EXERCISE RATTLESNAKE | When An Apache Top Gun Hands Over The Controls

As UK troops took part in Exercise Rattlesnake, at Fort Polk in Louisiana, Forces News' reporter Sian Grzeszczyk has become the first British journalist to gain permission from the US Army to fly the Apache attack helicopter.
Report by @SianGrz and @FTVHan.
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[@forces_news]

You can watch episode 2 here! 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmi3n4aJqNF8apo

[@atg716]

Your are now A.K.A "Goose" ...forever more

[@josephwilliams1528]

No sound

[@traften]

Randy was my first flight instructor in the Apache course. He’s an amazing guy and excellent pilot. Very cool to see that you were able to get a flight with him!

[@dickburt69]

You’re blessed man, you must’ve done something amazing in a past life lol.

[@edwarddailey21]

Then you have one od the sexiest jobs in the world dude, that's dope, stay safe.

[@j.rbry.8990]

Lucky SOB... But I can't imagine him being as easy on his trainees as he was on her! From my experience the best instructors, have always been a little bit of a hardass.

[@joeymaterese8095]

That made my day man that's so cool what a connection

[@ianleecabrillos1963]

@@joeymaterese8095

[@Thetequilashooter1]

She looked so happy. A time she’ll never forget.

[@TM-bn8pv]

Lol pilot gave her the "Goose" callsign. Sound familiar?

[@markmallecoccio4521]

At this point, I think they're including the "stretch you to see all your holes" part just because the comments think it's hilarious.

[@VanderlyndenJengold]

They'd keep it in regardless. Alan Partridge will be reporting from Fort Polk next year.

[@billslim1112]

The weirdest thing is that it doesnt even make sense.

[@kolinmartz]

@@billslim1112 does it not?

[@billslim1112]

@@kolinmartz Not really, you can think of it in a rude way but that doesnt really make sense either

[@kolinmartz]

@@billslim1112 it makes sense. Think of something stretchy like rubber or whatever. When it’s taught you can’t see the holes. You won’t see it really until you stretch it. But I do. Maybe I just know how to think.

[@motorcop505]

Forces News videos are always great, but this presenter, Sian, is one of my favorites on any platform with any news service. She is so genuine and is pure class. Randy from the 10th Mountain Division was an excellent choice for her pilot, too. 🇺🇸⚔️🇬🇧

[@BryonLetterman]

I hope the US and UK always stay the closest of allies. We're different in a lot of ways and there were bitter differences at first, but I've always liked how things between us have worked out over the past couple hundred years.

[@ludgatecircus15]

UK and US are true partners. You do not let this sort of thing happen with a nation that is lukewarm on the relationship. So proud.

[@danielwang2956]

You know she hasn't seen Top Gun when she's happy that her callsign is Goose

[@orlock20]

She also doesn't know army pilots don't get call signs, helicopters do.

[@Martin4963]

My thoughts too

[@spaghetti9845]

She got clowned and didn't even know it.

[@alastairsmith1096]

@@spaghetti9845 Yeah but you have got to remember its just a PR stunt and that your average punter doesn't know that call signs are for the aircraft. Like speedbirdxxx with BA airliners.

[@Fetch049]

yeah, she diefinaltey didn't get the joke he was pulling on her.

[@BryonLetterman]

I was one of my unit's RTOs in 07 in Iraq and I always thought that talking to the Apache pilots as they flew through our battlespace was one of the coolest things ever. They were all Viper something, and each number after their callsign of Viper denoted sort of their rank/position within the CAB (combat aviation brigade).

[@Gundam-bruh]

I love this series. Its so good! Please keep making them, especially the ones with US and UK together

[@MadMatt13]

Awesome experience. You can clearly see how excited she was but was still trying very hard to be professional. Well done!

[@aliciaaltair]

Love how genuine she is, I'd be grinning ear to ear too!

[@ajmark517]

This lady just flew an Apache with one hand and recorded herself on an Iphone 11 in the other hand. 7:19 its in the reflection.

[@butchhaight]

I’m actually a bit jealous. I went through Warrant Officer flight training in ‘72-73. I’ve always longed to fly an Apache. It’s an experience your never going to forget!

[@erickyle5604]

Smart pilot "This lady here owns it, we just borrow it"

[@ZATennisFan]

Notice how a.) its not a longbow apache, at least the radar dome isnt mounted, and b.) there is not one shot of the display panels/cockpit layout etc. She is one very lucky woman.. That is a bucket list moment....

[@mississaugaicedogs]

Why are there missiles on the mounts? this is not a training live fire mission?

[@orlock20]

It's an Echo model. The Echo code name is Guardian.

[@brandonlewis9531]

@@orlock20 its a D model tail number 5355

[@orlock20]

@@brandonlewis9531 It's an upgraded version since the cap on the top is on the E models. On the D model, there is either the radar or nothing.

[@chadpendleberry8663]

@@orlock20 that is effectively nothing. It's a derotation unit with a flat cap, no antenna or FCR. And that aircraft is definitely a delta. You can tell by the paint wear lol. Mostly a joke, but there are several things that actually give it away.

[@therocinante3443]

The closed captioning actually says, "stretch all your holes," it's amazing.

[@thevortex7075]

I’ve said it before but this series is some of the best forces content on the internet at the moment.

[@nonpartisangunowner4524]

4:28 Only a Chief Warrant would confidently fold his cuffs and know that no one’s gonna mess with him.

[@thanos9846]

Nobody Fs with a CW04. Except maybe a 5, if you can find one.

[@nonpartisangunowner4524]

@@thanos9846 If you can, indeed.

[@Hellhound23691]

@@thanos9846 Unicorns don't exist.

[@atadbitnefarious1387]

Welcome to Aviation buddy. We do what we want. Have been folding my cuffs since 2012. Makes it easier to pull your jacket off when you want to walk around in just your t shirt lol.

[@Nexala17]

I ranger roll my sleeves all the time. It’s one of the classes at candidate school. Also how to properly drink coffee and avoid everyone

[@aaronroberts9225]

Wow, go Sian. I went to secondary school with you, we were in the same tutor group. It was a dream of mine to become a pilot. I joined the army after school thinking it would be possible for me to become an Apache pilot in the Army Air Corps. Let’s just say I was put off and lacked the confidence to try so I joined the infantry instead. I scored high enough in my enlistment test (BARB). I’m so happy to see you doing so well for yourself!!! I always thought you had something special about you. I think I was the only lad in class who could spell and say your surname correctly 😂 You need to go up in a fighter plane next if you haven’t already. First British Lady to fly in an F35 maybe….

[@Ryan_Christopher]

I served five and a half years at the Air Force Base several hours north of Ft. Polk. I've driven past Alexandria a four times on my two times to New Orleans and back to base. All the land looks the same from the air I see. I "supported" a few times a detachment of Airmen that were posted on Ft. Polk, which at the time had the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment.

[@markalford5406]

Good for the guy to move up to apache pilot, my hats off to him.

[@joshuaalistair3193]

Ok, that just made me feel old! Haven't flown one of those since 2011. Also interesting to see my old unit at work.

[@robstafford8306]

That was an amazing presentation. Imagine ‘flying’ such an expensive/technical piece of kit with such a professional,talented and personable guy. Bit late to the party but would love to know if he said in the briefing…..don’t touch that button?

[@texan2u]

Likely rode a million miles in a Huey back in the 60's - never got invited to pilot anything, just ride, and 'GET OFF" at the correct time.

[@judgedredd1399]

I bet you have some pretty good stories riding that much through the jungle.

[@texan2u]

@@judgedredd1399 The "stories" are there, yes.

[@judgedredd1399]

@@texan2u well if you're willing to tell, I'm willing to hear. Even if it's 300 pages plus of text. I love hearing these stories and passing them along. It's (your) a part of American history. If you don't wish to share, I respect that. But these tales need to be heard by the next generation. Regardless of how others feel about that time in history. I'd love to hear from you. I'd love to video it and do a channel on it.

[@judgedredd1399]

Nobody has recorded the true perspective of a Vietnam veteran. We have full metal jacket, born on the fourth of July, wonder years, Forrest gump. I've spoken to many Vietnam veterans their stories out shine WW2 vets who treated you all very poorly. I''ve spoken with a Huey door Gunner in Oklahoma while doing my job, pest control. He was the most amazing veteran. I've had the honor to talk with. That said I talked with a Marine that was at pearl harbor during the attack. The Vietnam vets hold a special place in my heart because the times wasn't kind at all to them. They, you deserve to be heard.

[@smoothjazzrob8061]

In 1974, I spent 4 months training in Fort Polk (2 months for basic training/2 months for A.I.T) before being assigned to the 25th Infantry Division.

[@TacShooter]

I played Microprose's Gunship on the Commodore 64/128 while I was in the Army in an Air Cavalry squadron, but my unit didn't have Apaches. We had upgraded Cobra's that had served in Vietnam. I still haven't seen an Apache in flight, though I've been a fan of this bird since 1983.

[@AwkwardYet]

Aww man I used to live near ab base in South Carolina that has an Apache unit would see them a few times throughout the week. Such a beautiful sight

[@UNSCDFSpartan117ODST]

I worked with Randy while I was in the Army at Fort Bragg, a great and fun person to be around!

[@juiceboxzach]

I’ve always loved pitch back turns. I do this all the time in battlefield 4. Even if it isn’t real. Somehow I can just tell how it would feel and it’s awesome. lol

[@jgvtc559]

Not near my AA you dont lol

[@juiceboxzach]

@@jgvtc559 you’re right, because I’ve already spotted you and are staying away allowing my tow and gunner to pick you off lol

[@frankmontez6853]

" I feel the need , the need for speed " -Goose 😂🤣

[@marcg3752]

Amazing, it's easier getting a ride with the Blue Angel's or Thunderbirds than getting the green light for an Apache ride.

[@akkseljohansson3601]

For all you out there, don’t forget, it’s a MD Helicopter Design and engineering jewel. MD, the best!

[@neil5006]

If I was Randy, I would have had a full on hardon since 2007. An absolute beast of a flying machine.

[@Pete_Finch]

This is a great series and Sian is an excellent presenter.

[@Helo1able]

Later back in the UK she decides she wants to learn to fly helicopters... Her first Discovery/Introductory flight the pilot asks her; "have you ever been in or flown a helicopter before?" Grinning from ear to ear she looks him in the eyes and responds; "Yes, I have." He says; "oh yeah... Can you remember what type it was?" She says; Yep, sure can! An Apache helicopter!!! Good thing she has footage. No one would believe her otherwise.😜

[@adamreed8995]

That is an absolute once in a life time experience.

[@mfreed40k]

That's amazing, good for you getting that rare opportunity!

[@Jwnorton]

You lucky Goose! That was awesome! You will need to come back over when we get the S-97's online. They look to be awesome helos

[@ShukokaiStu]

Superb! 🇺🇸🇬🇧 together as one mighty force!

[@danhodson7187]

Top props to the guy who said Cricket bat and not baseball bat for the the Brits attending the course!

[@rustyed7260]

God what a wonderful opportunity she must have really enjoyed herself love the coverage of operation rattlesnake keep up the good work

[@scruffygaming627]

dayum.... what a hell of an experience... being in an Apache helicopter. INSANE. Weirdly enough, she absolutely does seem like she has what it takes to fly. :) As simple as it looks, most people couldn't handle any of that.

[@drewcifer8489]

Dad grew up in Lake Charles/Sulphur, LA & he called Fort Polk the "armpit" of America

[@Horizon301.]

That’s insane! I would genuinely love to see the raw footage of this

[@stewartgrindlay9760]

Definitely won’t get that. Too much info to be seen

[@danielh5307]

Classified!

[@4ugus7in3]

I felt that spike of adrenaline too, Goose.

[@dpelpal]

Wow. Experience of a LIFETIME.

[@mrfirstime5750]

Great job you reported that so well because you came from the heart. You had one awesome experience.

[@thetigerstripes]

What an awesome machine. I wish I could fly in one. All I get to do is pay for it.

[@maughan6957]

Super awesome once n a lifetime opportunity. Congratulations

[@NeuKrofta]

That black jump suit of hers is ... unique

[@nmelkhunter1]

Gives a new meaning to Climb to Glory. And for you sick bastards, this was compliment to CWO Brooks’ advancements in his career and the news reporter being able to do an incredibly cool thing, not a sexual innuendo.

[@travelinman70]

She now certified as, "bad ass"

[@AUDACITY4Uphotographer]

That was amazing 🚁🇺🇸

[@IndianWolf1]

Oh you lucky girl...My favorite aircraft besides the A-10..Oh so envious !

[@FreddiesMum]

Wow, Sian, that was amazing. A far cry from your Cov days! Ali x

[@niallpadden]

That was brilliant. Thanks guys. Brilliant!

[@30mwalker]

For once in my life I'm totally speechless... continues talking 😅

[@MrGilRoland]

The British accent… ❤️ Cheers from Italy.

[@maryfrederickson2526]

So very exciting and what a wonderful privilege!

[@fredcarter7003]

Absolutely awesome

[@johngross8300]

Only once in any Civilian lifetime. Beautiful.

[@stephensmith4480]

I worked with a guy here in the UK during the 80s and I remember him telling me that he did his training at Fort Polk before he went to Vietnam.

[@MeanLaQueefa]

My dad was in Nam, he went to Polk before his deployment. Said it was the worst place in the USA, lol.

[@stephensmith4480]

@@MeanLaQueefa Oh No, Nightmare 🤣🤣🤣.

[@jtnotlim7920]

My dad went through basic at Polk in 1968 before heading off to Warrant Officer Flight Training at Ft. Wolters/Ft. Rucker and then Vietnam. After flying Hueys for a total of 3 years active and 30 years in the National Guard, he retired as a CW4. He does confirm that Ft. Polk is the most miserable place he's been to in the U.S.

[@ryanrobbins8639]

They gave her a broken face visor🤣

[@RJM1011]

VERY GOOD thumbs up and shared.

[@windowsmudge]

I was in a SFLTAP class with CW4 Brooks last week

[@rhondakennedy819]

Be safe out there people. Love to all

[@kaptainkaos1202]

I’m an USN/USMC flight test engineer. I wouldn’t trade my job for anything in the world either.

[@jefferycsm]

Loved this! "Goose" did an awesome job!!

[@tarheelplays5922]

I cant get a joyride in one even though I work on them

[@secretsquirrel572]

Agreed! See my comment. I think the CO should be relieved from duty.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

You are so lucky Sian 👍👍👍😲😲😲

[@princesshuxian3559]

ahhh you gimme the front seat? LMAO

[@Soros_Abiah]

Pastor pikin, we need this type of skits. Erekere is not as sweet for some of us. Please, consider.

[@bw33511]

Ft. Polk was my first duty station. What a ride.

[@brycehamm289]

breaks every time it flies tho lmao

[@focusmicro]

"Now, lets hit the ejection seat button next".... huh?? noooooooooo.. lol

[@beckiterry9382]

I am Apache ,Blackfoot Cherokee Tomahawk

[@MickAngelhere]

That was brilliant

[@Apple-yh2un]

"The brits are coming"

[@The_CAG]

Congrats to you Goose!! Great CWO keep uo the great work.

[@TheDarthSoldier]

Jeremy Clarkson was one of the last civilians to fly in an apache

[@stevegrant4361]

Awesome piece

[@BK-uf6qr]

Wow that looked like fun. What a machine.

[@scottbarr4249]

great vid. subbed

[@aleccap5946]

one lucky girl

[@jw8559]

That is pretty cool. What an experience.

[@clarissagafoor5222]

So fun🤩

[@johnlustig4322]

Goose, really? I think Randy knows it's slang....

[@whya2ndaccount]

Let alone the guy who died. :)

[@Sergeant_Fury]

Makes me kind of miss all that ground pounding.

[@luftfahrzeugtechnik]

Hello @forces_news . I just wanted to ask if it would be possible to fly also a round with the Apache? Would love to. Cheers!😊

[@cantwellmikey]

The Brits are now, and always have been extraordinarily well trained and adaptive. We are very fortunate to have them on our side.

[@911HRW]

Wow. Amazing, so lucky.

[@kamalaharrisloveskneepads3229]

Elizabeth Warren flies an Apache helicopter to the Navajo reservation

[@bonkersblock]

is she flying with a shattered visor?? lol

[@kaiuluitova6369]

Growing up,I always wanted to be a jet pilot Let alone be an apache pilot😢 Maybe in the next life

[@abcde_fz]

Thanx, Goose and Dragon, for reminding me what that cyclic thing is, that I've been too lazy to look up for years. And now I'm guessing cyclic and collective and torque? Anti-torque? For the pedals? (Time to go wiki now.) 🙂

[@ftsmith351]

So awesome

[@neil5006]

Awesome 👍

[@mikesahle1193]

🙏. 👍. 👏👏👏👏👏☝️and may the force be with you ☝️

[@steffenfischer1673]

Wow .. great👍👍👍👍

[@daveslow84]

Looks like my man Randy is scoring tonight... :D

[@herveblanche226]

Great story.