'The Nightstalkers' Are The Most Badass Helicopter Pilots In The World

Special Operations CommandWhen the Navy SEALs or Army Special Forces need a ride, they call the unit with the most elite helicopter pilots in the world — the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.

"The Nightstalkers" as they are called, are the only special operations aviation unit in the Army, deploying almost continuously since 9/11 to provide drop-off for U.S. military elite at their targets. They also provide close air support, actually shooting at the enemy, while they are on the ground.

An elite air unit for special operations missions didn't always exist. After serious issues surfaced during a disastrous 1980 mission to free the hostages in Iran, the 160th was formed in 1981.

Pilots volunteer for the chance to fly with the regiment, but very few are selected. The standards are high, prefering aviators with at least 500 flight hours or at the top of their class at flight school.

"We are a force ready to move at a moment’s notice anytime, anywhere, arriving on target plus or minus 30 seconds," Col. Clayton Hutmacher told Special Operations Technology.

The Nightstalkers are also one of many combat units that has opened up to women.