Realistic Presidential Security Protocols vs. Hollywood Fiction: A Comparison of ‘London Has Fallen’ and Reality

Introduction

In the 2016 action-thriller film London Has Fallen, there is a notable scene where the two helicopters evacuating the president run out of flares and one crew member tells the others, "Marine 2, prepare for sacrifice". Is this an actual protocol used in any presidential security measures?

Reality of Presidential Security Protocols

In real-life presidential security, the United States Secret Service and various military personnel have extensive protocols for protecting the president. These protocols include detailed evacuation procedures and countermeasures against threats, with a primary focus on minimizing risk and maximizing safety for all involved.

During an emergency, the U.S. Air Force primarily handles the evacuation of the president and his staff, rather than the Marine Corps. The call sign for the helicopter in question is "Crown Helo"; the rest of the details are classified for security reasons.

Comparing Fiction and Reality

The portrayal in the film is a narrative device to heighten tension rather than an accurate reflection of actual military or security protocols. In real life, if helicopters encountered a dangerous situation, they would typically employ various evasive tactics such as changing altitude, speed, or flight paths. Sacrificial strategies are not commonly part of security protocols.

Here are a few key points why the "sacrifice" scenario in the film is unlikely to be a real protocol:

1. Missile Effectiveness and Casualties

Missiles usually do not completely destroy aircraft in mid-air. If a missile hit a "sacrifice" helicopter, the aircraft would likely crash mostly intact over a crowded urban area, potentially causing dozens or hundreds of civilian deaths. The justification for such a high-risk strategy to protect a leader of a democratic country would be impractical.

2. Lack of Evasive Maneuverability

Helicopters in flight have minimal protection from surface-to-air missiles. Even if such a protocol existed, the time frame for maneuvering would be too short to effectively block an incoming surface-to-air missile (SAM). Given these constraints, the likelihood of issuing such an order is extremely low.

3. Better Alternative Evacuation Strategies

In most scenarios, simply landing the helicopter quickly and taking off again would be a more effective protective approach. The odds of coordinated missile or ground fire attacks being successful against a moving helicopter are exceedingly low. By landing and immediately re-taking off, the helicopter becomes a moving target with the president temporarily unburdened by the vehicle. Other protective measures, like securing the ground, could be implemented.

Conclusion

While London Has Fallen makes for an exciting and thrilling film, the depiction of a "sacrifice" helicopter is more reflective of cinematic narrative rather than actual security protocols. Real-world scenarios prioritize pragmatic and safe solutions to ensure the protection of the president and civilians alike.