These Saving Private Ryan rescue dramas obscure the underlying default that the US military is generally designed to protect expensive equipment over lives, and the doctrine depends on it. Aircrew being more expensive to train than GIs doesn’t alter that basic calculus. But occasionally doing dramatic equipment sacrifices bolsters the official “no man left behind” narrative. They square that circle simply by relying on automation as much as possible so the equation is never too obvious.

I think a good part of the motivation for this war was showing off the fancy new Anduril equipment. The opposite effect here. It’s all old tech, showcasing both the vulnerability of it and reliance on it.

Besides the F-15E, two C-130s blown up on the ground. One A10 crashed during air support. Two blackhawks damaged but survived it looks like. This is all decades old tech.

Reminded me of Trump’s “I like the ones who didn’t get captured” comment on John McCain.

I’m glad they rescued the guy, but I hope the reputation-laundering effect on the dumbness of the war dissipates in 24h.