There Are Some Fates Worse Than Death: Mike Drowley at TEDxScottAFB

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  • čas přidán 20. 06. 2012
  • Lieutenant Colonel Mike Drowley "Johnny Bravo" is Commander, 66th Weapons Squadron. He is a US Air Force Weapons School graduate and command A-10 pilot with multiple combat tours. Prior to his current position he was the Commander of Cadet Squadron 15 at the US Air Force Academy.
    In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Komentáře • 2,3K

  • @rainyday3492
    @rainyday3492 Před 4 lety +2841

    If you hear the guns of the A10, it means you weren’t the target......

    • @ctsteve1967
      @ctsteve1967 Před 4 lety +43

      Or the A10 Missed

    • @cuttymaximus
      @cuttymaximus Před 4 lety +50

      Close is good for blowing your eardrums up. Won’t hear the gun. As for the poor souls in a different position, best believe they got next

    • @daroldbannister7496
      @daroldbannister7496 Před 4 lety +37

      If you hear the gunshot smile, you haven't been hit.

    • @savagenovelist2983
      @savagenovelist2983 Před 4 lety +40

      It was practically a Mantra in the KGB I hear. If you hear my gun, the goal wasn’t to kill you. If you feel the cut of my knife, I don’t want to kill you. Hear my voice? You’re a goner.

    • @whysoenvious
      @whysoenvious Před 4 lety +3

      Bruh best comment

  • @Owlbatrosss
    @Owlbatrosss Před 7 lety +7384

    How can you tell if someone is a pilot?
    They will tell you. Several times.

    • @darkangels3000
      @darkangels3000 Před 7 lety +536

      I encounter the same situation with people who have attended Harvard.

    • @TheMrN4R3K
      @TheMrN4R3K Před 7 lety +456

      darkangels3000 don't forget the vegans

    • @larhouser
      @larhouser Před 7 lety +567

      Fingers crossed I never meet a Harvard educated, vegan pilot in a polite social situation.

    • @georgemorley1029
      @georgemorley1029 Před 6 lety +338

      Q - What's the difference a pilot and God?
      A - God doesn't think he's a pilot.

    • @thenedoriiistewardofrondog6965
      @thenedoriiistewardofrondog6965 Před 6 lety +9

      Larry Houser perhaps you have. Maybe there were so many different things they just had to tell you about that they couldn't choose any.

  • @marshallcalvert6176
    @marshallcalvert6176 Před 3 lety +656

    I owe my life to an A10 pilot. We were being overrun and they came on station and we are still here today thanks to their ability to put close air support directly on target. He even broke rega and stopped the 9 line count because he could hear the extreme situation in the radio. He said stop just tell me where they are. Mark your targets.
    Semper Fi

    • @wickeddominata8025
      @wickeddominata8025 Před 2 lety +36

      What a feeling that must be, having an A10 pilot ask, "Just tell me where you are?".

    • @danielescobar7618
      @danielescobar7618 Před rokem +8

      Man please tell me what a 9 line? semper fi glad you're here

    • @alexmyers7967
      @alexmyers7967 Před rokem +13

      @@danielescobar7618 medical evacuation card. Not good times.

    • @danielescobar7618
      @danielescobar7618 Před rokem

      @@alexmyers7967 OH I got you. God bless man hope you're well.

    • @freedomplaza8523
      @freedomplaza8523 Před rokem +21

      @@alexmyers7967 9-Lines are used for a bunch of stuff, including CAS and MEDEVAC. Most likely they were going through the CAS (Close Air Support) 9-line.

  • @heathfitzgerald363
    @heathfitzgerald363 Před 4 lety +452

    As a former F-16 pilot I can say I have the utmost respect for the A-10 pilots. I've flown above and beside many of them and I've seen first hand those guys are crazy.

    • @pyencdocde5716
      @pyencdocde5716 Před 2 lety +12

      Man, I would give absolutely anything to be a fighter pilot, but man I can't even find the motivation to take care of myself, plus I really hate school

    • @heathfitzgerald363
      @heathfitzgerald363 Před 2 lety +17

      @@pyencdocde5716 if its something you really wanted you could find the motivation. i never really liked school but i was still good at it. Lots of training before you get to do the fun part though.

    • @pyencdocde5716
      @pyencdocde5716 Před 2 lety +1

      @@heathfitzgerald363 Yeah I've really been trying ways to replace what I do now, basically remove current distractions but I don't really even know what to do instead. See I didn't like school and was bad at it, I don't mind the training if I made it that far then I don't care I'm taking it all the way.
      Also a quick question, does being prior enlisted reduce or outright not enable you to be a pilot? Not enlisted but I am contemplating it

    • @heathfitzgerald363
      @heathfitzgerald363 Před 2 lety +1

      @@pyencdocde5716 only officers can be pilots. But if your being an enlisted then you can somehow get into an officer training school. But even after all of that your still not going to be guarunteed a spot in a fighter

    • @pyencdocde5716
      @pyencdocde5716 Před 2 lety

      @@heathfitzgerald363 I know just becoming an officer is competitive, but the thing is, the only way I see myself being able to pay off college (assuming I get it lol) in order to go to OCS or ROTC is enlisting first, a video by Hasard Lee said being prior enlisted is not recommended

  • @RileyGoss
    @RileyGoss Před 7 lety +6716

    The A-10 isn't even a plane, it's a gun with wings.

  • @cupofmozzarella
    @cupofmozzarella Před 7 lety +2688

    A-10: let me sing you the song of my people: BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT

    • @Rangerman69420
      @Rangerman69420 Před 5 lety +47

      @@captiveexile2670 No get tf out of here with your bullishit politics.

    • @reeblesnarfle5443
      @reeblesnarfle5443 Před 5 lety +4

      Lovely tune....😖

    • @heraclitus6100
      @heraclitus6100 Před 5 lety +5

      I scrolled down to find this comment. I'm glad I found it so I didn't have to write it myself.

    • @MajorCaliber
      @MajorCaliber Před 5 lety +4

      (*Bill Murray voice ON*) "Happy *BRRRRR-R-R-R-RT* Day, to yooooou... ya knucklehead, go on, get outta here... " :D

    • @jennlynn8173
      @jennlynn8173 Před 4 lety +2

      Lmao

  • @epauletshark3793
    @epauletshark3793 Před 3 lety +659

    "You can always tell a gunner from his hands and vacant stare, you can always tell a bombardier from his manner debonair, you can always tell a navigator from his pencils books and such, you can always tell a pilot, but you sure can't tell him much."
    -Wendell B. Terry WW2 B-17 pilot.

  • @danielm5324
    @danielm5324 Před 2 lety +234

    “[my] hair looks amazing.”
    That’s such a pilot thing to say. 😂
    Coming from a Marine that spent half his career in the infantry, we love these guys, even if we give them a hard time in good fun.

    • @valmacclinchy
      @valmacclinchy Před rokem +6

      Resect for all of you!

    • @TheJimprez
      @TheJimprez Před rokem

      The only people I ever lacked respect for, were the logs losers that would get the day off for excessive heat, while we would be drilling section attacks outside in full gear. They would all bring beach chairs and coolers filled with beers and watch us... While laughing at us and jeering us on.
      The funny thing is that they always asked to know which bar we'd head to at night. Just so they could know which one NOT to go to... After a few drinks, some of us would have looked for payback...
      Cooks and Medaids though... I LOVED THEM.

  • @yafuker6046
    @yafuker6046 Před 3 lety +394

    This is the guy you WANT to call "sir".

    • @Daddy_Crayon
      @Daddy_Crayon Před 3 lety +3

      It wouldn't feel right if i didn't-

    • @davecrupel2817
      @davecrupel2817 Před 2 lety +2

      o7

    • @yafuker6046
      @yafuker6046 Před 2 lety +1

      @@davecrupel2817 Huh?

    • @Sarcastrophus
      @Sarcastrophus Před 2 lety +1

      @@yafuker6046 thats the (incorrect) rank designation. O for Officers; a Lieutenant Colonel is an O5. An O7 is a Brigadier General

    • @sadcoffee9863
      @sadcoffee9863 Před 2 lety +1

      @@Sarcastrophus no o7 is a salute.

  • @nick2316
    @nick2316 Před 4 lety +607

    A-10’s are our closest things to dragons

    • @fartpluswetone8077
      @fartpluswetone8077 Před 3 lety +13

      Except you'd never get to hear the awesome gunfire because you'd already be full of holes.

    • @shiitakestick
      @shiitakestick Před 3 lety +1

      fartpluswetone well then all the better to hear you with , my dear. o

    • @tinnyle2719
      @tinnyle2719 Před 3 lety +6

      No dragon can take a A-10 in a 1v1

    • @drpepper694
      @drpepper694 Před 3 lety +7

      Dragons are our closest things to a-10s

    • @shiitakestick
      @shiitakestick Před 3 lety +8

      Dragons are fanciful dreams , A-10s are living nightmares .

  • @Bob-fz7pd
    @Bob-fz7pd Před 4 lety +497

    "Someone is trying to hurt my friends." It comes down to that.

    • @GinaWelsh
      @GinaWelsh Před 4 lety +8

      Bob Because to think about more than that is not what the military are taught. Otherwise they’d never do the things they do.

    • @TealJosh
      @TealJosh Před 4 lety

      @RyanORourkelol sure about that?

    • @TealJosh
      @TealJosh Před 4 lety +2

      @RyanORourkelol have you seen the lindybeige video on that quite specific topic. I saw it ages ago and thought the same you do. Then I actually looked into it and turns out it was mostly misguided. The general who created the report this misbelief bases on turned out to be complete lie.

    • @geesegoose6174
      @geesegoose6174 Před 4 lety +1

      It really is that simple..

    • @vinsondong879
      @vinsondong879 Před 3 lety +2

      If you hear the guns of the A10, it means you weren’t the target......

  • @terencejay8845
    @terencejay8845 Před 3 lety +104

    In general reply to other comments: Not all pilots brag. My brother, a low-level attack Instructor at a UK RAF base, had a Sunday afternoon BBQ for fellow pilots, base officers, and a group of visiting, wide-eyed University air-cadet students. All in civvies. Naturally, the students were so excited to be in a social situation with the people they wanted to emulate.
    One chap was working the BBQ, with a student asking if he was at the base, and other questions. The officer explained he was on a course getting up to speed on the Hawk aircraft. He quietly answered numerous questions on the Hawk and its capabilities.
    What he didn't mention was that he was Red One, the leader of the RAF 'Red Arrows' Display Team.

    • @joro5748
      @joro5748 Před rokem +4

      "Getting up to speed on the Hawk". There's the measure of an understatement for anyone!

  • @TELEVISIBLE
    @TELEVISIBLE Před 7 lety +1896

    he looks like a classic hollywood movie star

    • @tyronebiggums4351
      @tyronebiggums4351 Před 5 lety +24

      @billy vandory you dropped out of middle school

    • @duuurs
      @duuurs Před 5 lety +40

      Most US pilots do. You have to be an almost perfect physical and mental specimen of a human to qualify. Usually comes with good looks and the ability to be presentable.

    • @gluckmac
      @gluckmac Před 5 lety +2

      Audie Murphy

    • @igolfjtweetler4097
      @igolfjtweetler4097 Před 5 lety +2

      John Gavin Spartacus

    • @duuurs
      @duuurs Před 5 lety +4

      @billy vandory just because you could never come anywhere close to this personal conviction and commitment, dont knock someone who achieved their goals. I know your mom's basement is smelly. We all know. It's okay.

  • @ronaldmcdonald9147
    @ronaldmcdonald9147 Před 5 lety +1400

    I'm a Marine grunt officer. My TBS roommate became an F/A 18 pilot (fighter/attack jet). This AF attack pilot reminded me why I could not have cut it as a pilot. No lack of intelligence on my part, no lack of situational awareness quality. What I lacked was that crazy-fast mental processing, and lightning fast reflexes that those pilots need and use when they go up and in to the fight. Mistakes up there are rarely forgiving. Much respect.

    • @llo7816
      @llo7816 Před 5 lety +9

      Yeah, u usually end up dead if u make a mistake.

    • @jetjock8079
      @jetjock8079 Před 4 lety +47

      Ronald McDonald Don’t sell yourself short, you have to be able to think fast at the drive through window, my best to Mayor McCheese

    • @usn83001
      @usn83001 Před 4 lety +9

      Ronald McDonald Thank you Sir. From a guy that Signed the Jet out as being Safe-For-Flight, with trusting acceptance from those 'Pilots'.

    • @047Kenny
      @047Kenny Před 4 lety +3

      Ronald McDonald my dad did 4 years in the 70’s and the only death he remembers was a suicide on his ship and a miscalculation a pilot had that led to his crash

    • @davidwalker9491
      @davidwalker9491 Před 4 lety +1

      Respected mam please. Like

  • @MayimHastings
    @MayimHastings Před 3 lety +72

    He has that calming, big brother vibe that makes everything seem stable and possible. A leader to trust. Respect to this amazing hero! ❤️

  • @stephenames5290
    @stephenames5290 Před 3 lety +52

    A-10 pilot, you are a guardian angel for those of us who have been on the ground. You carry a big stick and walk softly. Thank you for watching over us.

  • @necromancer8978
    @necromancer8978 Před 6 lety +2108

    If the A-10 is the Hand of God. Then the 30mm gun on the A-10 is his middle finger

    • @Kay_213_
      @Kay_213_ Před 5 lety +29

      BBBRRRRTTT
      RVROOOOOM

    • @briesonahtone4053
      @briesonahtone4053 Před 5 lety +18

      I'm sure the actual hand of God is much more effective

    • @Devoutoutdoorsman
      @Devoutoutdoorsman Před 5 lety +31

      @@briesonahtone4053 If u ever see one. In action im sure youll change your mind

    • @Poncho_wl
      @Poncho_wl Před 5 lety +1

      You are what we call a genius

    • @reeblesnarfle5443
      @reeblesnarfle5443 Před 5 lety +2

      We used to call it death from above....

  • @JasonWester
    @JasonWester Před 6 lety +542

    As a career Infantryman that began my career in 9/2001, I can never thank the pilots that provided us cover more. The A-10 was a savior in 3/2003. Whenever we left the wire throughout my 3 years in Iraq, if we had "birds on station" for that patrol, we were all very much relieved. When ever we had a TIC (Troops in Contact), we could always count on Army air support or Navy/Air Force fixed wing fast movers providing immediate assistance. Since my first firefight, I have always vowed that any pilot that I've met will never pay for a drink. As a Paratrooper, the C-130 and C-17 pilots have to pay 50%, those rides were rough!

    • @theruggedscholar1544
      @theruggedscholar1544 Před 5 lety +46

      Jason Wester
      C-17 and C-130 pilots have to pay 50%...! I am choking from laughter! Do not blame the pilots; blame the aircraft...! That C-130 was a B÷TCH!

    • @765respect
      @765respect Před 5 lety +10

      I love the drone of C-130s!

    • @thedude6712
      @thedude6712 Před 5 lety +4

      But there's no better aircraft to be shot down in than a Herc. :P

    • @silentfades
      @silentfades Před 5 lety +8

      much respect and thank you for your service

    • @terminaltom1662
      @terminaltom1662 Před 5 lety +4

      not as rough as the landings

  • @primus7776
    @primus7776 Před 5 lety +196

    I have no military experience. This is, nonetheless, a entire privilege to view.
    Thank You.

    • @TREVASLARK
      @TREVASLARK Před 3 lety +3

      I second your thought.

    • @jlglover4592
      @jlglover4592 Před 3 lety +3

      Same. And absolutely accurate. Thanks to the 1% who serve.

    • @oxide9679
      @oxide9679 Před 3 lety +2

      If you like this video, check out CW Lemoine on CZcams. He’s a former Air Force F-16 pilot, a former Navy F-A-18 pilot, and an author. He has quite the CZcams channel

  • @kindnessfirst9670
    @kindnessfirst9670 Před 3 lety +96

    Empathy is a great skill in ANY thing involving living things.

    • @H.Liddell
      @H.Liddell Před 3 lety

      I want to double like your comment for your name as well 🙂

    • @kindnessfirst9670
      @kindnessfirst9670 Před 3 lety

      @SuperVHSchannel Actually you have that exactly backwards. They lack empathy.

    • @jupitercyclops6521
      @jupitercyclops6521 Před 3 lety +1

      Rmpathy is a liability in today's world.

    • @kindnessfirst9670
      @kindnessfirst9670 Před 3 lety

      @@jupitercyclops6521 Only in a person that doesn't want any healthy interpersonal relationships. They are impossible without it.

    • @jupitercyclops6521
      @jupitercyclops6521 Před 3 lety +3

      @@kindnessfirst9670 something.
      I mean in the business world or judicial system or government.
      Thats why so many are psychopaths.
      They lie with a straight face & couldn't care less who's lives they destroy or end for their own personal gain.
      Empathy & honesty hold a person back imo.
      (Damn this empathy)

  • @MichaelPowers1960
    @MichaelPowers1960 Před 6 lety +473

    As a former Crew Chief (F4's, yeah it was a while ago), I applaud Lt. Col. Drowley's dedication to duty, his empathy, and obvious intellect. The world could use more like him.

    • @Kay_213_
      @Kay_213_ Před 5 lety +1

      What type of F4 was it? F4E?

    • @Poncho_wl
      @Poncho_wl Před 5 lety +3

      Thank you for your service 👍

    • @BFZERO
      @BFZERO Před 5 lety +4

      Salute from a random german soldier, Sir.

    • @Poncho_wl
      @Poncho_wl Před 5 lety +1

      @@BFZERO Hans get ze luger

    • @BFZERO
      @BFZERO Před 5 lety +1

      @@Poncho_wl not funny tho

  • @tylerritenour3930
    @tylerritenour3930 Před 5 lety +60

    That's how I feel as a AH64 Pilot. We do a lot of missions with the A-10 guys overhead in our stack. Love these guys.

    • @jeffploetner
      @jeffploetner Před 2 lety +2

      How do helicopters compare for close air support?

    • @Darthybuddy
      @Darthybuddy Před rokem +1

      @@jeffploetner more stable, less range. more rockets and missiles instead of bombs. generally range is the biggest difference though.
      Edit: i mean flight range, not weapon range.

    • @WarrenPostma
      @WarrenPostma Před rokem +1

      Hogs and Apaches; The winning combination. Go team Hogs + Apache.

  • @oxide9679
    @oxide9679 Před 3 lety +26

    Former Army infantry here.
    The story he tells is a prime example of why we called the A-10s the “Angels on our Shoulders”
    Those flyboys have saved so many lives.

  • @raquelcurtis2044
    @raquelcurtis2044 Před 4 lety +93

    “Empathy is the greatest skill I have” ...BEST way EVERYONE should think in this world! ❤️

    • @PhonePhone-ym2zx
      @PhonePhone-ym2zx Před 3 lety +4

      I don't think so. Why were you so far from home? Practice " emphaty" at home and without guns. Killings and emphaty don't go together in any sentence ever.

    • @billwilson5341
      @billwilson5341 Před 3 lety +2

      @@PhonePhone-ym2zx: Raquel Curtis is correct. She obviously lives in the real world. Not sure where you are and really don't care to know.

  • @kamikazeyamamoto4545
    @kamikazeyamamoto4545 Před 6 lety +236

    Mike, when you get out of serving in the USAF, I urge you to run for Congress and serve the public.
    America needs more Patriots in government.
    You, Sir, are a great American and thank you for your service.
    (salute)

  • @theamazingfreak
    @theamazingfreak Před 6 lety +93

    Lieutenant Colonel Mike Drowley wow, thank you. I am a maintainer in the RAAF. I have been in service for 28 years now. I have met and worked with some very rude and arrogant pilots. You Sir, seem to be cut from better stock. I thoroughly enjoyed your warries. (Australian talk - war stories). Thanks. I would be happy to be your groundie any day.

  • @abbieamavi
    @abbieamavi Před 4 lety +11

    *he's like the Ultimate Dad in a way, caring for all the troops. But then the military does try to get everyone to protect each other like a family. I've met some fighter pilots before and they were the kindest and humblest people, real genuine humans.*

  • @mattsmotivation
    @mattsmotivation Před 3 lety +15

    I’m grateful to have met and worked with this man as my commander.

  • @popcornthemagictalkingcat7996

    Im not an American, Im not a soldier but I really liked his story and personal thoughts about his mission.

    • @Kay_213_
      @Kay_213_ Před 5 lety +1

      Just in case you thought, he’s not a soldier. He’s an airman. You probably weren’t talking about him though.

    • @buckplug2423
      @buckplug2423 Před 5 lety +29

      @@Kay_213_ he probably said soldier since in a lot of non-US countries a "soldier" is basically any military employee, and the specified terms such as an infantryman, a pilot or a sailor are used when describing "soldiers".

    • @BFZERO
      @BFZERO Před 5 lety +9

      @@buckplug2423 Salute from a random german (real if you care) soldier, Sir.

    • @buckplug2423
      @buckplug2423 Před 5 lety +2

      @@BFZERO thanks, can't salute back since I haven't earned my beret yet. I was talking about Poland since that's the military I know about, but don't you guys have different names for certain unit members, like Jaegers, Schutzen, Soldaten? Or is everyone a Soldat?

    • @jefftheriault7260
      @jefftheriault7260 Před 5 lety +3

      Pro as it's possible to be.

  • @gaz0463
    @gaz0463 Před 5 lety +260

    For any boots on the ground that are taking incoming, accurate fire the pilot and his A10 is your very best friend. You feel your situation go from hopeless with death knocking on your door to utter relief and that everything is now ok.
    This pilot, who is sat on his automatic cannon with wings and jet engines, has just handed you your get out of jail free card and rescinded your death sentence! That feeling that you feel at that very moment will be with you for the rest of your life.
    @The One Who Knocks - The people that fly the A10 can tell me they’re a pilot as many times as they want!

    • @jeffploetner
      @jeffploetner Před 2 lety +5

      How do helicopters compare for close air support?

    • @Hayhayitsmaay
      @Hayhayitsmaay Před 2 lety +8

      I saw this in a video my bf showed me of him in combat. I was awestruck. watching the usaf show up and save those marines wearing body cameras with the Taliban trying to kill them had my heart in my throat.

    • @mikey92362
      @mikey92362 Před rokem +6

      @@jeffploetner helicopters can't be on station as long and can't come to the rescue nearly as fast. A-10 can get there fast enough to save the day.

    • @kinderfett5259
      @kinderfett5259 Před rokem

      The a-10 is everything but accurate

    • @gaz0463
      @gaz0463 Před rokem +1

      @@kinderfett5259 it’s more than accurate enough to get the job done

  • @seatato4468
    @seatato4468 Před 5 lety +486

    Everyone makes fun of the airforce until they need that plane then they're the most loved

    • @hongobongo8069
      @hongobongo8069 Před 4 lety +24

      its all love man even if we pour milk down your pants the USAF is the eye in the sky that you pray to when theres nobody else and god's line is busy

    • @janebeatty9472
      @janebeatty9472 Před 4 lety +11

      SeaTato Yep. The one who controls the skies, controls the battle.

    • @chrisangus7078
      @chrisangus7078 Před 3 lety +2

      And it the same the world over .in the uk the marines figth the navay till a soldier turn up the the navay and the marines will abuse the soldiers the RAF just the spolit brat of the armed forces but anyone else pick on them then they answer to their 3 big sibling

    • @jake5830
      @jake5830 Před 3 lety +9

      I love all the branches, they all have their own important jobs. Even the coast guard......

    • @bagelbob3979
      @bagelbob3979 Před 3 lety

      yeah they always make fun there most spoiled but they always need air surrport

  • @ricardoz5686
    @ricardoz5686 Před 4 lety +19

    I started reading the book "Leaders Eat Last" just a few days ago. It started out with this story, so I am just in absolute amazement that this video came up on autoplay. I'm truly amazed.

    • @arym1108
      @arym1108 Před 4 lety

      Ricardo Z that’s called synchronicity. It’s truly an amazing phenomena when you are aware of it.

    • @pagansquaddie
      @pagansquaddie Před 3 lety +1

      Leaders eat last is an ancient Greek warrior thing. If you had enough land and money, you joined the hippies, the cavalry. The captain would delegate everything, but always be last to the cauldron. You make sure your warriors are full before you are key discipline.

  • @alfazedz1791
    @alfazedz1791 Před 5 lety +53

    That is good storytelling when a guy is sharing his own past experience and you're on the edge of your seat, wondering if he'll survive.

  • @joehnunya
    @joehnunya Před 5 lety +156

    His hair is perfect. Thank you Warthog drivers. Semper Fi

  • @davekisor1486
    @davekisor1486 Před rokem +15

    As a Naval Veteran Aviation Electrician with experience on the A-4F & A-7B/E, I've known my share of attack pilots. In an A-7 squadron, we went to Davis Monthan so our pilots could play with A-10 drivers. They told us about the "Warthog Wheel," where three A-10s formed a wheel which had a 7 barrelled 30MM cannon pointed at you at all times. Our pilots were all Vietnam Veterans and graduates of the Navy Fighter Weapo0ns School and they were very impressed with your airplanes.

  • @virtualcolditz
    @virtualcolditz Před 3 lety +49

    Wow, a night weather letdown. That is one brave honcho. I fly at night, and the thing you don't do as a civilian leisure pilot is to go below your minimum safe altitude, especially down through cloud. But these guys...just wow. Ok I know they are trained for it, but still. Amazing.

  • @Megalodon64
    @Megalodon64 Před 7 lety +863

    Yeah he flew the BRRRRRRRT!

  • @BoDiddly
    @BoDiddly Před 6 lety +166

    As a Marine Corps Dessert Storm Veteran, my hats-off to the A10 and Cobra pilots! They were the grunts in the air to us Artillery (155 Howitzers, 1st Bn, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Mar Div, 1st MEF).

    • @accuratealloys
      @accuratealloys Před 5 lety +3

      Bo Diddly Semper Fi

    • @Poncho_wl
      @Poncho_wl Před 5 lety +1

      I think you are the first Marine Ive heard to give respect in the USAF

    • @BFZERO
      @BFZERO Před 5 lety +1

      Salute and Semper Fi from a random german soldier, Sir.

    • @knutdergroe9757
      @knutdergroe9757 Před 5 lety +2

      Bo Diddly,
      SEMPER FI from a Desert Shield and Desert Storm MARINE.

    • @patrickkobolt3069
      @patrickkobolt3069 Před 4 lety

      Desert Storm vet here...agree 100% with your statement on A-10 and Cobras...I'd like to add in those Apaches and Tornadoes who operated in my area. There were moments I think I could have touched a Tornado as it passed over me.

  • @dr.skulhamr3220
    @dr.skulhamr3220 Před 4 lety +43

    The A-10 and those who fly her have my utmost respect. To my mind, it's the most versatile weapon in our arsenal. My hat's off to the teams.

  • @BigMoney23223
    @BigMoney23223 Před 4 lety +45

    His hair really does look amazing

  • @erichoppe606
    @erichoppe606 Před 6 lety +77

    As a prior Infantry grunt who served only in peace time years, my experience with A-10's was limited to Ft Irwin desert training. These planes are a ground pounder's greatest savior. I will always buy a beer for a warthog pilot.

    • @stevensanchez512
      @stevensanchez512 Před 4 lety +3

      Thank you for your service at Ft. Irwin, it meant alot to our country

    • @specag31
      @specag31 Před 2 lety

      They drink vodka martinis, high octane!

  • @mariataveras9803
    @mariataveras9803 Před 5 lety +158

    The A-10 is literally a flying tank.

    • @TealJosh
      @TealJosh Před 4 lety +5

      Half blind, underpowered and slow flying tank. I still love that imperfect machine. Nothing beats the brrrt.

    • @splazoplaza2987
      @splazoplaza2987 Před 3 lety +4

      Did they retrofit the Abrams M-1 with wings?

  • @twistedhippie7608
    @twistedhippie7608 Před 4 lety +47

    The Army humbly requests more of these pilots and less of the other ones.

  • @verticle2612
    @verticle2612 Před rokem +1

    I was a Scout Pilot in a Kiowa Warrior… TIC (Troops In Contact) are words that change your life forever. I loved what I did. The best and worst days of my life.

  • @mouija1450
    @mouija1450 Před 6 lety +154

    Dude is a f**king boss.

    • @evanflredondo
      @evanflredondo Před 4 lety +2

      Where I'm at, he's everybody's boss. 😂

  • @Beaches_south_of_L.A.
    @Beaches_south_of_L.A. Před 5 lety +362

    This guy was cool, an excellent speaker and it would seem a very effective leader. He is the exact opposite of a sociopath.

  • @danstephensen9032
    @danstephensen9032 Před 4 lety +2

    Thx SO MUCH for Valiantly Serving this Grateful Nation. I lost 2 Uncles as Pilots. 1 in WWII and an RF4D PILOT in Vietnam. The Ultimate sacrifice. MONT (B-26) & MARK STEPHENSEN~Riverton, UT.
    🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍

  • @Freight_Train
    @Freight_Train Před 3 lety +21

    The clarity and directness with his speech patterns is amazing. It's easy to see the intellect that drives this man and makes him a good pilot.

  • @Mike-pp8or
    @Mike-pp8or Před 2 lety +13

    As a combat Marine thank you sir with all my heart. You probably saved some of my Marines lives.

  • @xiuossebens4195
    @xiuossebens4195 Před 5 lety +4

    Thank You Lieutenant Colonel Mike Drowley for You and your Men's service for this country. May GOD Bless and Keep each and every one of Ya'll. W K Brown

  • @jamesdey4560
    @jamesdey4560 Před rokem +1

    Thank you sir, for your service,and leadership. SFC Dey,U S A Retired

  • @networth8754
    @networth8754 Před 3 lety +16

    Always great to see that there are still some real men out there. Thank you for your service Mike.

  • @robertcoram7306
    @robertcoram7306 Před 10 lety +30

    Colonel: You are the best of who we are as a people. Thank you for your service.

  • @josea.4491
    @josea.4491 Před 6 lety +499

    People think that the A - 10 is a horrendous aircraft that has no use whatsoever. However, I think it is fairly unique. Not your typical attack aircraft, and has saved countless troop lives when it flies. Thank you sir for serving!

    • @mikkelsgulliksen8289
      @mikkelsgulliksen8289 Před 6 lety +3

      Joseasdfg i think it’s sick

    • @keegansponholz9260
      @keegansponholz9260 Před 6 lety +52

      Joseasdfg I have literally never heard anyone who dislikes the A-10 there's no other aircraft in the world that can do it's job as well as it does.

    • @SidestickPilot
      @SidestickPilot Před 6 lety +36

      Joseasdfg anybody with any aviation knowledge knows the A-10 is one of the most effective aircraft in history. It’s by far the best CAS in U.S history.

    • @tpfaff
      @tpfaff Před 6 lety +4

      It is cool yes, but It is currently serving as a COIN aircraft. It has never served its actual designed purpose. It is like using a big expensive tank for troop transport. You can do the same thing with any other aircraft fielded by US (i.e f-16,f-18,f35, b9, ...). In fact a10's are the minority in CAS missions. It has no purpose. F35 holds more munitions then the A10 with a greater loiter time. People see that it works as a COIN aircraft and think that Is what it should be doing. A10 is actually extremely expensive and they are old so their maintenance is extremely expensive. We can send a prop plane to perform the current A10's job with the same effectiveness for 10x cost. In fact that Is the USAF's plan even though they can continue to risk other aircraft that are overqualified for the job like the A10 or aircraft that do that job better like the f35.

    • @SCYTHE2525
      @SCYTHE2525 Před 6 lety +11

      Who told you that? It's proven to be on the most well rounded and effective ground attack aircraft ever. Tough as nails, a gun that's top of class and effective performance wise? This plane should be kept around for at least another ten years.

  • @anthonymendoza1327
    @anthonymendoza1327 Před 2 lety +1

    Michael R Drowley is now a general which was a very good decision by the USAF. He is a example of the high quality of our Air Force. Thank you for an excellent talk General Drowley.

  • @sgwilsonmd
    @sgwilsonmd Před 5 lety +3

    You learned what every Marine Officer and NCO knows from day one. You serve. Every Marine in the fight, every member of the team. Well done, sir. And thank you.

  • @kaneo3243
    @kaneo3243 Před 7 lety +114

    You're the kind of an American that has always made America great. Look forward to your quality of citizens taking the mantle of leadership of this country.
    I salute you, soldier!

    • @smurfpoppin4470
      @smurfpoppin4470 Před 5 lety +6

      Fester Blats he kills so others don't have to.

    • @tomd3098
      @tomd3098 Před 5 lety

      Hey, Kane O, I *pleerght* sorry, just vomited a little.

    • @combativeThinker
      @combativeThinker Před 4 lety

      Fester Blats
      He does it so you don't have to.

    • @savagenovelist2983
      @savagenovelist2983 Před 4 lety +1

      Fester Blats He doesn’t kill just to kill, he’s killing people who have committed their lives to terrorizing other for their own benefit. Which is worse: One man dead, or millions? We are facing people who are willing to Nuke NYC and Bomb Boston. Do they really deserve the life they’ve been given?

    • @hongobongo8069
      @hongobongo8069 Před 4 lety

      @Fester Blats You cannot be as simpleminded and nuanced as that, can you? I've got horror stories about these 'people' that our soldiers ... remove from this world.
      They (Insurgents/Terrorists/Islamic Radicals) are not people. If you think about these monsters as human beings, then you're already in the wrong conversation, asking the wrong questions with the wrong answer in mind.

  • @victorfield4607
    @victorfield4607 Před rokem +8

    It's great (for a non combatant) to hear how the air support backs up the ground forces. Hard to put all the pieces together, so interesting to hear it from someone who has had to do it. Thank you LT-Col Drowley.

  • @mountainnewsnow1832
    @mountainnewsnow1832 Před 3 lety +3

    My daughter has been in the Air Force few months now. God bless you all

  • @russellbeverly94
    @russellbeverly94 Před 5 lety +9

    Thank you Sir for your courage, character, and service to this country. You are everything that I miss about the United States Air Force. Awesome!
    Respectfully,
    Russell Pernell Beverly
    U.S. Air Force Combat Veteran
    1984- 1991

  • @Thanato26
    @Thanato26 Před 11 lety +212

    They have radios, they do well coordinates attacks. And even have attempted Company sized attacks.
    He is a an angel of death, but this angel flys on our shoulders.
    I am a Canadian Soldier. I have been in a 'Troops in Contact' situation. The biggest moral booster was an Apache flying overhead on over watch.
    ~Thanato

    • @petrkovolich7309
      @petrkovolich7309 Před 6 lety

      WTF are you talking about!

    • @FriedrichHerschel
      @FriedrichHerschel Před 6 lety +7

      He was talking about that the enemy (be it iraqi soldiers or taliban) aren't dump, they also use equipment like radio to coordinate their attacks (with up to company strength, thats roughly 150 men), not just 2 lone guys like it might be portrayed in some movies or something. And he talks about that he liked having air support nearby, espacially in a combat situation, and he's glad that he's the one having that support, not the enemy.

    • @alexl7989
      @alexl7989 Před 6 lety

      But... our military does not have Apaches, so you wouldn't be receiving support from one of them unless you were working with America, or performing some sort of NATO mission

    • @tbateman9902
      @tbateman9902 Před 6 lety

      Hes an A-10 pilot ....why are you talking about an Apache?

    • @jmanthunderbolt
      @jmanthunderbolt Před 6 lety

      apaches are paperweights

  • @seanchareau6195
    @seanchareau6195 Před 3 lety +12

    This officer has it right. He would be deserving of a salute.

  • @seandepoppe6716
    @seandepoppe6716 Před 4 lety +3

    Thank you for your service Sir!

  • @tfoen7678
    @tfoen7678 Před 7 lety +381

    Nothing beats the sound like a flying tank charging into the battle with the guns burping.
    Thank you for saving U.S.

    • @TheOnlySaneAmerican
      @TheOnlySaneAmerican Před 7 lety +20

      What did he save? lol

    • @pele220
      @pele220 Před 7 lety +11

      one thing does beat that sound , a flying gunship firing away at targets on the ground
      you haven't seen true air to ground support until you've seen an AC130 gunship firing precisely at enemy targets

    • @pele220
      @pele220 Před 7 lety +1

      @edgard Wiresner
      Actually from his name you cant tell if he is American , Korean etc'
      Why do you think he is american ?

    • @keithj6251
      @keithj6251 Před 5 lety +3

      @billy vandory yeah like the British Empire wasn't built and operated in a similar way by similar thinking people.

    • @ingriddubbel8468
      @ingriddubbel8468 Před 5 lety +1

      Can you be more pretentious?
      You sound like a tween.

  • @MikeJamesMedia
    @MikeJamesMedia Před 6 lety +36

    Yet another example of the incredible decisions our servicemen have to make, on a moment-by-moment basis. "Thank you for your service." doesn't seem adequate.

  • @smaug9833
    @smaug9833 Před 4 lety +15

    Worse than death: not being able to live with yourself for the rest of your life

  • @justaname7361
    @justaname7361 Před 5 lety +1

    Thank you. I spent 04 - 05 in Iraq running convoy security base to base for the mail between Diwaniya and Musul. 06 - 07 was long haul trucking from al Asad to COP North and the Syrian Border.. Thank you for being our Angel of mercy. Thank you for being up there.

  • @Ircar47
    @Ircar47 Před 3 lety +7

    Wow! How humble.RESPECT.

  • @513sr20
    @513sr20 Před 11 lety +13

    he is one of the most outstanding gentleman i have worked for in my career.

  • @dinorahtdeleon3014
    @dinorahtdeleon3014 Před 5 lety +7

    Thank you for your service Mike Drowley,

  • @scamassassin2538
    @scamassassin2538 Před 3 lety +1

    I served as a USAF Combat Controller (JTAC) on a US Army ODA Team (Special Forces A Team) in Iraq and Afghanistan. My job was calling in close in air support and Ordnance. A-10 and Spooky Gunship pilots are some of the greatest humans on this planet. I truly enjoyed working with these great pilots. These guys would go out on actual full combat missions with us.... just to see what we dealt with on the ground. They truly care about the ground pounders

  • @parsia1363
    @parsia1363 Před 7 lety +48

    Unbelievable for us civilians to even try to understand the sacrifice and bravery that our military personnel dedicate to defending the people, freedom and the values of this great nation. Thank you for your service and thank for opening a window to your world, absolutely incredible and inspiring. The most humble hero that I've ever seen.

    • @davidhollenshead4892
      @davidhollenshead4892 Před 6 lety +2

      Actually you can "understand the sacrifice and bravery that our military personnel dedicate to defending the people", all you need do is take the time to listen to our Veterans...

    • @oleglezhnyak9491
      @oleglezhnyak9491 Před 5 lety

      Helow I'm not a haker or anything to army or to seals or to anyone or to maf I'm just oleg livin a life in USA and I'm not sure if my women herting or who I was with wath he was going to do or wat loung time ego and I do not want aleksander gat hurt or anything he was in prison its do not means they can do anything they want with it he had just a year left and bnb voice eraund is it peaple playd with me or I'm not inderstanding somthing

  • @crashburn3292
    @crashburn3292 Před 5 lety +8

    He described flying through weather, to below 1,000ft without the avionics they have today, at 300mph like it was a minor nuisance. I can't even imagine being on that ride. The A-10 gets down really low. Not like a fighter jet or bomber.
    If any of you have ever felt the panic of getting lost in the woods, THAT is what it can be like to have to fly only on your instruments, dropping through bad weather.
    And if you're not right on top of your air speed, heading and altitude, you can easily fly right into the side of a 7,000ft mountain.
    Going through all that just to get to fight, knowing people are under fire......I can't even imagine it.
    I don't understand how this guy could stand upright on that stage with brass balls that big and heavy....

  • @chrisjamieson1285
    @chrisjamieson1285 Před 3 lety +2

    2A571J Here! Thanks for being a badass, Sir! You ate the epitome of a leader! GO AIR FORCE!

  • @Amberscion
    @Amberscion Před 5 lety +5

    14:08 This really hit home for me. I am serious business at work. I focus on the task and what it takes to accomplish it. And this has made me very successful. But several times I have had people tell me that I come across as being unfriendly, or that I do not like them. And this has never been the case, but I've been so focused on the mission that I had lost sight of the fact that the mission needed people engaged and motivated in order to be successful.
    I'm not perfect, and so I won't claim to have learned this lesson quickly. I have formed a lasting friendship with an employee who approached me about his perception that I disliked him, and I am so happy that he did so. But still many years later when an independent reviewer was asked to provide feedback to a customer about my team's performance his feedback to me was that I came across as being very severe.
    The human factor is a very real one. I've been slow to learn this, but it is a huge factor. In the Army I was taught to look out for my people. Don't park them in the beating sun when there was a shady spot, don't expect them to be able to balance a checkbook, etc. And the story Colonel Drowley tells of his airman who was distracted at work because of his pregnant wife reinforces this. You really can't expect 100% from your people 100% of the time, because they are human beings. Sometimes a little human compassion is required, regardless of the important of the mission.

    • @dencyleadbetter2494
      @dencyleadbetter2494 Před 5 lety

      Yeah bud, I'm quite a lot like you in many ways. Most popular in high school but as I got older I was so focused on my goal and achieving it, people thought that I was unapproachable, not friendly, too serious, afraid of me, etc.. But, I was starting my very own real estate company with no money and from scratch. It took me having to be this focused to succeed. I would rarely delegate much out to anyone else because I knew if I did it, it would get done on time, few mistakes and it meant me succeeding, literally. I ran the entire company and it all went through me, I never once let anyone near the money accounts and this made me seem or be very controlling. But, I was like this only on things of this importance that applied to me. I paid all the bills because I knew they got paid. But, I am not like this about anything else that includes me or anyone else. I am genuinely interested in other peoples projects, dreams, goals, etc.. in all aspects of life. I did succeed and it was all because of my hard work and perseverance. I do not know any other way to succeed other than me following a passion, of mine, and working toward my goals. Everyone soon realized that I was the same old person just way to determined to work in my passion, restoring architectural significant real estate properties.

  • @mugshotmarley
    @mugshotmarley Před 6 lety +111

    Future four star general

  • @alexatedw
    @alexatedw Před 5 lety +72

    This is the story Simon Senek opens his book with. "Why leaders eat last"

    • @1234clarknj
      @1234clarknj Před 4 lety +5

      So he watched this ted talk too

    • @Coffey1200R
      @Coffey1200R Před 2 lety

      @@1234clarknj Simon and Gen Drowley are friends.

  • @IcemanJim63
    @IcemanJim63 Před 3 lety +1

    Thank YOU Sir, for saving countless lives.

  • @tsarbomba1
    @tsarbomba1 Před rokem

    Have a friend who's patrol was taking a huge amount of fire from insurgents in Iraq. They called in a strike and two A10s came in and strafed the building. Watching the building crumble into rubble was one of the most awesome things he saw while over there.

  • @LemmunJuse
    @LemmunJuse Před 4 lety +11

    Totally awesome. This guy is someone I'd look to as an example of excellent and wide leadership.

  • @stevegeorge5322
    @stevegeorge5322 Před 3 lety +2

    Wow Mike!!! I'm so very proud of you!!!
    It makes an old man feel good to know that we're still cranking out some real Heros!!! Thank You for Your Service!!!

  • @rockymaze9508
    @rockymaze9508 Před 3 lety

    Opera Non Verba..."deeds not words"...spent 29 years as a cop in Canada... and I have much respect for our troops and yours...Stay safe..Roc

  • @batukhan6406
    @batukhan6406 Před 3 lety

    Former Air Force Officer here (not a pilot)....many years ago. I was in Tactical Air Command (same division as this guy designated by the patch....gold wings, sword, red wall). It's not called TAC anymore.
    I'm proud to have supported the mission. Was at Luke AFB (Phoenix, F15 training base) just up the road from Davis-Monthan AFB (Tucson, A10 base).
    Was in at the end of President Carter's regime and Reagan thereafter. We were not at war but we were doing mobility exercises constantly because the Iranians took State Department Officials and Marines hostage humiliating our nation.
    I remember putting the bumper sticker on my car: "the Ayatollah is an Ass-a-hola." We were all fired up and felt such comraderie with our fellow Americans.
    When Reagan was elected the Iranians gave up the hostages. We all thought the Iranians were thinking about not wanting to tangle Reagan, "We ain't gonna mess with that mofo."
    It seems to me something happened to our nation with our horrible divisions.

  • @jeffslayer6131
    @jeffslayer6131 Před 5 lety +23

    Not all heros wear capes.... Thnx 4 ur service. God bless the troops

  • @1SGPARKER
    @1SGPARKER Před 3 lety +4

    Some of us have been in combat. Some of us have been in serious contact with the enemy. Nothing sounds better than Air Cover on station rolling Hot...

  • @wilburwinter4394
    @wilburwinter4394 Před 3 lety +1

    Refreshing to know that there are still real men out there protecting our freedom

  • @needsleep1207
    @needsleep1207 Před 2 lety +2

    What a hero. Sometimes you have to make the hard call to abandon a mission and sacrifice men. War is not fair.
    You made the right choice in my eyes.

  • @BootiSwet
    @BootiSwet Před 3 lety +4

    I remember Simon Sinek talking about this guy, awesome to hear him speak.

  • @fubarmofo6969
    @fubarmofo6969 Před 4 lety +3

    Exactly why we always thanked our angels in the sky who came to our rescue when we were in need! God bless the eagles above

  • @reggierico
    @reggierico Před 3 lety

    I am a former AC130A/H Spectre gunship pilot. I flew gunships for a little over 8 years. I am now an airline pilot, and have flown for a major airline for over 27 years. I make hundreds of thousands of dollars every year. My airline job is great. But, my time in the Air Force, my time in the squadron, was the most valued and cherished experiences of my professional life. The hardships and combat losses were tremendous and devastating. We lost 22 amazingly talented squadron mates during my time. Some of them are buried in Arlington. They were my brothers and they are still missed all these years later. Our squadron was close. We had great leadership and we trained hard and we played hard. As I sit here in my 4,000 square foot house, I would trade everything to go back, to be there with them again. This pilot, Ltc. Drowley, was outstanding, in many ways. He took me back. There are many, many amazing men and women in the Air Force and our Armed Services. Think about them from time to time. Their sacrifices, their courage, their skill. Help our Vets if you can. Give to the Wounded Warrior Project, Folds of Honor, or the Special Operations Warrior foundation.

  • @BR54966
    @BR54966 Před 4 lety +1

    As a former SSG Airborne Infantryman Combat Vet
    I LOVE ALL YOU A 10 's
    Thank you

  • @bkl8804
    @bkl8804 Před 4 lety +11

    Here you go kids. Here is a real role model.

  • @Hawkeye-ef4xf
    @Hawkeye-ef4xf Před 3 lety +10

    When the A10 shows up to the battle, things die.

  • @halbos7637
    @halbos7637 Před 4 lety

    This is what makes America Great! Dedicated, experienced individuals willing to lead and take responsibility for actions taken and not taken. This is Service, people! Oh yeah, and this is what it takes to be a military pilot.

  • @InTehFace1
    @InTehFace1 Před 2 lety +1

    Real Heroes. I shed a tear listening to your story for our brothers in arms. Thank you for your service

  • @robertsutphen2333
    @robertsutphen2333 Před 4 lety +3

    Fine young man....with wisdom and guts. Thankyou 🇺🇸!

  • @sugarfreshh7991
    @sugarfreshh7991 Před 4 lety +6

    Such a powerful story. Thanks for sharing 🇺🇸 ❤️ God bless our brave troops

  • @Jeremy-zn7gg
    @Jeremy-zn7gg Před rokem +1

    I served in the infantry in Iraq and Afghanistan. My wife asked me a few days ago to tell her about some time when I had been thankful for an unexpected surprise. I told her that I was thankful for that time when the A-10 arrived on station.

  • @jocelynnowen3078
    @jocelynnowen3078 Před 4 lety

    This is leadership. We'll never see this in office, unfortunately. Regular business has too many psychopaths. May you all have blessings this New Year 2020 of Our Lord.

  • @cayrick
    @cayrick Před 4 lety +5

    There is nothing sweeter than the sound of an A-10 gatling gun strafing a target.