Downed Intel Aircraft

[DMVerton at aol.com]

Honig's comments on the final decision of the EP-3 pilot not to ditch the
aircraft raise interesting questions in my mind about training. Aside from
SERE training, I do not recall any specific crisis training that revolved
around what to do in such a situation. It all seemed like common sense and
was, in the end, up to the moral courage and bravery of the individual(s)
in question. Admittedly, it's a very difficult thing during peace time to
make the split second decision to "throw yourself on the grenade" -- and
take others with you. However, maybe the intel pilots in the crowd have
some insight into what specific training is provided to those who might
find themselves in this situation. Gary Powers and the days of the cyanide
pills seem to be over, for the most part.

However, it will be very interesting to see how this turns out for the
senior decisionmaker on the aircraft (obviously the pilot when it comes to
decisions about the aircraft) once they return home. Will it be a hero's
welcome, or will he be villified for damaging national security?

Dan Verton















Intelligence Forum (http://www.intelforum.org) is sponsored by Intelligence
and National Security, a Frank Cass journal
(http://www.frankcass.com/jnls/ins.htm)

 >>



Intelligence Forum (http://www.intelforum.org) is sponsored by Intelligence
and National Security, a Frank Cass journal (http://www.frankcass.com/jnls/ins.htm)