This is a very knowledgeable panel that worked together very well to contribute from their individual perspectives and expertise. Paul skillfully facilitated the panel discussion such that the collective discussion was really valuable.
Great job. A number of people said in the sidebar "I'll have to watch this again" and yeah me too. Great guests who really knew their stuff. With Market Garden, every day's a school day.
I know how to select them I think. There are lots of comments on my Arnhem shows from people who claim and may indeed have detailed knowledge of Operation Market Garden, but these 3 guests without question have the specialist expertise required
Hello Paul, another superb presentation with a panel of exceptionally talented participants. Question, I wonder if "impressing the Russians" was another motivation behind the Airborne Army? I suspect by 44, the post war environment was behind a few decisions.
I wonder if we could do a similar panel discussion regarding the evolution of Army Group South with Pritt Buttar, David Stahel, Robert M Citino and Philip Blood.
I always had the opinion that paratrooper forces (not simply "airborne" which included gliders back then which are now helicopters today) should have been under the Air Force (Army Air Corps/Army Air Forces back then), but tactically controlled by the Army while on the ground. We aren't landing in AF aircraft, but actually exiting them while in flight using a parachute (which is considered an "aircraft" due to it's capabilities in the air) to get us to the ground safely and quickly. Yes, we do act as conventional infantry forces, but the purpose of paratroopers is to come into an area from the air and nearly 90% of it is done through the Air Force as a joint partner. They run the show from the tarmac until over the drop zone, so it only made sense to put paratroopers under the Air Force with a unique joint relationship with the Army. They got it wrong during WW2 when they decided to put paratroopers under the Chief of the Infantry. The Air Force was more than simply being transportation because the operation of parachute assaults effectively runs through them since they are the very instrument that made paratroopers work. Of course the Army would train us as ground combat forces, but paratroopers are a unique force that can fill a dual role as a conventional force and shock troops from a strategic standpoint. Just my .02 cents on the subject. Great video.
Another fascinating discussion. Paul, Jeff, James and Mile were brilliant on the panel - so much collective knowledge. Highly informative and entertaining.
