The latest episode of SOFREP TV’s Training Cell focuses on combat training and readiness from the air. Veterans from multiple branches of U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) worked with fellow former SOF members and current instructors from Shooter Performance Institute and Last Shadow to refine their skills from a helicopter. Fast-moving aircraft, night flights, multiple weapon platforms and live targets combine for some great footage and another one-of-a-kind episode that is now live at https://sofrep.tv/.
Fast, Mobile, Deadly
The helicopter is used by a wide-variety of military teams and groups for the full spectrum of missions. The ability to put personnel (sometimes in large numbers) in a specific location at a precise time can lead to battlefield supremacy. However, engaging targets effectively from these aircraft takes advanced training and skill. The team in Episode 6 got a chance to learn from some of the best on what it takes to hit targets from above.
“Helicopters are a very common mobility platform in the SOF community,” said former Army Ranger now SOFREP TV producer Drew Wallace. “And like any mobility piece you need to be well versed in all their opportunities and limitations. Not only is it important to understand the safety aspect during maneuvers, turns, etc., but it’s even more critical to learn effective target engagement while riding the aircraft.
“So, we wanted to test our ability to remain lethal when using the helicopter as a starting point. That ability to remain lethal in any environment, conditions or mobility platform is an aspect that really distinguishes SOF from other units. Last Shadow and Shooter Performance Institute have the experience and capabilities to refine these skills for us.”
Different Techniques and Targets
Trainees on this episode of Training Cell learned the different approach to shooting when hanging out the side of a helicopter. The former operators had to remember that techniques like lead and point of aim are vastly different than traditional marksmanship from the ground. However, simple tasks like reloading and weapon manipulation also took a new level of focus because of the fact participants were flying 100 mph through the air.
Daytime and nighttime training also added new variables. Night vision usage requires an entirely different technique to mount and fire one’s rifle. Coordinating with the pilots and fellow hunters to call out the locations of fast-moving hogs was another challenge for the team—especially when the quarry was on the run and heading for cover.
“With the little bird helicopters, we’re using AR-15s and heavy machine guns,” said ex-Marine and CIA Operative Drew Dwyer. “Scanning for hogs is the fun part, but also the serious part of it is fine-tuning the skills we have already developed as operators in our former careers.”
Training Cell Chapter 6 is now live for subscribers and members at https://sofrep.tv/. The trailer for the episode can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fagll5BbtU.
SOFREP TV subscribers get access to all new releases—as well as the vault of past interviews, episodes, documentaries, news stories and features. Subscriptions are available at https://join.sofrep.com/sofrep-tv/ and new subscribers can get started with a limited-time offer of $4.99 per month.
About SOFREP TV
SOFREP TV is a subscription-based network run and operated by Special Operations veterans. The platform features multiple channels dedicated to delivering a wide variety of content. SOFREP TV offers everything from the latest tactical training techniques to breaking news on the most relevant events in the world. The regular contributors represent United States Special Operations units from all branches and travel the world to bring viewers the most engaging, authoritative and informational content. New subscriptions are available at https://join.sofrep.com/sofrep-tv/ and members gain access to the entire vault of content at https://sofrep.tv/.
About Hurricane Group, Inc.
Hurricane Group, Inc. (Formerly Force 12 Media) began as an online military news and entertainment outlet founded in 2012 and has organically grown to a multi-channel digital network. Several market-leading brands deliver authentic content, information and products to a diverse set of consumer audiences. The company has also established itself as a go-to resource for on-scene experts and real-time analysis of breaking conflict, humanitarian and other crisis event news across the world. Learn more at https://hurricane.media/.