Nice shot Amir, you have about 10 minutes to live

There are few things in life better than a nice, tight OODA loop. I wish the video was of better quality, but here is the UAV video of the below timeline.

5 Sept 0458 60mm mortar fired at Balad Airbase
5 Sept 0459 Point of origin from mortar attack is determined
5 Sept 0500 Joint Tactical Air Controller contacted for UAV support
5 Sept 0502 Runner joins four others near to house, hot mortar tube visible
5 Sept 0508 Hellfire missile fired.

A U.S. Air Force unmanned aerial vehicle "Predator" responds to a strike at Balad Air Base using a Hellfire missile. The missile firing targeted terrorists responsible for firing a 60mm mortar at the base. The footage is from one of two strikes which took place the morning of Sept. 5. The 42nd Infantry Division requested the support of the Joint Tactical Air Controller and directed the Predator to the mortar attack’s point of origin. The Predator then followed a terrorist from the mortar’s point of origin as he ran toward a house. Four other suspected terrorists are also visible in the video. The video from the Predator and the following timeline outline these specific events: 5 Sept 0458 60mm mortar fired at Balad Airbase 5 Sept 0459 Point of origin from mortar attack is determined 5 Sept 0500 Joint Tactical Air Controller contacted for UAV support 5 Sept 0502 Runner joins four others near to house, hot mortar tube visible 5 Sept 0508 Hellfire missile fired. Video from Multi-National Force Iraq Public Affairs.

The great advantage we today is the long-dwell ISR capability of our UAVs; and the ability of some of them to bite as well.

One critique, the Fighter Mafia is not going to cough up the $$$$ to expand more, and those who fly and lead UAV teams are not getting the selection board love that they need. I only know anecdotal USAF data, but I do know the Navy side of the house. Even in this day and age, the Navy UAV world is in many respects the “Land of Misfit Toys” from VC-6 or the BAMS/UAV program. Those on the road to Operational Command or the “Flag track” are not going there. Shame. But you know what, they are getting the job done, and done well. There is a lesson there; if you think about it.

Hat tip Blackfive. As a sidenote, great still and video resource at DVID.