Flight of the unarmed soldier

THE phrase ‘unarmed troop carriers’ is something of a misnomer as such a thing seldom exists.

As it must be assumed that the US servicemen are en route to a war situation they would be pretty useless if they were to arrive totally unarmed and if their equipment arrived at a different time!

It is customary therefore that their weapons and sundry equipment would be carried on the same aircraft, usually in the hold for instant access upon landing. It should not be ruled out that their equipment may be in their possession at all times and, normally, would be left on the aircraft while it is on the ground.

I have never seen it done otherwise.

Dermot Harte (Lt Col, ret’d.)

Buttevant,

Co. Cork.