Bush Orders Military to Deliver Aid to Georgia

[O'Dannyboy]

Fox news Article

What I can't help wondering is if these transports have made it to the capital (no doubt under fighter escort) then how much more have they done beyond humanitarian aid. These C-17's are full capable of delivering tanks and antiaircraft barrages and more. What are the odds that the U.S. has made an effort to secure and defend the capitol of Georgia? According to what I have been reading Turkey, Georgia's southern neighbor, is a member of NATO and the U.S. has access to it's airspace and perhaps even a few bases in country. If this were the case it certainly offers the U.S. the ability, provided they are quiet, to move forces into the region to uphold Georgia's sovereign rights. The separatists may not agree but the land in which they dwell, according to the U.N, belongs to the nation of Georgia, not Russia OR it's citizens.

[David of Derby]

Fox news Article

What I can't help wondering is if these transports have made it to the capital (no doubt under fighter escort) then how much more have they done beyond humanitarian aid. These C-17's are full capable of delivering tanks and antiaircraft barrages and more. What are the odds that the U.S. has made an effort to secure and defend the capitol of Georgia? According to what I have been reading Turkey, Georgia's southern neighbor, is a member of NATO and the U.S. has access to it's airspace and perhaps even a few bases in country. If this were the case it certainly offers the U.S. the ability, provided they are quiet, to move forces into the region to uphold Georgia's sovereign rights. The separatists may not agree but the land in which they dwell, according to the U.N, belongs to the nation of Georgia, not Russia OR it's citizens.

If the US was going to intervene with military force it wouldn't need to do it on the QT. The US has more than enough military power to evict Russia from Georgia. Military intervention hasn't even been hinted at.

In point of fact, the C-17 is not capable of delivering tanks. Only the Sheridan light tank was capable of being airlifted by such an aircraft, and that remains in service only with elements of the US National Guard. The US Army does not have a light tank. Armoured forces would have to enter Georgia either under their own power or on tank trains or trucks.

[other one]

I have seen several sites that say that a C-17 can carry a single M1 tank.

[O'Dannyboy]

Perhaps weight limits prevent it from carrying more but there is room for at least two. I would be willing to bet they can carry two personel carriers or three hummers. It may just be that the U.S. is putting themselves in the line of fire just daring Russia to harm "Relief workers". The point I think they wish to get across to Russia is : two can play at that game. I don't believe the U.S. or EU nations are going to stand by and let Russia take over Georgia nor will they let Russias cooperation in dealing with Rogue nations affect their resolve in defending a defenseless nation, especially a democracy.

[David of Derby]

An APC of Hummer is not a tank. Tanks weigh about sixty tonnes. APCs or oversized Land Rovers don't.

[O'Dannyboy]

An APC of Hummer is not a tank. Tanks weigh about sixty tonnes. APCs or oversized Land Rovers don't.

I believe I acknowledged that in my last post. While we are probably not bringing in this kind of equipment I relatively certain we are sending enough aid and transports to place ourselves in the line of fire. It's possible our government, while not currently defending Georgia, is placing "representatives" in harms way just daring Russia to make that mistake. While the U.S. is not daring enough to attack Russia they do not seem to be hesitant in reminding Russia that it willing to defend Georgia if the need arises. Obviously this is not going to make it into the news because of all the negative press it could bring but I would be willing to bet that they have not been so indirect behind closed doors.

[MorningGlory]

In point of fact, the C-17 is not capable of delivering tanks. Only the Sheridan light tank was capable of being airlifted by such an aircraft, and that remains in service only with elements of the US National Guard. The US Army does not have a light tank. Armoured forces would have to enter Georgia either under their own power or on tank trains or trucks.

Tanks are routinely transported with the C-130.....

[David of Derby]

I believe I acknowledged that in my last post. While we are probably not bringing in this kind of equipment I relatively certain we are sending enough aid and transports to place ourselves in the line of fire. It's possible our government, while not currently defending Georgia, is placing "representatives" in harms way just daring Russia to make that mistake. While the U.S. is not daring enough to attack Russia they do not seem to be hesitant in reminding Russia that it willing to defend Georgia if the need arises. Obviously this is not going to make it into the news because of all the negative press it could bring but I would be willing to bet that they have not been so indirect behind closed doors.

Your defence secretary was all over the news tonight saying the US won't confront Russia with military force. Unless he's lying, being a politician that's probable, there won't be any military personnel in those aid packages.

[David of Derby]

Tanks are routinely transported with the C-130.....

You are kidding, right? The Hercules can't lift a tank. It can move a single M113 APC, which is obsolete and useless on the modern battlefield, but that's it. There's no aircraft in the world can airlift main battle tanks.

[O'Dannyboy]

Thats the nice thing about the news.....it can be used for both information as well as disinformation. The U.S. has sent aid in and has basically dared Russia to do anything to affect that effort. Thats a pretty bold statement in itself, especially in light of Russias agressive behavior. It's possible the U.S. is taking a more "in your face" approach with the aid efforts. Perhaps they are hoping Russia will attack these cargo planes or aid workers to the degree that it affords the U.S. a more legitimate reason to join the fray. Who can say? The white house has already said it would not sit idly by if Russia decided to overthrow the Georgian Government. I don't think they made those threats lightly.