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Peetster · 08-19-2003, 04:50 PM

I'm curious if or why you've had to qualify, either through a written test or a live accuracy fire.

I opted to qualify in pistol as a young junior officer because I had no combat experience yet, thus no ribbons or medals. It was an easy way early in my career to get a medal.

Weirder still, as a fleet helicopter pilot, I had to qualify on the Colt .45 to be able to transport and/or deliver nuclear weapons. These were NDB's, Nuclear Depth Bombs. Sorta a last resort against Soviet world domination through Typhoons. You are of course armed during any transport or delivery, but seriously. A pistol will be insignificant against any group that desires a nuke. It's not like the helo is going to survive delivering a nuke, although there were procedures in place for that as well.

From the checklist:

Engines maximum
Ignore all airframe limitations
All windows and doors open to prevent overpressure
Deliver the weapon
Egress 90 degrees away from the prevailing wind.

Yah. That's not a suicide mission.

08-19-2003, 04:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
Peetster Right Now Location: Home	Why did you "HAVE" to qualify I'm curious if or why you've had to qualify, either through a written test or a live accuracy fire. I opted to qualify in pistol as a young junior officer because I had no combat experience yet, thus no ribbons or medals. It was an easy way early in my career to get a medal. Weirder still, as a fleet helicopter pilot, I had to qualify on the Colt .45 to be able to transport and/or deliver nuclear weapons. These were NDB's, Nuclear Depth Bombs. Sorta a last resort against Soviet world domination through Typhoons. You are of course armed during any transport or delivery, but seriously. A pistol will be insignificant against any group that desires a nuke. It's not like the helo is going to survive delivering a nuke, although there were procedures in place for that as well. From the checklist: Engines maximum Ignore all airframe limitations All windows and doors open to prevent overpressure Deliver the weapon Egress 90 degrees away from the prevailing wind. Yah. That's not a suicide mission.