# SOGCast 043: Rick Freeman - Cobras Supporting SOG, to Fighter Jets. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eY7rH95MRs Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/_eY7rH95MRs Generated: 2026-01-01T08:32:15.543+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview Aviator Rick Freeman details his transition from flying Cobra gunships supporting SOG teams to flying fighter jets later in his career, emphasizing the critical differences in tactics, operational freedom, and the intense training required for close air support missions in Vietnam. **Key Points:** - Rick Freeman served with the 101st Airborne later in the Vietnam War and focused on his experience as an aviator flying gunships for SOG protection. - Freeman joined the Army in 1967 after a friend was killed, opting for pilot training over the draft, and he already possessed commercial fixed-wing licenses. - Initial helicopter training involved ground school and flying half-day sessions at Fort Wolters and Rucker, where Freeman tutored others due to his prior licensing. - Freeman volunteered for the two-week gun program, learning systems on AH-1G (B models), but transitioned to AH-1C (Charlie models) which flew differently due to larger blades and more power. - When supporting SOG teams, Freeman prioritized using phosphorous flares over smoke for marking positions because smoke drifts, stating, "If I got a phosphorous flare going off, I know exactly where you are." - Freeman extended his first tour because he preferred the operational freedom in the SOG area across the 'black line' where he had 'all the ordinance I can shoot, all the gas I can burn, not accountable to anybody.' - He recounts a mission where he used flechettes to kill a sniper bothering a 101st company commander and details the danger of rocket ricochet in jungle environments. **Context:** This interview, SOGCast number 43 hosted by John Striker Meyer, features aviator Rick Freeman discussing his military service, particularly his time flying helicopters during the Vietnam War, supporting units like the 101st Airborne and SOG (Studies and Observations Group). Freeman explains his path into aviation, influenced by his father's Air Force background, and the pivotal decision to join the Army in 1967, leading to his training as a warrant officer helicopter pilot. ## Detailed Analysis Rick Freeman recounts his progression from initial Army basic training in 1967 to becoming a helicopter pilot, noting that his prior commercial licenses made initial flight school at Fort Wolters and Rucker easier, allowing him to tutor other candidates. He deliberately chose assignment to an ARRA (Aerial Rocket Artillery) unit at Fort Bragg because he wanted to fly aircraft with forward-firing ordnance, eventually flying AH-1G (B models) and later AH-1C (Charlie models) in Vietnam starting March 1969. Freeman details the tactical differences between the B and C model Cobras, noting the Charlie model's higher speed made overflying targets less risky due to its narrow profile. A significant portion of the discussion centers on supporting ground teams, especially SOG. Freeman stresses that his primary job was close air support when troops were in contact (TIC) and he preferred flares over smoke for marking positions due to smoke drift. He describes using flechettes to neutralize a sniper and the need to shoot away from friendly troops because rockets can ricochet. Freeman extended his tour because he preferred the operational environment supporting SOG across the 'black line' where rules were fewer, allowing him to use all available ordnance freely. He also describes an intense mission supporting a besieged firebase on the DMZ by locating and coordinating fire support against North Vietnamese mortars, and even details covering hunting parties for SOG teams by flying cover while the new gunner learned to fly in the back seat by tracking game. ### Path to Aviation - Grew up around Air Force environment due to father stationed at Homestead AFB - Joined Army ROTC, then enlisted in 1967 after a friend's death - Qualified for pilot training and attended basic training at Fort Polk, followed by specialized training at Fort Wolters and Rucker. ### Helicopter Training and Transition - Initial training involved half-day ground school and half-day flying at Walters and Rucker, taking about four months total - Volunteered for the two-week gun program learning on B models, but transitioned to Charlie models upon arrival in-country by mid-April 1969. ### Tactics Supporting Ground Troops (101st/SOG) - Primary role was close air support when troops were in contact (TIC) - Preferred phosphorous flares over smoke for marking locations because "smoke will drift" - Utilized flechettes for precision neutralization, such as eliminating a sniper, and cautioned against rocket ricochet angles. ### Cobra Operations vs. Charlie Models - The Cobra was faster and slicker; unlike the wide Charlie model, overflying a target was less exposed due to speed (140-170 knots) - Tactics changed from turning to avoid overflying to maintaining speed and low altitude to minimize exposure. ### Support for SOG Missions - Freeman sought out SOG support because it offered operational freedom across the 'black line' where he was 'not accountable to anybody' - He would cover slicks bringing meat (deer/pigs) to quarantined teams at MLT2, allowing new gunners to gain flight experience. ### Extreme Missions and Rules of Engagement - Recounted a mission in early 1971 where he initiated immediate heavy fire ('Prairie Fire') because a deployed team went silent too long, indicating they were engaged - Described coordinating with ground teams to eradicate North Vietnamese mortars besieging Firebase Fuller on the DMZ.