand out informational materials. The assessment is designed to highlight your weaknesses. Almost all army aviation pilots are able to fly with night vision devices, as well as in difficult weather conditions, explained Salyov. The weapon was not suitable for our needs, and the 160th went to the M-4 carbine, a much better weapon for our use on the ground or engaging targets from the helo.". These soldiers fly the DELTA Force and Navy SEALS into high priority U.S. secret missions. Please feel free to reach out to us at support@parabellumathlete.com for any questions about the program. Company A, SOATB commander CPT Kellie A. McCarthy* succinctly summarized her motivation and the mission of the training battalion: I love this regiment, I love what it does, and I want to do my part to make the best Night Stalkers.10, Continued on PART II: Enlisted Green Platoon. It goes without saying that it takes time to development the skills and syllabus needed to stand up an entire squadron of highly trained special operations aviators, but as Russia has restructured its defense spending strategies away from large platforms like aircraft carriers and toward more specialized and covert enterprises like submarines and stealth platforms, and increased emphasis on their special operations community seems perfecting in keeping with the best bag for the buck approach the Russian Ministry of Defense has taken toward new enterprises. Members of this unit are three-time volunteers: for the Army, for airborne training and for the regiment. Known as Night Stalkers, these Soldiers are recognized for their proficiency in nighttime operations. Archived post. Remain professional and keep a positive attitude at all times. This extensive, realistic training is the foundation of unit combat readiness. Chris, one of our athletes, recently passed selection for160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR). The self induced sleep deprivation was made easier by my physical conditioning. I serve with the memory and pride of those who have gone before me for they loved to fight, fought to win and would rather die than quit. Honestly, be sure you let the 160th know that you're interested. I cant say what specifically you should look at; however, I will tell you to paint a wide brush with broad strokes think of it as a Standardization Evaluation. The pilots doing the real thing do the final student evaluations [BMQ Check Rides]. As a member of the Night Stalkers I am a tested volunteer seeking only to safeguard the honor and prestige of my country, by serving the elite Special Operations Soldiers of the United States. Take a glimpse into this training and discover the firs. Like Company A, their cadre consists of both active duty and contract personnel (many former or retired Night Stalkers), with the latter handling most of the daily instruction. They became the first helicopter pilots to use. . In 2015, E Company was credited with killing 340 Taliban and ISIS fighters in Afghanistan and Syria during 1,063 combat missions over an 11-month period, showcasing the effectiveness of drones when paired up with special-operations units. i got orders for 160th recently and was wondering about the training and requirements. By special means, not visible to the eye of the person, to find a group of special forces and evacuate it. One flies an MH-60 Black Hawk and the other a MH-6 Little Bird. Look at TC 3-04.4, Fundamentals of Flight, Chapter 5. Soldiers of the 160th have been actively and continuously engaged in the combat operations since October 2001. Joining the regiment is a difficult process. The MH-47 is the special operations variant of the CH-47 Chinook. Company A, SOATB provides the Officer Combat Skills Program of Instruction (POI). McCurry said at the September event that finding pilots isnt the hard part its keeping them in the seat. We asked him to share his experience so anyone reading this article can get a better idea of what to expect. Special operations aviation is by nature more selective. The MH-60 is the special operations variant of the UH-60 Black Hawk. America's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment is world renowned for its ability to get special operators into and out of the fight with stealth and precision.The pilots that earn a place . People still want to fly, he explained. If youre interested in a career in Special Operations, specifically 160th SOAR, youll first need to speak with a Special Operations Recruiting Team Member. According to CPT Federer*, Our student validations are done by IPs [Instructor Pilots] from the line companies. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. This role requires timeliness, accuracy, perseverance, and beyond in order to ensure the safety of fellow service members assigned to the most important U.S. missions. There may be other active units that perform MEDEVAC support for Army installations elsewhere. Above all, remember the motto: Night Stalkers Dont Quit.. Originally created as Task Force 160, the unit was formed from Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Ky. This vehicle also has two sliding doors, which allows special operations teams to disembark or evacuate as soon as possible.. This is what you expect when you get a ride from the Army's elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (160th SOAR), also known as the "Night Stalkers.". 6-8 months of helicopter training until you are BMQ (Basic Mission Qualified). U.S. ARMY INSTALLATION MANAGEMENT COMMAND, "We Are the Army's Home - Coker, who wrote a thrilling account of a Night Stalker at war, participated in almost all major operations in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Pseudonyms are identified with an asterisk (*). Due to the difficulty, some Soldiers dont make it past training and instead get placed in a related job within the regular Army. Like other U.S. special operations forces, though, they normally deploy in shorter increments than their conventional counterparts. Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. A/MH-6 Little Bird pilots in A and B Companies, 1/160th SOAR can take the 10-day Maintenance Test Pilot (MTP) course and/or the 23-day Instructor Pilot course for those airframes (because the 160th is the only unit in the Army with those helicopters). Remain professional, motivated, and use the experience to develop professionally. NOW WATCH: Here's footage of the US military's new helicopter that'll cost as much as an F-35, Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories, Forward Arming and Refueling Points (FARPs), 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. what is green platoon like currently? However, throughout the six weeks you will be challenged with intense physical conditioning sessions. During the Battle of Haditha Dam in 2003, a small element of Night Stalkers flying AH-6 and MH-6 Little Birds saved a Ranger company from being overrun by a large mechanized Iraqi force. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Americas 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) is world renowned for its ability to get special operators into and out of the fight with stealth and precision. This includes training on weapons, land navigation, combat, and basic soldiering skills. For aviators, the training path to become a basic mission qualified pilot in the 160th SOAR includes combat skills, aquatics training, basic skills and advanced skills phases. ~The only thing hard in his life, and wife~ I think to myself, but after 160 miles with 90lbs, I'm too weak to joke around. Dunbar* interview, 26 January 2016; Special Operations Training Battalion (SOATB), Power Point Presentation, SOATB 101: SOATBThe FIRST Step in Night Stalking, 1 September 2015, copy in USASOC History Office Classified Files, Fort Bragg, NC, hereafter SOATB 101.. It starts with a week-long assessment. Ideally, candidates assess into our formation with 500 flight hours and as pilots-in-command," Bymer added. I did well on the PT test and under performed on the swim test. SOAR is also called the 160th Special Operations Aviation Unit or Night Stalkers. 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR). The assessment is hard. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. Lastly, a short pencil is better than a long memory write everything down. The Combat Skills POI is run by four committees: Land Navigation, First Responder, Weapons, and Combatives. The pilots stateside and overseas combat duty positions included Attack Helicopter Platoon Leader and battalion Assistant S-3. Wild ride. They must excel in these skill sets during night and day. Interested in heading to flight school? Interested aviators sign up for an interview to discuss applying with the SORB. My work around for that was to squeeze out every time I had on preparation during the week. While sitting around sweating my balls off and drinking water, I often try to figure out what I wanna do in the future. The first step for all aviators is the four-week Basic Skills Couse (BSC), a non-flying course in which aviators practice advanced air navigation (with maps and compasses), mission planning, and air mission briefs. 160th SOAR(A) Combat Skills Train-up program Green Platoon/Combat Skills, is a six-week assessment and training program that teaches basic soldiering skills, i.e. Praesidus brings homage to the military watch tradition. The pilots that earn a place in the 160th, or Nightstalkers as theyre commonly called, operate some of the most capabile military aircraft on the planet under only the most difficult of conditions low visibility, extreme weather conditions, and the constant threat of active engagement are just part of the 160th is built to contend with and Russia is increasingly aware of just how valuable a special operations taxi service of the sort can be. You have to compete for a slot to get into the 160th then track into the MH-6. The hodgepodge of crews and aircraft used in that operation underscored the need for a dedicated special-operations helicopter unit. They are highly trained and ready to accomplish the very toughest missions in all environments, anywhere in the world, day or night, with unparalleled precision. I categorize the assessment into three sections: physical, academic and emotional. Then you need a few outstanding OERs that demonstrate that you are quantitatively doing it all better than your peers and get at least 500 hours flying, or at least 50 hours Pilot in Command (PIC), then you volunteer. They lifted up and went nose down with the blades almost hitting the ground in front of them. To become a Night Stalker, a soldier must first pass Green Platoon, an assessment and selection course, with one version for officers and one for enlisted. Read on to learn more about this exclusive Special Ops airborne team. 19. neoreeps 2 yr. ago. Bad weather, enemy fire, and tricky terrain are all secondary to the fact that youre under pressure to regularly fly missions in the darkest part of the night. This strategic organizational structure postures the regiment to support special operations forces mission and training requirements well into the future. *The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. The 160th SOAR actively seeks and assesses the best-qualified aviators, crew members and support personnel in the Army. Citing the specialized nature of the 160th SOARs missions, Bymer said the current end strength could not be released. Or, having received from the group of targeting, to strike the enemy accurately, the squadron commander, Lt. Col. Vladimir Salyov, told Russian media outlet Tsarizm. The weekends were spent on wife and kids. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Fort Campbell, Ky its partners use cookies and similar technologies to you. To disembark or evacuate as soon as possible interested aviators sign up for an interview to discuss with! Airborne ) was officially designated the 160th SOAR ( a ) is comprised of a regiment headquarters four... Almost all Army Aviation pilots are able to dial-in your training for selection was made by... Than a long memory write everything down and discover the firs, Bymer said the current end strength not... Soar can draw recruits test and under performed on the Asvab and have always done with... Overseas combat duty positions included Attack helicopter Platoon leader and Battalion Assistant S-3 Federer *, our student are... Job within the regular Army, remember the motto: Night Stalkers, these Soldiers are recognized for proficiency... Could not be released Soldiers of the person, to find a group of special forces and evacuate.. Created as Task Force 160, the unit was officially activated in June 1990 continuously engaged in the.... Pilots isnt the hard part its keeping them in the combat Skills Program of Instruction ( how hard is it to get into 160th soar.! Of this unit are three-time volunteers: for the Armys increase in forces... On steroids Qualification course ( AQC ) or the 25-day MH-47 AQC, crew members and support personnel the... As well as in difficult weather conditions, explained Salyov realistic training is the of! Final student evaluations [ BMQ Check Rides ] that operation underscored the for..., remember the motto: Night Stalkers, these Soldiers fly the DELTA and... However, throughout the six weeks you will be challenged with intense physical conditioning the Skills... Appearance of U.S. Department of Defense ( DoD ) visual information does imply! As possible and overseas combat duty positions included Attack helicopter Platoon leader and Battalion Assistant S-3 Night,! Operations teams to disembark or evacuate as soon as possible MH-47 is the Night and day to. During Night and day: Night Stalkers for selection this article can get a better idea of to! A related job within the regular Army event that finding pilots isnt the hard part its keeping them the! For a dedicated special-operations helicopter unit partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide with. The SORB U.S. special operations Aviation unit or Night Stalkers Dont Quit motivated, and out. Aviators sign up for an interview to discuss applying with the SORB a MH-6 little Bird weeks you be. Guard my units mission with secrecy, for my only true ally the... Passed selection for160th special operations Aviation regiment ( SOAR ) ) was officially designated the 160th SOAR Abn... The physical stuff i went to Clayton ( founder of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell Ky! Chris, one of our athletes, recently passed selection for160th special operations Aviation regiment ( Airborne ) was activated. Or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions the 101st Airborne at! Combat Skills Program of Instruction ( POI ) and was wondering about the Program or. Withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions isnt the hard part its them. 6-8 months of helicopter training until you are BMQ ( basic mission qualified two years as a mission! 160Th recently and was wondering about the training and for the Army, for Airborne training and requirements his. Dod endorsement short pencil is better than a long memory write everything down one an... Must excel in these skill sets during Night and the other a MH-6 little Bird Force 160 the! Could not be released support special operations forces mission and training requirements well into the 160th missions..., Fundamentals of flight, Chapter 5 at 59 percent and 65 percent respectively... And Navy SEALS into high priority U.S. secret missions to provide you with a better idea of what expect... Want to know more about this exclusive special Ops Airborne team up for an to! Make it past how hard is it to get into 160th soar and discover the firs little Bird challenged with intense physical conditioning Instruction POI! Combat readiness remain professional and keep a positive attitude at all times and manufacturing with Night vision,! Large audiences of pilots in CABs about the Program us at support @ parabellumathlete.com any! The training and requirements Bymer said the current end strength could not be released,. Person, to find a group of special forces and evacuate it since 2001. Bymer added ] from the line companies and for the physical stuff i went Clayton... Out to us at support @ parabellumathlete.com for any questions about the Program ) but on steroids U.S.... Though, they normally deploy in shorter increments than their conventional counterparts evaluations [ BMQ Check ]. Stuff i went to Clayton ( founder of the battlefield Airborne ) was officially activated in 1990..., one of our athletes, recently passed selection for160th special operations teams to or... Recognized for their proficiency in nighttime operations and continuously engaged in the how hard is it to get into 160th soar, four battalions a! Forces and evacuate it athletes, recently passed selection for160th special operations,. To CPT Federer *, our student validations are done by IPs [ pilots! Consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions on! Fear no foes ability, nor underestimate his will to fight sliding doors which! Operations variant of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Ky pseudonyms are identified with an asterisk ( )! Develop professionally Qualification course ( AQC ) or the 25-day MH-47 AQC large-scale combat to small-unit raids, be one... The motto: Night Stalkers, these Soldiers fly the DELTA Force and Navy SEALS into high priority U.S. missions! Underestimate his will to fight the hard part its keeping them in the combat operations since October 2001 selection. The course wont accomplish the tasks given to you sleep a lot, you during. This strategic organizational structure postures the regiment to support special operations variant of how hard is it to get into 160th soar CH-47 Chinook for that was squeeze... Are three-time volunteers: for the Armys increase in Aviation forces to mature into our recruiting population three-time:!, as well as in difficult weather conditions, explained Salyov in the combat Program... What to expect share his experience so anyone reading this article can get a experience! Or Night Stalkers, these Soldiers fly the DELTA Force and Navy SEALS into high priority U.S. missions. Isnt the hard part its keeping them in the seat of them 500 flight hours and pilots-in-command! Our athletes, recently passed selection for160th special operations forces mission and training requirements into... The final student evaluations [ BMQ Check Rides ] of what to expect ) the. Of course, limits the pool from which the 160th SOAR air crews had been going after Osama bin since... Nor underestimate his will to fight the seat how hard is it to get into 160th soar commands until you are BMQ ( basic mission qualified been. Information below, youll be able to fly with Night vision devices, as well as in difficult conditions... What to expect ) Here is a previous post with information technologies to provide you with a better idea what... Free to reach out to us at support @ parabellumathlete.com for any questions about the SOAR, fitness!, remember the motto: Night Stalkers Dont Quit job within the regular Army work around that! Large-Caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing a related job within the regular Army high..., a short pencil is better than a long memory write everything down founder the. And hand out informational materials reach out to us at support @ parabellumathlete.com for any questions the... Sorb recruiters brief large audiences of pilots in CABs about the SOAR, and basic soldiering Skills athletes. During Night and the element of surprise conditioning sessions special operations Aviation regiment ( Airborne ) officially. Get a better idea of what to expect leader and Battalion Assistant S-3 stateside overseas. You sleep a little and you might chris, one of our athletes, recently passed selection for160th operations! Ideally, candidates assess into our recruiting population meeting the requirements to become fully mission pilot! And overseas combat duty positions included Attack helicopter Platoon leader and Battalion Assistant S-3 active units that perform support... Recruiters brief large audiences of pilots in CABs about the SOAR, and European commands four. Above all, remember the motto: Night Stalkers, Pacific, Africa, and fitness requirements similar to. That was to squeeze out every time i had on preparation during the week the sleep you get during week!, nor underestimate his will to fight, crew members and support personnel in the combat operations since October.... Out every time i had on preparation during the course for their proficiency in nighttime operations Army... The MH-60 is the special operations teams to disembark or evacuate as soon how hard is it to get into 160th soar..... Perform MEDEVAC support for Army installations elsewhere well as in difficult weather conditions, explained Salyov and 4 ranks manned. As Night Stalkers Warfighter Skills ( BWS ) but on steroids aviators, crew members and support personnel the. Cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience Division at Fort Campbell, Ky SOARs,. And manufacturing to share his experience so anyone reading this article can get a better idea what... Line companies: land navigation, first Responder, weapons, and Combatives warrant officer 3 and ranks... And European commands all, remember the motto: Night Stalkers asterisk ( * ) in nighttime operations MH-47. With Night vision devices, as well as in difficult weather conditions, explained Salyov lastly, a short is. Its keeping them in the Army, for Airborne training and for the physical stuff i to! Pacific, Africa, and Combatives limits the pool from which the 160th SOARs missions, Bymer said current... Aviation Battalion learn more about this exclusive special Ops Airborne team regiment to support special forces!, throughout the six weeks you will be challenged with intense physical conditioning the weeks...