Free Republic

Call it a case of defense-press diplomacy: An Iranian colonel this week spoke publicly about a "special weapon" that was tailor-made to destroy U.S. Apache attack helicopters. The government-run Iranian news agency also released images of the shoulder-fired surface-to-air missile. In the photo, the launcher is to the left, in green, and the grey missile is also to the left, with a white cap covering the seeker at the tip. The straight black piece sticking out is a simple aiming device, similar to those found on other shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles. "The enemy should not assume that if it attacks Iran,...

"Clear to engage." "Roger that. Firing. And firing. And firing. And firing. And firing one more. Alright, sensing."

Nice audio by Apache pilot.

A security researcher has discovered a cluster of infected Linux servers that have been corralled into a special ops botnet of sorts and used to distribute malware to unwitting people browsing the web. Each of the infected machines examined so far is a dedicated or virtual dedicated server running a legitimate website, Denis Sinegubko, an independent researcher based in Magnitogorsk, Russia, told The Register. But in addition to running an Apache webserver to dish up benign content, they've also been hacked to run a second webserver known as nginx, which serves malware. "What we see here is a long awaited...

Apache's 30mm turns four jihadis into a fine red Allah-mist. Note: Sound on for added effect.

Super-high quality vid of Apache vaporizing 5 jihadis. Fun starts around the 1:20 mark. Note: Flying-jihadi on the first strike, watch the guy on the left (1:27 mark).

WASHINGTON - The Obama administration has blocked Israel's request for advanced U.S.-origin attack helicopters. Government sources said the administration has held up Israel's request for the AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter. The sources said the request was undergoing an interagency review to determine whether additional Longbow helicopters would threaten Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip.

This would make an NFL punter blush in shame.

The Apache pocket pistol has an almost mythical reputation amongst those of us who are interested in antique firearms. This is almost certainly due to the fact that the weapon looks really cool. (Click on the pics for a slightly larger image.) (Much more on site)

War porn: Over 7 minutes of Apaches at work in Iraq.

First the van, then back for the storage area - bad guys all around.

"I'm gonna put a hurting these m----------."

The heirs of an Apache chieftain whose remains are rumored to be held inside Yale's oldest secret society filed a lawsuit today demanding the return of their ancestor's skull. Twenty descendants of the legendary Apache chieftain Geronimo are suing the federal government, the University and the society Skull & Bones in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to seek the return of his remains as well as punitive damages. One hundred years ago today, Geronimo died of pneumonia at Fort Sill, Okla., but the suit alleges members of the society exhumed his remains in 1918 or 1919 and...

"I want you to pull that trigger until they don't get up." "Yes, sir."

Video: Apache Engage Insurgents Hiding In A Building With A Hellfire Missiles And 30mm In Iraq. Took strafing and three Hellfires, but the job got done. Nice audio.

Apache to Al Qaeda: "Happy 9-11, bitches!" (Graphic violence alert)

BAGHDAD, Aug. 29, 2008 – The view from the sky indicates the tide in Iraq may be turning. An AH-64D Apache takes off from Camp Taji, Iraq. Pilots with 4th Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, have enjoyed a less intense and less kinetic mission since arriving at Baghdad International Airport. Courtesy photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Soldiers of 4th Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, made the move from Camp Taji to Camp Stryker at the Baghdad International Airport about a month ago. Army Maj. Parker Frawley, the unit’s operations officer, said the squadron already is seeing the...

If YouTube proved the natural home of anyone who happened to find himself in simultaneous possession of a camera phone, some Mentos, and a can of Diet Coke, then the not-yet-two-year-old LiveLeak.com is digging a foxhole for itself. It's become a meeting place for those who blow stuff up and those who like to watch it explode. Troops in the field in Iraq and Afghanistan are the most valued content providers on LiveLeak. The site's unsqueamish emphasis on raw video - it does have some rules, not that you would notice - makes it a destination spot for short...

An AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter gunship from the 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, prepares for a night mission, May 31, 2008. The 1-1 ARB Gunfighter air and ground crews work around the clock sustaining air operations and are part of the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, from Fort Riley, Kan., flying in support of Task Force Iron, 1st Armored Division, in northern Iraq. Photo by Maj. Enrique Vasquez, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. TIKRIT — Since the days of early aviation, Army pilots have played a key role in the outcome of ground battles and air...

FORT HOOD, Texas, Feb. 1, 2008 – A 1st Cavalry Division AH-64D Longbow Apache pilot got word that two of his friends, fellow pilots, were shot down during a fierce battle in Najaf, a city in Iraqi army control south of Baghdad, Jan. 28, 2007. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Zachary Johnson (right), a pilot with 4th Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, gets pinned with the Distinguished Flying Cross by Army Maj. Gen. Joseph F. Fil Jr., 1st Cavalry Division's commander, at the Fort Hood Catering and Conference Center on Jan. 28, 2008. Johnson, a Nampa, Idaho,...