So the air force is increasingly using "non-lethal weapons" on the Taliban. This usually involves a low, high speed pass by an F-16. Dispersing some flares (normally used to deceive heat seeking missiles) while doing so, often encourages the Taliban to move, or separates them from their civilian cover. The noise and light show of such a low pass is quite impressive. But the most impressive use of this tactic was the one time an adventurous B-1 bomber agreed to make such a pass when some troops were in trouble down below. The 180 ton bomber came down low and fast, filling the mountain valley with an ear-splitting roar. The pilot got chewed out when his boss found out, but the army troops, and the surviving Taliban, will never forget it.
Dang. That would make one heck of a YouTube film!
I'm glad the pilot got his wrist slapped. Can't encourage that type of flying with expensive warplanes like the Lancer. But I hope the pilot considers it a mark of honor and just the price of being a warrior.
