OSHKOSH, Wisconsin.- The Dominican Air Force (FAD) has completed its plans to install a southern command base in Barahona, from which would operate part of the Super Tucano intercept airplanes the Government has bought to fight drug trafficking in what’ considered the country’s most vulnerable area, while in Santo Domingo the U.S. embassy has pledged increased aid for the war on drugs.
FAD Chief of Staff Carlos Altuna Tezanos said new infrastructures are to be built at the Maria Montez International Airport, which currently doesn’t have any commercial or military use.
He said around 3,000 airmen would be deployed for the protection of the entire South coast, the most violated by drug-laden boats and planes.
The FAD chief said the military facility in Barahona would complete a triangle of control of the Dominican air space together with its main base at San Isidro, and the one at Puerto Plata (north).
Night patrols
The Super Tucanos, bought for nearly 90 million dollars, are considered the most appropriate for the Dominican Republic’s war on drugs and other crimes. They’ll have capacity, supported by radar and nocturnal vigilance equipment, to pursue any ship or aircraft which enters the country’s airspace or territorial waters.
Altuna, in a visit to the United States’ biggest air exhibit held in Wisconsin, together with other officials, added that the pilots were trained in Brazil and that the entire team is ready for action as soon the first two planes arrive, before yearend.
The U.S. embassy says aid to increase
The United States embassy yesterday defended its financial and technical aide to fight drug trafficking in Dominican Republic and clarified that its increase would be by virtue of the results.
Asked by newspaper El Dia, the unnamed U.S. embassy spokesman said it would be increased in the next the two years.
They said president Barack Obama announced a new comprehensive program called the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, to provide US$45 million to the Caribbean region to bolster security and the war against drug trafficking. “In 2008 we donated around US$4 million in direct aid to the Dominican Republic in the fight against narcotics trafficking, including US$2.5 million from the Mérida Initiative. In 2009 and 2010 we expect that figure to increase significantly.”
Written by: generoso, 28 Jul 2009 8:09 AM
From: United States, DR
You read it first in DT when the move to Barahona was mentioned three days ago in the forum!
Written by: Juango, 28 Jul 2009 8:46 AM
From: United States, far S. Florida (formerly Santo Domingo)
There will never be a firm control of "Narco Traffacking" efforts in/through the DR, as long as Top Officials continue to be involved in the drug business. This is my opinion only. btw, when are the Super Tucanos due to arrive?
Off the topic, did PDVSA finally sign for the 49% ownership of Refidomsa? That was a hot issue that we no longer hear anything about? It was to happen upon LF's return from his Egypt/France trip (over a week ago)
Written by: BASTA, 28 Jul 2009 9:07 AM
From: Dominican Republic, =Ghetto/Legalize Drugs
They will never never stop the drug parade- also off the subject what ever happened to the pre Metro plans
From: United States
What a waste. Hello out there we're not as stupid as you think we are. We all know who is involved in the drug trade. Stop trying to pretend we don't know who the key players are. Fix the corruption problems and the drug problems will go away at the same time.
Written by: mrios, 28 Jul 2009 10:09 AM
From: United States
Only time will tell, if all these assets and money spent are useful in the hands of the DR Air force and produce real results.
I heard most speed boat Drug Smugglers drag partially submerged bundles of the crap attached to anchors with small floaters. Upon the first sign of trouble they cut the cord then plot their GPS systems, only to return later and scoop up there freight/CRAP.
Being that many in the DR are just Dealers and Smugglers just wait until the S@&% hits the fan when Drug use among Dominicans rises threw twisted Youth Pop Cultural and becomes socially excepted just like in the U.S [Crime, strawberries GALORE], Drugs will then replace Brugal and Presidente [crack cocaine, Drug of choice, easy to produce and cost effect with devastating results] we ain't seen nothing yet.
I HOPE I'M WRONG........
GOD SAVE THE DR, even if it's from our own selves.
Written by: mrios, 28 Jul 2009 10:18 AM
From: United States
Just one pound of pure Cocaine can produce ???? rocks of crack Cocaine, Dealer could also 10 x their profits.......And is very very addictive to ensure return customers.
GOD SAVE THE DR.
Written by: xwill7, 28 Jul 2009 10:45 AM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
at least they are trying something different. Hope it really does add more control
Written by: telemeco, 28 Jul 2009 11:53 AM
From: Dominican Republic, Monte Plata
this is good news,,i hope will soon have some f16 flying the tricolor to kill those narco sob
Written by: fedadiaz 
, 28 Jul 2009 12:41 PM
From: Dominican Republic
I just love the idea of destroying airplanes trying to enter our airspace with drugs to parachetes them in the island. Blow them right just when they enter to our airspace.
Don't force them to land because that will b e a lots of trouble and time wasted and at the end the dominican judges will put the bad guys right back on business in the streets and the air.
JUST KILL 'EM ALL. AND COLORIN COLORADO, ESE CUENTO SE HA ACABADO.................
Written by: juanb, 28 Jul 2009 1:37 PM
From: Dominican Republic
All this article says is that the plans have been completed. How many times have we heard that before?
The plans have been completed to solve the electricity problem.
The plans have been completed to eliminate corruption.
The plans have been completed to foster transparency in government.
Oh please shut up already and do something, instead of just planning to do it.
Written by: juanb, 28 Jul 2009 1:39 PM
From: Dominican Republic
And by the way, why are we telling the drug runners where we will be? Seems to me that should be something that is not for publication.
From: Dominican Republic, vieja Santo Domingo
Much of this article and what some people have written seems strange to me ..I have been reading often in the papers and here that the drug drops are all around the Higuey El Seibo area and also that the various marinas in the east and south east are used for import and export . I , unlike Veronica, have no idea who the top dogs here are in the drug trade and all I have read is that most people think that the police at all ranks take some of the confiscated drugs.
Here in the east the roads are often blocked and cars and trucks often searched for illegal guns and drugs and actually this is a little scary at night as these police are wearing dark clothes and head wear .
We all know that the major problem is that the drug use in the USA is so great that the traders will do everything they can to supply the demand , no matter what .
From: Dominican Republic, La Romana
Mrios;
Just look at Puerto Rico. What a cesspool! I've seen 10 year old kids showing off their 9mm pistols. That is one very dangerous island. It's easier to buy drugs on the street than icecream.
We'll be just like them if the greedy bastards don't give up their currupt acts and clean up the country.
From: United States
I have a plan too. Cut the number of government positions(ministers and non essentials) to 15% of what it is now. Take those 15% and cut their pay by 75%. Next start hiring by an actual vote a few honest citizens to lead an anti corruption team.
Any government official ,including politicians police and all officials, found to be in any way corrupt or associated with drugs will have their assets and all family assets seized and forfeighted. They will be placed in jail and if proved guilty given a minimum of 15 years in jail.
Any citizen found associated with drugs will be put in jail and if found guilty given a minimum of 20 years in jail.
Anyone attempting to bribe a government official will be put in jail and if found guilty given minimum 5 years in jail.
After 90% of the island is in jail within the first year and people know we mean business the tides will change.
Written by: lovingit, 28 Jul 2009 4:23 PM
From: United States, Delaware
I guess its publicly told where they are so try to deter these drugs from coming in in the first place (to save amo). But I agree, every time I do hear of drug drops, they occur on the East, not the West....but whatever, blow them illegal planes out of the sky...
what a difference an administration makes ah? During the Bush administration, all the US Embassy in DR kept saying was "NO" to the Super Tucano plan, while now, they are willing to give more aid. Good for DR to sticking with their plans.
From: United States, Brooklyn
Control the demand, and the supply will decrease to the point where supporting a coke habit would be worth more than a morgage and a 100K hospital bills... virtually too expensive to purchase!!!!
From: United States, NJ
I don't know who is telling the tuth .DR(FAD) or the press. These planes were supposed to have been delivered and put into action late in 2008 now late 2009. Does it take that long for the DR pilots to get familirized with a simple equipment of ww2? They are all dog fighters pilots of P-51D
and spitfire. I think they were awaiting the ok from the pentagon to finance the project. I still think it is a waste buying antiques to fill politicians' pockets. FAD was the first LA nation under Tujillo to fly military dual fuselage combat jets, 33 total, bought from England and saw action at Sierra Maestra in Cuba ,ready to bring down Castro's regime, awaiting order from Fulgencio Batista who chickened out once the project was presented to him to burn Sierra Maestra Down with 500 lbs Tarzon Bombs, a jelly petroliluim substance. I guess Batista after all, was more humane than Trujillo ! Why go back from 600 to 250 mph planes is beyond me, when all modern air forces fly MAC 2 at least 1600 ,
From: Dominican Republic, Cabrera
But they are not chasing after modern airforce jets only light aircraft and slow moving boats so they need to be able to slow down to stay in contact. At 600mph they are 10miles away in 1 minute and would fall out of the sky if they slow down to the speeds of the boats or light planes.
On another point though it has always seemed to me a simple way to remove the drug problem would be for the world governments to purchase all the drug producing crops direct from the growers. Most only grow these as it is their only source of income and I doubt the drug lords pay them that much. If they kept sufficient for medicinal use, supplied registered addicts at perscription prices, with enrollment in a drug programme, and destroyed the rest there would be inadequate raw material for the drug barons to market at a profit and their customers could get their supplies cheaper by registering. Yes it would cost money but probably less than is now spent on drug enforcement and prevention.
Written by: mrios, 28 Jul 2009 9:17 PM
From: United States
MrthelmoAmeydaRancier,
These planes were purchased for reconnaissance/surveillance role not a fighter role [with a self defense fire power only] shooting the Smugglers out of the air would be fine, but...the idea is to send a strong message to the BIG FISH....BEWARE !!
They are better off with the UH-1 fully armed [early Vietnam era, battle proven] as a quick reaction force, [ the DR has plenty ] land and take off at a moments notice with low maintenance. The area to cover is ideally made for such an aircraft and fully capable to defend itself if needed plus cost effect. Can be upgraded with numerous other GOODIES with ease.
What would be better....a fast moving aircraft that would have to make several passes, or a fully armed aircraft that can follow close, ever seen one fully armed coming at you ?
Enough to make one think twice......Which is the idea, right....
From: Dominican Republic
Time will tell!
From: United States, NJ
Adrian 29630:
it is a good analogy in your part to think the plane will always be flying at 600 mph.That is top speed in case it was needed, am sure they don't land at that speed nor do they take off at that speed. Those are combat speed or crusing speed . Avionics will teach you about accelerating as well as deaccelerating via the alerons or what the Gringos call them" flappers"
mrios:
.I know these planes were purcahase for survellance/ reconnaessance role, but what do they do if the need is there to catch up to the next plane's speed ,call for re-inforcement? Don't forget lots of these trafikeers also have faster jets They paid too much money for planes w/o radars and night interception/navegation. I bet that is going to be their next move ,can't chase them at night because we can not see.I thougt the UH-1 was an attach helicopter, again w/o the propper ordenance it is as good as nothing where rocket launcher could bring them down as it happened to many of our airman in Vietnam.
Written by: mrios, 29 Jul 2009 7:36 PM
From: United States
MrThelmoAlmeydaRancier,
That's where good radar & communication fills the GAP [your man on the ground is the key to success] the Smugglers may have high speed Jets but also need lengthy runways with refueling stations for take off and landings.
Look for 3000 foot plus runways cut out in the middle of nowhere, that's where good slow moving air reconnaissance like UH-1patrols come in to play.
Small arms fire were responsible for a large number of shoot downs during Vietnam.
Huey UH-1 Transport [all utility helicopter, able to carry 12 fully armed combat ready troops] into or out of a HOT LZ...
Night flying Drug Smugglers landing in the DR, are you kidding me ! they could also be brought down with small arms fire.
UH-1 armed with 2 M-60 MG's and or mini-guns w/ 40mm Gr. rapid fire, Pilot with night vision devise.
LAND AND TAKE-OFF ON ALL TERRAIN....TAKES A LICKING AND KEEPS ON TICKING....battle proven.
From: United States, NJ
mrios:
The man on the ground is not going to do the flying for the pilots,over the ocean as well as high hilltops like (Pico Duarte), the highest in the antilles over 3 km high.Therefore each plane must be equiped with radar for night as well as speed and over the ocean navegation,or get lost .They don't need 3000 ft plus airfield for refueling ,when they could do it as they have been, drop off, and continue their destination..
Again going back to ordenance.The equipment is not sufficient with out the propper ordenance it needs to create defence as well as offence. Is Brazil going to supply all their needs,as well as spare parts ?
You spoke of the main radar station which will tell them" bandits on sight". Those are diferent from the ones am talking about. Now days each plane must be self reliance and carry its own flying equipmets.
Those things along will be as expensive as the airplane itself. Peru had bought a while back ,French Mirages for 250k@ instead of 500k@ fully.equiped.
Written by: mrios, 4 Aug 2009 12:28 PM
From: United States
Once caught on radar these aircraft can be closely monitored in determining direction/heading/altitude, if just a flyby.... violation of DR airspace common sense would then dictate action.
Good communications with the man on the ground could then intercept and disrupt the flyby drop-off distribution zones of contraband.
Fully equipped UH-1's w/quick response teams with Pilots armed with PVS-5's or 6's would assist eyes in the sky and ideal for night patrolling.
Success would dependent on interaction between Naval, Air and Ground forces working in one combined effort.
These mid-night road blocks are a waste of time, effort and Man power. Most Smugglers know the Country better then the Soldiers who patrol them and will use off-roads to bypass altogether.
Regarding the UH-1's ordnance and equipment upgrades I can attest to that. all at a fraction of cost.
These Brazilian Aircraft are just a SHOW OF MIGHT ONLY and a waste of money that's all.
Take care.
Written by: mrios, 4 Aug 2009 12:41 PM
From: United States
In my opinion these over priced Brazilian Aircraft purchase's sounds more like an arms race then a war on drugs effort, to give the Public a false sense/perception that the DR Gov. is serious on the War on the drug Trade, that's all.
Hey why not use the money saved to help on the DR's infrastructure....Like Electricity !
From: United States, NJ
mrios:
I fully agree with both of your statements above. I stated once the fact that drugs mostly concerned
the USA, since it is their final destination. Why doesn't the USCG take over the entire operation ? This way other countries would not be burden with such expences,trainning and equipments. It will also force their military to stop helping the trafikeers by keeping them clear off the operation.
As you had said all that money could be thrown into electreicity,education,health,heavy gage railroads, to distribute the containers once the three megaports come into operation by an international concern.
I also had a discussion with Texas Bill and we both agree the army could be made more effective by binging it down to 3 well trained brigades instead of 6 illiterates .Get rid of high ranking illiterate officers that are there for a pay check, pension, perks and help employ only relatives and friends by using their military rank as wedge or (palancas) in their municipalities.
Written by: mrios, 4 Aug 2009 10:45 PM
From: United States
Sir,
Well said, great Idea let U.S.C.G take charge, once captured they will face real AMERICAN JUSTICE with super long Federal Prison sentences.
The DR should take Law Enforcement classes from the U.S like for starters..........NOBODY, NOBODY IS ABOVE THE LAW.
If the DR Gov. is serous about the "War on Drugs" it should start by CLEANING HOUSE first.
Take care.
From: United States, NJ
mrios:
Well said but it is easier said than done the way you and i are looking at it . Do you think these s/b are
going to give up all that power and money? Not in a million years, unless they are all removed by force and replaced by honest well educated citizens. You heard about those 40 exess generals in the police force alone? Who do you think puts them there ? The president of DR puts them there to avoid a cup-de- tat and continue stealing from the gvt and lets others do the same. Look at all the perks they would be giving up:
#1- Rank & money & prestige. #2- Non contributory pension w/o working a day in their lives.
#3-Duty-free import for themselves ,family and friends. #4- Heads of drugs distribution network #5-Free
Superturcano aircrafts to transport the drugs from South America at the expence of the DR people.
They are the drugs traffikeers in the Caribbean ! Mark my word (things are going to get uglier in DR )
When time comes to split the wealth among themselves
Written by: mrios, 5 Aug 2009 9:40 PM
From: United States
You just broke my Heart.
I have lost all hope.
I'm lost for words !
Let the U.S C.G just take charge, after all it's in International waters headed to U.S Territory anyway....I''ll like to see the DR Gov. try and stop them ! Maybe we'll read about them in DT on how many years given in U.S Federal Maximum Prisons where they'll meet real JUSTICE for the real change in their lives.
From: United States, NJ
mrios:
Seems to me we have lots in common: ideology,military experience,foundation of what it takes to be a good Dominican, plus education & technological backbround.
We have to bring in( Captain Air Force Retired) Mr Texas Bill. He is an expert in military war-fare seving in Korea,Vietnam a true carreer Airman,who at the present recides in DR with his family.
By the way i don't know if you are familiar with the Federal Prison as compared to the State Prisons.
In the Federal Prisons they are treated as non-criminals with all the confort of a Mottel, If you know what i mean... In a State Prison they are to do hard labor and chain gangs and the prisoners have to produce money at a bellow minimum wages for their up-keeping.There is not hookers to visit you as in the Federal Prisons with Plasma TV, one man per room,your private phone,DVD,a gym to keep you fit.
There is where those DR traffikeers belong (in a State Prison) they will learn a forcefull trade or be
"HOMOSEXUALS"!
Written by: mrios, 6 Aug 2009 7:28 PM
From: United States
Either way once in any Prison SCHOOL'S OPEN they share info. meet other Criminals make connections and sharpen there criminal skills then try to out smart Law Enforcement once out. The only thing is in a U.S Federal Prison one serves over 90% of Sentence given vs. about half on good behavior in a U.S State Penn.
All U.S Prisoners get 3 meals, gym/rec. T.V, Law Library, Visits and Med/Dental plus the assumption of "Innocent until proven Guilty" all at Tax payers expense.
I won't get into details but...Good thing for the bad Guys I'm not in charge of the Drug / Law Enforcement in the DR.
God save the DR......The future Mexico if not on check.
.
Written by: mrios, 6 Aug 2009 7:35 PM
From: United States
Where's Texas Bill ?
Is He in the U.S with His Family yet ?
Texas Bill are you out there.......
We miss You.
From: United States, NJ
He said he was leaving before the school year starts for the benefit of his kids, I don't blame him in a way but we are going to lose a good friend and menthor . I hope he keeps intouch with us where ever he goes. He has seen the DR impartial y and we need men like him,no matter their nationality.
TAR
Written by: mrios, 6 Aug 2009 11:57 PM
From: United States
T.A.R,
THAT'S BILL, FAMILY FIRST !
The last time we e-mailed each other His future plans were moving State side. But first had business to take care of, with luck He's already made the move and is settling in. Talk about real Men..... The World needs more Men like Him ESPECIALLY THE DR. I WISH THE BEST FOR BILL AND HIS ENTIRE FAMILY & hope to hear from Him soon. I learned so much from His past posting, especially the day He straiten Me out, well deserving I might add One V to another V.
BILL IF YOUR OUT THERE......E-MAIL ME.
Take care Brother. You too Bill.
From: United States, NJ
Texas Bill :
If you are still in DR please let us know what your intentions are. Are you coming back home or are you still planning to change the DR system by educating them for free? Some times i wonder what had happened to the older generation such as ours ? Have they been bought out by the politicians?
Have they given up their philosophy and moral in the present DR society, due to the majority been ignorant no fault of theirs, but Mom's & Dad's since education starts at home. A trade or a more advanced education is forged at a public institution paid by the gvt which they are not about to do, so they can rule at will by abolishing the free thinking or intellect .
They call that patriotism ? I don't think they know what the word means any more except Feb 27
on each year to get drunk and to remember the Haitians atrocities. As if 1937 was not a get even
year by our Despotic Tyranny in DR,thanks to the GRINGOS that left him in place and kept supporting his stupidity anti-commu
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Off the topic, did PDVSA finally sign for the 49% ownership of Refidomsa? That was a hot issue that we no longer hear anything about? It was to happen upon LF's return from his Egypt/France trip (over a week ago)
I heard most speed boat Drug Smugglers drag partially submerged bundles of the crap attached to anchors with small floaters. Upon the first sign of trouble they cut the cord then plot their GPS systems, only to return later and scoop up there freight/CRAP.
Being that many in the DR are just Dealers and Smugglers just wait until the S@&% hits the fan when Drug use among Dominicans rises threw twisted Youth Pop Cultural and becomes socially excepted just like in the U.S [Crime, strawberries GALORE], Drugs will then replace Brugal and Presidente [crack cocaine, Drug of choice, easy to produce and cost effect with devastating results] we ain't seen nothing yet.
I HOPE I'M WRONG........
GOD SAVE THE DR, even if it's from our own selves.
GOD SAVE THE DR.
Don't force them to land because that will b e a lots of trouble and time wasted and at the end the dominican judges will put the bad guys right back on business in the streets and the air.
JUST KILL 'EM ALL. AND COLORIN COLORADO, ESE CUENTO SE HA ACABADO.................
The plans have been completed to solve the electricity problem.
The plans have been completed to eliminate corruption.
The plans have been completed to foster transparency in government.
Oh please shut up already and do something, instead of just planning to do it.
Here in the east the roads are often blocked and cars and trucks often searched for illegal guns and drugs and actually this is a little scary at night as these police are wearing dark clothes and head wear .
We all know that the major problem is that the drug use in the USA is so great that the traders will do everything they can to supply the demand , no matter what .
Just look at Puerto Rico. What a cesspool! I've seen 10 year old kids showing off their 9mm pistols. That is one very dangerous island. It's easier to buy drugs on the street than icecream.
We'll be just like them if the greedy bastards don't give up their currupt acts and clean up the country.
Any government official ,including politicians police and all officials, found to be in any way corrupt or associated with drugs will have their assets and all family assets seized and forfeighted. They will be placed in jail and if proved guilty given a minimum of 15 years in jail.
Any citizen found associated with drugs will be put in jail and if found guilty given a minimum of 20 years in jail.
Anyone attempting to bribe a government official will be put in jail and if found guilty given minimum 5 years in jail.
After 90% of the island is in jail within the first year and people know we mean business the tides will change.
what a difference an administration makes ah? During the Bush administration, all the US Embassy in DR kept saying was "NO" to the Super Tucano plan, while now, they are willing to give more aid. Good for DR to sticking with their plans.
Control the demand, and the supply will decrease to the point where supporting a coke habit would be worth more than a morgage and a 100K hospital bills... virtually too expensive to purchase!!!!
and spitfire. I think they were awaiting the ok from the pentagon to finance the project. I still think it is a waste buying antiques to fill politicians' pockets. FAD was the first LA nation under Tujillo to fly military dual fuselage combat jets, 33 total, bought from England and saw action at Sierra Maestra in Cuba ,ready to bring down Castro's regime, awaiting order from Fulgencio Batista who chickened out once the project was presented to him to burn Sierra Maestra Down with 500 lbs Tarzon Bombs, a jelly petroliluim substance. I guess Batista after all, was more humane than Trujillo ! Why go back from 600 to 250 mph planes is beyond me, when all modern air forces fly MAC 2 at least 1600 ,
On another point though it has always seemed to me a simple way to remove the drug problem would be for the world governments to purchase all the drug producing crops direct from the growers. Most only grow these as it is their only source of income and I doubt the drug lords pay them that much. If they kept sufficient for medicinal use, supplied registered addicts at perscription prices, with enrollment in a drug programme, and destroyed the rest there would be inadequate raw material for the drug barons to market at a profit and their customers could get their supplies cheaper by registering. Yes it would cost money but probably less than is now spent on drug enforcement and prevention.
These planes were purchased for reconnaissance/surveillance role not a fighter role [with a self defense fire power only] shooting the Smugglers out of the air would be fine, but...the idea is to send a strong message to the BIG FISH....BEWARE !!
They are better off with the UH-1 fully armed [early Vietnam era, battle proven] as a quick reaction force, [ the DR has plenty ] land and take off at a moments notice with low maintenance. The area to cover is ideally made for such an aircraft and fully capable to defend itself if needed plus cost effect. Can be upgraded with numerous other GOODIES with ease.
What would be better....a fast moving aircraft that would have to make several passes, or a fully armed aircraft that can follow close, ever seen one fully armed coming at you ?
Enough to make one think twice......Which is the idea, right....
it is a good analogy in your part to think the plane will always be flying at 600 mph.That is top speed in case it was needed, am sure they don't land at that speed nor do they take off at that speed. Those are combat speed or crusing speed . Avionics will teach you about accelerating as well as deaccelerating via the alerons or what the Gringos call them" flappers"
mrios:
.I know these planes were purcahase for survellance/ reconnaessance role, but what do they do if the need is there to catch up to the next plane's speed ,call for re-inforcement? Don't forget lots of these trafikeers also have faster jets They paid too much money for planes w/o radars and night interception/navegation. I bet that is going to be their next move ,can't chase them at night because we can not see.I thougt the UH-1 was an attach helicopter, again w/o the propper ordenance it is as good as nothing where rocket launcher could bring them down as it happened to many of our airman in Vietnam.
That's where good radar & communication fills the GAP [your man on the ground is the key to success] the Smugglers may have high speed Jets but also need lengthy runways with refueling stations for take off and landings.
Look for 3000 foot plus runways cut out in the middle of nowhere, that's where good slow moving air reconnaissance like UH-1patrols come in to play.
Small arms fire were responsible for a large number of shoot downs during Vietnam.
Huey UH-1 Transport [all utility helicopter, able to carry 12 fully armed combat ready troops] into or out of a HOT LZ...
Night flying Drug Smugglers landing in the DR, are you kidding me ! they could also be brought down with small arms fire.
UH-1 armed with 2 M-60 MG's and or mini-guns w/ 40mm Gr. rapid fire, Pilot with night vision devise.
LAND AND TAKE-OFF ON ALL TERRAIN....TAKES A LICKING AND KEEPS ON TICKING....battle proven.
The man on the ground is not going to do the flying for the pilots,over the ocean as well as high hilltops like (Pico Duarte), the highest in the antilles over 3 km high.Therefore each plane must be equiped with radar for night as well as speed and over the ocean navegation,or get lost .They don't need 3000 ft plus airfield for refueling ,when they could do it as they have been, drop off, and continue their destination..
Again going back to ordenance.The equipment is not sufficient with out the propper ordenance it needs to create defence as well as offence. Is Brazil going to supply all their needs,as well as spare parts ?
You spoke of the main radar station which will tell them" bandits on sight". Those are diferent from the ones am talking about. Now days each plane must be self reliance and carry its own flying equipmets.
Those things along will be as expensive as the airplane itself. Peru had bought a while back ,French Mirages for 250k@ instead of 500k@ fully.equiped.
Good communications with the man on the ground could then intercept and disrupt the flyby drop-off distribution zones of contraband.
Fully equipped UH-1's w/quick response teams with Pilots armed with PVS-5's or 6's would assist eyes in the sky and ideal for night patrolling.
Success would dependent on interaction between Naval, Air and Ground forces working in one combined effort.
These mid-night road blocks are a waste of time, effort and Man power. Most Smugglers know the Country better then the Soldiers who patrol them and will use off-roads to bypass altogether.
Regarding the UH-1's ordnance and equipment upgrades I can attest to that. all at a fraction of cost.
These Brazilian Aircraft are just a SHOW OF MIGHT ONLY and a waste of money that's all.
Take care.
Hey why not use the money saved to help on the DR's infrastructure....Like Electricity !
I fully agree with both of your statements above. I stated once the fact that drugs mostly concerned
the USA, since it is their final destination. Why doesn't the USCG take over the entire operation ? This way other countries would not be burden with such expences,trainning and equipments. It will also force their military to stop helping the trafikeers by keeping them clear off the operation.
As you had said all that money could be thrown into electreicity,education,health,heavy gage railroads, to distribute the containers once the three megaports come into operation by an international concern.
I also had a discussion with Texas Bill and we both agree the army could be made more effective by binging it down to 3 well trained brigades instead of 6 illiterates .Get rid of high ranking illiterate officers that are there for a pay check, pension, perks and help employ only relatives and friends by using their military rank as wedge or (palancas) in their municipalities.
Well said, great Idea let U.S.C.G take charge, once captured they will face real AMERICAN JUSTICE with super long Federal Prison sentences.
The DR should take Law Enforcement classes from the U.S like for starters..........NOBODY, NOBODY IS ABOVE THE LAW.
If the DR Gov. is serous about the "War on Drugs" it should start by CLEANING HOUSE first.
Take care.
Well said but it is easier said than done the way you and i are looking at it . Do you think these s/b are
going to give up all that power and money? Not in a million years, unless they are all removed by force and replaced by honest well educated citizens. You heard about those 40 exess generals in the police force alone? Who do you think puts them there ? The president of DR puts them there to avoid a cup-de- tat and continue stealing from the gvt and lets others do the same. Look at all the perks they would be giving up:
#1- Rank & money & prestige. #2- Non contributory pension w/o working a day in their lives.
#3-Duty-free import for themselves ,family and friends. #4- Heads of drugs distribution network #5-Free
Superturcano aircrafts to transport the drugs from South America at the expence of the DR people.
They are the drugs traffikeers in the Caribbean ! Mark my word (things are going to get uglier in DR )
When time comes to split the wealth among themselves
I have lost all hope.
I'm lost for words !
Let the U.S C.G just take charge, after all it's in International waters headed to U.S Territory anyway....I''ll like to see the DR Gov. try and stop them ! Maybe we'll read about them in DT on how many years given in U.S Federal Maximum Prisons where they'll meet real JUSTICE for the real change in their lives.
Seems to me we have lots in common: ideology,military experience,foundation of what it takes to be a good Dominican, plus education & technological backbround.
We have to bring in( Captain Air Force Retired) Mr Texas Bill. He is an expert in military war-fare seving in Korea,Vietnam a true carreer Airman,who at the present recides in DR with his family.
By the way i don't know if you are familiar with the Federal Prison as compared to the State Prisons.
In the Federal Prisons they are treated as non-criminals with all the confort of a Mottel, If you know what i mean... In a State Prison they are to do hard labor and chain gangs and the prisoners have to produce money at a bellow minimum wages for their up-keeping.There is not hookers to visit you as in the Federal Prisons with Plasma TV, one man per room,your private phone,DVD,a gym to keep you fit.
There is where those DR traffikeers belong (in a State Prison) they will learn a forcefull trade or be
"HOMOSEXUALS"!
All U.S Prisoners get 3 meals, gym/rec. T.V, Law Library, Visits and Med/Dental plus the assumption of "Innocent until proven Guilty" all at Tax payers expense.
I won't get into details but...Good thing for the bad Guys I'm not in charge of the Drug / Law Enforcement in the DR.
God save the DR......The future Mexico if not on check.
.
Is He in the U.S with His Family yet ?
Texas Bill are you out there.......
We miss You.
TAR
THAT'S BILL, FAMILY FIRST !
The last time we e-mailed each other His future plans were moving State side. But first had business to take care of, with luck He's already made the move and is settling in. Talk about real Men..... The World needs more Men like Him ESPECIALLY THE DR. I WISH THE BEST FOR BILL AND HIS ENTIRE FAMILY & hope to hear from Him soon. I learned so much from His past posting, especially the day He straiten Me out, well deserving I might add One V to another V.
BILL IF YOUR OUT THERE......E-MAIL ME.
Take care Brother. You too Bill.
If you are still in DR please let us know what your intentions are. Are you coming back home or are you still planning to change the DR system by educating them for free? Some times i wonder what had happened to the older generation such as ours ? Have they been bought out by the politicians?
Have they given up their philosophy and moral in the present DR society, due to the majority been ignorant no fault of theirs, but Mom's & Dad's since education starts at home. A trade or a more advanced education is forged at a public institution paid by the gvt which they are not about to do, so they can rule at will by abolishing the free thinking or intellect .
They call that patriotism ? I don't think they know what the word means any more except Feb 27
on each year to get drunk and to remember the Haitians atrocities. As if 1937 was not a get even
year by our Despotic Tyranny in DR,thanks to the GRINGOS that left him in place and kept supporting his stupidity anti-commu