Destruction of the Libyan Military

[patentesq]

I have a few questions for my pilot friends (or anyone else who cares to comment).

1. How many sorties do you estimate that it would it take to neutralize 2000 T-54/55s (rough size of Libyan Army)?

2. Why don't we use call-in the A-10s or Hercules gunships to take care of business on the ground?

3. Are we dragging our feet in Libya re: ground forces? Or would it take a full week to neutralize the Libyan ground forces?

The reason I'm asking is because it seems that the only way for a peaceful revolution to gain any legs in Libya is to totally remove Gaddafi's thug military.

 

[AF6872]

According to the specs the A-10 on "Anti Armour" range is 250 NMI with 30 minutes over target before BINGO. Don't know where the closest airfield is (I think Sicily) but I don't think it is within range. Those big bad C-130's could do it. Apaches (260 NMI) off the Kiersage if that is feasible with a jump and refuel from their land base? Logistics! Logistics!

 

[raimius]

Depends on the threat, the distance to friendly fields, supporting logistics, and targeting information.

Realize that the situation isn't exactly a full-out war. We've managed to apply a strange (but not unusual) set of restrictions on our own actions. I won't comment on the wisdom of said strategy, as I haven't been able to keep up with the news and don't have access to the classified side of things.

 

[patentesq]

I think it was a huge mistake not to move more swiftly in Libya and remove each and every tank and armored personnel carrier when we had the chance. I don't know whether we could have done that in 5 days with air power alone (still don't have a feel for how many sorties that would take).

The window of opportunity to remove the military as a factor in this chance at reformation appears to be rapidly closing now. If this conflict stalls, it will likely doom Libya to an extended period of lawlessness. Over the long run, this will be more problematic for us.