In addition, entry into an air engagement detracts from Army aviation's overall mission as a maneuver force. Air combat engagements will be short; victory will go to the side that can concentrate effective fires first. Aviation commanders tasked with multiple combat missions involving a significant air threat must be prepared to apportion a part of their force to conduct air combat operations. The weapon of choice will almost always be an air-to-air missile; however, if the mission profile does not include them, 30mm and 20mm, rockets, TOW, and Hellfire missiles can all be used in an air-to-air role.
Effective liaison between Army aviation units and supported elements is imperative. When under the OPCON of ground maneuver elements, aviation commanders should ensure that they are represented by well-trained, tactically proficient, LNOs especially during the planning process. The role of the commander in this function cannot be overstated. Aviation commanders are the key linkage in establishing and perpetuating effective liaison; they should maintain a personal interface with the supported unit commander throughout operations. The aviation LNO must be familiar with the capabilities of all Army aircraft available to the supported unit.
These officers must continuously conceptualize how aviation can influence combat action and help other combat arms to achieve greater combat effectiveness. Aviation's ability to rapidly deploy and operate effectively in austere environments makes it an invaluable asset in SASO. Aviation units selected for SASO missions should carefully analyze the possibility of the mission deteriorating to conflict. As in the example of Somalia, a single aviation task force may well combine--under the operational control of one headquarters--the missions of the cavalry, attack, assault, CS, CSS, and humanitarian assistance.
The aviation brigade commander, before deploying his force, must ensure that the deploying force is manned with a staff whose experience will cover the range of anticipated missions. The foregoing is not an inclusive list. The aviation commander, using all available information at hand, will have to anticipate requirements and organize his forces. Such employment of Army forces may minimize the need for combat operations by defusing crises and nurturing peaceful resolution of issues.
SASO are intrinsic to a combatant commander's peacetime theater strategy; an ambassador's country plan; or civil assistance, at home. The employment of aviation forces can be integrated by the combatant commander into the activities that support theater and country-specific plans to achieve regional and national objectives. Compel, reassure, and deter will be the foundation for SASO plans. Several of the activities employing aviation forces will be conducted in the presence of hostile threat forces; they may result in combat, either by design or by the reaction of those threat forces.
The main modification to the aviation principles and tenets is the need for restraint in SASO. The actions of soldiers and aviation units are framed by the disciplined application of force in accordance with the specific rules of engagement. The use of excessive force could impede the attainment of both short-and long-term goals; therefore, restraints will often be placed on the weaponry, tactics, and levels of violence allowed in this environment.
Also, because of the decentralized nature of operations often found in this environment, sergeants, warrant officers, and company grade officers are often placed in decision-making situations that could very well have strategic implications. Commanders should attempt to anticipate these situations and ensure the rules of engagement appropriately address them. The presence of US forces in nations around the world may provoke a wide range of responses by factions, groups, or forces of unfriendly nations.
Regardless of the mission, the commander must protect his force at all times. He should never be lulled into believing that the nonhostile intent of his mission does not put his force at risk. Inherent in this responsibility is the need to be capable of rapid transition from a peaceful to a combat posture, should the need arise. These categories are discussed below. Security and Limited Conflict. The seven types of operations that have some potential to result in armed conflict are discussed below. A show of force is a mission carried out to demonstrate US resolve in which US forces deploy to defuse a volatile situation that may be detrimental to US interests or national objectives.
These operations can influence other governments or politico-military organizations to respect US interests and international law. They can take the form of combined training exercises; rehearsals; forward deployment of military forces; or introduction, and buildup, of military forces in a region. The mobility, flexibility, agility, and firepower of aviation forces make them ideal for employment in such operations. Emphasis in show of force operations for aviation will be on readiness to conduct combat and CS missions. NEO relocate threatened civilian noncombatants from locations in a foreign country or host nation.
These operations may involve US citizens whose lives are in danger; they may include selected host nation citizens or third country nationals. NEO may be conducted in the environments of conflict or war in a peaceful, orderly fashion or may require forcible means. Aviation forces are employed in the rapid air movement of noncombatants from endangered areas not safely served by fixed-wing aircraft.
Scout and attack aircraft provide security for the air movement; they are prepared to engage hostile elements that may attempt to interfere with NEO. Aviation support can occur in any or all phases of a combined and synchronized effort to attack the flow of illegal drugs at the source, in transit, and during distribution. Army participation in counterdrug operations will normally be in support of law enforcement agencies.
FM Army Aviation Operations | Field Manual Wiki | FANDOM powered by Wikia
SEMA units play an active role in counterdrug operations. Support to interdiction efforts centers on monitoring and detecting illegal drugs in transit as well as integrating C 3 I systems. In interdicting drug production at the source, aviation units may be used to assist in locating production facilities; inserting reconnaissance, and special operations, teams; and supporting troop lift of indigenous forces engaged in counterdrug operations. Air cavalry scouts can be employed in the reconnaissance of suspected drug production areas, particularly at night, using forward-looking infrareds FLIRs and night observation devices.
Equipment loans and transfers and other assistance may be requested and provided. This support may expand as national policy and legal restrictions evolve. Initially, aviation may assist host nation commanders with C 2 aircraft. Air assault units will be essential for tactical troop movements; scout or attack units may be required for reconnaissance and security.
Aeromedical evacuation from remote or inaccessible locations may be required. In such a situation, it is possible that selected aviation battalions would be deployed and organized into provisional units, rather than deploying full aviation brigades. These deployments make it imperative that a modular concept of aviation logistics is in place to support nonstandard aviation organizations.
Because support for insurgences is often covert, SOF are frequently involved.
Join Kobo & start eReading today
Their extensive unconventional warfare training and experience makes SOF aviation units well suited to provide this support. General purpose aviation forces may be employed when the situation requires their specialties or when the scope of operations is so vast that overt conventional forces are required.
The two major subcomponents to combatting terrorism are antiterrorism and counterterrorism. During peacetime, the Army combats terrorism primarily through antiterrorism--passive defensive measures taken to minimize vulnerability to terrorism. Antiterrorism is a form of force protection and is, therefore, the responsibility of aviation unit commanders at all levels. Counterterrorism is the full range of offensive measures taken to prevent, deter, and respond to terrorism. Army elements, such as SOF aviation units, assist in this interagency effort by applying specialized capabilities to preclude, preempt, and resolve terrorist incidents abroad.
SOF aviation may conduct counterterrorism operations by inserting and extracting special operations teams and providing firepower to support their operations. These factions may not be consenting to intervention and may be engaged in combat activities. Peace enforcement implies the use of force or its threat to coerce hostile factions to cease and desist from violent actions.
Units conducting peace enforcement must be prepared at all times to apply combat power to restore order, separate warring factions, and return the situation to one more conducive to civil order and discipline. Air cavalry units or attack units may be employed to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance over wide areas and provide visual route reconnaissance.
Chinook helicopter units may have an important role in moving military and civil peace enforcement personnel, or in delivering required supplies when warring factions interdict surface transportation or routes become impassable. Forces should expect ambiguous situations to be normal and must adhere to authorized rules of engagement.
This is a difficult mission that requires restraint, patience, and a heightened awareness of force protection measures. Aviation is well suited to these combat operations because attacks and raids are normally conducted to achieve specific objectives other than gaining or holding terrain. Attacks by conventional air, ground, and aviation forces--acting independently or in conjunction with SOF--are used to damage or destroy high-value targets or to demonstrate US capability and resolve to achieve a favorable result.
Raids include a rapid, preplanned withdrawal after completion of the mission. Aviation forces conduct such attacks and raids using either attack helicopter or assault aviation assisted by air cavalry reconnaissance and security elements. Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Assistance. They stabilize conflict between belligerent nations or factions; therefore, they require the consent of all parties involved in the dispute. Peacekeeping often involves ambiguous situations requiring the peacekeeping force to deal with extreme tension and violence without becoming a participant.
As with peacemaking operations, aviation units and soldiers engaged in peacekeeping must apply restraint; have patience; and maintain a heightened security awareness, in executing these missions. They collect information on the situation by all means available. Scout aircraft and SEMA platforms are indispensable components of a joint peacekeeping force. C 2 and liaison aircraft will enable the leaders of the force to move to critical points rapidly and remain abreast of the situation as it develops.
Disaster relief operations include refugee assistance; food programs; medical treatment and care; restoration of law and order; damage and capabilities assessment; and damage control. Aviation's ability to deploy rapidly--and its capability to operate effectively in austere environments--make it ideally suited for these missions.
The goals of nation assistance will be specified in the ambassador's country plan and the CINC's theater strategy. The goals of nation assistance normally are accomplished through education and the transfer of essential skills to the host nation. The sale of aviation end items may require training in the operation and maintenance of those items. Army aviation units support disaster relief; provide humanitarian assistance and ATS; and conduct similar operations, when directed. The ability of aviation units to rapidly deliver relief supplies and services to devastated or inaccessible areas rapidly is a critical advantage in the execution of such operations.
- A Fall From Grace.
- O Cortiço (Great Brazilian Literature Livro 12) (Portuguese Edition)?
- ;
- Longhorn Country.
- HISTORY OF ARMY AVIATION.
- ;
- What is Kobo Super Points?.
The Constitution and federal law, however, place restrictions on the use of military force in this manner. The Army National Guard has similar, but less stringent, restrictions. In its capacity as a state militia, the National Guard may employ aviation units to assist state law enforcement officials largely at the discretion of the state government.
Weather information is critical to aviation planning. Aviation commanders and staffs must have current weather forecasts and observations throughout the entire area of operations AO. Commanders must evaluate forecasted weather conditions for potential effects on plans, operations, and aviation assets. By exploiting adverse weather conditions, commanders and planners can take advantage of threat vulnerabilities and favorably influence their own courses of action. Adverse weather can influence all Army aviation operations.
Severe weather conditions may completely prohibit or drastically reduce aerial maneuver. However, some weather conditions benefit aviation operations. For example, fallen snow, extreme cold weather, or muddy terrain can limit or prohibit the movement of ground forces, while having little effect on aviation operations. Low cloud cover and ceilings may enhance aviation operations by yielding low-level cover and concealment. At the same time, these conditions restrict high-performance aircraft operations. Low-lying fog offers limited concealment from direct-view observation and weapons engagement.
Aviation conducts operations in all geographical environments. To effectively employ aviation forces, commanders must understand the unique characteristics of each environment and its effects on aviation operations as are described below. Aviation forces are ideally suited for sustaining combat operations in mountainous terrain. In fact, the helicopter made its first real combat contributions in the mountainous terrain of Korea. Helicopters can overcome the difficulties associated with the movement and support of ground forces in mountains. Mountains provide excellent terrain-masking and radar and visual acquisition avoidance.
Air movement is the principal mode for rapidly displacing forces, equipment, and supplies in mountainous areas where ground transportation is hindered from natural or man-made obstacles. The following factors affect operations in mountainous terrain:. Army aviation significantly enhances combat operations in jungle areas. Rugged terrain, dense vegetation, and lack of roads make Army aviation's combat, combat support CS , and combat service support CSS critical in conducting jungle operations. Aviation effectively provides aerial fires, reconnaissance and security, air assaults, command and control C 2 , resupply, and aeromedical evacuation.
Desert terrain often allows aircraft to engage targets at the maximum range of their weapons systems. However, aircraft are vulnerable to enemy long-range observation and detection because of inadequate cover and concealment. Commanders must understand and appreciate how the polar environment affects aviation operations.
In the arctic, operations maybe slowed by adverse weather or other environmental factors. Urban operations present unique and complex challenges to aviation units. Urban operations can occur in any of the geographical environments. The following factors affect aviation operations in the urban environment:. A major consideration for the force commander is the use of nuclear, biological, and chemical NBC weapons against friendly forces. These weapons through use, or threat of use, can cause large-scale shifts in tactical objectives, phases, and courses of action.
Aviation units can operate in the NBC environment. However, individual and unit performance is degraded when operations are conducted in mission-oriented protective posture MOPP 4. The degradation caused by aviation units operating in MOPP can be significantly improved by conducting the actual operation in field training exercises while in MOPP gear.
All aviation unit operations must be routinely practiced while in MOPP gear for this degradation to be overcome. It is particularly important for the pilot to be able to perform his or her combat mission while in MOPP gear. The avoidance of contamination is essential for successful operations when faced with an NBC threat.
Avoiding contamination allows aviation units to maintain the tactical momentum and preserves combat power by keeping soldiers out of increased NBC protective measures. Force protection is an imperative in this environment. Commanders can ensure unit survivability by Because of the unique requirements and challenges of nontactical NBC hazards by aviation elements during the support of military SASO, the ability to avoid contamination can and will be extremely limited. The force commander and the aviation elements must ensure that The worldwide proliferation of electronic warfare EW systems--systems that can automatically locate emitters through DF direction finding radio , intercept, and jam our electronic signals--makes this an important environment for commanders to be aware of and plan for.
Electronic attack is especially significant to the growing number of aircraft that rely on electronic signals for flight control. Sustainment of aviation operations is a command responsibility critical to the survival of the force and the conduct of combat operations. Sustainment is the responsibility not only of the aviation commander, but of commanders throughout the chain of command.
Aviation commanders sustain their forces through four fimdamental elements: Force protection, logistical support, maintenance support, and personnel support. This chapter discusses these elements as well as risk management a subset of force protection. The most critical element in the sustainment of aviation operations is force protection. It must be clearly understood by all commanders that aviation forces should be augmented with security forces to assist in protection of assembly areas and forward arming and refueling points FARPs.
Although the immediate consideration in force protection will be the security of the forces, it must also be understood that force protection applies to safety, maintenance, and the environment. Aviation forces must be positioned at sites where they can be given adequate security support from ground commanders. This can be accomplished in several ways as follows:. The same considerations for risk analysis and accident prevention that would be applied at home station during peacetime operations also are critical to the protection of the force in combat operations.
Maintenance procedures, crew rest, safety at all levels, increased operational tempo OPTEMPO , increased demands on supply parts, increased maintenance workload, and environmental considerations must be constantly evaluated. During combat operations, aviation forces derive their protection from the proper use of tactics, techniques, and procedures.
Proper use of these elements will allow the aircraft to arrive safely on station to engage the enemy. Another critical element of force protection is risk management. Risk management identifies actions that could help commanders eliminate, reduce, or minimize risk while maximizing force protection. The risk management process identifies hazards that present the highest risk to the mission or operation. The process begins with mission analysis. When wargaming a course of action, planners identify hazards, assess the level of risk, and develop risk reduction options before they go to the next action.
From this analysis, the staff considers the conditions most likely to cause mission failure and accidents. For more information on command and staff responsibilities and the five-step risk assessment planning process, see Appendix F. The change in the present fighting posture to that of a United States-based force projection Army places greater demands on the aviation logistician.
Extended supply lines, the requirement for continuous sustainment, and the need for intensive maintenance of ever-complicated systems demand a redundant and mobile logistical structure manned by expert soldiers trained in their particular skills. The aviation commander must plan and monitor the logistical support to his force from predeployment through mission accomplishment and redeployment to home station.
The aviation force commander can ensure the combat potential of his force only through effective use of the logistics principles.
FM 1-100 Army Aviation Operations
Detailed logistics planning and coordination are essential to adequately support aviation operations. The basic rule is that the greater the operational demands--the greater the flying hours per airframe, amount of maintenance required, and amount of logistical support required.
The aviation commander must consider The preceding items are not all encompassing; they highlight only the complexity of aviation logistics when deploying to hostile and austere environments. The aviation force commander must ensure that aviation maintenance support units repair and return aircraft to a serviceable condition as rapidly as possible.
These tasks require aviation maintenance organizations to conduct hour, continuous maintenance operations. Aviation force commanders and aviation maintenance commanders must work closely to plan and coordinate aviation equipment repair for return to service as far forward as possible. Aviation support requirements are a function of the total time necessary to recover and perform essential repairs.
Depending on the level of repairs required, aviation unit maintenance AWM or aviation intermediate maintenance AVIM support teams may be sent forward to repair battle-damaged aircraft. They will attempt to make those minimum repairs necessary for the aircraft to continue its mission or to enable it to be flown to a secure location where additional maintenance can be performed. Downed or inoperable aircraft may need to be recovered by ground or air assets for repair operations. In either case, aviation maintenance and aircraft repairs are conducted as far forward as possible; self-recovery is preferred with aerial and ground recovery methods used as a last resort.
As with other areas of logistics, the commander must remember that the increased OPTEMPO will increase the demand on his maintenance assets. Maintenance crews will be required to work harder and longer, and may, as in the case of Somalia, find themselves in a situation where the length and OPTEMPO of the mission have exceeded the ability of the maintenance units to return aircraft to a flyable status in a timely manner.
Under these conditions, time is the unchanging variable and only a decrease in OPTEMPO or an increase in maintenance personnel can solve the problem. If the aviation unit is deploying either to multiple operational areas or to a location a great distance from its higher level of maintenance support, then careful consideration must be given to the modularity and redundancy of specialized tools and test kits required to conduct aviation maintenance.
Personnel support is received from various division, corps, and theater-level units and elements. The aviation commander must ensure that-- 1 Combat critical personnel functions are conducted. These functions include replacement operations; strength management; personnel accounting and strength reporting; casualty management; personnel data base management; and postal operations. These include promotions; evaluations; leaves and passes; identification documents; classifications; personnel assignments; and awards.
This includes finance services to support local procurement and provide pay services; legal services; and chaplain activities. The aviation brigade commander must ensure that the resupply of critical aviation fuel and ammunition is anticipated, planned, coordinated, and synchronized. The aviation brigade will establish FARP sites. He must guard against enemy activities that may hamper rearming and refueling operations and also move periodically to ensure survivability. Aviation commanders must realize that most of their support is not air-transportable. Therefore, ground wheeled vehicles are needed to support close and rear operations.
These vehicles will transport much of aviation's fuel, ammunition, and maintenance support. Aviation units are high-priority targets for threat forces, whose targeting and engagement systems have become increasingly sophisticated. Aviation commanders must plan for security and protection of their assets so that operations can continue uninterrupted.
Reconstitution is extraordinary action that commanders plan and implement to restore units to a desired level of combat effectiveness commensurate with mission requirements and available resources. Reconstitution is first and foremost an operational decision. Aviation commanders must recognize when their aviation forces are becoming combat ineffective. At that point, they must take specific actions to return forces to combat effectiveness.
The aviation force commander identifies the extent, distribution, and specific types of personnel and equipment losses. He also assesses residual combat capabilities. He then must coordinate with the theater, corps, or division commander and staff concerning needed replacements. Two major elements of reconstitution are reorganization and regeneration. Reorganization is action to shift resources within a degraded unit to increase effectiveness.
Combining two or more attrited units to form a single mission-capable unit is one example. Regeneration is the rebuilding of a unit through large-scale replacement of personnel, equipment, supplies, reestablishment of the chain of command, and training. Based on organizational structure, EAC brigades conduct combat, combat support CS , combat service support CSS according to theater operational requirements.
EAC aviation brigades conduct joint, combined, and combined arms maneuver operations, and support theater special operations forces SOF. These units may also serve as a tactical reserve. An EAC brigade is designed, tailored, and configured for the specific theater in which it operates. The brigade may be organized with any combination of attack, reconnaissance, assault, CH Chinook, fixed-wing, and maintenance units; however, the normal structure would include a headquarters and headquarters company HHC ; one UH Black Hawk-equipped command aviation battalion CAB ; one fixed-wing theater aviation battalion; one CH Chinook-equipped theater helicopter battalion; and one air traffic services ATS battalion.
The corps aviation brigade plans, coordinates, and executes aviation operations in support of the corps scheme of maneuver; it can be expected to operate anywhere in the corps area. Attack helicopter units destroy enemy forces by fire and maneuver. Assault and CH Chinook helicopter units transport combat personnel, supplies, and equipment for corps operations.
Helicopters are provided to corps units requiring heliborne C 2 assets. ATS are provided for Army airspace command and control A 2 C 2 integration, airspace information, and terminal and forward area support services. The corps commander can task organize other corps assets under the command of the corps aviation brigade or task organize the corps aviation brigade to support an armored cavalry regiment ACR. In corps without ACRs, the aviation brigade may be tasked to be the covering force headquarters.
Aviation brigades are organic to all US Army corps. Among the corps, there will be some differences concerning composite unit COMPO designations, but the organizations are basically similar throughout the Army. The corps aviation brigade is composed of one HHC, one aviation group, and one attack regiment. The aviation brigade commander is key to the integration of the corps' aviation resources. Habitual relationships, standard procedures, and regular training will facilitate this integration.
The division aviation brigade must be prepared to support these assets throughout the duration of any given operation. Aviation brigades are organic to all Army divisions. The designs of the aviation brigades have been tailored to meet the specific needs of the parent division, whether it be heavy, light, airborne, or air assault. The primary mission of the heavy division aviation brigade Figure A-3 is to engage and destroy threat armored and mechanized forces.
In either case, the ACTs will be aircraft pure. The attack battalions are AHs or AH-1 pure. The ASB has no organic aircraft. The aviation brigade commander is the primary integrator of aviation assets within the division. The aviation brigade will allocate resources based on mission, enemy, terrain, troops, and time available METT-T ; the scheme of maneuver; availability of assets; and the priorities set by the brigade commander.
In addition, the brigade commander will ensure that programs are established that reinforce collective training proficiency between the GSAB and the units they are required to support. The primary mission of the light division aviation brigade Figure A-4 is to conduct combat operations against light threat forces. The AVIM company has no organic aircraft. The aviation brigade commander is the primary integrator of aviation within the division. The assault battalion supports the aviation brigade as well as the division with utility aircraft.
The brigade commander will ensure that programs are established to reinforce collective training proficiency between the AHB and the units they are required to support. The primary mission of the airborne division aviation brigade figure A-5 is to rapidly deploy anywhere in the world and conduct combat operations. These combat operations will usually include link-up with follow-on forces at a later time. The assault battalion supports the division as well as the aviation brigade. Having no utility aircraft in the attack battalion requires brigade to support the moving of Class I, III, and V and resources.
In addition, the brigade commander will ensure that programs are established that reinforce collective training proficiency between the AHB and the units they are required to support. The primary mission of the air assault division aviation brigade Figure A-6 is to deploy worldwide on short notice; plan, coordinate, and execute aviation operations as an integrated element of an air assault combined arms team; and find, fix, and destroy enemy forces in joint, combined, or unilateral operations. The limited assets of the support aviation company in the CAB will require the assault companies to perform utility missions as well.
The AVIM battalion has no organic aircraft. The CAB supports the division as well as the aviation brigade. The brigade staff will routinely plan for utility support from the CAB and the assault battalions to the attack battalions, cavalry squadron and CH Chinook battalion.
In addition, the brigade commander will ensure that programs are established to reinforce collective training proficiency between the CAB and assault battalion and the units they are required to support. Armored cavalry regiment heavy. The ACR is a self-contained combined arms organization composed of armored cavalry squadrons ACSs ; an aviation squadron; a support squadron; and separate combat support companies and batteries. The ACR is a separate unit that supports the corps or a joint task force.
- ;
- APPENDIX G?
- ;
- Liebesgeschichten: Ausgewählte Erzählungen (German Edition).
It is often reinforced by corps combat support units and divisional maneuver battalions. The ACR operates independently over a wide area and at extended distances from other units. The ACR is a highly mobile armored force capable of fighting the fully mechanized threat in the environmental states of war or conflict. The ACR may be rapidly deployed to a theater of operations by sealift. When supporting a light corps, limitations may exist in corps support capabilities, strategic mobility, and terrain restrictions. The squadron adds a very responsive, terrain-independent movement capability to the regiment.
Maneuverability and flexibility of the RAS enhance the combat flexibility of the regiment. Armored cavalry regiment light. The ACR L is a self-contained combined arms organization capable of being packaged and rapidly deployed by air or sealift as part of a force projection Army responding rapidly to contingencies, worldwide. Its role may be traditional, initial entry, or follow-on. The traditional role would support a US corps or TF through a reconnaissance, security, and economy-of-force capability. As an initial entry force, the ACR L would support Army or joint task force operations with a credible force as a demonstration of US resolve.
In the follow-on role, the ACR L will follow an opposed entry force division-ready, brigade-type to expand the point of entry; to provide reconnaissance and security, and to serve as the initial combat-capable maneuver force. The RAS provides the regiment with combat aviation assets. The maneuverability, firepower, and flexibility of the RAS enhance the combat flexibility of the regiment. Heavy division cavalry squadron.
The heavy division cavalry squadron Figure A-8 is a highly mobile, armor-protected force organized as part of the armored and mechanized infantry divisions. The squadron operates primarily in the environmental states of war and conflict. It may deploy into a theater by FAST sealift as part of a division, brigade, or joint task force. The squadron can expect to perform reconnaissance and security operations in conditions characterized as fluid and continuous, mobile, wide ranging, and firepower intensive.
Light division cavalry squadron. The light division cavalry squadron Figure A-9 is a high-mobility, lightly armed force organized as part of light infantry divisions. Major General Haywood S. The Battle of Britain: Apollo and America's Moon Landing Program: Saturn V Flight Manual: Second World War Deception: National Guard Forces in the Cyber Domain: Orientation Guide and Croatian Cultural Orientation: Mihiel, Meuse Argonne, Battle at the Front.
Radionuclide and Radioisotope Encyclopedia: Orientation Guide and Cultural Orientation: Six Against the Secretary: Gangs and Crime in America: Guide to Religion and the Military: America's Civil War to Guide to Field Marshall William J. Joint Force Cyberspace Component Command: Essential Guide to Interrogation and Torture: Miracle on the Hudson: Battlefield of the Future: Project Gemini Technology and Operations: Air Force Cyberspace Reports: Intelligence Community Worldwide Threat Assessment: Orientation Guide and Nepal Cultural Orientation: F Systems Engineering Case Study: Marines in the Global War on Terrorism: Marines in Iraq, Nuclear Fusion Energy Encyclopedia: One Hundred Years of Flight: This step had been seriously considered as early as the mids.
The idea was revived periodically. The opposition to an aviation branch was based in part on the perception that the Army Air Corps had gone its own way and abandoned the ground forces as it became increasingly independent. It was reasoned that a new Army aviation branch would likely do the same thing. Some also opposed an aviation branch because it was believed that all combat arms branches required aviation support and could best be assured of this support with the existing system. Yet another major basis for opposition stemmed from the expected loss of large funding sources by other branches if aviation, very expensive by its nature, should become a separate branch.
Finally, some prominent aviators opposed the establishment of aviation as a separate branch because it was feared that aviation, as a new but very costly branch without senior leaders, would not be able to compete with other branches for funding resources. The opposition to an aviation branch gradually subsided.
Reward Yourself
First, during the war in Southeast Asia, Army aviation had adequately demonstrated its essential role in modern warfare. At the same time, it had shown that it could cooperate effectively as a member of the combined arms team and that there was no danger in its leaving the rest of the Army behind and going its own way.
Furthermore, as aviation technology and tactics became more and more complex, it was increasingly difficult for aviation officers to be both aviation soldiers and competitive members of their respective branches of the Army. Once trained as aviators, they needed to fly or command other aviators and not spend half of their time in Field Artillery or Infantry assignments. They needed their own basic and advanced courses in which aviation tactics would be emphasized rather than mentioned in passing. Aviation also needed to become a branch so that there would be effective central control over the development of its doctrine and equipment.
Senior Army leaders encouraged a series of studies during and These studies clearly showed, and convinced most doubters, that Aviation should become a separate branch. The effective date of the establishment of the Aviation Branch by the Secretary of the Army was 13 April Individual aviator training was consolidated at Fort Rucker in Aviation officer courses were implemented at Fort Rucker in As modified in subsequent revisions, this plan called for gradual reduction in the number of Army aircraft as older models were replaced by modern ones.
According to the version of the AAMP, the aircraft inventory of 7, aircraft in would be reduced to 6, in and 5, in Only six aircraft types would be in the rotary-wing fleet in The Aviation Restructure Initiative ARI was undertaken to correct the deficiencies in Army of Excellence design for aviation units while retiring old aircraft and reducing logistics requirements and costs. All forward-deployed forces were scheduled to complete the restructuring process by and all other units by Army aviation units were involved in all major contingency operations during the s and s.
Three Army aviation battalions took part in Operation Urgent Fury.
The Army armed 15 of these aircraft with Hellfire missiles and stationed them on U. Navy ships in the Persian Gulf to protect shipping during the war between Iran and Iraq. AH Apaches self-deployed from the United States and engaged in combat for the first time. The invasion of Panama employed the largest number of special operations aircraft 65 helicopters and 20 fixed-wing planes ever employed by United States forces.
There was general agreement that special operations air support was the best that had ever been provided. Although the Apache exhibited some mechanical problems during Just Cause, it performed well as an advanced attack aircraft. In the early morning of 17 January , an Army aviator fired the first shot of Operation Desert Storm from an Army helicopter. Within a few minutes, two teams of Apaches totally destroyed two Iraqi radar stations, paving way for the air war over Iraq to be conducted with relative impunity.
During the hour ground war, which began about a month later, Army attack helicopters played their most decisive role ever in combat. Most of the Apache's mechanical problems had been corrected. Whatever doubts remained regarding its durability and combat effectiveness were quickly dispelled. Dozens of aviation units and several hundred helicopters of all types took part in the Gulf War. In addition to attack, helicopters were used for air assault, reconnaissance, transportation, combat search and rescue, and observation.
Helicopters, as well as most other types of equipment, were adversely affected by sand and other environmental conditions; however, methods were devised to control the damage and to maintain a high rate of combat readiness. Operation Desert Storm was the first major military operation conducted on a largely electronic battlefield. Army aviation amply demonstrated its effectiveness in this environment and also proved again that it could own the night by carrying out many of its combat operations during darkness.