Irish Army Rangers to take on Somali Pirates

Paddy Samurai · 18-09-2012 12:32pm #1

THE Army's elite special forces unit, the Ranger Wing, has been mobilised for its toughest mission yet – tackling Somali Pirates in the Indian Ocean.........................................
Such is the international reputation of the Ranger Wing that the EU made a formal request to the Government to provide the troops several months ago.
The unit has been secretly training for the mission all year, working closely with the Navy and Air Corps.

Looks like the lads are going to get a chance to put all that training to use.;)

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/armys-elite-to-take-on-somali-pirates-in-aden-3233271.html

Mr Benevolent · 18-09-2012 12:34pm

No doubt they'll stop at the first pub on the way. They they'll get lost and claim they were deafened by the sound of complaining, demanding compensation. Then when their boat sinks they'll claim for wetness compensation.

TL;DR: They won't get anywhere near anything dangerous.

Zebra3 · 18-09-2012 12:34pm

Irish Army Rangers to take on Somali Pirates

Sounds like an American football match.

Sappa · 18-09-2012 12:35pm

Paddy Samurai wrote: »

THE Army's elite special forces unit, the Ranger Wing, has been mobilised for its toughest mission yet – tackling Somali Pirates in the Indian Ocean.........................................
Such is the international reputation of the Ranger Wing that the EU made a formal request to the Government to provide the troops several months ago.
The unit has been secretly training for the mission all year, working closely with the Navy and Air Corps.

Looks like the lads are going to get a chance to put all that training to use.;)

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/armys-elite-to-take-on-somali-pirates-in-aden-3233271.html

It's a support role but let's hope they cam take one or two of those pirates out of their trade.

mikom · 18-09-2012 12:36pm

We got all the pirates in Moyross did we?

MHalberstram · 18-09-2012 12:39pm

mikom wrote: »

We got all the pirates in Moyross did we?

No, they are still rooting out the hordes in Dublin and other areas of the country :rolleyes:

Micky Dolenz · 18-09-2012 12:42pm

Paddy Samurai wrote: »

Looks like the lads are going to get a chance to put all that training to use.;)

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/armys-elite-to-take-on-somali-pirates-in-aden-3233271.html

The Rangers are on active duty in a long list of countries.

SEPT 23 1989 · 18-09-2012 12:43pm

Do they have to wait to be fired on to open up on these pirates?

Logical Fallacy · 18-09-2012 12:43pm

Confab wrote: »

No doubt they'll stop at the first pub on the way. They they'll get lost and claim they were deafened by the sound of complaining, demanding compensation. Then when their boat sinks they'll claim for wetness compensation.

TL;DR: They won't get anywhere near anything dangerous.

Or it will be more like Liberia, where they get the job done and no one dies.

ejmaztec · 18-09-2012 12:44pm

I understand that some of them don't want to go now, after they discovered it wasn't anything to do with pilates.:(

Mr_Roger_Bongos · 18-09-2012 12:46pm

Confab wrote: »

No doubt they'll stop at the first pub on the way. They they'll get lost and claim they were deafened by the sound of complaining, demanding compensation. Then when their boat sinks they'll claim for wetness compensation.

TL;DR: They won't get anywhere near anything dangerous.

I realise this is after hours, but your stereotyping is SO lazy!

These lads signed up to the army, worked to get into the ranger core and will now use their training (paid for by the tax payer) to protect naval freight and more importantly civilians from piracy.

They might never encounter pirates, but it'll be because they're positionned in or around frieght and the pirates won't attack vessels under their protection.

The compensation thing is done and dusted, in some cases there were false claims but you try standing beside an artillery gun with no ear defenders. I'm not even in the army! Nor do i know anyone in it.

JohnMarston · 18-09-2012 12:49pm

SEPT 23 1989 wrote: »

Do they have to wait to be fired on to open up on these pirates?

They're very much acting as an armed escort for humanitarian cargo thats going through the indian ocean. I doubt Somalis will try their luck against highly trained Rangers.
Its not an assault against Somali pirates, though they will attack if provoked i reckon

Uriel. · 18-09-2012 12:49pm

http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0918/defence-forces-rangers.html

They have been asked to help. They are not "about to be mobilised"

griffdaddy · 18-09-2012 12:53pm

How come they don't just arm the biggest / most valuable ships with rocket launchers and a trained soldier or two and blow the **** out of anything that comes near them?

seamus · 18-09-2012 12:55pm

Whatever the piss taking about the other defence forces, I would never doubt the skill or the professionalism of the Rangers. Slagging them just makes yourself look silly because you clearly know nothing about them.

I wouldn't say these are very high-risk missions. The Somali pirates are largely just exceptionally poor armed gangs in small boats. They'd **** themselves and run at the first sight of any miltary escort.

Tombi! · 18-09-2012 12:56pm

griffdaddy wrote: »

How come they don't just arm the biggest / most valuable ships with rocket launchers and a trained soldier or two and blow the **** out of anything that comes near them?

Because generally speaking firing rockets on ships that may or may not be filled with pirates isn't the nicest thing in the world. :pac:

Fratton Fred · 18-09-2012 12:57pm

griffdaddy wrote: »

How come they don't just arm the biggest / most valuable ships with rocket launchers and a trained soldier or two and blow the **** out of anything that comes near them?

On an oil tanker?

Myrddin · 18-09-2012 12:57pm

If Ross Kemp couldn't sort them out, nobody can

CreepingDeath · 18-09-2012 12:57pm

A spokesman said approaches had been made several months ago for a group of Rangers to serve with the EU Naval Force

So they'll play table tennis on some French/German ship and only get into a small rigid hull inflatable boat after the Navy guys with the serious guns have shot up the pirate boats.

CardBordWindow · 18-09-2012 12:58pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2e5q6ubDlZE

Even better than the Irish Rangers!

JohnMarston · 18-09-2012 12:59pm

griffdaddy wrote: »

How come they don't just arm the biggest / most valuable ships with rocket launchers and a trained soldier or two and blow the **** out of anything that comes near them?

I believe they're starting to cop on and are arming more and more ships as a deterrant against pirates.

Sappa · 18-09-2012 12:59pm

griffdaddy wrote: »

How come they don't just arm the biggest / most valuable ships with rocket launchers and a trained soldier or two and blow the **** out of anything that comes near them?

Actually they do,my mate was in th BA for several years and now works security on these boats,they have a two man security crew with fixed machine guns and handheld weapons.

griffdaddy · 18-09-2012 1:03pm

Sappa wrote: »

Actually they do,my mate was in th BA for several years and now works security on these boats,they have a two man security crew with fixed machine guns and handheld weapons.

Seems like the best thing to do really. A few pirates full of holes washing up onshore would be a good deterrent. I'm surprised the insurance companies don't insist on it actually.

Tombi! · 18-09-2012 1:04pm

griffdaddy wrote: »

Seems like the best thing to do really. A few pirates full of holes washing up onshore would be a good deterrent. I'm surprised the insurance companies don't insist on it actually.

It's not like they do it for fun. They really have feck all of a choice and piracy is one way to make money for them.

Kerrydude1981 · 18-09-2012 1:07pm

Ross Kemp did a good series on Sky One about these Somali Pirates,this is part one of it below,well worth watching.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaBqHyPu9II

griffdaddy · 18-09-2012 1:08pm

Brutal Deluxe wrote: »

It's not like they do it for fun. They really have feck all of a choice and piracy is one way to make money for them.

I'm not sure I see your point? Should we just let them do it then?

rossie1977 · 18-09-2012 1:10pm

Confab wrote: »

No doubt they'll stop at the first pub on the way. They they'll get lost and claim they were deafened by the sound of complaining, demanding compensation. Then when their boat sinks they'll claim for wetness compensation.

TL;DR: They won't get anywhere near anything dangerous.

when you don't have a clue what you are talking about you shouldn't post on the topic, some of these guys have been involved in missions in some of the biggest and most dangerous sh*tholes on the planet http://www.independent.ie/world-news/africa/crack-troops-rescue-hostages-from-gunmen-in-daring-raid-187696.html

thats wikipedias section on the training involved

Selection for the ranger wing lasts 3 weeks, plus on success of completion, another 6 months continuation where basic skills such as LRRP, parachuting are taught - which takes place annually, usually in October. Course candidates must be serving members of the Defence Forces, but are not subject to an age limit. The 3 week course is organised into 2 distinct phases. Selection is open to females, although none have passed the initial training course. Any and all serving personnel from the three branches of the Irish military are allowed to enter.

In the first phase, instructors demonstrate the basic requirements to become a Ranger and candidates must pass a number of initial physical tests - including: water confidence training, assault course training, individual navigation tests as well as a 10 km combat run test. If a candidate fails more than 3 out of the 9 basic tests they are returned to their home unit.A selection course may only be attempted three times by any candidate.

In the second phase, candidates are taught special forces tactics such as long range reconnaissance patrolling, surveillance, intelligence gathering, search tactics, and ambush organisation. The course culminates in a 45 km group march which must be completed in a set time.

In all, candidates must complete assessment in the following areas:

Abseiling - Assesses a student's confidence when working at height.
Bridge jump - Tests confidence in water.
River crossing - Evaluates ability to work in a team.
Claustrophobia - Tests a student's ability to work with their equipment in confined spaces.
Gym tests - Assesses muscular endurance and strength while performing a set number of exercises.
10 km run - Tests cardiovascular endurance over a set distance and time.
Mountain walk - Tests endurance over a set uphill march, while carrying a medium load.
Hill circuit - Assesses stamina and strength over a set cross-country course, while carrying a light load.
Forced march "cross-country" - Assesses stamina and strength over a set cross-country course and time while carrying a medium load around 15 kg.
Forced march "road" - A group test to assess the student's tolerance of pressure over a set course and time, while carrying a medium load, the distance is between 35–40 km.
Route march - A group test to assess overall stamina, endurance and strength during a forced march over the mountains while carrying a medium load.

Of the 40 to 80 candidates that start the annual Ranger selection course, only 15% remain at the conclusion. All candidates who successfully complete the Ranger course are presented with the Fianóglach shoulder flash.

If a student passes selection at this stage, they are sent on a further six-month ranger skills course. This course includes long range reconnaissance and survival training, unarmed combat, counter-terrorism, close protection, advanced driving, combat diving, boat handling, sniping, explosive intervention, advance navigation, and close quarters combat skills, advanced first aid, advanced combat shooting and parachuting. Upon passing this selection course and probationary period they then earn the right to wear the prestigious Green beret Some parts of the combat diving training course are done under the supervision of the Naval Service's Naval Service Diving Section.

The ARW also has its own purpose built tactical training facility, including "shoot houses", training ranges and various urban settings. The facility is known as "Tac town".

davetherave · 18-09-2012 1:15pm

Just in time for international talk like a pirate day tomorrow...yarr!

Also, press office says no.
http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0918/defence-forces-rangers.html

bluecode · 18-09-2012 1:16pm

Brutal Deluxe wrote: »

It's not like they do it for fun. They really have feck all of a choice and piracy is one way to make money for them.

Ah well, that's OK fair play to them. I need money too. I think I'll become a pirate.:rolleyes:

Tombi! · 18-09-2012 1:18pm

griffdaddy wrote: »

I'm not sure I see your point? Should we just let them do it then?

No but deciding to just shoot at any boat on the sea just incase they're pirates isn't a good thing.

bluecode wrote: »

Ah well, that's OK fair play to them. I need money too. I think I'll become a pirate.:rolleyes:

And you missed the point completely.
But have fun being Blackbeard.

seamus · 18-09-2012 1:21pm

griffdaddy wrote: »

I'm not sure I see your point? Should we just let them do it then?

The point is that these don't really qualify as your run of the mill scumbags who are doing this because they couldn't be bothered getting a real job.

In most cases these are people who have nothing but a boat and sailing skills, but their waters have been devastated by a number of things including waste dumping by other countries, oil, and so forth. So they can't make a living from fishing.

So they've no other means of income and no education and see piracy as the only way of making a living, as well as being a form of retribution for the damage that other countries have done to their waters (they don't give a crap what country any ship is from).

The fact that piracy has produced very few casualities is evidence of this. If they were your normal scumbag criminals, they'd just board the boat, gun everyone down and throw them over.
That's not to say that the hostages are treated to breakfast in bed and a happy ending, but they're not typically tortured or otherwise treated very badly by the pirates.

The know the risks but they do it because they don't really have any other choice. So there's little deterrent in a show of strength without addressing the root cause of the problem.

Piracy is inherently risky, there's a reason why it had practically disappeared until the Somali pirates emerged; because nobody in their right mind would do it unless they had no other choice.

iDave · 18-09-2012 1:23pm

Cant get image of Eric Cartman taking over the Somali pirates out of my head now

griffdaddy · 18-09-2012 1:24pm

Brutal Deluxe wrote: »

No but deciding to just shoot at any boat on the sea just incase they're pirates isn't a good thing.

I'm not talking about opening fire on Stenaline ferries, I'm talking about preemptively shooting at boats that get too close to valuable cargo ships. There could be a rule that once they get within a certain range they are fair game. There could even be a warning shot fired first. (I suspect there probably already is)

working fool · 18-09-2012 1:33pm

Rangers v pirates
Sky sports will have the rights to the away game for sure

seamus · 18-09-2012 1:34pm

griffdaddy wrote: »

I'm not talking about opening fire on Stenaline ferries, I'm talking about preemptively shooting at boats that get too close to valuable cargo ships. There could be a rule that once they get within a certain range they are fair game. There could even be a warning shot fired first. (I suspect there probably already is)

A sure way to kill some innocent fishermen or have your cargo ship RPG'ed by a panicking pirate.

griffdaddy · 18-09-2012 2:30pm

seamus wrote: »

The point is that these don't really qualify as your run of the mill scumbags who are doing this because they couldn't be bothered getting a real job.

In most cases these are people who have nothing but a boat and sailing skills, but their waters have been devastated by a number of things including waste dumping by other countries, oil, and so forth. So they can't make a living from fishing.

So they've no other means of income and no education and see piracy as the only way of making a living, as well as being a form of retribution for the damage that other countries have done to their waters (they don't give a crap what country any ship is from).

The fact that piracy has produced very few casualities is evidence of this. If they were your normal scumbag criminals, they'd just board the boat, gun everyone down and throw them over.
That's not to say that the hostages are treated to breakfast in bed and a happy ending, but they're not typically tortured or otherwise treated very badly by the pirates.

The know the risks but they do it because they don't really have any other choice. So there's little deterrent in a show of strength without addressing the root cause of the problem.

Piracy is inherently risky, there's a reason why it had practically disappeared until the Somali pirates emerged; because nobody in their right mind would do it unless they had no other choice.

Although I take your point that they are desolate and are driven to piracy, it in no way mitigates what they are doing, and you can't take a half-arsed, softly-softly approach to something like this. Otherwise you're sending out a message that SOME piracy is ok but other piracy isn't. Whatever about trying to fix Somalia as a country, the open seas is not the place for that to happen, and stealing and kidnapping are the not right ways for that to happen.

seamus wrote: »

A sure way to kill some innocent fishermen or have your cargo ship RPG'ed by a panicking pirate.

Not really, I'm sure a safe enough system could be developed where eventually they'd realise not to come within a certain distance of the ship.

asherbassad · 18-09-2012 2:35pm

griffdaddy wrote: »

How come they don't just arm the biggest / most valuable ships with rocket launchers and a trained soldier or two and blow the **** out of anything that comes near them?

I know....why not just nuke Somalia? That seems to be the solution to everything. Nuke Libya after an ambassador gets killed. Nuke Afghanistan. Nuke Yemen. David Cameron slags off Romney...nuke England.

:rolleyes:

asherbassad · 18-09-2012 2:41pm

Maybe if they stopped illegally overfishing Somalia waters and illegally dumping toxic waste into these waters that kills of what's left of the fish stocks these former Somali fishermen turned pirate could go back to making a living with their nets rather than their guns.

But of course that would take rationality.

griffdaddy · 18-09-2012 2:41pm

asherbassad wrote: »

I know....why not just nuke Somalia? That seems to be the solution to everything. Nuke Libya after an ambassador gets killed. Nuke Afghanistan. Nuke Yemen. David Cameron slags off Romney...nuke England.

:rolleyes:

WTF are you talking about? 'Attack someone in open water who is trying to rob all your shít or kidnap you and hold you hostage' is not the same as 'nuke a country.' There's nothing political in my sentiments whatsoever, I'd feel the same if they were Irish pirates.

IvySlayer · 18-09-2012 2:41pm

And how much is this going to cost Ireland?

asherbassad · 18-09-2012 3:16pm

griffdaddy wrote: »

WTF are you talking about? 'Attack someone in open water who is trying to rob all your shít or kidnap you and hold you hostage' is not the same as 'nuke a country.' There's nothing political in my sentiments whatsoever, I'd feel the same if they were Irish pirates.

Have you even questioned why these guys are pirates?
There's a reason for everything.

griffdaddy · 18-09-2012 3:24pm

asherbassad wrote: »

Have you even questioned why these guys are pirates?
There's a reason for everything.

Ok, let's stop tackling crime and get to the root of everything.

Why is a rapist a rapist, a murderer a murderer, a junkie a junkie? Let's just let everyone get away with everything for a while and we'll sort out the root problem of everything. Unfortunately we don't live in a utopia and while I agree the Somalian problem needs to be addressed, I don't think taking a soft approach to piracy is in anyway the answer.

Larbre34 · 18-09-2012 4:06pm

asherbassad wrote: »

Have you even questioned why these guys are pirates?
There's a reason for everything.

Cos they live in the worst hellmouth of a Country on God/Q from Star Trek's green / sandy coloured earth and that's how life is.

Doesn't mean they shouldnt be perforated with .50 cal when they start getting all cheeky.

Hard to understand how the Indo's story is so detailed and yet so wrong according to the DF. Maybe they performed those exercises in the course of normal Ranger training and somebody speculated on a mission.

A sea based mission seems a bit odd for them, you'd sorta feel any Navy big enough to deploy ships in the EUFOR would have a decent seaborne special service of their own.

I dont know whether Navy's still use them but a bunch of WWII e-boat type patrol vessels would be the ideal tool. Probably call them iBoats these days......

Manic Moran · 18-09-2012 6:58pm

JohnMarston wrote: »

I doubt Somalis will try their luck against highly trained Rangers.

The idiots have been known to attack honest-to-God warships which are painted haze gray and have lots of pointy things sticking out of them.

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/04/01/navy-captures-pirates-gun-battle-indian-ocean/

Suspected Somali pirates fired on a U.S. Navy warship off East Africa early Thursday in what appeared to be a ransom-seeking attack on an American guided missile frigate, officials said.

The USS Nicholas returned fire on the pirate skiff, sinking it and confiscating a nearby mothership.

That's not the only Naval vessel they've tried to attack either, but certainly the most stupid.

Anyway, if they can't determing a frigate from an oil tanker, I don't think they'll be able to identify a cargo ship with Rangers aboard.

NTM

Irish Army Rangers to take on Somali Pirates

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