[PeteB570]

Forgive me if I just offer my personal opinion.

There is just something about the Osprey that just ain't natural.

I got a bad feeling in my bones about it.

[Recon Dad]

I would prefer Bell load their employees up on the plane for a few hundred hours under all the conditions the Marines are expected to operate under before handing them to the Marines.
I've seen them in the air over Lejeune and was told a while ago they have not been cleared to carry anyone in the upright configuration.

[Always A Marine]

There is just something about the Osprey that just ain't natural.

No statement more accurately describes a helicopter! Or GPS-based navigation and fire control. Or grown men using model airplanes in battle. Or bar codes that track and inventory vehicles, supplies, weapons and even Marines. But these are better tools used to wins battles -- decisively.

Early in the last century, many thought that aviation was just a dangerous novelty, and not worth the number of men lost in its development. The debate continued at each major step until the Space Age -- which was made possible by a lot of bravery and sacrifice. Military life is inherently dangerous, which is why even we infantry officers hold test pilots in such high regard.

I am thankful that our young Marines have -- and will continue to have -- the best weapons and equipment that we can give them. Semper Fidelis...