It took nearly four years for the Air Force to release an official mini-documentary on the A-10 Warthog and its contributions to the war efforts in Afghanistan. Apparently suppressed for political reasons, it was finally released due to a FIOA in December, and appeared on an unofficial Air Force Facebook group. 20 minutes in length, it consists of B-rolls, combat footage, and candid interviews with pilots and Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) embedded with ground troops. Its well worth watching.
Read more at: The Drive
Or better yet, watch the video. Grunts in the Sky
Tip o’ the hat to The Drive, The War Zone.
Comments
23 responses to ““Grunts in the Sky””
The late Col Avery Kay created a legendary plane embraced by the grunts & despised by most every air force general.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ySuixFGIfbE
Allow me to sing you the song of my people.
That lovely song brought tears of gratitude to my eyes a couple times. A song sung by the angel of death herself, the lyrics I heard were “today is not that day, D”.
The only “BBBBBRRRRRTTTTTs” I’ve ever heard first hand were from SLUFFs, circa mid-80’s.
i just found this after watching the video, it seems to me they are going backwards, the AF i mean.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a14764917/oa-x-a-10-possible-replacement-dirt-airstrip/
Well, that is different.
But what’s wrong with the P-51 Mustang or the P-40 Warhawk? The TBM Avenger? The F4U Corsair?
No parts or maintenance for antiques, Ex. Those bug smashers Sgt. Fon linked are no where near as robust and capable as the A-10, and would be a poor replacement.
Just my humble opinion.
How about the Douglas A-1 Skyraider? Those things are tough, carry just about the same bomb load as a B-17 and flew missions in the jet age.
Still, I’m a huge A-10 fan – as long as they stick to blowing up the enemy and not friendly AAV-7s.
If the USAF had gone that route in 2006, how many more sustainable and effective CAS platforms would be available today? In the early sixties, despite all the criticism directed at them now, the AF leadership understood the need for different tools for different jobs.
Cool video. I want one.
No dew rag, no harley, no service dog. Not sure about tats, but their XXXXXL Hog balls are showing! It ain’t bragging if you can prove it. I can only imagine the feeling of elation when ground troops hear that Hog spitting fire!
Well done, I am glad you shared this!
YEAH! WARTHOGS, baby!!!
The most beautiful aircraft since forever.
The two “ugliest” aircraft in the Air Force inventory, the A-10 and the C-130, are the two most beloved by troops on the ground. Coincidence?
I think not.
Word.
Tanks on wings.
AMEN!!!
Been a political football for years, as senior AD personnel attempt to pave the way for their consulting positions after retirement? Just a thought? Those on the ground whose asses are in harm’s way seem to love the aircraft.
When that platoon was TIC 2K out from GOG, I bet that PTDS crew was shooting grids on hostile muzzle flash. Just speculatin. 🙂
Awesome vid. Thanks for posting!
A-10 = Fixed-Wing CAS.
CAS = Pain.
Awesome video! Comcam getting it done again. One of the guys who did the video used to be in my unit.
A big Thank You to Steven Mayne and the FOIA process.
I am so JEALOUS of Med vac support by the A10s. Huey gunships are great in support but this hog is the winner. Joe