"BOBO"

 

 

 

 

On 10 January 2003, C Company, 7th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, returned to Afghanistan for its second rotation. Like so many before them, these Chinook helicopter operators, affectionately and collectively known as "Hookers", set off to wage the "War on Terrorism".    There was only one small hurdle.    Owing much to the consternation of the Air Force, the famous callsign "OUTLAW" could no longer be employed by the unit. The Air Force stated that the term "OUTLAW" was a derivative of bad guy words like BANDIT, BOGIE, etc. As such, using "OUTLAW" could cause confusion as to whom the good guys were. (Despite the blatantly obvious fact that the unit was in theater just last year and utilized the Outlaw callsign much to it's credit and glory - Doh!)    The seemingly unprovoked and thoughtless action by the Air Force upset most, if not all, of the hookers assigned to C Company. In a dark, dank corner of the Kandahar bomb shelter the huddled masses assembled to pontificate. In an ensuing heated, steamy deliberation an aroused aviator presented the concept that "the Air Force can just honk on BOBO".    Briefly, time stood still. No one knowing quite what to do.    After all, what the hell is a BOBO?    Not surprisingly, a fortuitous Soldier stirred with the inspiration provided by O'Doulls eventually propositioned the idea of submitting "BOBO" as the alternative callsign of the decade.    There were no objections.    To the shock and awe of all, the Air Force graciously tendered it's nob of approval and, in short order, C Company was making history.    BOBOs began to pop up everywhere.    The BOBOs studiously continued flight operations for another seven months - delivering troops, ammunition, food, and medicine to the war ravaged countryside. Enemy Prisoners of War (EPWs) enjoyed honking with the BOBOs more than anyone. A free ride in a Hook sure beats dragging your butt a hundred miles through the hot Afghan sand. The BOBOs ultimately enjoyed a mission success rate of 100 percent with a zero loss of personnel - they may have even gained a few along the way.    In addition to having obtained a particularly eunique callsign, the BOBOs were attached to a Cavalry unit from the 82nd Airborne Division from Fort Bragg, North Carolina. As part of the 1/17 CAV, C Company personnel were awarded their very own set of combat Spurs and Stetson (S&S) hats. This paraphernalia is a trademark of CAV units worldwide and dates back to the mid-to-late 19th century when the U.S. Army rode horses into battle. As BOBOs, it was truly an honor to wear the gear and climb up into your horse. For a short time, the BOBOs were the only Chinook CAV unit on active duty in recent Army Aviation history.    Under intense pressure, BOBOs earned a great reputation as professional hookers, setting up a rigid standard for others to follow. To this day, not a single person assigned to the unit has expressed any regrets about being a BOBO. Fact is, most folks out there are real proud of their BOBOs.  Hardcore BOBOs refused to leave the theater, believing so much more could be accomplished.  Those who came in contact with a BOBO wanted to become one themselves.    'Course, upon return to Fort Campbell, the unit reverted to the former unit callsign and mission - giving them a sense of humble respectability once again.

 

 

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