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FLIGHTSAFETY MILITARY SIMULATION AD - ARMY AVIATION - Trim: 8.125” w x 10.875” d Bleed: 8.375” w x 11.125” d PDF/X-1a VIA EMAIL 32 Contents July 31, 2015, Vol. 64, No. 7

TO THE FIELD 10 10 From the Aviation Branch Chief By MG Michael D. Lundy 14 Chief Warrant Officer of the Branch Update By CW5 Allen R. Godfrey, CW4 Shawn N. Paris, and CW3 Charles L. Brown 16 Branch Command Sergeant Major Update By CSM Eric C. Thom 18 Reserve Component Aviation Update By BG Troy D. Kok 16 22 128th Aviation Brigade Update By SFC Joshua J. Fulghum 24 AMRDEC Tech Talk By Mrs. Quintessa Thomas 26 Ask the Flight Surgeon By Dr. (LTC) Joseph Puskar

SPECIAL FOCUS — Simulation & Training

34 28 Future Aviation Simulation Considerations 18 By COL Stephen S. Seitz 32 AVCATT – Past, Present, and Future By Ms. Christina Bell, CW5 Michael S. Kelley, and CW4 (Ret.) John Snow

36 Forging the Path – The Aviation Data Capture Integrated Product Team By CW5 (Ret.) Ron Moring, COL (Ret.) Jimmy Meacham, and Col. (Ret.) Anne Dunlap 38 Simulations: The Future Present of Aviation Training 38 By Ms. Christina Parker and Mr. Danny Flowers

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 3 July 31, 2015 Contents July 31, 2015, Vol. 64, No. 7 40 60 SPECIAL FOCUS — Simulation & Training

40 Reformatting the Hard Drive (Within the Attack Aviation Community) By CW4 Scott H. Durrer 44 National Training Center, Eagle Team 2015 Update By MAJ Zachary J. Mundell 46 Aviation Task Force Integration By MAJ Jason T. Woodward 46 FROM THE FIELD

48 Building Combat Readiness Through Enhanced Simulations By CPT Nicholas Currie 50 Combat Aviation Brigade during Mission Changes By COL Michael J. Musiol, MAJ John A. Morris and MAJ Matthew D. Cox 52 Soldiers and Family Return for 160th SOAR’s Week of Night Stalker Activities 52 By SSG Gaelen Lowers DEPARTMENTS AAAA NEWS AAAA President’s Cockpit ...... 8 AAAA VP Chapter Affairs ...... 57 Chapter News ...... 58 AAAA VP Membership ...... 61 New Members ...... 63 AAAA Family Forum ...... 62 AAAA Legislative Report ...... 68 61 AAAA Scholarship Foundation ...... 56 ARMY AVIATION COMMUNITY NEWS Advertisers Index ...... 66 Art’s Attic ...... 70 Briefings ...... 6 Calendar ...... 67 Fallen Heroes ...... 69 Hall of Fame ...... 71 Historical Perspective ...... 54 Industry News ...... 66 In Memoriam ...... 69 69 People on the Move ...... 64 Spotlight ...... 20

ARMY AVIATION is the official journal of the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA). The views expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors, not the Department of Defense or its elements. The content does not necessarily reflect the official U.S. Army position nor the position of the AAAA or the staff of Army Aviation Publications, Inc., (AAPI). Title Reg® in U.S. Patent office. Registration Number 1,533,053. SUBSCRIPTION DATA: ARMY AVIATION (ISSN 0004-248X) is published monthly, except May and September by AAPI, 593 Main Street, Monroe, CT 06468-2806. Tel: (203) 268-2450, FAX: (203) 268-5870, E-Mail: [email protected]. Army Aviation Magazine E-Mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.quad-a.org. Subscription rates for non-AAAA members: $30, one year; $58, two years; add $10 per year for foreign addresses other than military APOs. Single copy price: $4.00. ADVERTISING: Display and classified advertising rates are listed in SRDS Business Publications, Classification 90. POSTMASTER: Periodicals postage paid at Monroe, CT and other offices. Send address changes to AAPI, 593 Main Street, Monroe, CT 06468-2806.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 4 July 31, 2015 IT WILL SAVE LIVES. IT WILL SAVE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS. THERE’S NEVER BEEN AN ENGINE LIKE IT.

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Client: ATEC Ad Title: Blackhawk/Apache Publication: Army Aviation - May Trim: 8.125” x 10.875” • Bleed: 8.375” x 11.125” • Live: 7” x 10” Briefings zLate Breaking News - Announcements - Notes Publisher / William R. Harris Jr.

Editor / CW4 (Ret.) Joseph L. Pisano Sr. Fanning Named Under the United States from Germany, the latest [email protected] Secretary of the Army major movement in the Army’s sweeping Defense Secretary Ashton Aviation Restructuring Initiative. The Black Director of Design & Production Carter announced that his Hawks are expected to arrive at the port Anne H. Ewing chief of staff, Eric K. Fan- in Charleston, South Carolina, in mid-July. [email protected] ning, will be the next acting The Katterbach, Germany-based brigade is Web Edition / Trudy Hodenfield undersecretary of the Army slated to lose about 1,900 military positions [email protected] effective July 6. Fanning while it retains a headquarters element to

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PHOTO DEPARTMENT has served as deputy un- command all U.S. Army Europe aviation. The Contributing Editor / Mark Albertson dersecretary of the Navy, undersecretary of brigade will be augmented by rotational units [email protected] the Air Force, and later, acting secretary of from the U.S. the Air Force, as well as deputy director of the Family Forum Editor / Judy Konitzer Sinese to Receive Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of [email protected] Thayer Award Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism. Advertising Director / Robert C. Lachowski The defense secretary credited Fanning’s as- [email protected] sistance in building “an outstanding team of civilian and military leaders across the Pen- Advertising Manager / Erika Burgess tagon.” Fanning will provide vital support to [email protected] Army Secretary John M. McHugh as he pre- Marketing Director / Jennifer Chittem pares to conclude his tenure, the defense [email protected] secretary said. Smith New USAR CCWO VP Business Development / Sal D. Lucci On July 2, Chief Warrant Of- [email protected] ficer Five Russell P. Smith, BY SGT CHRIS FLORENCE ARMY PHOTO U.S. Circulation Department assumed responsibility as Gary Sinise – actor, troop-supporter and bass Deb Cavallaro the U.S. Army Reserve’s player for the Lt. Dan Band – will receive this Debbie Coley top warrant during a Pen- year’s Sylvanus Thayer Award, awarded by Elisabeth Mansson tagon ceremony hosted by the West Point Association of Graduates Barbara McCann ARMY PHOTO U.S. LTG Jeffrey Talley, chief of to a civilian whose character, service and Corey Stokes the Army Reserve and commanding general achievements reflect the ideals prized by the Sue Stokes of Army Reserve Command. Smith succeeds U.S. Military Academy. A veteran of multiple CW5 Phyllis Wilson, who is going to serve as a USO tours, fundraising efforts, recruitment Web Master / Mary Seymour fellow in the Army’s Strategic Studies Group af- projects and other military-themed produc- [email protected] ter three years on the job. Smith most recently tions, he may be best-known for the Lt. Dan Band, which he started in 2004. The group, Editorial Address was the deputy commandant of the Warrant 593 Main Street, Monroe, CT 06468-2806 Officer Career College. As the Army Reserve’s named for his iconic “Forrest Gump” charac- Tel: (203) 268-2450 / Fax: (203) 268-5870 command chief warrant officer, Smith will ad- ter in the movie, performs about 50 shows a www.quad-a.org vise senior leaders on matters pertaining to year at military installations and in support of training and education, career management, military charity events. leader development and warrior transition for warrant officers within the component. On The Cover 37 Black Hawks Come Home PAID ADVERTISEMENT: CAE is a world-class HOTlanta training systems integrator that provides training centers, training services and April 27-30! simulation products. CAE is currently delivering 2016 Army Aviation UH-72A Lakota flight training devices to the Army that feature the Common Database Mission Solutions Summit (CDB) open architecture and latest-generation Georgia World Congress Center CAE Medallion-6000 visual system, which Atlanta, GA generated the virtual image on the cover. CAE also recently won the U.S. Army Fixed-Wing training program and will be building a new BY SGT DANIEL COLE ARMY PHOTO U.S. Save the Dates! training center at Dothan Regional Airport Thirty-seven UH-60 Black Hawk helicop- to support the training of Army fixed-wing ters assigned to the 12th Combat Aviation Sponsored by Army Aviation Association of America aviators. Caption provided by the advertiser. Brigade are starting their journey back to

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 6 July 31, 2015

Military Helicopter Handbook Issue 28 - Ad - 1.pdf 1 5/21/2015 12:40:56 PM

President’s Cockpit z Turning Up the Heat

ummer is in full swing, but the Army Aviation Branch last few years, we can do better in retain- S and AAAA remain very engaged. ing members and part of the challenge is e˜ective communication. Remember, if you are deployed, let the National OŒce know and we will extend your current membership for 15 months, or I had the great pleasure of visiting the even give you a free initial membership Aloha Chapter last month and getting if you are a new AAAA member. Dave to know some outstanding Americans is also working with the VP Chapter who were honored with e Order of A˜airs, LTC (Ret.) Jan Drabczuk. Saint Michael (OSM). e Civilian ey are –nalizing the plan for the Aide to the Secretary of the Army “Discounted Lifetime Membership.” C (CASA) from Hawaii and Gold Star e Fall Symposia are open for reg- istration. e Luther Jones Sustainment father Alan Hoe, and Gold Star spouse M Kristy Balli, were inducted as Knights Forum, October 6-8 in Corpus Christi, TX; and ALSE, November 16-17; of the Order. Alan Hoe, a medic during Y Vietnam, has been a great supporter of ASE, November 16-17; and Joseph P.

25th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) Cribbins, November 18-19, all three CM for many years. Unfortunately, he lost taking place in Huntsville, AL. his son in Mosul while serving with the We’ve already sold 70% of our MY

25th Infantry Division (ID). Ms. Balli AAPI PHOTO exhibits for the next Summit in was accepting the honor on behalf of Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter promotes Atlanta, April 27-30, 2016! Event CY her late husband, CW2 Edward Balli, a LTG Ron Lewis in a private ceremony in the registration and housing will be open UAS Soldier who died in Afghanistan Secretary of Defense’s Office in the Pentagon on later this summer. e HQ hotel, the CMY in January 2014 during an attack. July 2nd, 2015. Omni, is attached to the Georgia Additionally, CW5 Terry Horner, World Congress Center. e other K 25th CAB Command Chief Warrant –ve hotels are within an eight minute OŒcer and Command Sergeant Major walk. We have already submitted the Benjamin Jones, the 25th ID CSM, the AAAA National o˜–ce, visited the pro˜er to o˜set costs for key military were inducted. It was truly a very leadership and about 20 key inœuenc- and Department of the Army civilians moving and memorable day. ers in the Narragansett Chapter. ey to attend the Summit so we expect a e following week MG (Ret.) reviewed available AAAA National great turnout of key decision makers Tim Crosby was down in Louisiana programs like Soldier of the Month, and Soldiers again this year. at the Voodoo Chapter. e chapter is Scholarship, Awards, and especially the Finally, one of Army Aviation’s in excellent shape with the leadership free AAAA membership for deployed great leaders was promoted to lieuten- very energized in growing their chap- Soldiers program. Chapter members ant general this month. e Secretary ter. ey were already looking to the have deployed twice in the last few years. of Defense, Ashton Carter, promoted future for the next events, especially a anks to COL Andy Chevalier, chap- Ron Lewis to LTG in a small ceremony red-–sh –shing tournament in the fall. ter president, and his team for taking the in his oŒce on July 2. Congratulations Tim assured Voodoo that the National initiative with a refreshed membership to Ron!! AAAA oŒce is here to o˜er support. program, new scholarships, and more Have a great summer. Stay safe. And e Voodoo Chapter is also respon- chapter meetings to meet the needs of remember, we still have many, many sible for breathing new life into the his Soldiers and their families. Army Aviation Soldiers in harm’s way. old Sustaining Membership program, CW5 (Ret.) Dave Cooper, our VP Keep them and their families in your rebranded “Community Membership,” Membership, has been doing a fabulous thoughts. designed for local (non-defense) busi- job. We are going back to sending hard Above the Best! nesses or agencies that would like to copy re-up notices when you get close support Army Aviation at the local to your membership term in addition to BG E.J. Sinclair, Ret. level. anks, Voodoo! the email notices. Although our mem- 32nd President, AAAA Bill Harris and Janis Arena, from bership has been quite stable over the [email protected]

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 8 July 31, 2015 Military Helicopter Handbook Issue 28 - Ad - 1.pdf 1 5/21/2015 12:40:56 PM

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ARMY AVIATION Magazine 9 July 31, 2015 From the Aviation Branch Chief z

AHIPAVIATION HOMESTATION INTERIM PACKAGE Training Leaders Who Thrive By MG Michael D. Lundy Combining Longbow Apache Tactical Engagement Simulation System, Aerial Weapon Scoring System and aircraft through-site video Reliable When needed in the heat of battle, Meggitt’s linkless ammunition handling systems deliver rounds with every pull of the trigger. High reliability makes them ideal for use in unmanned applications. Adaptable Linkless ammunition handling systems from Meggitt have been successfully deployed on a variety of ground, sea and air platforms in both medium and large caliber — single shot, or fully automatic, with rounds being fed at rates up to 6,000 shots per minute. U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY SSG APRIL CAMPBELL BY SSG ARMY PHOTO U.S.

s we continue to prepare to fight in unknown and Simulators, such as this CH-47 Chinook simulator at the Southeast Regional Flight A unknowable conditions and threats, leaders who thrive Simulation Training Center on Simmons in uncertainty are our primary weapon system. Tough, Army Airfield at Fort Bragg, NC, replicate the realistic, performance based training is how we prepare our complexity of current and future environments and provide the rigor and repetitions necessary leaders to operate in these environments. to present tough training.

Seamless live fire gunnery After Action Review Aviation force structure has been ability to e˜ectively train air ground Recent changes in force structure, cre- reduced as we continue to implement the operations at home station is critical ation of AH-64 Attack Reconnaissance Aviation Restructure Initiative, and our as we continue to maintain combat Squadrons (ARS) with organic RQ-7 combat aviation brigade OPTEMPO readiness during a time of declining Shadow Unmanned Aircraft System continues to rise, so it is critical that we resources. A combined e˜ort across the (UAS), new system capabilities, such as maximize every training opportunity generating and operating force must be manned-unmanned teaming (MUMT) and tool to present our leaders and synchronized to ensure we can deliver and other modernization e˜orts ne- Soldiers with doctrinally based, tough, the required training. cessitate critical updates to WARSIM realistic training. We need to continue to to ensure accurate behaviors are repli- develop innovative training solutions in The Generating Force cated in mission command exercises. It email: [email protected] the institution and at home station across We are aggressively pursuing im- is imperative that we train our senior www.meggittdefense.com the integrated training environment. provements in Aviation participation commanders and their sta˜s on cur- Army Aviation is the aerial maneuver in division and corps war–ghter exer- rent Aviation doctrine and capabilities, email: [email protected] element in the Army’s core competency cises (WFX), which are supported by which they can see portrayed accurately of Combined Arms Maneuver. e the WARSIM constructive simulation. in a realistic simulation-based exercise.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 10 July 31, 2015 AHIPAVIATION HOMESTATION INTERIM PACKAGE

Combining Longbow Apache Tactical Engagement Simulation System, Aerial Weapon Scoring System and aircraft through-site video Reliable When needed in the heat of battle, Meggitt’s linkless ammunition handling systems deliver rounds with every pull of the trigger. High reliability makes them ideal for use in unmanned applications. Adaptable Linkless ammunition handling systems from Meggitt have been successfully deployed on a variety of ground, sea and air platforms in both medium and large caliber — single shot, or fully automatic, with rounds being fed at rates up to 6,000 shots per minute.

Seamless live fire gunnery After Action Review

email: [email protected] www.meggittdefense.com

email: [email protected]

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 11 July 31, 2015 We are “training our leaders to train” conducted this month ( July 2015) with of these simulators we must ensure they in all of our professional military edu- two more planned this –scal year. is are concurrent with our modern œeet. cation (PME) courses. Our lieutenants, will be a routinely scheduled Additional captains, warrant oŒcers and NCOs are Skill Identi–er (ASI) producing course The Operational Force planning and executing training scenar- starting in FY16. While there are multiple initiatives ios in AVCATT, VBS2/3, MUSE and Another important initiative that underway in the school house, it is other devices available at home station, will improve training at the tactical important to understand that our and leave the institution with training level will be linking our high –delity OŒcers and Soldiers spend about support packages that can be modi–ed simulators for Apache and Shadow 80% of their career in the operational for use at home station. operators. E˜orts are already underway force, and that is where the majority Another focus area is conducting to make the Longbow Crew Trainer of their training and development will teamed reconnaissance with our (LCT) interoperable with the Universal occur. erefore it is imperative that we Apache-Shadow reconnaissance/attack Mission Simulator (UMS). is will leverage all of the tools at our disposal weapons systems. e reorganized attack enable an Apache crew and a UAS crew to provide that training. Frankly, our reconnaissance squadrons and troops to train simultaneously, while they are utilization rates for AVCATT and will have an organic Shadow platoon. all in a realistic simulated environment. other simulation and gaming devices In order to ensure that the Scout culture Simultaneously, there is also an e˜ort are way too low. is not lost with the divestiture of the to make the UMS interoperable with Our simulation and gaming devices Kiowa Warriors and to teach leaders the Aviation Combined Arms Tacti- allow commanders to replicate the to plan and conduct operations with cal Trainer (AVCATT), the collective complexity of our current and future Apaches and Shadows employed as training system for Army Aviators. is environments, and provide the rigor and a team, the new Air Cavalry Leader’s will enable the Shadow operators to in- repetitions necessary to present tough Course was just established with teroperate with a team of Apaches. After training for our Soldiers. We should gaming as the training device that will these e˜orts are successful, the goal will have a 100% utilization rate on our enable multiple iterations of rigorous be for the UMS to interoperate with simulation devices. is will enable us training in a short period of time. Again, AVCATT in the Integrated Training to maximize every live œight hour we œy the Soldiers will leave the course with a Environment (ITE), along with other because we will be able to focus on the TSP to continue that training at home virtual, live, and collective simulations. most important aspects of the training. station. e –rst “pilot course” is being To maximize the use and e˜ectiveness I need your help in emphasizing the importance of training in simulation. Additionally, we need to continue the focus on making our training areas and ranges the best they can be. USAACE, in conjunction with the Maneuver Center, just established the requirement that Aviation be included as a part of the Home Station Instrument Training System (HITS). HITS provides an integrated, interoperable, networked training system that will allow Aviation units to support a ground task force across the full range of military operations and provide combat training center (CTC)-like after action review (AAR) capabilities at home station. As always, I am impressed with the incredible performance of our Avia- tion Soldiers across the globe. Our Ac- tive, National Guard and Reserve units continue to represent the very best our Nation has to o˜er. Now is the time to seize the opportunity to enhance the training our Soldiers deserve. anks for your continued excellent service to our Branch and our Nation.

Above the Best!

MG Michael D. Lundy is the Army Aviation branch chief and commander of the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker, AL.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 12 July 31, 2015 L-3 LINK IS PROUD TO SUPPORT FLIGHT SCHOOL XXI’S TRAINING MISSION

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LinkARMY Simulation AVIATION & MagazineTraining 13 JulyL-3com.com 31, 2015 Chief Warrant Officer of the Branch z

Aviation Warrant Officer Advanced Course Simulation Integration By CW5 Allen R. “Randy” Godfrey, CW4 Shawn N. Paris, and CW3 Charles L. Brown U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY MR. OTIS WHITE, USAACE DOS WHITE, OTIS BY MR. ARMY PHOTO U.S.

he current Aviation Warrant Officer Advanced Course Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (AVCATT) Master Control Station operations T (AWOAC) is a distinct improvement from AWOAC past. during an exercise at the Seneff building, Fort There are now two distinct resident phases. Rucker, AL.

e –rst is the warrant oŒcer mid-grade Making Process. e training then cul- edge to assess and develop training sce- learning subjects required for all warrant minates with the Chief Warrior Exercise narios, maximizing the utilization of sim- oŒcers. e second is the technical spe- where the warrants learn, assess, develop, ulation across the force. As an example, ci–c track phase. is phase allows our and implement a team concept to solve AMSOs learn how to analyze a threat aviation warrant oŒcers to build on a complex problem within a complex environment and then use that analysis training and education received in track environment. Consequently, these sce- to develop a threat Aviation Combined schools (Aviation Mission Survivability narios equip aviation professionals with Arms Tactical Trainer (AVCATT) sce- OŒcer, Instructor Pilot, Maintenance essential critical thinking and problem nario in order to train the other students Pilot, and Safety). One of the goals is to solving skills to be the adaptive war present in the course. Another example, operationalize this training in order to –ghters of the future. the UAS warrants partake in multiple provide a level of realism. Track Specic Training introduces Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM- AWOAC utilizes simulations aviation mission survivability oŒcers T) scenarios, enhancing communication throughout the course, instilling and (AMSO), instructor pilots (IP), air traŒc and integration of assets across the avia- establishing essential War Fight- and airspace management technicians, tion aggregate. ing Functions for the development of and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) e Military Decision-Making Pro- midgrade warrants. e training starts technicians to individual, advanced track cess builds from track training, allowing with track speci–c instruction and then simulation training. is enhanced train- these aviation professionals the oppor- continues into the Military Decision- ing equips these oŒcers with the knowl- tunity to war-game multiple courses

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 14 July 31, 2015 of action. is training is based on a decisive action training environment (DATE), providing a complex scenario The New DC PRO-M embedded within a complex environ- Comm Headset ment. Warrant oŒcers will perform a series of country studies, analyzing the operational environment; progressing to the development of a training plan and course of action to defeat the threat. e majority of the simulation during this phase is computer-based, providing the analytical and critical-thinking develop- mental aspects for these oŒcers. e –nal phase of this course is the Chief Warrior Exercise. e students utilize the simulation devices located in the Sene˜ building. ey œy the scenarios in the AVCATT and the re- con–gurable collective training devices (RCTD). is exercise encompasses MISSION CRITICAL four days that allows warrants to –ght, regroup, redesign, and reattach the course of action their team developed, DAVID CLARK COMMUNICATION providing invaluable insight of their ac- tion and decisions. Next, these oŒcers HEADSETS FOR TRAINING conduct an after-action review, captur- ing vital lessons learned while provid- AND SIMULATION OPERATIONS ing critical feedback for course devel- New DC Series communication headsets provide superior sound opment. Following this portion of this performance and rugged durability in a lightweight, course is a leadership class, highlight- ing the 21st Century Soldier Compe- ‘rest-on-ear’ design. Available as passive noise- tencies and their contributions to the attenuating and active noise reduction models with success or failure of their operations. comm cord connectors for a variety of applications. Also located in the Sene˜ are the Ideal for flight training, simulation, data vans, Multiple Uni–ed Simulation Environ- ment (MUSE) devices that can replicate transportable control/satellite terminals and six unmanned aerial vehicles. UAS war- UAV operations. rant oŒcers operate these devices. e devices allow communication between For more information the UAS operators and the pilots in AV- call 800-298-6235 or CATT/RCTDs for voice communica- visit www.davidclark.com tion on VHF/UHF/FM frequencies. Made In USA e display from the MUSE is trans- © 2015 David Clark Company Incorporated ® Green headset domes are a David Clark mitted via hard line to a tablet stationed registered trademark. WWW.DAVIDCLARK.COM within each cockpit for the pilot to see what the UAS operator sees. is allows manned-unmanned teaming opportu- nities and scenarios. Working as teams, the warrant oŒcers perform surveil230-31694- COMM HEADSET 45625X7AAM.indd 1 6/16/15 2:15 PM lance, target acquisition, and targeting. oŒcers will integrate all aspects of the provided no-fail support to the War- ey will develop and re–ne skills, taking scenarios utilizing risk analysis and as- –ghter on the ground and in the air.” them to their respective units to enhance sessment. Both groups of these will œy “Above the Best” training and operational capability. and –ght the simulated missions in their roles as pilots in command and air mis- The Future sion commanders. e roles for all par- CW5 Allen R. “Randy” Godfrey is the chief is training continues to evolve ticipants are relative to the actual roles warrant o‰cer of the Aviation Branch, and re–ne. We are currently develop- performed as CW2s or CW3s, placing CW4 Shawn N. Paris is the Aviation ing Downed Aircraft Recovery Team the emphasis at the appropriate plan- Warrant O‰cer Advanced Course Chief, (DART) scenarios. e warrant oŒcer ning and execution level. and CW3 Charles L. Brown is the maintenance pilots will develop these Remember to start our day asking, AWOAC AMSO Track Lead, all assigned scenarios and incorporate them into “What are we doing for the War–ghter?” to the U.S. Army Aviation Center of the training. e warrant oŒcer safety At the end of the day, the answer is, “We Excellence, Fort Rucker, AL.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 15 July 31, 2015 Branch Command Sergeant Major z Training to Task in Varying Conditions By CSM Eric C. Thom U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY SGT CHARLES PROBST ARMY PHOTO U.S.

here are no secrets to success. It is the result of Soldiers from Delta Company, 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, T preparation, hard work, and learning from failure. 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, assess casualties - Colin Powell while recovering a downed aircraft during Decisive Action Rotation 15-03 at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, CA, Jan. 24, 2015. The Decisive Action training environment was developed to create a common training scenario for use throughout the Army.

e Army’s Training Concept plan and execute rigorous, multi-echelon, The Principles (ATC) 2012-2020 was designed to progressive training that is iterative, tai- During some of my recent trav- strike a balance between operational lorable and realistic. els, several combat aviation brigades and institutional training, and o˜ers Simulation provides a great training (CABs) ushered me in to see some of the œexibility, eŒciencies, and a broad opportunity; frankly, one that we are not LVC training they were participating in. range of training capabilities for lead- utilizing enough. ere are things you I must admit it is impressive to see some ers to maintain an agile, ready Army in can do in simulation that you just can’t of the things that can be accomplished a period of reduced resourcing. do in live training, like stop the training through simulation in the ITE. More e Integrated Training Environment to review a critical error, and then pick up often than not though, [and you can pick (ITE) is the interconnected combination the scenario just where you left o˜. You your simulated poison here, the Avia- of Live, Virtual, Constructive, and Gam- can train with the infantry brigade com- tion Combined Arms Tactical Trainer ing (LVCG) training. It is how the Army bat team (IBCT) on the other side of the (AVCATT), or Nonrated Crew Mem- operationalized the ATC and is a pow- country that you’re scheduled to deploy ber Manned Module (NCM3), or any erful tool that gives leaders the ability to with and not leave your home station. of a slew of other training aids, devices,

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 16 July 31, 2015 simulators and simulations (TADSS)], I tise in every aspect of every job in their Mission Oriented Protective Posture see personnel wearing the same uniform command. Commanders utilize NCOs (MOPP). Train them in progressively they showed up in for their account- for their expertise, and their presence. adverse conditions, until you are con–- ability formation. If the standard for live NCOs make sure the training is re- dent they can execute the task anytime, training has you in a version of full battle sourced, rehearsed/validated, executed anywhere. Do not lessen the standard, rattle, because that is how we –ght, then and evaluated. In doing so, they ensure or in this case the condition just because the training in the simulators should be their units train as they –ght – to stan- it is simulated training. It is still training. in the same uniform. dard. If your unit is not utilizing your e U.S. Army Aviation Center of Stop me if you have heard any of NCOs this way, not only do you have a Excellence, as the institutional part of these before: training issue, but also you have a leader Army Aviation has done an incredible “Non-Commissioned OŒcers train development issue. job in placing a priority on making sure individuals, crews, and small teams…” I said all that to say this: it is easy to that everyone that comes through for “Train as you –ght…” focus on the task in the ITE and not the Professional Military Education (PME), “Train to standard…” conditions you execute them in. is can regardless of their cohort (NCO, war- If they sound familiar, that is good, give anyone a false sense of con–dence. rant, or commissioned), receives ardu- because they should. After all they If you don’t train in all the physical con- ous training to take back to the opera- are three of the eleven principles of ditions possible including wearing that tional force to execute training across training. Anyone who has spent ten heavy, cumbersome gear, then when it the full spectrum of simulations. Let’s minutes in our doctrine over the past comes time for you to actually execute just not get so focused on the simulation twenty years should recognize at least a the task: best case scenario, your reac- or TASK that we forget the CONDI- modi–ed version of them. tion times will be slower, your endur- TIONS. Our Soldiers expect and de- ance shorter, even your attitude will be serve nothing less than tough, realistic Vary Conditions adversely a˜ected. Countless repetitions training, so let’s make sure they get it. Doctrine dictates that training is of doing things in the wrong conditions As always it is an honor to serve as done by applying the Operations Pro- will not set you up for mission success. your branch Command Sergeant Major. cess (prepare, plan, execute and assess). I see units every day taking the op- Above the Best! CSM om Non-commissioned oŒcers are critical portunity to train tasks to tough, realis- [email protected] in all four phases of the Operations Pro- tic standards. However, the conditions cess. Yes, commanders are responsible are not always rigorous. When your CSM Eric C. ’om is the command for the unit’s training, but commanders Soldiers meet the standard, change sergeant major of the Aviation Branch cannot be everywhere all the time, nor the conditions, do it at night, or after and the U.S. Army Aviation Center of do they have the subject matter exper- an extended duty day, or increase the Excellence, Fort Rucker, AL.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 17 July 31, 2015 Reserve Component Aviation Update z U.S. Army Reserve Aviation: Transforming for the Future By BG Troy D. Kok

SGT Robert Self, an AH-64 Armament Electrical Avionic Systems repairer with Company D, 1st Bn., 158th Avn. Regt. “Ghost Riders,” loads rockets into an AH-64 Apache during a gunnery range at North Fort Hood, Texas, June 2, 2015. The Ghosts Riders are one of the last U.S. Army Reserve units to participate in Apache gunnery training before transitioning to the UH-60 Black Hawk.

11th Aviation Command will provide support to the American population by responding in the event of a CBRN or all-hazards event. Taking Care of Soldiers Recognizing our most precious asset is the individual Soldier, the 11th TAC will persist in cultivating a command cli- mate that fosters dignity, respect, and an U.S. ARMY RESERVE PHOTO BY CPT DAVID DUNN BY CPT DAVID ARMY RESERVE PHOTO U.S. environment where subordinate leaders can exercise appropriate initiative, risk 025 may be ten years away according to a calendar, taking and decision making in order 2 but in terms of force modernization, it is right around to accomplish organizational goals and the corner. In preparation for an unknown and ever evolving missions. Innovative recruiting and re- geopolitical landscape, the United States Army Reserve’s tention initiatives such as building last- ing relationships with the Army Reserve sole operational Aviation command is posturing itself for Career Division, Cadet Command, U.S. continued success in the upcoming decade. Army Recruiting Command and lo- cal universities and colleges will allow the 11th TAC to identify the future of USAR Aviation. Implementing these As an enduring operational force, the the 11th TAC will continue to provide interactions now will allow the Soldier 11th eater Aviation Command (TAC) unparalleled Aviation support to the time to develop into a MOS pro–cient will remain a highly professional, value- ground forces. Focusing on overseas leader of tomorrow. Fully manned units added partner in the Army Aviation contingency and peace keeping opera- with quali–ed Soldiers will maximize Enterprise providing air traŒc services, tions such as Operation Freedom Sen- the readiness and operational capabili- air assault, air movement, aero-medical tinel (OFS), Multination Force Observ- ties of the command. ese aggressive evacuation, aviation maintenance and ers (MFO) and Kosovo Forces (KFOR), methods, in conjunction with a con- inter-theater transportation capability to USAR crews will maintain their highly tinued focus on individual readiness the Combatant Commander supporting specialized pro–ciency and be ready to and Soldier skills such as military oc- overseas operations or homeland mis- answer the call for any future endeavor. cupation specialty (MOS) training and sions. Leveraging our geographic dis- By operationally supporting the home- professional military education (PME) persion, unity of command and Title 10 land defense mission through Com- through diverse methods as Additional status, USAR Aviation will remain the mand and Control CBRN Response Flight Training Periods (AFTPs) and “go to” life saving and life sustaining asset Element – Alpha (C2CRE-A), Defense Electronic Based Distributed Learning supporting the Total Force. CBRN Response Force (DCRF) and (EBDL) will produce a professionally Maintaining its current top priority, Joint Task Force – North ( JTF-N), the mature Soldier.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 18 July 31, 2015 Distinct capabilities. One DNA.

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Establishing the advantage of a common design philosophy across a range of platforms, AgustaWestland introduces the AW169, AW139 and AW189 Helicopter Family. This multi-role family of rotorcraft serves a wide range of missions, minimizes operating costs and enhances operational exibility. Thanks to maintenance, training and technological commonalities the AgustaWestland product family is setting new standards in helicopter eet management. Learn more at AgustaWestland.com

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ARMY AVIATION Magazine 19 July 31, 2015

005246_01_FNA_AW_DNA_8125x10875.indd 1 6/9/15 3:53 PM NEWS S POTLIGHT The Last Rotation By CPT Charles N. Hill

t the end of Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) A Rotation 15-06, one of the first scout helicopter pilots and some of the last shared the same ground and air. In April 2015, the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior completed its final JRTC rotation, marking the end of the scout helicopter at the combat training centers. JRTC Rotation 15-06 concluded with a visit from LTC (Ret.) Hugh L. Mills Jr., a Vietnam-era aero scout and author of Low Level Hell: A Scout Pilot in the Big Red One. On April 28th, Bravo Troop, 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment stood in formation with their aircraft as Mills flew by in a team of two OH-58C Kiowas, the helicopter that bridged the time gap between his beloved OH-6 Loach and the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. Mills, a 2011 Army Aviation Hall of Fame inductee who LTC (Ret.) Hugh L. Mills Jr. (right) stands in formation with CPT Greg serves today as the Under Sheriff and Colonel for the Marsh, commander, and the Soldiers of Bravo Troop, 6-6th CAV following Jackson County Missouri Sheriff’s office, then provided the final flight of the last Kiowa Warrior rotation at the JRTC, Fort Polk, an historical perspective of the aero scout’s battlefield LA, April 28, 2015. impacts to the officers and aviators of the unit. Mills, call sign Darkhorse 16, and his “Outcasts” were some of the very first scout helicopter pilots, and Army Aviation still utilizes many of the tactics, techniques, and procedures that these brave aviators developed on the battlefields of Vietnam. In Iraq and Afghanistan, modern AH-64 Apache companies and OH-58D Kiowa Warrior troops regularly employed combined attack and scout helicopter “pink teams,” a concept directly descended from the Outcasts’ OH-6 Loach and AH-1 Cobra hunter-killer teams of Vietnam. Though the Army is divesting the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior as a result of the Aviation Restructure Initiative (ARI), the aero scout spirit and mindset endure through the mission’s lauded history and the people that shaped it. AIR CAV!

Restructuring USAR structure will be inactivated and replaced structure and facilities will result in the Aviation with a Table Distribution and Allow- increased unit readiness. Emphasizing In an e˜ort to achieve doctrinally ac- ances (TDA) one star-level command at enhanced career progression, recruiting, curate and regionally aligned brigades, Ft. Knox, KY. Other improvements will facility utilization, eŒcient utilization of the 11th AC is undergoing a drastic be to divest military intelligence –xed full time support (FTS) and improved restructuring. e most visible aspect wing structure and activate a new –xed mission command, U.S. Army Reserve of the restructuring will be the estab- wing VIP company, thus providing both Aviation will remain in the forefront of lishment of an aviation brigade to be –xed wing battalions with three VIP worldwide mission readiness. By utiliz- located in the Western U.S. is to-be- companies each. e conversion of two ing a continuous, proactive, and delib- named brigade will almost mirror the AH-64 armed reconnaissance battalions erate process involving all stakeholders subordinate 244th Aviation Brigade (ARB) to two UH-60 assault helicopter while continuing to participate in open located at Joint Base Maguire-Dix- battalions (AHB) has already begun. e and cooperative conversation among the Lakehurst ( JBMDL), New Jersey with air–eld operations battalion (AOB) will U.S. Army Reserve Command (US- one general support aviation battalion be deactivated and two F Companies ARC), e OŒce of the Chief, Army (GSAB), one assault helicopter bat- assigned to the GSABs will build and Reserve (OCAR), Headquarters, De- talion (AHB), one theater –xed wing transform Air TraŒc Services, greatly partment of the Army (HQDA) and battalion, and one maintenance support increasing the stand alone capabilities Department of Defense (DoD), the battalion (ASB). is restructuring will of both GSABs. Preparing the CH-47 11th eater Aviation Command will result in two strategically positioned community for future missions, the 11th be well poised for operations in 2025 deployable expeditionary combat avia- AC will activate structure that supports and beyond. tion brigades (ECABS). and capitalizes on Army Partnership op- e transformation will enhance fo- portunities. e new structure will allow BG Troy D. Kok was the commanding cus on the USAR core competencies of USAR Aviation to be better postured general of the 11th ’eater Aviation life saving and life sustaining capabili- to support the Combatant Commander Command when this article was written ties. Once the additional brigade is acti- with lift, aero-medical evacuation, and and is currently serving as the deputy com- vated, the 11th TAC Modi–ed Table of inter-theater transportation. manding general of U.S. Army Recruiting Organization & Equipment (MTOE) e optimal integration of force Command, both located at Fort Knox, KY.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 20 July 31, 2015 Anytime, Anywhere King Air 350CER

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ARMY AVIATION Magazine 21 July 31, 2015

33358_AnyTime_ArmyAviation.indd 1 6/9/15 1:51 PM

Client: Textron Aviation/Special Missions Ad Title: King Air 350 - Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere Publication: Army Aviation - July Trim: 8.125” x 10.875” • Bleed: 8.375” x 11.125” • Live: 7” x 10” 128th Aviation Brigade Update z

In this month’s column, one of our senior instructors, SFC Fulghum, provides an update on Black Hawk maintenance training at your schoolhouse. “Above the Best!” COL Rigole, Commander

Black Hawk Maintenance Training Update By SFC Joshua J. Fulghum 128th AVN BDE COURTESY PHOTO BDE COURTESY AVN 128th

ravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 210th Aviation Regiment, Students in the 15T10 (UH-60 A/L/M helicopter repairer) course removing/replacing stabilator B 128th Aviation Brigade located at Joint Base Langley- actuators in one of the new hangars at Joint Eustis (JBLE), Virginia has long been the premier, worldwide Base Langley-Eustis, VA. training facility for UH-60 Black Hawk maintenance.

Over the past year, the company has internal training, and continued UH-60A/L/M Training made some signi–cant changes to keep Mobile Training Team (MTT) e most signi–cant change to train- pace with the –elding of the UH-60M support. is article will explain how ing for FY15 was the incorporation of model airframe. Updates to Black these improvements provide the UH-60M model speci–c maintenance Hawk maintenance training at JBLE Army’s 15T students, sister services, into all aspects of both the initial and include the incorporation of UH- and other worldwide maintenance advanced maintenance training courses. 60M maintenance into all 10-level and personnel with the most up-to-date Beginning October 1, 2014, all students 30-level training, new training devices, and technologically advanced Black entering the 15T10 and 15T30 courses improved training facilities, improved Hawk maintenance training available. received instruction on all three models

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 22 July 31, 2015 of the UH-60 currently –elded – A, L Instructor Training all required aviation units in accordance and M. ese students will graduate Not all 15T instructors assigned to with the material –elding plan. To from training quali–ed and prepared to the 128th Avn. Bde. come from units date, the MTTs have trained Aviation provide support to any Black Hawk unit –elded with the UH-60M. Because Soldiers at Forts Bragg, Campbell, in the Army or around the world. of this, Bravo Company has created Drum, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wheeler and Hunter Army Air–elds, Training Devices a robust internal training program to ensure every instructor receives the and are currently training Soldiers e Black Hawk Maintenance A9 additional skill identi–er, which from 16 states at the Western ARNG Trainer – Mike model (BHMT-M) is a denotes they are quali–ed to perform Aviation Training Site (WAATS). recent addition to the 15T course. ese maintenance on the UH-60M. e With uncertainty in the type of future new, upgraded training devices allow program goes even further with in- operations Army aviation may be called instructors to implement realistic, sce- depth airframe information, speci–c upon to support, one thing is certain: nario-based training for students. e training on BHMT-M operations, and Army aviation maintenance training BHMT-M is a computer-based plat- standardized procedures to certify the must evolve and remain relevant in form that allows the introduction of 45 NCOs’ abilities to serve as UH-60M today’s modern world. Soldiers and mechanical and electrical faults which instructors. maintainers attending the UH-60 instructors use to teach students about Black Hawk maintenance course, in troubleshooting procedures. ese de- Mobile Training Team any capacity, will be among the world’s vices are also designed and used for the (MTT) Support most technologically equipped and removal and replacement of compo- Bravo Company has deployed an fully-capable maintenance personnel nents, rigging, and conducting mainte- MTT to multiple locations around the ready to respond whenever our Nation nance operational checks (MOCs). e country. is team typically consists of calls. Meanwhile, the instructors and upgraded device features Mike-model –ve highly quali–ed 15T instructors, leadership teams at Bravo Co., 2-210th speci–c components such as the fold- along with additional 15F and 15N Avn. Regt., and the 128th Avn. Bde. ing stabilator, rotor brake and section instructors who train, instruct and will continue to carry on the tradition I tail rotor driveshaft, main rotor lead qualify Soldiers on the UH-60M of being “Above the Best.” stops, and Mike-model speci–c systems platform. e Soldiers they train are such as the Active Vibration Control members of Active, National Guard and System (AVCS) and the Integrated Reserve components. e 128th Avn. SFC Joshua J. Fulghum is a senior in- Vehicle Health Management System Bde. and the Utility Helicopters Project structor with Company B, 2nd Battalion, (IVHMS). is new state-of-the-art Manager plan to continue the MTT 210 Aviation Regiment, 128th Aviation equipment will assist in providing high- e˜ort until the UH-60M is –elded to Brigade, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA. er quality graduates ready for any given mission. Training Facilities Announcing the new… Black Hawk maintenance training also recently expanded into two new state-of-the-art hangars which not only AAAA Scholarship Foundation support wireless hoist capabilities but also provide multi-functional, interactive, Charitable Gift Annuity Program. on-œoor classrooms with 60-inch mobile Smartboard touchscreen displays and modi–able classroom layouts. Each in- teractive classroom is capable of support- ing 12 students, equipped with individ- ual laptops, loaded with all current UH- 60M programs and publications. ese new hangars have a maximum training capacity of nine total helicopters and are the current home to three historic MH- 60Ks from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) converted A small group of recent 2014 AAAASFI Scholarship recipients and their families. for UH-60M training, and one of the new BHMT-M training devices. e expanded training footprint also allows Get guaranteed income AND support the U.S. Army Aviation great facility space for component and Soldier and Family with your donation of $10,000 or more. task training to include a basic safety wire instructional zone, landing gear training, Contact [email protected] or call 800 722 ARMY rotor brake training, and stabilator train- ing areas. In all, these improved facilities for more information. enhance the training experience and re- inforce pride in aviation.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 23 July 31, 2015 AMRDEC Tech Talk z CSI at a Glance By Mrs. Quintessa Thomas

hen flying, the last thing you want to hear is “Oh crap!” That means trouble W AMRDEC AED GRAPHIC and the pucker factor has been introduced. Did someone improperly install the Jesus Nut? Is a misplaced socket tearing up the the AED prior to manufacture. Manufacturing CCs also be- engine? Or, is a leak starving the transmission come important when attempting to purchase CSIs outside the because someone erroneously accepted a normal procurement process, e.g. local purchase or surplus of- fer, which require AED approval. Depot CCs are key when re- “nick, dent, or scratch?” pairing or overhauling a component and should be performed by an approved vendor. Installation CCs are to be adhered to when installing the CSI. CCs associated with CSIs are located ese are the last things on pilots’ minds when trying to –gure in the Joint Services Critical Item Dataviewer, https://remote3. out how to safely land a crippled aircraft (everyone has done amrdec.army.mil/csiviewer/. is database links to each of the their job right… right?). But, these are a few things that can Services’ CSI databases and can also be used to research CSI put them in a hairy predicament. at’s why it’s important for designations. the aviation community to be on the same page with Critical Classifying a part as a CSI and assigning CCs means more Safety Item (CSI) and critical characteristic (CC) determina- controls are put in place to ensure parts are manufactured, tions as well as have controls in place to ensure manufactur- repaired, and/or overhauled to speci–ed requirements. Ven- ing and maintenance & overhaul (M&O) facilities have solid dors producing CSIs with CCs must adhere to Quality Engi- CSI programs and adhere to speci–ed requirements. neering Standard One (QE-STD-1) or their ESA-approved Synonymous with “œight safety part” and “œight criti- CSI program. Vendors repairing and overhauling CSIs with cal part,” an aviation CSI is a part, an assembly, installation CCs must adhere to QE-STD-2 or an ESA-approved CSI equipment, launch equipment, recovery equipment, or sup- program. Other requirements include 100% inspection of all port equipment for an aircraft or aviation weapon system if CCs, frozen planning, a functioning con–guration control the part, assembly, or equipment contains a characteristic any board, internal and subvendor audits, stringent recordkeep- failure, malfunction, or absence of which could cause a cata- ing practices and, in many cases, serialization. Production Lot strophic or critical failure resulting in the loss of or serious Tests (PLTs), First Article Tests (FATs) or Product Veri–ca- damage to the aircraft or weapon system; an unacceptable risk tion Audits (PVAs) are required for newly contracted CSIs of personal injury or loss of life; or an uncommanded engine and are normally performed every 3 years thereafter. To en- shutdown that jeopardizes safety. DA PAM 95-9, Manage- sure compliance to government contractual requirements, ment of Aviation Critical Safety Items (also a Joint Instruc- CSI Surveillance Audits are typically held annually at Origi- tion), assigns the criticality determinations to the cognizant nal Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) / Primes and Sup- Service Engineering Support Activity (ESA). For the US plier Interface Oversight Program (SIOP) on-site reviews Army, this responsibility has been delegated to the Direc- are held at break-out vendors every 3 years, unless –ndings tor of the AMRDEC’s Aviation Engineering Directorate dictate more frequent visits. (AED). Although all Services use this CSI de–nition as the Validating CSI programs is an important factor in ensur- basis for determining which parts are CSIs, each Service will, ing the next œight’s a safe one. And, CSI/CC determination in some instances, have di˜ering CSI determinations for the is where it all begins. Determining whether a part should be same part. Why, you may ask? One reason is application. e considered a CSI is clear, if strictly adhering to the de–nition. loads placed on a UH-60 helicopter may vastly di˜er from However, funding pressures tend to muddy the waters when that which is placed on an SH-60 helicopter, thus requiring it comes to ensuring CSIs designated by the ESA are recog- di˜erent considerations. nized by the OEMs. Nonetheless, it’s our duty to take care of e vast majority of CSIs have CCs de–ned. CCs are clas- War–ghters so they can focus on completing their mission and si–ed as applicable to manufacturing, depot, and/or, installa- returning home. tion. A part obtained from Army supply will have received government oversight to ensure contractual and statutory re- Mrs. Quintessa ’omas is an engineer and the executive o‰cer for quirements are met. Depots or contractors planning to locally the Aviation Engineering Directorate of the U.S. Army Aviation manufacture a CSI with a manufacturing CC are required to and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center lo- go through the source approval process and gain approval from cated at Redstone Arsenal, AL.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 24 July 31, 2015 Enduring Support | Essential Missions

PROUD TO SUPPORT ARMY AVIATION

PAE has supported critical aviation missions of the U.S. Army for over nine years, most notably through the DoL Maintenance and Logistics contract at Fort Hood and the RASM-P contract based out of Joint Base Lewis McChord. Formerly known as Defense Support Services (a joint venture acquired by PAE in 2011), our Aviation Services team has become a leading provider of cost-effective and reliable support to U.S. Army Aviation missions.

SUPPORTING RASM-P SINCE 2013

CAPABILITIES RASM-PACIFIC LOCATIONS • RESET 68 • Installation of MWOs RESET • Airframe Structural Evaluation and Repair (AIM) 4 • Limited Depot Level AIM Maintenance COMPLETE • Various LOE Support Efforts SINCE CONTRACT START

FORMER FORT HOOD DOL MAINTENANCE AND LOGISTICS PROVIDER 2006 - 2013 375 300 8,000 0 #1 ARMY AIRCRAFT VEHICLES REPAIR PARTS AIRCRAFT RESET TAT LOSS/FATALITIES UH-60A/L FY-08/FY-11 high tempo flight operations (40,000 Flt. Hrs. per year)

www.pae.com ARMY AVIATION Magazine 25 July 31, 2015 Ask the Flight Surgeon z

table taxis instead. Stay sober as much as Travel Medicine possible, but if you drink, do so in hotels By Dr. (LTC) Joseph Puskar or safe public venues, and don’t drive. Divide up locations of money and valu- ables, and keep luggage and valuables hidden from view. I’m getting ready for an adventure trip vacation to Q:Vietnam and Thailand. What health precautions Preventive Medications should I take there? Mosquito-borne diseases of concern in rural areas of Asia include malaria, ty- phoid fever, and dengue fever virus found in most tropical regions of Asia and the FS: e Centers for Disease Control lent assaults and homicides are a greater rest of the world. It is transmitted by the (CDC) has a website with valuable in- cause of injury and death to travelers Aedes aegypti mosquito, lives in human formation for international travelers than traŒc accidents. reservoirs, and has become increasingly more virulent over the past thirty years including immunization requirements Adequate Preparation for prevalent infectious diseases, and due to mutations in the virus. ere are other health risks. Most travel agencies Before the trip allow at least three no e˜ective vaccines for these diseases, and medical clinics under-emphasize months in advance for preparations such so keep –eld clothes and mosquito nets the issue of personal security. e CDC as getting necessary vaccines, passports, treated with permethrin, wear e˜ective website has a link to some good articles visas, tickets, reservations, and so on. mosquito repellents, and avoid mos- that cover many useful personal security Plan for diarrheal illness and boil, cook, quito infested areas as much possible. and health tips for adventure travelers in or peel foods, use bottled water, avoid Preventive medications for malaria in general and for particular countries. uncooked salads, and wash hands fre- ailand include atovoquone-proguanil Adventure and senior travelers (those quently. Talk to your œight surgeon or and doxycycline that kills the liver phase older than 65 years) mark a big uptick in medical personnel about taking along of the parasite. ese will also work in the demographics of international tour- some medication for treating diarrhea in Vietnam except for the Mekong Delta ists over the past ten years. Adventure highly endemic areas such as œuoroqui- where mosquito avoidance is the only travelers participating in activities such nolone antibiotics, and metronidazole sure way to prevent malaria. Typhoid fe- as mountaineering, mountain biking, (œagyl) for bacterial and protozoan diar- ver is caused by Salmonella typhosa, and overland races and backcountry travel rhea, and lomotil to help control symp- is acquired from contaminated food or are at high risk for injury, often in areas toms for long bus rides, etc. For long water. It can be treated with doxycycline, with minimal medical coverage and poor trans-oceanic œights, get up and walk azithromycin, or ceftriaxone. access to what little is available. Some of every hour or so, and stay well hydrated Enjoy your trip overseas, but be sure the better medical insurance policies for to help prevent deep venous thrombosis to check with your unit security manager third world travelers will cover evacua- (DVTs) from forming in the legs. Taking and the CDC website, and your œight tion to the closest medical facilities that a baby aspirin or two a few days before, surgeon to prepare for any health hazards o˜er modern, high-quality medical care. and during long œights has been shown you may face abroad, and avoid the riskier Depending on the remoteness of the lo- to reduce DVT formation. ose with a areas altogether as much as possible. Safe cation and the severity of the condition previous history of spontaneous DVT or œying, and see you at the œight line! pulmonary embolism should take low covered, this may mean a œight all the Questions? way to Western Europe or the United molecular weight heparin or equivalent States in some instances. Travelers are anti-coagulants. Senior travelers should If you have a question you would like much more likely to die of accidents or be careful with the cardiac strain of high addressed, email it to AskFS@quad-a. trauma than infectious diseases. Adher- altitudes, and bring along a plentiful sup- org; we’ll try to address it in the future. ence to food and water puri–cation pre- ply of any medications taken regularly. See your unit œight surgeon for your cautions and vaccine schedules is usually For transportation, choose the best personal health issues. e views and pretty good, but lack of seatbelt use and buses if bus travel is necessary, always opinions o˜ered are those of the author traveling in more hazardous local con- use seatbelts, and do not ride scooters and researchers and should not be con- veyances and traŒc patterns often leads or motorcycles since you often become strued as an oŒcial Department of the to injury, and especially so when com- a projectile when struck, and even rid- Army position unless otherwise stated. bined with the liberal alcohol use often ing bicycles along roadways should be associated with vacation. A grim reality avoided. Being struck by a car or truck of our times is that in many countries while riding a bike could have cata- Dr. (LTC) Joseph Puskar is a §ight surgeon of the world like Guatemala, Honduras, strophic results. When in unfamiliar lo- at the U.S. Army Aeromedical Center, Fort and Haiti as just a few examples, vio- cations avoid driving yourself; use repu- Rucker, AL.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 26 July 31, 2015 ARMY AVIATION Magazine 27 July 31, 2015 SPECIAL FOCUS u Simulation & Training

Future Aviation Simulation Considerations By COL Stephen S. Seitz CREDIT FOR ALL PHOTOS – U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY MR. OTIS WHITE, USAACE DOS WHITE, OTIS BY MR. ARMY PHOTO – U.S. ALL PHOTOS CREDIT FOR

An Aviation Captains Career Course (AVC3) Small ow is a critical time in Army Avia- lation training capabilities evolution. Group Leader (SGL) observes a Virtual Exercise; N tion for shaping future simula- e directorate focuses on simulations, Directorate of Simulation Battle Masters serve as tion-based training requirements and simulators (contract oversight and ac- Exercise Controllers; and an NCO Academy SGL programs. e Aviation Restructuring creditation), mission command infor- observes a Constructive Exercise. Initiative (ARI) is maximizing force mation system training, education of structure, within –scal constraints, while the force (regarding aviation simulation progressing toward a fully modernized capabilities), and exercises. e DOS is aircraft œeet. Combat aviation brigades working the incremental transition of stations with the support of their local (CABs) are gaining capabilities with the the œight simulators at Fort Rucker, mission training complexes (MTCs) –elding of organic Shadow unmanned AL from the current training initial or training support centers (TSCs). As aircraft system (UAS) platoons, which (primary) helicopter, the TH-67 Creek, part of educating the force, the DOS require interactive training. Many of to the UH-72 Lakota, which will serve also demonstrates technology available our Aviation Training Aids, Devices, as the new initial training aircraft. e for HST during battalion, brigade, and Simulators, and Simulations (TADSS) directorate supports a dozen recurring division pre-command courses. are nearing the end of their service life. capstone exercises that introduce Avia- ese factors combined with trailer- tion Soldiers, NCOs, warrant oŒcers, Partnering for Improved Training mounted virtual device sustainment and oŒcers to the TADSS available To improve training for CABs and costs weighed against budget limita- for Home Station Training (HST). their higher headquarters, DOS is tions are generating a relook at future e training varies in complexity and partnering with the National Simu- collective training priorities, poten- employs: gaming technology (for small lation Center (NSC). e intent is tial simulation-based alternatives, and unit training), constructive simulations to update Aviation capabilities in emerging technology concepts that can and associated mission command infor- WARSIM, the constructive simulation be procured and optimized by the 2025 mation systems (for sta˜ level training), used to train commanders and their timeframe. To glimpse ten years into the and virtual simulators (for crew and sta˜s at the division level and above. future, from an Army Aviation collective collective training). Exercises are rou- New aviation-related behaviors will training perspective, existing capabilities tinely linked to the Maneuver Center better represent today’s modernized must be understood, along with those of Excellence (MCoE) for Air Ground œeet and the capabilities emerging with under development, before emerging Operations (AGO) distributive train- ARI. Focus area examples include up- concepts can be considered in context. ing. Another initiative is incorporating dating aviation survivability equipment the use of the Division eXercise Train- Focusing Simulation Efforts (ASE) e˜ectiveness and developing ing and Readiness System (DXTRS) manned unmanned teaming (MUMT) e United States Army Aviation into academic training as a mission capabilities. Center of Excellence (USAACE) Di- planning/rehearsal tool. e types of e newest USAACE course, the rectorate of Simulation (DOS) makes training events the students participate Air Cavalry Leaders Course (ACLC), multi-faceted contributions to simu- in could be conducted at their home is also related to ARI; it was developed

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 28 July 31, 2015 ARMY AVIATION Magazine 29 July 31, 2015 CREDIT FOR ALL PHOTOS – U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY MR. OTIS WHITE, USAACE DOS WHITE, OTIS BY MR. ARMY PHOTO – U.S. ALL PHOTOS CREDIT FOR

Gaming technology based Virtual Battlespace 3 in response to the incremental retire- (VBS3) Pilot and Gunner Computer Workstations ment of the non-modernized OH- Examples of the ITE components with peripherals that are used for the Air Cavalry 58D Kiowa scout aircraft œeet. Attack that can interoperate Leaders Course. reconnaissance troops and squadrons Live – the Homestation Instru- are being established that will have mentation Training System (HITS), AH-64D/E Apaches and an organic which provides ground maneuver RQ-7 Shadow UAS platoon. rough position location and weapons e¨ects have –ve portable Longbow Apache MUMT, two Apaches crews and the data for real-time exercise monitoring Tactical Engagement Simulation Sys- operators of a Shadow will collective- and after action reviews (AARs). tems (LBA TESS) which provide ly conduct reconnaissance in support Virtual – the Aviation-speci©c AV- HITS-like aviation capabilities. Inte- of wide-area security. ACLC teaches CATT and the Close Combat Tactical gration of LBA TESS and HITS is be- attack/reconnaissance leaders to ex- Trainer (CCTT) armor, mechanized ing considered to enable comprehensive ploit MUMT capabilities and doc- infantry, and recon virtual vehicles. instrumented tracking and AAR capa- trine, which generates unique/complex Constructive – the primary simula- bility until the next generation training simulation support requirements. Its tion is the Joint Con§ict and Tactical instrumentation system is –elded. secondary purpose is to expand desk- Simulation ( JCATS), which provides top simulation training capabilities for simulation entities that can stimulate Synthetic Training Environment Army Aviation. mission command information systems e TRADOC Capability Man- DOS provides training support like Blue Force Tracker (BFT). ager – Integrated Training Environ- using Virtual Battlespace 3 (VBS3) ment (TCM-ITE)’s conceptual plan is gaming technology, enhanced with an to replace the ITE with the Synthetic Apache “add-on.” Students train at LVC-IA Version 2 (LVC-IA2) is Training Environment (STE) around computer stations with headset com- under development for FY16 –eld- 2025. Funding will eventually stop for munications and appropriate visual ing. Its enhancements for Aviation AVCATT and other ITE component displays and peripheral devices. Spe- training will include distributed sling- improvements as the STE emerges to ci–cally, the pilots use a commercially load operations (i.e. AVCATT virtual replace them. available desktop cyclic, collective, movement of CCTT vehicles/crews) “We are at a critical juncture where we and head tracker; the gunners use a and more realistic survivability and must invest in the evolution of collective Target Acquisition Designation Sight targeting behaviors between confed- simulation training: integration has gotten (TADS) Electronic Display and Con- erates (i.e. AVCATT and JCATS). too hard, sustainment is too expensive, our trol (TEDAC), designed for use with Additional overall improvements will technology is old, industry is leaving us be- VBS3; and the UAS operators use a joy include: a Remote Kit (to temporarily hind, training prep is di‰cult and takes too stick. e Aviation Combined Arms link sites, not –elded LVC-IA2, into long, we are continuing to chase concurren- Tactical Trainer (AVCATT) is subse- ITE events), increased entity-count cy, we’re constrained by ‘brick and mortar’, quently used as training intensi–es. capabilities, and a better cross-domain and we can’t train e¨ectively for today’s solution (for combined classi–ed and complex Operational Environment.” unclassi–ed information/systems). An- COL Craig Unrath, NSC Director Integrated Training Environment other virtual capability improvement e Live, Virtual, and Constructive e˜ort is underway to link AVCATT To address the challenges, the NSC’s Integrating Architecture (LVC-IA) en- with the Universal Mission Simulator TCM-ITE Directorate is developing ables the use of several types of training (UMS). Over 100 UMS systems are concepts for the STE. enablers in a single Integrated Training being –elded to train Shadow and Grey “Science and Technology will be lever- Environment (ITE) for HST. e com- Eagle UAS crews. e goal is to even- aged to focus on six modernized training ponents include: people (trainers and tually integrate AVCATT and UMS enhancement ideas: a single synthetic en- trainees), a network, mission command crews into the ITE, operating as scout/ vironment, intelligent tutors, one-world information systems (Army and Joint), attack weapons teams. terrain, big data, arti©cial intelligence, facilities (ranges, training areas and sim- In the Live domain, the ITE doesn’t and point of need training capabilities.” ulation centers), TADSS, terrain (real support instrumented AGO training at COL Dave Cannon, TCM-ITE and synthetic), and LVC-IA hardware. home station. However, the Army does e NSC’s TCM-Virtual & Gam-

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 30 July 31, 2015 training systems or applications, unlike the entire crews of contractors now dedicated to a single trailer-mounted virtual system (that’s not always in use). Imagine if the STE had Aviation interfaces inspired by the best attributes of today’s academic training systems, like the TEDAC Longbow Procedural Trainer (LPT), the CH- 47F Cockpit Academic Procedural Trainer (CAPT), and the UH-60M

U.S. ARMY DIAGRAM BY COL DAVE CANNON, TCM-ITE CANNON, ARMY DIAGRAM BY COL DAVE U.S. Cockpit Academic Procedural Trainer- Enhanced (CAPT-E)], but with exercise visualization capabilities and augmented reality enhancements. An Synthetic Training Environment Concept Diagram air-ground system of systems could be born on the net and connect to anywhere via the cloud using “one-world” terrain designed to be fully interoperable ing (TCM-V&G) sta˜ established a port Aviation mission planning informa- for collective-distributive planning, new Combined Arms Center-Training tion for planner initiated (no-overhead) rehearsal, and training. Realistic, Integration Facility (CAC-TIF) to test animated mission rehearsals, similar to man-portable, Aviation systems with emerging technology and training con- how DXTRS is being used today at US- concurrent glass cockpit software could cepts; they started with a Stryker mock- AACE (with automated opposing forces be integrated into the MTCs beside up and are planning one for an Apache. and faster than real-time playback). A their ground vehicle counterparts. Requirements for the STE will be fully combined mission planning and digital An STE training support sta˜ could de–ned this year before program of re- rehearsal capability could also facilitate be smaller than the current œeets of cord funding is requested. As the STE improved mission brie–ngs. virtual trailers require (with individually CREDIT FOR ALL PHOTOS – U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY MR. OTIS WHITE, USAACE DOS WHITE, OTIS BY MR. ARMY PHOTO – U.S. ALL PHOTOS CREDIT FOR

TADS Electronic Display and Control (TEDAC) Current and emerging commercial dedicated crews). ese types of ideas Longbow Procedural Trainer (LPT); CH-47 Cock- augmented reality capabilities, such as combined with future technology could pit Academic Procedural Trainer (CAPT); and 3D virtual reality headsets, should be enable a new generation of training UH-60 Cockpit Academic Procedural Trainer - carefully considered. e STE must possibilities, with better –delity than Enhanced (CAPT-E). be more than computer software with the AVCATT, at a more sustainable a mouse, it should work with a variety life-cycle cost. e realm of the possible requirements are solidi–ed, Aviation use of peripherals. is could encompass a is vast; for now, the key to success for cases will be highlighted. For example, a range of possibilities from commercial the future STE is in the de–nition of limitation today is that Aviation plan- components (i.e. used with VBS3 for program requirements. ning is initiated on the Aviation Mis- ACLC) to more elaborate desktop sion Planning System (AMPS) but it or ergonomically - correct man - is not compatible with VBS3. e 2025 portable systems that could be used in COL Stephen S. Seitz is the director of mission planning system and the STE MTCs, where VBS3 is used routinely the Directorate of Simulation, U.S. Army should be designed to interoperate in a today. One technician could manage Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort system of systems. e STE should im- multiple co-located air and ground Rucker, AL.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 31 July 31, 2015 SPECIAL FOCUS u Simulation & Training AVCATT – Past, Present, and Future By Ms. Christina Bell, CW5 Michael S. Kelley, and CW4 (Ret.) John Snow

CW5 Kelley’s Observations particular training capability brought to mined to keep an open mind. After all, Some say that since its initial –elding the table and partially due to the time it was ASE integration, threat signa- in 2001, the Aviation Combined Arms not being applied to my œight career. It tures and behaviors modi–cations. is Tactical Trainer (AVCATT) has gar- all seemed like an uncomfortable waste was squarely in my role as the Branch nered a negative reputation. I remember of time. If anyone would have told me Aviation Mission Survivability OŒcer my –rst AVCATT experience and those “in 2013, you CW5 Michael Kelley (AMSO) and I needed to dig in. memories are not positive. e helmets are going to begin to advocate for AV- Over these three days, my assess- were heavy, limited in size, and had to CATT as a premier training capabil- ment of the capabilities being pre- be forced on my head. e visuals were ity,” frankly I would have made myself sented was dramatically di˜erent from not well aligned and to many people, it sick laughing. is all changed in 2013, the memories I had clung to for more caused nausea from the word go. is when I found myself assigned to be part than a decade. e new “halo” design created a rather uncomfortable –rst im- of an AVCATT government acceptance was far more comfortable than shoving pression that stuck with me the majority test on aircraft survivability equipment the simulated helmet on my head was of my career. (ASE) integration. is caused me, of years ago. e new design allowed me I did everything I could to avoid the all people, to be subjected to 24 hours to use my own œight helmet now and AVCATT, aside from the previously of AVCATT œying in a three day pe- the adjustments on the eyepieces of the mentioned issues, but mostly because riod. I went into the AVCATT that visual system allowed for better align- of a misunderstanding of the intent this week dreading every minute, yet deter- ment. e visual databases displayed

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 32 July 31, 2015 The Non-rated Crew Member Manned Module (NCM3) provides crew member simulation capability for utility and cargo helicopters.

requires two major steps: countermea- sures dispensing and evasive maneuvers. With the newly integrated ASE, push- ing the dispense button meant some- thing that my brain had not rehearsed and frankly, was not well rehearsed. What I actually did that day was a re- peat of 20 years of practice. I announced countermeasures over the intercom system (ICS) and initiated evasive ma- neuvers. e most valuable lesson that day was radar guided missiles do not monitor my ICS channels. We needed to change our training methods to per- formance based standards. is is where I became surprisingly impressed with what the Program Ex- ecutive OŒce for Simulation, Training and Instrumentatio (PEO STRI) had brought to the table. I began to envi- sion aircrews œying against a variety of threats with active ASE and training to –ght their aircraft in a simulated opera- tional environment. is would replace call outs in the cockpit with actions,

PEO STRI COURTESY PHOTO PEO STRI COURTESY turning discussion into performance training resulting in vastly increased aircraft survivability potential through rehearsing and re–ning aviation actions were nearly picture perfect to the ac- for the aircrew to build con–dence on contact. Actions on contact training tual terrain I was familiar with œying with survivability tactics, techniques could be practiced in the simulated en- around. I remained a bit skeptical as the and procedures (TTP) and ASE em- vironment before introducing the com- test began, focused on how well ASE ployment. ese are extremely impor- plicated maneuvers to the actual aircraft. was integrated. tant because pilots would instinctively Non-rated Crew Member Training select survivability TTPs based upon ASE Integration the visuals being displayed. It was also Another recent addition to the Integrating ASE with AVCATT crucial to provide “credit” for the sur- AVCATT capability is the Non- required exacting accuracy. e dis- vivability systems capabilities in defeat- rated Crew Member Manned Mod- plays, audio and pilot interfaces had ing engagement sequences. ule (NCM3) providing the –rst crew to be the same as on the aircraft itself. is test event demonstrated to me member simulation capability for util- Failure with integration would lead to how wrong we had been conducting ity and cargo helicopter platforms. is training capability failure. We were also this type of training throughout my creates a solution where entire aircrews concerned with how the visual threat career. It was during the radar warning are able to rehearse and re–ne actions signatures were displayed within the receiver (RWR) testing where I was on contact as a team; greatly increas- digital graphics generation. Simulated pitted against a radar threat system. ing the aviation commander’s con–- threat systems had to mimic realistic For nearly 20 years in the cockpit I had dence their crews will perform actions threat system engagements, in order been teaching this very sequence that on contact well together. Moving from

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 33 July 31, 2015 training is enhanced through the use of mission recording capabilities that allow crews and commanders to AAR every facet of training. Aircraft sensors, team movement, weapons engagements, digital and voice communications, along with ICS monitoring can be played back using the Exercise Analysis function during the AAR and then burned to DVD as a take home package for future reference and training. With the introduction of the UH-72A Lakota and AH-64D 13.0 upgrades that have just been –elded in the 15.0 software baseline, along with one semi-automated force (OneSAF) improvements that include natural disaster relief (œooding and wild –res) mission capabilities, the AVCATT continues to provide more mission building options and training capabilities. PEO STRI COURTESY PHOTO PEO STRI COURTESY Pilots have the option of wearing their own helmet or the new, lightweight “halo” design (pictured) while e future looks even brighter flying the AVCATT. with the –elding of UH-60M, CH- 47F, and AH-64E manned module con–gurations. ese upgrades will provide the units with an invaluable a single aircraft to multi-ship forma- practiced by the pilots. APU/Engine tool that will prepare them for future tions is where the AVCATT begins to starts, emergency procedures training missions for years to come. In addition, separate itself from all other simulation and 1000 series performance œight the PEO STRI and Aviation teams capabilities. tasks are intentionally not replicated are working together to integrate the All aircrew should be concerned in the AVCATT. e Longbow Crew Universal Mission Simulator and the about formation break-up procedures Trainer (LCT), Transportable Black- AVCATT for support of Manned due to enemy threat systems as these hawk Operator Simulator (TBOS) Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) maneuvers require aircraft to maneu- and Transportable Flight Pro–ciency training for both Army Aviator and ver as a team to be e˜ective and not Simulator (TFPS) were designed as UAS operator in the same exercise. run into each other. Formations would the primary trainers for those tasks. PEO STRI is also working closely need to regroup in order to continue AVCATT was designed as a collective with the Aviation Gunnery Branch the mission resulting in operational trainer, recon–gurable to any one of –ve to add tools to the AVCATT which success for their commander and the platform types, to train coordination will enhance support to Table VII ground maneuver forces. For this to oc- between multiple platforms, the com- and X gunnery in the AVCATT, in cur at night, under night-vision goggle mander, and their sta˜. accordance with the Combat Aviation (NVG) conditions increases the en- What the AVCATT excels at is fa- Gunnery Manual. In addition, an vironmental risk and needs to be re- cilitating simple to complex mission e˜ort is underway for upgraded helmet hearsed in the same manner it will be environments that allow command- mounted displays (HMDs) which will conducted in an operational environ- ers to train, evaluate and after action take advantage of enhancements in ment. Add in the Army Regulation review (AAR) their 2000 series ATM technology since the last upgrade in 95-1 allowance for AVCATT hours to tasks, along with those mission essen- 2007. be logged and applied to semi-annual tial task list (METL) tasks that every What It All Means minimum requirements and I am get- unit must perform. ting pretty darn convinced of the total e ability to plan, rehearse, execute AVCATT is now situated as the package deal AVCATT has become. and AAR team, platoon, company and premier aviation combined arms tacti- battalion level missions, gives trainers cal trainer it was imagined to be years What AVCATT Is Not and commanders a tool not available ago when it was introduced. e cur- While some individual tasks can be from any other training device. Having rent con–guration allows command- trained, the primary training audiences the ability to design missions that can ers to place their aircrew in complex are those involved in the command and integrate close air support, unmanned training scenarios with all of the fog of control of aviation assets and their sup- aircraft systems (UAS), artillery, infantry, war introduced. Placing the right per- port for the conduct of aviation mis- armor and air defense artillery gives the sonnel in the Battle Master Controller sions. e AVCATT was not designed command a unique ability to assess (BMC) as role players, S-3 sta˜ serving to be an individual crewmember train- their units’ tactical standard operating as battle captains and S-2 sta˜ acting er, although there are many technical procedure validity and crew decision as the opposing forces (OPFOR) com- tasks that can be accomplished and making skills. Air Mission Commander manders will create a dynamic train-

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 34 July 31, 2015 ing event which forces young aviation oŒcers to develop the decision mak- ing skills required for air mission com- manders (AMC) and battle captains for future conœicts. Aircrew will rehearse and re–ne tactics within these mission sets, in both pure and mixed aircraft formations during mission completion. Unit AMSOs are required to develop these tactical training scenarios for their commanders and provide guidance to pilots as they plan their missions. Units will get out of AVCATT what they put in. If your unit personnel show up to AVCATT without a plan, they will get very little bene–t and those air- crews will walk away feeling as though their time was wasted. Units should have the battalion sta˜ plan mis- sion execution as if this were a tasked combat mission and aircrew plan their routes and tactics in accordance with PHOTO PEO STRI COURTESY The Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (AVCATT) configured for AH-64 simulation. unit standing operating procedures. ese personnel will depart the AV- CATT with new found understanding of how e˜ective their unit will be facing the enemy on some future battle–eld. tive O‰ce for Simulation, Training, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, and Instrumentation, in Orlando, FL; Fort Rucker, AL; and CW4 (Ret.) John Ms. Christina Bell is the AVCATT CW5 Michael S. Kelley is the Branch Snow is the AVCATT Master Trainer Project Director for the Program Execu- Aviation Mission Survivability O‰cer, supporting the Warrior Training Alliance.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 35 July 31, 2015 SPECIAL FOCUS u Simulation & Training

Forging the Path – The Aviation Data Capture Integrated Product Team By CW5 (Ret.) Ron Moring, COL (Ret.) Jimmy Meacham, and Col. (Ret.) Anne Dunlap

The Objective – One Component, Multiple Architectures ADC IPT GRAPHIC

Figure 1.

he Aviation Data Capture Integrat- (USAACE) Directorate of Training and Force on Target venues. e primary T ed Product Team (ADC IPT) e˜ort and Doctrine (DoTD), submitted a tenant was to leverage/integrate –elded began as an Integrated Concept Team request to the TRADOC command- systems at every opportunity. TCM (ICT) in August 2010. Until that point, ing general authorizing the Aviation Ranges, in conjunction with the Program multiple agencies were working indi- Data Capture ICT which was ap- Manager Digital Training (PM DT) vidual solutions for Aviation integration proved April 2010. In August the –rst determined Longbow Apache Training into Force on Force and Force on Target event included platform and architec- Engagement Simulation System (LBA training architectures. As the Training ture combat and material developers. TESS) constituted the optimal common and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) It became apparent to all that a team hardware path for Aviation platform in- Capability Manager Ranges (TCM e˜ort would greatly enhance e˜orts tegration into the Digital Range Train- Ranges) developed the path for Force across the integration spectrum. Team- ing System (DRTS). is methodology on Target, it became clear that eŒciency ing requirement agencies with solution continued to be the primary thread for and expedience could be gained by estab- agencies would enable critical com- ADC ICT e˜orts. lishing an ICT to team key stakeholders. munication and coordinated forward Concept development was complete Further, the optimum path was an over- movement. Since initiation, platform in August of 2012. e Program Man- arching solution enabling a common and architecture agency cross talk has ager Training Devices (PM TRADE) approach for home station and combat increased awareness and continues to and TCM Ranges directed transi- training center (CTC) applications. pay substantial dividends. tion to an Integrated Product Team From August 2010 to August 2012 (IPT) to develop solutions in support The Beginning the ICT developed the overarching con- of the concept. TCM Ranges and TCM Ranges, teamed with the U.S. cept enabling a standardized approach to PM TRADE co-chairs lead the IPT Army Aviation Center of Excellence integrate Aviation into Force on Force thereby teaming the requirement lead

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 36 July 31, 2015 with the solution lead. IPT co-chairs are charged with updating the Board IPT Members/Process of Directors (BOD) semi-annually and providing key issues to the Program Executive OŒce Aviation (PEO AVN) and Program Executive OŒce Simula- tion Training Instrumentation (PEO STRI) annually. e –rst IPT meeting occurred October 2012. e IPT char- ter was developed with the primary objective of enabling one platform data capture system feeding multiple train- ing architectures. ese architectures receive/store/manipulate data from the platforms for Situational Awareness and After Action Reviews (AAR). Initial Integration e initial integration enables Aerial Weapon Scoring System (AWSS) to Figure 2. gain platform data through LBA TESS to improve weapons scoring. Key en- gagement elements including Hell–re parameters (i.e., altitude, airspeed, at- tive reviews of existing platform and trigger pull and range to target at trigger titude, weapon trigger pull). Lessons architecture requirement documents, to pull were gained by integrating capabili- learned from AHIP AAR e˜orts determine that requirements were large- ties of two –elded programs of record. along with IPT support were key con- ly in place to move forward. e “walk” phase developed the Avi- tributors to successfully implementing As development of solutions ation Homestation Interim Package Digital Air Ground Integration Range evolved, it became clear some resourc- (AHIP) AAR. A computer (i.e., avia- (DAGIR) at Fort Bliss, TX. ing areas of responsibility would not tion work station) with requisite soft- Using the AHIP AAR as the base- be resolved at the IPT level. e IPT ware integrated AWSS, LBA TESS, line, IPT members continued e˜orts presented problem statements to PEO and aircraft recorded media into a time to achieve the “run” phase of enabling a AVN, PEO STRI, and the USAACE synchronized presentation. e result battalion commander to utilize a single Commanding General for guidance. was a substantial improvement over the platform component for CTC as well as Key decisions and guidance allowed aircraft tape review method that had “backyard” home station Force on Force the ADC IPT to move forward. been in place since the 1980s. Master and Force on Target training. Since no e goal now, as at inception in gunners could now see aircraft video, capability can be realized without a re- 2010, is to enable relevant Aviation aircraft position, and scoring on one quirement, the IPT conducted exhaus- AAR for Force on Target and Force on screen along with aircraft performance Force training events at home station and CTCs for Army manned and un- AHIP AAR Presentation manned aircraft platforms. AARs are the capstones for any training event. An AAR must be relevant for gunnery as well as collective Air-Ground Op- eration Training at CTCs and particu- larly at home station. Only in this way can Soldiers and leaders develop e˜ec- tive teaming with ground units prior to actions at the point of decision.

CW5 (Ret.) Ron Moring is the chief of the Range Development Branch with the TCM Ranges at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA; COL (Ret.) Jimmy Meacham is a senior training and doctrine analyst with the USAACE DoTD at Fort Rucker, AL; and Col. (Ret.) Anne Dunlap (USAF) is the project director for Aviation Live Training Systems, PM Training Devices (PM TRADE), Program Executive O‰ce for Figure 3. Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI), Orlando, FL.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 37 July 31, 2015 SPECIAL FOCUS u Simulation & Training

UH-60 A/L Flight Simulator U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY KEVIN HOTTELL ARMY PHOTO U.S. Simulations:

The Future Present of Aviation Training By Ms. Christina Parker and Mr. Danny Flowers

ince 2011 the Army has begun to transition from a war- Aviation continues to increase exponentially. With great com- S time to a peacetime Army; an Army that returns and plexity, however, comes great risk for the aviator and his equip- refocuses on the training needs of the Soldier in preparation ment. Even greater risk when an aviator operates his equip- for the next time of war; an Army that looks back on lessons ment 1,500 feet above ground level. erefore, the need to –nd learned during mission operations and looks forward for in- ways to e˜ectively train on the ground before ever taking œight novative ways of defending against potential arising threats. becomes paramount. In order to address these complexities un- e complexity inherent within the tasks performed by Army der ever tightening resource constraints, it becomes incumbent upon the aviation training environment to raise the level of academic authenticity, learning, and learning transfer whenever and wherever possible. In this, the United States Army Avia- tion Center of Excellence (USAACE) is above the best. While Army Aviation training has always relied heavily on simulations for that authenticity, for the past four years every ef- fort has been made to lead from the front, to rede–ne what is included within the term ‘simulation,’ and to rede–ne how simu- lations will become a more integral part of a Soldier’s education. Making an Impact Night Vision Device Operational Sequence If you were to ask an aviator what simulations have sig- ni–cantly aided in his or her training you can bet that they would tell you: the cockpit procedural trainers (CPTs) at the U.S. ARMY PHOTO PROVIDED BY CAMBER ARMY PHOTO U.S.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 38 July 31, 2015 Goodhand Simulator Complex, the full scale œight simulators applications downloadable from the AKO portal. e ability at Warrior Hall, and the Aviation Combined Arms Tactical to complement hardware simulations with readily accessible Trainers (AVCATT) located at the Directorate of Simula- software simulations has allowed Soldiers, civilians, and œight tions (DOS). But, simulations training isn’t just the full-scale, contractors to gain new skills and to replenish potentially di- hardware simulation device. For the past three to four years, minishing skills whenever there is a need. Mr. Arnold also USAACE has striven to incorporate every level of simulation stated that, “since February 2013, USAACE Fort Rucker has trainer into its learning environments, from desktop trainers, also provided all students with a Dell XT3 convertible note- or what are now referred to as emulators, to Cockpit Avionics book computer to guarantee the availability of the instruction Procedural Trainers (CAP-T) housed within traditional class- medium at the Soldier’s immediate point of need.” room environments, and to 3-D modelling of aircraft parts and Currently, there are three applications available for download: equipment for use during classroom presentations. Emergency Procedures and Limits; Pre-œight; and Night Vi- DAC Don Yarbough, UH-60M Academic Integrator/Stan- sion Devices (NVDs). Each application is divided into aircraft dardization Pilot, states that, “desktop trainers and CAP-Ts are speci–c requirements and, with each development, the interac- already fully integrated within our academic training.” He goes tive immersion increases. Applications are speci–cally designed on to say that the experiential nature of the simulations and to supplement training provided within classroom academics, what he calls, “the interaction between live-ware [the student/ œight-line academics and the full simulation devices. Soldier], hardware, and software” hastens the student’s transi- USAACE supports the Enterprise Approach to training tion from classroom, to full-scale simulator, to aircraft. “With by designing and developing simulations that support training the desktop trainers and CAP-Ts, students are using all of their and can be used as a combination of study aid, training aid, senses. ey are improving their muscle memory and they are and job aid as well as improving educational reach-back ca- gaining a higher level of understanding of the equipment. ey pabilities. As a result of continual access to information at the get into the simulator better prepared. ey already understand point of need, the cognitive burden is reduced while increasing and know how to operate the cockpit equipment.” authentic cognitive challenges, enhancing job performance, ac- celerating unit performance readiness, sustaining highly com- Enhancing the Learning Environment plex skill sets, reducing risk, and resource requirements. With the inclusion of such technologies intended to mimic real-world job performance, students are able to practice and Ms. Christina Parker is the supervisor instructional system spe- become con–dent with equipment and procedures before ever cialist for the Flight Training Integration Branch, and Mr. Dan- having touched an actual aircraft. In this, simulations impact ny Flowers is the chief of the Education and Technologies Branch, training by decreasing cost for scheduling, use, and repair of both in the Directorate of Training and Doctrine, U.S. Army the equipment; increasing the exposure to the look and feel of Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker, AL. the equipment; and improving performance through mean- ingful repetitive behavior. Access, exposure, and repetition serve to signi–cantly reduce the risks associated with œight training. USAACE has easily identi–ed these signi–cant bene–ts to the learning environment and is working hard to take the use of simulations to the next level. How do you do that? You take simulations from a static location and make EXCELLENCE IN them mobile. Now students gain exposure, practice behaviors AIRBORNE CARRIAGE SYSTEM and progress through task complexity from their pockets, to the classroom, to the full-scale simulator, to the aircraft with the most recent addition to the suite of simulations available for USAACE training; the development of the Army Avia- tion Interactive Multimedia Instruction (AAIMI). RELEASE UNIT AAIMI – On Demand Access EJECTOR RELEASE UNIT With the AAIMI initiative, USAACE has pierced the veil of a training medium that all available technology has the ability to support. e AAIMI products are designed as high . Weight saving . Short turn-around time –delity mobile applications that are scenario-based, immer- . Unmatched boresight repeatability sive in nature, and are driven by interactive three dimensional graphics. And, they can be uploaded onto any personal de- vice to include a Soldier’s personal computer, tablet, or mobile phone, regardless of whether it is on an iPhone, Android, or Windows platform. DAC David Arnold, 110th Aviation Bri- gade Knowledge Management and Information Management OŒcer, stated that, “USAACE devised a holistic approach to further support the integration of technology and simulation into all training environments. We worked to digitize and transfer all learning materials to Army Knowledge Online (AKO) and Blackboard for 24/7/365 credentialed access from www.alkan.fr any internet connection.” is includes the AAIMI mobile

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 39 July 31, 2015 ArmyAviation2015_V3.indd 1 04/05/2015 11:59:14 SPECIAL FOCUS u Simulation & Training

Reformatting the Hard Drive (Within the Attack Aviation Community) By CW4 Scott H. Durrer

ince it was –rst published in the ing products, doctrine and professional craft and be armed with the knowledge S March 2014 Flightfax Newslet- literature; the hurdle is that we often to maximize the e˜ectiveness of ASE. ter, “Defragging the Hard Drive” has “don’t know what we don’t know.” As During recent Directorate of Evalu- certainly inspired a tremendous amount an example, Aviation Mission Surviv- ation and Standardization (DES) unit of discussion regarding Army Aviation ability (AMS) training is mandatory assessments, most if not all aviators training. ese discussions have resulted for MTOE units. Typically an aviator complete CBAT-O in accordance with in the Branch taking a hard, focused will complete Computer Based ASE Army and local command directives. look into what subjects we teach and Training-Operator (CBAT-O) once a e issue however, is very few aviators how much emphasis we should place on year. While this training is adequate to have ever completed CBAT-C and a these subjects. e preponderance of the refresh the knowledge of component large number are unaware a classi–ed discussions have focused on which areas location and crew station indications, version exists. e United States Army should be given less emphasis. Only re- it doesn’t provide any insight on how Aviation Center of Excellence (US- cently have we started asking ourselves to employ the platforms’ aircraft surviv- AACE) has produced the 2015 Clas- into which subjects can we invest the ability equipment (ASE). e classi–ed si–ed Army Aviation TTP Manual, time gained by the “Defragging” e˜ort. version, CBAT-Classi–ed (CBAT-C) is a very well written document that if Refocusing the e˜ort of what our an excellent product that delves into the read and reinforced through training instructor pilots and trainers teach capabilities, limitations, and e˜ective- will increase an aircrew’s con–dence and evaluate de–nitely doesn’t require ness of each ASE component. An avia- and ability to employ the aircraft. e reinventing the wheel. Army Avia- tor with this understanding will likely AH-64D/E Aircrew Training Manual tors already have access to great train- reevaluate the employment of the air- (ATM) Task 2412 – Perform Evasive

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 40 July 31, 2015 Similar to CBAT-C, most aviators ment. e introduction of the Link 16 polled during DES assessments are un- equipped, version 4 AH-64E will place familiar with the manual and most have the ARB/ARS in the joint spotlight. not read or received training on it. As Link 16 provides the AH-64E with commanders and standardization of- the ability to contribute more than ever –cers, objectively look at your unit’s to the common operating picture. To aviators and determine if they have the maximize the e˜ectiveness and synergy received the tools and training necessary of the AH-64E, familiarity with Joint to employ and maximize the survivabil- and Multi-Service doctrine cannot be ity eŒcacy of the aircraft against mod- overlooked. ernized threat. Checking Boxes Versus Learning Understanding the Mission Using the two examples above it’s It’s likely safe to say that a large easy to point out areas where the attack number of AH-64 aviators primarily community has room for improvement. focus their studying e˜orts on three e diŒculty lies in developing an manuals: the ATM, gunnery manual, e˜ective aircrew training program that and operator’s manual. While these evolves with changing technology, are unarguably required references to doctrine and TTPs. Taking a step back, operate and employ the aircraft, they look at how we as instructors train and aren’t designed to provide knowledge evaluate in the aircraft. Most aviators on why we take o˜ in the –rst place – will attest to the fact that all too often the mission. two hours on the œight schedule has Field Manual (FM) 3-04.126, At- equated to a dozen, if not more trips tack Reconnaissance Helicopter Op- around the traŒc pattern. While this erations, gives an overall framework to may be necessary during readiness the mission and employment of attack level (RL) progression and pro–ciency reconnaissance units and at a minimum œight evaluations (PFE), this should should be required reading for all attack not be the norm during continuation U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY CPT DAVID DUNN BY CPT DAVID ARMY PHOTO U.S. helicopter pilots. As experience and training and pilot in command familiarity with the aircraft and unit’s evaluations. While “checking the Aircrews and maintenance soldiers of the 1st mission grow, expanding knowledge boxes” is built into the system based on Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment “Ghost through professional literature should the requirement to train and evaluate Riders,” with the support of soldiers from the also occur. certain maneuvers, it doesn’t mean 90th Aviation Support Battalion, conducted an e Air Land Sea Application Cen- we as instructors must capitulate to AH-64 Apache gunnery range at North Fort ter (ALSA) is a multi-service organi- the box checking mindset. When Hood, Texas from 1 to 7 June 2015. The Ghost zation that develops tactical-level solu- instructors accept the box checking Riders are one of the last U.S. Army Reserve tions of multi-service interoperability approach, they are also accepting an units to participate in an Apache gunnery range issues consistent with Joint and Service attitude that the purpose of their job is before transitioning to the UH-60 Black Hawk. doctrine. ALSA publications provide to simply complete it. inking outside excellent reference and descriptive pro- of the box for a moment, the Federal cedures (both classi–ed and unclassi- Aviation Administration (FAA) in the –ed) to topics that apply to all mission mid-1970s began using scenario based Maneuvers, describes what maneuvers sets assigned to the attack reconnais- training and evaluations known as Line are necessary to evade a certain threat sance battalion/squadron (ARB/ARS). Oriented Flight Training (LOFT), an and the conditions for the task require ALSA provides numerous publications innovation for which we can thank the the crewmember to be familiar with that range from Tactical Employment airlines. the classi–ed evasive tactical techniques of UAS to Aviation Urban Operations. and procedures (TTP). Several of the e true value that lies in exposure to Real-Time Scenarios evasive maneuvers listed in the ATM these manuals is understanding the e idea behind LOFT is to provide task provide no description other than planning and procedural employment pilot training and evaluation that is “see classi–ed Army Aviation TTP.” of our aircraft in a Joint environ- more representative of actual œight op-

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 41 July 31, 2015 conducive to replicating realism into training and evaluation scenarios. ere is no doubt that as we contin- ue to focus on the “Defragging” e˜ort, we will continue to discover even more areas that can be re-shaped and modi- –ed to meet the emerging requirements of training the 21st Century Army Aviator. As we move forward, it is im- perative that everyone in our commu- nity continue to apply critical thinking in this endeavor to ensure that we grow as a branch and are ready to meet the PHOTO BY CW4 SCOTT H. DURRER H. BY CW4 SCOTT PHOTO An AH-64 conducting deck landing qualifications. threats of this century and to train to –ght and win the next conœict. erations than maneuver-based training presents the guidelines for LOFT in the CW4 Scott H. Durrer is an AH-64 stan- alone. For the airlines, a sample LOFT civil sector and, while it has no bearing dardization instructor pilot in the Attack scenario may progress with the receipt of over military aviation, instructors should Branch of the Directorate of Evaluation the manifest and œight plan, push back be encouraged to reference this material and Standardization, at the U.S. Army from the gate, departure, re-routing due to gain insight into tested and proven Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort to adverse weather, an aircraft malfunc- methods of creating an environment Rucker, AL. tion during the initial approach, ending with the arrival at the next gate. An ex- ample of using the LOFT concept for an AH-64 evaluation may begin with u Letters to the Editor receipt of a reconnaissance mission, re- con–guring the Aviation Mission Plan- ning System (AMPS) based on mis- We encourage you to send your comments and suggestions to [email protected]. Submissions should be exclusive to ARMY AVIATION – we do not publish open letters or sion adjustments, followed by crew and third-party letters. Submissions should be 150 to 175 words, should refer to an article team brie–ngs. As the œight progresses, that has appeared in the current or most previous issue, and must include the writer’s the crewmember is subjected to realis- name, address, email address, and phone numbers. We regret that because of the volume tic tasks they would likely be expected of submissions, we cannot acknowledge unpublished letters other than by an automated to perform in a mission environment e-mail reply. Letters may be edited and shortened for space. Joe Pisano, Editor (e.g., tuning the upper receiver to take advantage of an unplanned operation with an RQ-7 Shadow, or reacting to a mission change obtained through a tac- March 31, 2015 tical internet message). At some point the crewmember is placed in a situation I just wanted to drop you a quick line and tell you how much I enjoyed where weapons employment is neces- the February issue of Army Aviation Magazine. The layout is eye-catching, sary and is challenged to select the right weapon for the desired target e˜ect and the photos great (as usual) and I really liked feeling “caught up” with my employ tactical employment techniques branch after reading it. based on the threat. As the mission The updates left me feeling informed on each of our roles/airframes, and progresses, the instructor simulates an emergency forcing the aviator to recover the other short pieces were welcome additions. I especially liked my friend from the engagement area back to air- Jimmy Blackmon’s piece on leadership and the wonderful Soldier profile of –eld challenging the aviator to œy the SPC Luke Pirtle in “The Membership Corner.” aircraft in a degraded mode for a longer Keep up the great work for those supporting Army Aviation today, those duration than just the downwind. A crewmember’s sound judgment who did so in the past, and those great warriors who are standing at the and maturity managing the mission, starting line to be “Above the Best.” crew, and assets are diŒcult to deter- Proud to be a Soldier for Life wearing the badge of Army Aviator. mine unless the instructor creates an environment of real-time scenarios that include routine, abnormal, and emer- LTC (Ret.) Tom Smedley gency situations. Adopting a LOFT Springfield, Virginia approach to training and evaluations will encourage crews to become better problem-solvers and resource managers. FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 120-35C

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 42 July 31, 2015 ARMY AVIATION Magazine 43 July 31, 2015 SPECIAL FOCUS u Simulation & Training

National Training Center, Eagle Team 2015 Update By MAJ Zachary J. Mundell COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY

Eagle Team 2015, National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA U.S. ARMY EAGLE TEAM U.S.

he Eagle Team is composed of 65 Aviation units. Leadership from the with the BCT to ensure aviation is T observer-coach/trainers (OC/Ts), three CTCs continuously discuss cur- nested into the brigade plan. Further, including 20 oŒcers, 23 warrant oŒ- rent rotational trends and share obser- frequent communication with the bri- cers, and 22 enlisted Soldiers, who pro- vations that in turn directly improve gade aviation element (BAE) and e˜ec- vide world-class training to rotational pending doctrinal updates. With the tive use of liaison oŒcers will improve units at the National Training Center upcoming publication of FM 3-04, the the planning process and facilitate more (NTC). Our charter is to coach, teach, National Training Center will continue e˜ective operations. Additionally, our and mentor aviation task forces on the to coach, teach, and mentor aviation main command post (CP) trainers pro- application and execution of joint and task forces on the application of updat- vide a CP class during reception, stag- multinational decisive action aviation ed doctrine to their speci–c missions. ing, onward-movement & integration missions supporting uni–ed land op- (RSOI) focusing on the functions of erations in a realistic competitive en- Maneuver Element vs. Enabler the CP, military decision making pro- vironment to improve the war –ghting With the evolution of aviation cess, rehearsals, and transitioning mis- skills, integration, and e˜ectiveness of doctrine and decisive action rotations, sion command. Managing transitions the multi-functional aviation task force. brigade combat teams (BCTs) realize in the DATE is critical. Units must set Our team is currently focusing on three signi–cant value by employing Army conditions for transitioning mission initiatives impacting the greater Army Aviation as a maneuver element and command and rehearse the plan thor- Aviation community in the Decisive massing e˜ects rather than employing oughly. Finally, task forces need to be Action Training Environment (DATE): them as an enabler. E˜ective air extremely proactive with scheduled and implementation of doctrinal updates, ground operations (AGO) with the unscheduled maintenance. Units must employment of Army Aviation as a ma- BCT is facilitating this change. We select aircraft and manage œight hours neuver element, and manned unmanned also emphasize the critical role of the accordingly to sequence aircraft into teaming (MUMT) operations. aviation task force commander as the signi–cant phases and conduct thor- As the Army uses best practices and “Aviation Coordinator (AVCOORD)” ough preventive maintenance. lessons learned to continue re–nement for supported BCTs as well as the of Army Aviation doctrine, the com- senior advisor to the BCT commander Deliberate Attack bat training centers (CTCs) provide on the employment of aviation. Additionally, we coach the execution unique insight into the current tactics, We stress the importance of aggres- of AH-64 platoon and company delib- techniques, and procedures (TTPs) of sive and deliberate parallel planning erate attacks in support of the combined

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 44 July 31, 2015 arms maneuver (CAM) –ght. Units platoon or company missions while uti- portunities in the decisive action (DA) must create and adhere to a decision lizing enablers. For example, the 52nd environment. e focus of the coverage support matrix that has clearly de–ned Infantry Division issues an order for is not only to train the UAS operators triggers, which facilitates attack aircraft the aviation and –res battalions to ex- how to be scout pilots, but also to cross being in their attack by –re positions at ecute an attack to disrupt enemy forces train TTPs from both platforms in or- the decisive point of the operation. Too attempting to penetrate the division’s der to create a more lethal and surviv- often we see aviation assets launched forward elements. e mission brings able Army Aviation force. without meeting a trigger to serve as a the full brunt of the aviation task force In addition to focusing on these three “911” service across the area of opera- to the –ght. UH-60s are used for mis- key initiatives the Eagle Team continues tions. As a result, the aircraft have to sion command, CH-47s for an M777 to support the Army Aviation branch break station for refuel, duty day, or œight howitzer gun raid, Shadow Tactical by providing feedback directly from the time and are not available at the decisive Unmanned Aircraft Systems (TUAS) –eld to the Army’s leadership. Eagle point. For the wide area security (WAS) as observers, and AH-64s for conduct- 07 briefs each Aviation Pre-Command –ght, task forces can apply a wide range ing the attack. e intent for the attack Course and continuously updates senior of tactics to meet mission success. Em- is to allow time for the BCT to conduct leaders visiting the NTC. e Eagle ploying attack weapons teams (AWTs) a noncombatant evacuation operation Team recently reached out to the Avia- along a screen line allows the task force (NEO) of the U.S. consulate. tion Captain’s Career Course (AVCCC) to conserve combat power for the deci- as well to address doctrine trends and sive point during CAM. For both CAM Leveraging MUMT make recommendations for training fu- and WAS it is important for aircrews to Integration of UAS and leveraging ture company commanders. e NTC is clearly paint the picture in their report- MUMT by maximizing training op- the United States Army’s premier loca- ing to higher. Aircrews need to clearly portunities is another critical initiative tion to train decisive action and remains articulate what they see in order to give for the Eagle Team. Our attack/cavalry postured to train Army Aviation on the the commander an accurate common and TUAS trainers are challenged with latest doctrine and TTPs while welcom- operational picture and to support their training Apache pilots, Shadow and ing questions from the –eld. decision making. Gray Eagle operators to work in uni- Train the Force! e NTC rotational design has son to identify and kill the enemy. UAS evolved to include opportunities for ei- operators must also think and com- MAJ Zachary J. Mundell is the aviation ther live or constructive joint and com- municate as cavalry scout pilots, “Aero- executive o‰cer and S-3 trainer serving bined deliberate attacks against a pen- scouts.” We coach œight companies to with the Operations Group Aviation etrating enemy force. ese attacks are position pilots at the UAS launch/re- Task Force Training Team (Eagle Team) an invaluable opportunity for aviation covery sites to improve maneuver inte- located at the National Training Center, task forces to command and control gration and maximize the training op- Ft. Irwin, CA. Registration & Booth Sales are Now Open!

11 th Luther G. Jones Army Aviation Sustainment Forum “The Key to Aviation Readiness” October 6-8, 2015 Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz Center Sponsored by Army Aviation Corpus Christi, TX quad-a.org/LutherJones Association of America

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 45 July 31, 2015 SPECIAL FOCUS u Simulation & Training Aviation Task Force Integration By MAJ Jason T. Woodward U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY SCOTT GIBSON JRTC VIDEOGRAPHER GIBSON JRTC BY SCOTT ARMY PHOTO U.S.

Task Force TIGERSHARK staff conducts hasty ou just received the combat avia- Lesson one: the best way to integrate an mission analysis and course of action Y tion brigade (CAB) Annual Train- AVN TF is to train as an AVN TF. development in response to a downed aircraft ing Guidance and the CAB Command- during JRTC Rotation 15-04. er identi–ed your battalion as the parent The AVN TF at JRTC unit of an aviation task force (AVN TF) A JRTC DA rotation is character- a˜orded through the TF design. Ac- for a Joint Readiness Training Center ized by a realistic and complex opera- curately reœected in the CAB METL, ( JRTC) rotation. You will be support- tional environment (OE) with a near successful AVN TFs can execute air as- ing an infantry brigade combat team peer hybrid threat intended to stress sault, air movement, attack, reconnais- (IBCT) within a Decisive Action Train- the rotational unit. Units will face sance, aeromedical evacuation, forward ing Environment (DATE) rotational regular, irregular, and criminal ele- arming refuel point (FARP), downed design. As the newly minted AVN TF ments in an area of operations with a aircraft recovery team (DART), tacti- Operations OŒcer you have a lot of mix of urban and rural terrain popu- cal assembly area (TAA), airspace con- work to do to provide all the capabilities lated by civilian inhabitants. Your near trol, and manned unmanned teaming of an AVN TF in support of the IBCT. peer adversary possesses similar capa- (MUM-T) operations, at a minimum. After 12 months of observation at bilities and equipment to U.S. forces: While the AVN TF provides most of JRTC as Alpha 03, it is readily appar- light infantry and special operations the capabilities of a CAB, the TF has ent that AVN TFs are coming to JRTC forces (SOF) with typical Soviet threat limited depth to protect and sustain unprepared to execute TF level opera- small arms, rocket propelled grenades itself for extended periods; therefore, tions. Rotation after rotation, AVN TFs (RPGs), and machine guns, armored an AVN TF requires early task orga- are arriving at JRTC to receive training vehicles, –xed and rotary wing aircraft, nization and a well-synchronized unit- as opposed to arriving at JRTC to vali- armored and man portable air defense training plan to maximize its readiness. date the training they have conducted systems, rocket and cannon –res, and at home station, as required by the U.S. unmanned aerial systems. Unit Training Management Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) To properly train and integrate an Analyzing task organization and Commanding General’s training guid- AVN TF, units must expand beyond identifying capabilities and limitations ance. To achieve this intent, AVN TFs their parent battalion mission and Mis- of the TF structure provide the frame- must integrate early to train all facets sion Essential Task List (METL) to work for development of individual and integrate all capabilities of the TF. incorporate the additional capabilities and collective training plans required

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 46 July 31, 2015 to prepare for JRTC. Employing the principles of Unit Training Manage- ment (UTM) through the framework of the Operations Process allows TF leadership to develop a training strate- gy tailored to their TF. Army Doctrine Reference Publication (ADRP) 7-0 states, “E˜ective unit training results from a sound analysis of the unit’s mis- sion and its ability to accomplish that mission.” From this mission analysis, the commander must develop the AVN TF METL to facilitate the –rst step of training management – Planning. Leading the sta˜ through the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) serves as a foundational planning opportunity for the com- mander to fully assess the capabilities VIDEOGRAPHER GIBSON JRTC BY SCOTT ARMY PHOTO U.S. of the TF, and to identify TF capabili- Task Force TIGERSHARK conducts aeromedical evacuation during JRTC Rotation 15-04. ties, limitations, and training require- ments. rough this critical planning process, the AVN TF sta˜ identi–es unique capabilities within the AVN TF Conclusion capability gaps requiring CAB or other METL are trained and resourced. Today’s uncertain world requires external augmentation and allocates re- e culminating training event of meticulous, deliberately planned and sources required for the TF to accom- AVN TF integration is the AVN TF resourced training to properly inte- plish its training and integration plan. Field Training Exercise (FTX). is grate AVN TF capabilities required to CAB commanders possess additional FTX provides the AVN TF its –rst answer our nation’s call, whenever and resources and coordinating sta˜ needed opportunity to train collectively and to wherever it comes. As the most lethal, to support the TF training plan, driving fully integrate all capabilities of the TF, mobile, and versatile maneuver capa- a critical demand for proper dialogue allowing small unit leaders to validate bility on the battle–eld, Army Aviation between the CAB and TF commander. their company and below training plans must achieve the highest state of readi- rough multiple rotations at JRTC while providing the AVN TF com- ness allowing us to seize the initiative we experience units where improper mander and sta˜ the ability to exercise and create opportunities for success. communication between CAB and TF mission command under –eld condi- rough proper planning, UTM, and level commanders and sta˜ agencies tions. e “Gold Standard” involves an imagination we can ensure our AVN have resulted in a lack of mission prep- FTX supporting the assigned BCT to TFs achieve this state of readiness, aration prior to the JRTC deployment. establish sta˜ interdependence, famil- prepared to face any threat in the most Developing a solid AVN TF training iarity amongst the chain of command, demanding operating environments. plan using the MDMP should culmi- BCT Battle Rhythm and reporting JRTC provides a world-class venue nate in the publication of an AVN TF integration, and standard operating to validate unit readiness required to Mission Training Brief (MTB). procedure (SOP) re–nement. How- meet this demand, but we must recog- Leveraging the MTB, company and ever, in limited resource and/or time nize the shift from using the combat below leaders execute troop leading pro- constrained environments, creatively training centers (CTCs) as a training cedures (TLPs) to develop their training leveraging all home station resources environment that prepares units for plans. Small unit leadership nests their such as AVCATT, Close Combat Tac- speci–ed missions by conducting pre- unit’s critical capabilities as Mission tical Trainer (CCTT), gunnery and live deployment training tasks, to leverag- Essential Tasks (METs) which enable –re exercises, and other “back forty” ing the CTCs to hone our collective the AVN TF METL, then further de- range opportunities allows the AVN training skills to achieve the highest termine individual and collective train- TF to fully integrate all capabilities in state of readiness. e Aviation Divi- ing tasks which lead to overall METL live, virtual, and constructive environ- sion at JRTC stands ready to assist pro–ciency. e Army Training Net- ments. Maximizing these opportunities AVN TFs see themselves, to enable work and the Combined Arms Training as well as JRTC’s Leadership Training them to demonstrate their pro–ciency, Strategy (CATS) serve as the reposi- Program (LTP) will enable the AVN and to validate their training in order to tory for individual and collective tasks TF to achieve high levels of TF in- leave JRTC as the most ready aviation including resources required, frequency terdependency leading to integration unit in the United States Army. of training, and assessment tools to de- and unity of e˜ort. Regardless of tim- No Slack! All the Way! termine individual and unit readiness. ing and constraints placed on the AVN Upon completion of small unit train- TF, planning and executing a TF level MAJ Jason T. Woodward currently serves ing plan development, the AVN TF collective training exercise is a critical as the senior command post trainer, Alpha commander must receive a back brief event to ensure proper readiness prior 03, at the Joint Readiness Training Center, on company training plans to ensure all to deploying to JRTC. Ft. Polk, LA.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 47 July 31, 2015 From the Field u

Building Combat Readiness Through Enhanced Simulations By CPT Nicholas Currie U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN MARQUARDT ARMY PHOTO U.S.

Soldiers go through a counter-IED mission in the Reconfigurable Vehicle Tactical Trainer ver the past few years, the United currency with a limited œying hour (RVTT) at the Grafenwöhr Training Area, Feb. O States government has faced a program is a temporary solution, how 26, 2015. serious issue regarding the –nancial do you maintain the combat skills of resiliency of our nation. As we concluded experienced pilots while continuing our support to operations in Iraq and to train junior Soldiers and Aviators continue to reduce our footprint in in preparation for future combat Afghanistan, leaders are faced with the operations? One possible answer is an momentous challenge of maintaining under-utilized asset that many Army the combat readiness of Soldiers while installations have readily available: balancing the ever-tightening –nancial simulations. budget placed upon us. is dilemma is Without a doubt, most Army even more apparent in Army Aviation Aviators are familiar with the Aviation where –scal sequestrations can have an Combined Arms Tactical Trainer immediate impact on a commander’s (AVCATT). e AVCATT has Aircrew Training Program (ATP). undergone several upgrades over the While balancing aircrew member recent years in order to remain relevant

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 48 July 31, 2015 to emerging aircraft capabilities. An variety of environments. Soldiers don rivals actual combat operations. Junior example of this can be found during an array of sensors, a virtual reality aviators are now able to talk directly one unit’s preparation for deployment interface, and are assigned a weapon. to a supported ground force and to Afghanistan. Prior to deployment e Soldier is then assigned a manned conduct close combat attacks (CCA) in support of Operation Enduring module pad in a large open room along or deliver much needed supplies to an Freedom X-XI, aircraft assigned to with their entire squad. e squad isolated patrol. Soldiers in a unit that the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade is then transplanted into a virtual are not aircrew members can now be (CAB) located at Fort Campbell, KY, battle–eld that can be manipulated introduced to a level of training that were out–tted with upgrades that by a trainer to simulate a multitude of is typically reserved for an Army enabled the unit to train and employ combat scenarios. infantry unit. An attack helicopter the manned-unmanned teaming company can have a team of Apaches (MUM-T) concept. At the same support its very own crew chiefs who time, the AVCATT was –tted with are conducting convoy operations in an additional system that replicated preparation for austere operations. the aircraft MUM-T interface. While aircrews initially had limited UAS Motivational assets to conduct team training, the Let’s face it, who doesn’t like to play AVCATT presented an acceptable a video game? When translated into substitute that enabled aircrews practice, units have seen a drastic rise to establish team tactics that were in Soldier participation and general utilized during combat operations less understanding of basic Soldier tasks. than a year later. As mentioned before, Soldiers can take the step from rote the AVCATT is a known staple in memorization and basic application Army Aviation as an excellent team to a higher level of understanding trainer; however, most leaders are because they have actually utilized unaware of the true capabilities that the skill they have been training for the system can attain when linked years. Non-rated crewmembers gain with other simulations found on many a new understanding of their unit’s Army installations. capabilities and a shared understanding In order to remain tactically with the œight crews they support on pro–cient, Army infantry units utilize a daily basis. If balanced correctly, the such systems as the Recongurable training becomes a much-anticipated Vehicle Tactical Trainer (RVTT) and event for a unit as Soldiers look the Dismounted Soldier Training forward to honing their skills and System (DSTS) to replicate combat eliminating more enemy combatants

operations. e RVTT is a system DANIEL MCSWEENEY BY 1LT ARMY PHOTO U.S. during the next training exercise. similar to the AVCATT in many All of this training is conducted ways. Instead of aircrews climbing without utilizing a single blade into a mock cockpit, Soldiers are able Co. C, 1st Bn., 101st Cbt. Avn. Bde. AH-64D hour or having to conduct months to climb into a mock vehicle that is crew chiefs conduct dismounted training prior to of coordination meetings across surrounded by 360 degrees of virtual deployment in the Dismounted Soldier Training multiple battalions or brigades. As System (DSTS) at Ft. Campbell, KY, Sept. 20, terrain. e trainer can be con–gured 2014. our government continues to evaluate to support a various array of vehicles the country’s future –nancial state, including M998/M1026 HMMWVs the Army must continue to train for and an M977 HEMTTs. A team of combat operations despite limitations –ve Soldiers can be supported in one in funding. While simulations will trainer, and each Soldier is provided never completely replace the need a weapon similar to those weapons Full-Spectrum Simulation for actual combined arms live –re found at an Engagement Skills Alone, each of these systems has exercises (CALFEX) or other similar Trainer (EST). Depending on the a strong ability to maintain combat training events, it does provide a unit facilities’ capabilities, units can link readiness for the Army while operating commander an avenue of training that several simulators together in order under –scal limitations; however, the can maintain combat readiness among to create a convoy that has a working true beauty lies in the ability to connect experienced Soldiers while developing FBCB2 (Force XXI Battle Command all three systems for a full-spectrum junior aviators and Soldiers alike. Brigade and Below) interface and simulation experience. When utilized communications. eŒciently, a company commander e DSTS is a fully immersive can develop a training scenario that CPT Nicholas Currie is the commander virtual simulation training system incorporates aircrew team training, of Charlie Company “Paladins,” 1st that enables ground forces to replicate convoy operations, and dismounted Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade combat foot patrols through a wide patrols for a training experience that located at Fort Campbell, KY.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 49 July 31, 2015 From the Field u

Combat Aviation Brigade during

Mission Changes By COL Michael J. Musiol, MAJ John A. Morris, and MAJ Matthew D. Cox

Three Black Hawks ready to be shipped back to the U.S. sit on the tarmac at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY ANDREW CRAFT BY ARMY PHOTO U.S.

omplexity is the buzz word that ment was no exception. is rotation Balancing Resources and Mission C best describes the Afghanistan forced the CAB to operate at an ex- Load theater. As we draw down the force tremely high level of eŒciency, based on Historically, theater planners allocated structure, while continuing to sup- the drastic reduction in manpower and approximately 10% of the theater’s over- port our Afghan partners, the histori- the high œying hour demand through- all force structure to rotary wing aviation. cal complexity that is Afghanistan is out the theater. e reduction in force is set the initial planning number for increasing. Changing enemy tactics, manning levels (FML) required the the theater aviation brigade as planners techniques, and procedures (TTPs), CAB to organize and distribute the ex- attempted to make the hard recommen- geo-political decisions and unique, tremely limited resource of manpower dation on where to assume risk. Based unpredictable weather, all combine to in a unique manner in order to meet on our initial assessment, the task given present each rotation a di˜erent set of the rotary wing mission requirements, to the CAB was to reduce the brigade’s obstacles. e 82nd Combat Aviation balancing eŒciency, while still remain- deployed end strength by 66%, while Brigade’s (CAB) most recent deploy- ing highly e˜ective. only reducing the overall mission load by less than 30%. We quickly realized that daily crew and aircraft requirements did not reduce as substantially as initially as- sumed and would stretch the CAB’s abil- ity to sustain operations long term. Initial discussions with the theater level headquarters focused on how to get the CAB’s FML down to a given num- ber with very little clarity in the capability required from rotary wing aviation. e

A CH-47 Chinook is slowly pulled into the cargo hold of a C-17 Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan for shipment back

U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY ANDREW CRAFT BY ARMY PHOTO U.S. to the U.S.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 50 July 31, 2015 challenge of producing a requirement that redeploy non-Resolute Support person- After input from the TAA commands was personnel centric and not mission nel as late as possible. This allowed the and other NATO forces, the RS head- centric concerned multiple commands CAB to maintain Operation Enduring quarters G3 clearly defined the request and, as expected, several planning cells Freedom (OEF) level flight hours for structure and made decisions on asset began working this issue. Unfortunately, an additional 2 months, increasing the allocations with recommendations from there was very little cross talk between available support to VIP movements, the CAB Commander. planners and on several iterations of the train, advise, assist (TAA) missions, and plan, the CAB was over tasked. While area security missions. It also allowed Looking for Efficiencies still at Ft. Bragg, NC, the CAB lacked the conditions to be set in order to rap- Because of the reduced manning lev- clarity on mission requirements, and we idly retrograde over $380 million worth els, we constantly looked for efficiencies were unable to make solid manning deci- of excess Class IX air parts, as well as across all commodity areas. The first lo- sions early in the deployment cycle. closing a major Aviation TF footprint, cation was aviation maintenance. One while simultaneously building up fa- of the major assumptions made during The Catalyst for Success cilities to support an adjusted Resolute initial manning meetings with IJC was The one decision that stands out as Support aircraft positioning plan. that contractors would conduct all avia- the catalyst that facilitated success for tion maintenance. Our initial plan called the entire rotation was the decision to Mitigating Increasing Risk for a small maintenance cell capable of match the FML of the outgoing CAB As the number of Coalition forces conducting limited maintenance as a instead of only deploying the Resolute began to reduce, the risk to aircraft surge capability, but this soon became Support (ORS) FML personnel. The and aircrews began to increase. The untenable with the requirement for air initial guidance received from ISAF reduction in the number of enablers crews. After verification of the contract Joint Command (IJC) planners was to that commanders in Afghanistan typi- and dialog on expectations underway, only deploy the 600 Troopers allocated cally used to mitigate tactical risk forced we looked at ways to expand the scope under the RS FML. This was approxi- commanders at all levels to rethink their of the contract. The intent was to free up mately a 60% reduction in the available go / no go criteria. Helicopter landing manpower by contracting as many rou- organic manpower authorized for the zones (HLZs) that had once been low- tine, non-combat tasks as possible. This previous CAB. After spending time risk would become high-risk based on search was a team effort. The Support working through the numbers of air- the lack of security on the ground. At Operations Officer (SPO) and the ASB crews required versus support staff and some levels, the pervasive thought was negotiated to expand the refuel con- enablers, it quickly became evident we that with the cessation of combat opera- tracts to include contractor armament did not have the information required to tions the overall risk was reduced. The personnel, which allowed our 15Ys to make these hard cuts. After discussions reality was that the reduced coalition work on unscheduled aircraft faults. with senior leaders both in theater and presence created HLZ security concerns The Intel community resourced contract at home station, we deployed as many at some high-use landing areas. In order intelligence analysis and allowed the personnel as possible, deploying over to conduct the TAA mission, daylight CAB to redeploy most of our green suit 1,700 Troopers from Ft. Bragg. This infiltrations to non-standard HLZs be- analysts. With assistance from the 82nd decision allowed the flexibility to bring came the norm. Airborne Division G2, we outsourced OH-58D pilots, additional operational Reduction in intelligence, surveillance, non-time sensitive intelligence work to and support personnel, and two addi- reconnaissance (ISR) assets limited pre- the rear detachment at Ft. Bragg. All tional battalion task force headquarters infiltration reconnaissance and increased facets of the brigade sought smarter, (the cavalry squadron to retrograde the the size of the insertion helicopter force more efficient ways to conduct business. aviation foot print from Forward Op- required. The number of assets necessary The Afghanistan theater transition erating Base Shank, and the aviation to provide security and contingency re- is now complete and an overwhelming support battalion (ASB) to retrograde sponse to some remote locations reduced success. Hard work and mission focused excess Class IX air from theater). the number of simultaneous operations leaders worked tirelessly to structure the The decision to bring a larger than the CAB was capable of conducting. Di- theater to accomplish the mission with- anticipated personnel package created rect phone calls from the company level in the given constraints and generated a additional friction points. Reducing per- of supported organizations to the CAB unique solution to this complex prob- sonnel numbers to the mandated man- planners were the first symptom of an is- lem. Developing a rotary wing aviation ning level was a theater priority, with the sue. The rapid change from a divisional support package is complicated and the outflow managed by United States Forc- theater structure with regional com- mission change in Afghanistan added es Afghanistan (USFOR-A). The initial mands to the Resolute Support Head- one more layer of complexity. Reduced guidance was for the CAB to slowly re- quarters becoming a direct reporting manning, coupled with robust aviation duce numbers beginning within days of headquarters caused added friction with manpower requirements will force each assuming the mission. Although an ef- the aviation mission request (AMR) deploying CAB to individually structure fective way to waterfall the theater, this structure. The RS aircraft allocations its team to be flexible and efficient. quick manpower reduction would have were designed to support a much smaller drastically reduced the CAB’s ability operational requirement. Theater level COL Michael J. Musiol was the command- to support the theater during the rapid assets (CH-47s and additional AH-64s) er, MAJ John A. Morris was the operations transition to the Resolute Support mis- were regularly required to execute mis- officer, and MAJ Matthew D. Cox was the sion. After multiple discussions with se- sions and the request, approval and pri- executive officer for the 82nd Combat Avi- nior leaders, the CAB gained approval to oritization process needed refinement. ation Brigade stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 51 July 31, 2015 From the Field u Soldiers and Family Return for 160th SOAR’s Week of Night Stalker Activities By SSG Gaelen Lowers

1 U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY AARON CHENEY BY ARMY PHOTO U.S.

2

3 U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY AARON CHENEY BY ARMY PHOTO U.S.

with a Memorial Ride by former and current members of the Regiment and their families to Veterans Memorial Park in Hopkinsville, KY. e ride was followed by a concert and picnic spon- sored by the Night Stalker Association (NSA). is year’s WONSA included the Memorial Ceremony, Families of Fallen Night Stalkers (FFNS) round- table discussion and social, a walk with the children of the FFNS down

U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY AARON CHENEY BY ARMY PHOTO U.S. the Night Stalker Remembrance Trail, Modern Army Combatives Tourna- serve with the memory and pride of those who ment, and an awards ceremony and luncheon hosted by the NSA. e I have gone before me, for they loved to fight, fought week of events culminated with the to win, and would rather die than quit. Regimental Formal held the evening of May 21 in Hopkinsville, and the NSA sponsored Golf Scramble on May 23. WONSA is a reunion and a time to is is the last line in the Night Stalker COL Michael J. Hertzendorf, addressed welcome those families of fallen Night Creed. ese are words that the Solders the crowd as they reœected on the 94 Stalkers and share the memory of their of the 160th Special Operations Aviation names of the fallen and acknowledged sacri–ce. It is an opportunity, for some, Regiment (Airborne) live by every day the legacy of their supreme professional- to take a short break from the high op- and were the focus for hundreds of Sol- ism and sacri–ce. erational tempo of the unit and partici- diers, civilians, distinguished guests, and WONSA is an annual event that pate in activities alongside their Night families who attended the Remembrance reunites former and current Soldiers, Stalker brothers and sisters. of Fallen Night Stalkers ceremony held families, and friends of the 160th to outside the regiment headquarters in celebrate and remember those who SSG Gaelen Lowers is assigned to the front of the memorial wall during the made the ultimate sacri–ce, enjoy fel- 160th Special Operations Aviation Regi- 2015 Week of Night Stalker Activities lowship, come together as a family. ment (Airborne) Public A¨airs O‰ce lo- (WONSA). Regimental Commander, e week oŒcially kicked o˜ May 16 cated at Fort Campbell, KY.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 52 July 31, 2015 4 5 U.S. ARMY PHOTOS BY SSG GAELEN LOWERS, 160TH SOAR PAO BY SSG GAELEN LOWERS, ARMY PHOTOS U.S.

6 7

1. Soldiers from the 160th Special Operations dren’s Trail Walk conducted on the Night Stalker Aviation Regiment (Airborne) stand beside cer- Remembrance Trail, Ft. Campbell, KY, May 20. emonial wreaths in front of the Night Stalker Me- morial during the Memorial Ceremony conducted 6. Soldiers from the 160th SOAR(A) participate in on the GEN Bryan “Doug” Brown Compound, Ft. the Modern Army Combatives Tournament con- Campbell, KY, May 20. ducted on the Gen. Bryan “Doug” Brown Com- pound, Ft. Campbell, KY, May 19. 2. Aircraft from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) execute the Missiing 7. Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 160th SOAR(A) Man Formation during the May 20 Night Stalker are presented the Commander’s trophy after their Memorial Ceremony. overall win in the Modern Army Combatives Tour- nament, May 19. 3. COL Michael J. Hertzendorf, commander of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) addresses those in attendance during the Night Stalker Memorial Ceremony, May 20. 4. Gold Star family members starting out on the Gold Star Children’s Trail Walk conducted on the Night Stalker Remembrance Trail, Ft. Campbell, KY, May 20. 5. Some Gold Star family members pause to capture the moment while on the Gold Star Chil-

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 53 July 31, 2015 Historical Perspective u

Flying on the QT By Mr. Mark Albertson

The QT-2 in flight. PHOTO COURTESY OF DALE ROSS STITH COURTESY PHOTO

961-1973: Much of the American Seeking a Solution 1 e˜ort in Vietnam was devoted to DARPA 3, the scienti–c and technical counterinsurgency. Daylight saw the branch of the Defense Department, comings and goings of American troops assigned the covert aircraft program and aircraft; the night, though, belonged to the Missiles & Space Division of to Charlie.1 An aircraft known as the Lockheed Aircraft Company. e QT2 was an e˜ort to take the night program was sponsored by the Army, away from Charlie. Navy and Marine Corps.4 e airframe e QT2 and its successor, the selected was the Schweizer SGS 2-32 YO-3A, were attempts to circumvent Sailplane; AKA the X-26A, a two-seat a dilemma in Vietnam; that of noisy glider, used by the Navy to instruct aircraft which alerted the enemy to novice pilots on the dangers of yaw their presence. Many of the aircraft and roll coupling. Lockheed obtained employed in the Second Indochina War2 – through the good graces of the OŒce – with exceptions – were of the high of the Chief of Naval Operations – performance type. Historical parallel ANDREW BRINGUEL OF MAJ COURTESY PHOTO two X-26s for the QT2 program.5 e here was World War II. Army Ground MAJ Andrew Bringuel, USA, flew a six-hour power plant chosen was the Continental Forces’ concern with the aerial direction mission in 1968, landing his X-26B in dense O-200, 4-cylinder, horizontally fog with a dry tank. 6 of artillery –re led to skepticism towards opposed, air-cooled engine. Excessive the stable of Army Air Forces’ aircraft; engine noise was suppressed with an that of those aircraft being too speedy to o˜-the-shelf Buick automobile mu·er. spend the time over target necessary to e propeller was a large, four-bladed coordinate the adjustments required for an e˜ort to employ aircraft inaudible type, –xed-pitch, of laminated wood. A American gunners – hence the advent to the human ear emerged; a form of ten foot shaft ran from the engine aft of the L-4 Cub. Like concerns surfaced stealth based on acoustics-deadening the cockpit, over the canopy to a pylon 25 years later in Vietnam. In response, technology. forward of the pilot. Use of a V-belt

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 54 July 31, 2015 speed reduction system saw that “when the engine was running at 2,400 RPM, our prop tips were spinning at approxi- mately 0.2 mach. “Our prop speed reduction system (six V-belts): Beyond slowing the prop and shaft, it decoupled and insulated them from engine torque-pulse vibrations. (Comments of our aircraft being ‘rubber band powered’ were almost true!)7” e standard crew compliment was two, pi- lot forward, observer rearward. For noc- turnal operations, the observer utilized the Starlight Scope for light intensi–ca- tion. e wingspan was 57 feet; and fu- selage 30 feet, 9 inches. QT2 œying qualities and stealth ca- pabilities were evaluated at Tracy Mu- nicipal Airport, northern San Joaquin QT-2 Experimental Aircraft County and at Hunter Liggett AAF in the Santa Lucia Mountains in Mon- terey County, California. Prize Crew training was conducted at the USNAAS in May 1967. He would go on to log 99 more sophisticated Y0-3A. Despite its Crows Landing OLF and at the NAS at hours œying the X-26B in Vietnam in shortcomings – frailty of the aircraft, Mo˜et Field, Sunnyvale, California8. In 1968. marginal performance and limitation January 1968, the two QT-2PCs9 were One evening, Bringuel and his ob- of the Starlight Scope – the QT-2PC shipped to Vietnam, followed by pilots server, Lieutenant Karl Kiefer, œew a proved an important step towards, and and maintenance crews, to Soc Trang mission for IV Corps along a tributary forerunner of, today’s stealth aircraft. in the Mekong Delta area. Among the of the Song Be River. e pair orbited moonlight missions to be œown were their assigned area, engaging targets, Author’s Note: ’is article would have observation, reconnaissance, and the di- adjusting coordinates for sweating gun- been impossible without the invaluable rection of artillery –re. ners. Meantime, fog rolled across the assistance of members of the Prize Crew: An important aspect for this uncon- landscape, an impenetrable veil that MAJ Andrew Bringuel and COL Douglas ventional mission to become operational socked in everything for miles. Bringuel Schneeman, both U.S. Army Retired; Mr. was to ascertain the proper acoustics in had few passive navigation aids; all of Dale Ross Stith, Lockheed (Retired); and the –eld. To this end, MAJ Douglas which proved lacking. He contacted CAPT Les Horn, U.S. Navy Retired. Saigon for a vector to the –eld; the QT- Schneeman observed how the Prize Notes Crew determined the correct altitude 2PC proved invisible to the controllers. for the QT-2PC to remain impercep- A local operator picked him up and, 1. Refers to the Viet Cong. Known to GIs as tible to the human ear. One evening, passed along a vector; but, a Ground “Victor Charlie,” later shortened to “Char- lie.” GIs were asked to lie face down on the Control Approach (GCA) was beyond 2. e First Indochina War, 1946-1954, fea- airstrip. Repeated passes were made over the operator’s capability. en the “Low tured the fruitless French e˜ort to reestablish the –eld, at various altitudes starting at Fuel Warning” indicator added to the their colonial agenda in Vietnam. 10,000 feet. With each pass, the altitude unfolding drama for Bringuel’s mission 3. Defense Advanced Research Products dropped 50 feet; until at 750 feet, the had surpassed the normal four-hour Agency. QT-2PC betrayed itself to those on the limit. 4. e Air Force was dedicated to the Pave Bringuel knew he was near the Eagle (QU-22) aircraft for nocturnal sur- ground. Missions, then, were to be con- veillance of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. ducted at altitudes no lower than 800 –eld… he just had to –nd it. Suddenly 5. “QT” for Quiet ruster and “2” for two- feet; en route altitudes were generally there was an opening in the clouds. He seater. 1,200 to 1,500 feet. dived in. ere, in the distance, blue 6. To the Navy, the powered 2-32 glider was lights… then white lights… buildings, the X-26A; the QT2 became the X-26B. The QT-2PC in Action then the runway. He lined up the –eld, 7. “Taking the Night Away From Charlie,” touched down, braked, and then taxied Operation Prize Crew (QT-2PC). One of the pilots assigned to the 8. Pilots, mechanics and other such person- Prize Crew was a former Army infantry to his hangar. Just in time, for he and nel attached to the program were referred to oŒcer, MAJ Andrew Bringuel. Bringuel Kiefer had been running on fumes. e by the Army codename, “Prize Crew.” attended œight school at Fort Rucker, mission was estimated to have lasted six 9. Planes were re-designated as QT-2PC graduating as a –xed wing pilot. In Nov- hours. Apparently the crew chief had fu- when they were readied for night opera- ember 1965, he was o˜ to Vietnam, eled the QT-2PC beyond the standard tions prior to transshipment to Vietnam. œying Caribous. He accumulated 847 capacity of 24 gallons! hours before being rotated Stateside, Following a six-month deployment, Mark Albertson is an award winning his- November 1966. He was assigned to the X-26Bs were withdrawn from Viet- torian and contributing editor to ARMY Lockheed and the Quiet Plane Project nam. ey would be followed by the AVIATION magazine.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 55 July 31, 2015 AAAA Scholarship Foundation z

Help Us Keep Soaring – Donate Now! By BG (Ret.) Michael C. Flowers

Outgoing AAAA Scholarship Foundation President, Mrs. Connie Hansen, joins incoming Foundation Treasurer, BG (Ret.) Michael C. Flowers (right), in accepting a donation to the General Fund by LTC (Ret.) Stanford Oliver, President & CEO of DigiFlight, Inc. at the Scholarship & Museum Donation Luncheon during the 2015 Summit in Nashville, TN. Oliver is the incoming chair of the Fundraising Committee.

593 Main Street, Monroe, CT 06468- 2806. For further questions contact Sue Stokes at [email protected] or call (203) 268-2450, extension 121.

AAPI PHOTO BY RENÉ BIDEZ AAPI PHOTO During my time as Fundraising Chairman, a Scholarship Luncheon was reetings! Our scholarship donations keep soaring held at the Army Aviation Mission So- lution Summit where contributions over G thanks to you all. $1,000 were recognized. More than $40,000 was donated last year. Ms. Jan Smith, CEO of System, Studies and For the last two years I have served as dition to the numerous volunteers who Simulation, has not only provided an- the Fundraising Committee Chairman supported our e˜orts in raising funds for nual donations for the General Schol- for the Army Aviation Association of the program. None of this would be pos- arship Fund, but donated items used to America Scholarship Foundation, Inc. sible without our donors, both individual raise additional money in the Scholar- (AAAASFI) Board of Governors. I am and corporate. e number of awards has ship booth. Other major contributors now moving on to serve as Treasurer and continued to increase since the inception were Airbus Helicopters, BAE, Bell will be replaced by LTC (Ret.) Stanford of the Foundation in 1963 because of Helicopter Textron, Rockwell Collins, Oliver, President & CEO of DigiFlight, your generous contributions. ank you Safran Group, and Sikorsky Aircraft. Inc. Stan has been an active member of for giving to a worthy cause. Also a special thanks to MG (Ret.) the Board and has also been a consistent Contributions can go directly to Rudy Ostovich for his support from corporate contributor. In addition to a the Foundation; made in memory of the Washington-Potomac Chapter and dollar contribution, his company do- a deceased AAAA member or friend; COL (Ret.) “Hawk” Ruth and the Air nated airline tickets to Puerto Rico for deceased family member or via your Assault Chapter, for not only organiz- the ra·e at this year’s Summit. Last Will and Testament. We also have ing and running the golf tournament, I was fortunate that we had volunteer matching funds for individuals and but also making a signi–cant donation members who assisted me in the fun- corporations. You can make an online to the General Fund. draising e˜orts. Subcommittee chairs donation through the Combined Fed- Again, thank you for helping deserv- included: Chapters, Steve Bolton; Indi- eral Campaign (CFC) via the AAAA ing individuals pursue their dreams. viduals, Terry Reininger; Corporate, Stan homepage at www.quad-a.org. Click on Keep those contributions coming! Stan Oliver; Planned Giving, Jim Hesson; the “Scholarship” link on the left side and I look forward to hearing from you Heritage, Joe DiMaggio; and Alumni, of the home page, then “Donate Now.” and seeing you at the Scholarship Lun- Bob Birmingham. Additionally, Public- Please note the CFC number is 10516. cheon next year in Atlanta. ity Committee Chair, Mrs. Kit Roache, You can choose to donate to the general We are œying high, help us keep soar- and Board member, Ms. Darlene Hall, scholarship fund or Families of the Fall- ing to higher altitudes – donate now! were key to the success of our fundrais- en fund. We also accept checks payable ing e˜orts at the AAAA booth in the to AAAASFI. Please mail your check BG (Ret.) Michael C. Flowers exhibit hall during the Summit in ad- to: AAAA Scholarship Foundation, Treasurer, AAAASFI

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 56 July 31, 2015 AAAA Chapter Affairs LTC (Ret.) Jan Drabczuk z Appreciate the support from COL (Ret.) Hawk Ruth, the Air Assault Chapter President for providing and sharing this information to our membership. The Air Assault Chapter By LTC (Ret.) Jan S. Drabczuk

he Air Assault Chapter has been fortunate to have a the past –fteen years at this year’s Sum- T very large support base from which to grow their mit. ey are expecting at least a –fty membership. The 101st and 159th CABs, and the 160th percent increase in membership over SOAR have been the chapter’s focus since their activations. the next year and look forward to the next –ve years (2017 to 2021) when the AAAA Summit returns to Nashville. Summary However, the Air Assault Chapter also have been possible without the great e Screaming Eagle is an icon for has access to a large contractor support support that all AAAA chapters enjoy Army Aviation and the Night Stalkers base together with one of the largest from a very strong aviation and defense bring the respect and admiration as the retirement communities in the U.S. industry relationship. world’s best. e Air Assault Chapter is spanning two states and four surround- e Chapter has used their funds to proud to represent them and all of Ft. ing counties. support brigade and battalion organi- Campbell and the mid-state region. e Since 2002 the chapter leadership zational events that bring Soldiers and chapter welcomes all current and new has passed between multiple aviation family together. ey are scripting a members who have the opportunity to brigade commanders as the Ft. Camp- schedule of quarterly chapter meetings be stationed in the Ft. Campbell area. bell brigades were deployed. Over the with senior oŒcers and NCOs to coach For more chapter information contact years this constant rotation has had and mentor their members. ey have CSM (Ret.) O’Brien, clifton.obrien@ an e˜ect on the chapter’s membership also informed their aviation leadership soar.army.mil, or CSM (Ret.) Mark and continuity. of the many opportunities that AAAA Herndon, [email protected]. Great to In January 2015 the current CAB National o˜ers to their members such see the chapter starting to grow again! and SOAR Commanders elected to turn as free membership when they are de- Feel free to contact me if you need leadership of the chapter over to local ployed, and free attendance and lodging help for your chapter, Executive Board retired oŒcers and NCOs to provide at the Annual AAAA Summit for one support, would like your chapter fea- more stability. As a result, the new chap- Soldier and guest per aviation brigade. tured in ARMY AVIATION magazine ter oŒcers have already shown a marked Stepping Up or to obtain clari–cation of National improvement in fundraising, an increase procedures. in membership and greater eŒciency in e new chapter leadership is blessed processing chapter awards. With the new with three Hall of Fame members and LTC (Ret.) Jan S. Drabczuk leadership pro–le, the Chapter is gaining some very notable talented former oŒ- AAAA VP for Chapter A¨airs more visibility with local industry and cers and NCOs. e new chapter lead- [email protected] the opportunity to reach out to the mid- ership includes: President, COL (Ret.) state Army National Guard and U.S. Hawk Ruth; Sr. Vice President, COL Army Reserves. COL Jimmy Blackmon, (Ret.) Steve Smith; Treasurer, CW5 New Chapter Officers COL Tom Drew and COL Mike Hert- (Ret.) Bob Hu˜man; VPs for Member- zendorf have been very supportive and ship Recruiting, CSM (Ret.) Donnie Air Assault Chapter have pledged to provide the chapter with Calvery, CSM (Ret.) Cli˜ O’Brien. Secretary, CW5 George Arzente, Ret. their time and resources when requested. Since assuming their duties in late Jan- Treasurer, Robert L. Huffman uary, the chapter has processed over 45 Soldiers and Families First Aloha Chapter Orders of St. Michael, Knights of the VP Membership, LTC Jason Davis One of the major tenets of the Air Order of St. Michael, and Our Lady of Assault Chapter is to provide an av- Loreto inductions. Despite the inacti- Aviation Center Chapter enue for information and current up- vation of the 159th CAB, the chapter VP Awards, COL Ray D. Gentzyel, Ret. dates on Army Aviation to Soldiers has still noted an increase in member- Bavarian Chapter and their families. is takes resources, ship from the 160th SOAR thanks to Secretary, CPT David Booker money and mentorship. e chapter the commander and CSM being on Griffin Chapter raised over $75,000 at the 2015 AAAA the Chapter board. ey also witnessed Secretary, MAJ Michael Omodt Summit in Nashville. at would not one of the largest soldier turnouts in

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 57 July 31, 2015 AAAA Chapter News NETWORK I z RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT

Bavarian Chapter CHAPTER COURTESY PHOTO CHAPTER COURTESY The Lindbergh Chapter held their spring social at

the Hangar Grill in Chesterfield Valley just west of PHOTO CHAPTER COURTESY CHAPTER COURTESY PHOTO CHAPTER COURTESY St. Louis, MO on March 31st. Many members came Members of the Texas Army National Guard The Bavarian Chapter inducted six aviation out to get a bit of fresh spring air and celebrate (TXANG) Charlie Company (MEDEVAC) and other members of the Joint Multinational Readiness 2015 with fellow AAAA members and to catch up supporting units of the 2-149th General Support Center Falcon Team into the Bronze Honorable the latest news. Unfortunately, some of the news Aviation Battalion (GSAB) AAAA Alamo Chapter Order of St. Michael in May 2015. From left to was sad as they learned Paul Hendrickson had pose with aircrews from the El Salvador Air right: MAJ Nathan Isaac, CPT Thomas Pierce, passed away. Paul was one the founding members Force. Charlie Company is currently performing CPT Brian Middleton, MAJ David Morgan of the chapter and devoted his life to Army Aviation joint operations supporting Beyond the Horizons CW4 Todd McKinney, and SFC Brian Cull. The and AAAA. Editor’s Note: See the In Memoriam on Mission in El Salvador providing MEDEVAC/ chapter also donated $1,000 to the Landstuhl Paul on page 69 in this issue. CASEVAC support to U.S. military forces and the Fisher House for their support to families of Salvadoran military. wounded warriors, raising money through recent North Star Chapter fundraisers in Hohenfels, Germany. Ragin’ Cajun Chapter Jimmy Doolittle Chapter

BT-13 Valiant Strophus CHAPTER COURTESY PHOTO CHAPTER COURTESY The North Star chapter held a meeting on May 20 at the hangar where noted aviation historian and aircraft restorer, Mr. Jim Johns, is restoring a Vultee BT-13 Valiant from the WWII era. His plan is

CHAPTER COURTESY PHOTO CHAPTER COURTESY to deliver it in July 2015 to the Women’s Airforce The Jimmy Doolittle Chapter of the Army Aviation Service Pilot (WASP) Museum in Sweetwater, TX PHOTO CHAPTER COURTESY Association of America held a Membership Drive (http://waspmuseum.org/). Betty Wall Strohfus Ragin’ Cajun chapter members and guests pause and Soldier Appreciation Cookout on Saturday, (pictured), whose name is on the BT-13, is the only by the banner for their first fundraiser on May 30th May 2, 2015 at the South Carolina Army National Minnesotan WASP still alive. Not only has she been at the Warrior Hills Golf Course in Fort Polk, LA. With Guard Army Aviation Support Facility #2 at a speaker at the chapter in the past, she was one of some help from AAAA National, the chapter event Donaldson Field. Chapter president, CW5 (Ret.) several women Army aviation pioneers honored at was able to raise over $2,100 for the chapter and Eric Seymore, together with help from the dining the 2009 AAAA Annual Convention in Nashville, TN. the non-profit organization, The Warrior Angels staff of AASF#2 , his wife, Peggy (pictured), and Foundation, despite the uncooperative weather. other chapter members served over 165 lunches North Texas Chapter They also gained one new member and are already during this drill weekend event which was partially looking forward to planning their next event. subsidized by AAAA National. The chapter held its second quarter meeting later that night at Voodoo Chapter Blockhouse Oyster Bar in Greenville, SC. Lindbergh Chapter CHAPTER COURTESY PHOTO CHAPTER COURTESY The AAAA North Texas Chapter is pleased to announce it is funding a new scholarship, The Red River 44 Memorial Scholarship. This

scholarship recognizes the fallen crewmembers PHOTO CHAPTER COURTESY

CHAPTER COURTESY PHOTO CHAPTER COURTESY of Red River 44 of the 2-149th GSAB lost on 17 (l-r) SPC Tyler Jones, SSG Stephen Gifford and In late spring several members of the Lindbergh September 2008 during their deployment to Iraq SGT Christopher Curry, boil almost 400 pounds chapter of AAAA visited the Sugar Creek Winery in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pictured is of crawfish, potatoes, corn, and sausage for the in Defiance, Missouri. In addition to tasting the the memorial that was set up at Camp Buehring, 1st Annual Voodoo Chapter Crawfish Boil held on various estate grown and bottled wines of this Kuwait where the flight originated from that night May 2 in historic downtown Hammond, LA. The 20+ year old local winery during the May 2 visit, they flew into Southern Iraq (south of Tallil, Iraq) membership event, partially subsidized by AAAA they also enjoyed a private tour of the wine making where the crash took place. For more information, National, produced 20 new members and is the facility and an excellent description of the wine contact chapter secretary, Claire McGarrey, first of many new annual events the chapter is making process by the assistant wine maker. [email protected]. planning for 2016.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 58 July 31, 2015 AAAA Chapter News NETWORK I z RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT

Order of St. Michael Michael by COL David Wood, Keystone Chapter HHC, 244th Avn. Bde., on the occasion of her hus- and Our Lady of Loreto President and LTC Dennis Sorensen, Commander, band, 1SG Joshua Shaddox’s change of duty. Awards 28th Cbt. Avn. Bde., during the 56th Annual Aviation Ball hosted by the 104th Regimental Mess and 28th CAB, Sat. Mar. 28, 2015 at the Hershey Aviation Center Chapter Lodge, Hershey, PA. Inductees pictured are (l-r): LTC Kelvin Christensen, MAJ Michael Girvin, CW4 Steven Harper, SGM (Ret.) Harry Comrey, 1SG Gary Williard and SSG Ron Shoemaker. CHAPTER PHOTO BY CPT DOUGLAS CHAPTER PHOTO Four Mid-Atlantic Chapter members were inducted into the Bronze Honorable Order of St. Michael by chapter president, COL (Ret.) John Gallagher at a CHAPTER PHOTO BY CW4 SCOTT DURRER BY CW4 SCOTT CHAPTER PHOTO May 15 luncheon. Pictured are (l-r): LTC William CW4 Phillip T. Askins (left) and Capt. Floris M. A. Hardin, 244th Avn. Bde. XO; LTC Stephan E.

Lugtigheid (Royal Netherlands Air Force)(center), 28th CAB NCO, AFFAIRS PUBLIC BY SGT NEIL GUSSMAN, ARMY PHOTO U.S. Lynskey, 5-159th GSAB Cdr.; LTC Michael J. both AH-64 Standardization Instructor Pilots and Mrs. Kimberly Houck was inducted into the Hon- Milio, 2-228th Avn. Cdr.; and MAJ Patrick L. Instrument Examiners assigned to the Director- orable Order of Our Lady of Loreto by COL David Pollak, Bde. XO. All were recognized on the occasion ate of Evaluation and Standardization (DES) at Wood (left), Keystone Chapter President, and LTC of the brigade change of command with Lynskey and the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, are Dennis Sorensen (right), 28th CAB Commander at Milio being honored as they changed command and inducted into the Bronze Honorable Order of St. the 56th Annual Aviation Ball hosted by the 104th Hardin on his permanent change of station. Michael by DES Attack Branch Chief, CW5 Robert Regimental Mess and the 28th CAB, Mar. 28, Purdy during a May 28th ceremony at Fort Ruck- 2015 at the Hershey Lodge, Hershey, PA. er, AL. Askins was recognized on the occasion of his retirement with 20 years of service and Lug- Mid-Atlantic Chapter tigheid as he returns to The Netherlands following his three years as an exchange officer. High Desert Chapter CHAPTER PHOTO BY JOYCE WILSON BY JOYCE CHAPTER PHOTO Chapter president, COL John Gallagher (left), and COL Joseph A. Edwards, 244th Avn. Bde. Com-

CHAPTER PHOTO BY SFC (RET.) MIKE ROBERTS BY SFC (RET.) CHAPTER PHOTO mander, induct Mrs. Sheila J. Hardin into the MAJ Preston Pysh, assistant product manager Honorable Order of Our Lady of Loreto during a May for Medium Altitude Reconnaissance and Sur- 15th ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehu- CHAPTER PHOTO BY CPT BRANDON ORTMAN CHAPTER PHOTO veillance System (MARSS) & Enhanced MARSS rst, NJ. She was recognized for more than 1,000 LTC Hank Perry, the senior Aviation trainer at the (EMARSS), is inducted into the Bronze Honorable hours over 20 years volunteering for Army Reserve National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA, inducts Order of St. Michael by chapter president, COL Aviation Family Support Groups. She and her hus- eight observer/coach trainers of Eagle Team into (Ret.) John Gallagher, on May 4, 2015 at Ruggles band, LTC William Hardin, 244th Avn. Bde. XO, will the Honorable Order of St. Michael during a May Golf Course, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. Pysh be changing duty and moving to Ft. Hood, TX. 20th ceremony in recognition of their accom- was recognized for overseeing many improve- plishments in support of the Eagle Team training ments to the MARSS program and delivery of Tennessee Valley Chapter mission. Pictured (l-r): MAJ Jeffrey Bess, MAJ EMARSS to the 224th Military Intelligence Battalion Andrew Fulton, MAJ Nathan Longworth, (Aerial Exploitation). He is being reassigned as the MAJ Lynn Sullivan, Perry, MAJ Linus Wilson, executive officer for the Program Executive Officer, CW3 Marc Jones, CW3 Timothy Otteson, and Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and Sensors. SFC Sean Jones. All were inducted into the Bronze Order except for Fulton who was inducted as a Knight of the Order. Keystone Chapter CHAPTER PHOTO BY COLLIN MAGONIGAL CHAPTER PHOTO LTC Richard M. Bratt (right), commander of the Aviation Flight Test Directorate of the Redstone Test Center, is inducted into the Bronze Honorable Order of St. Michael by RTC Commander, COL Patrick H. CHAPTER PHOTO BY SGT CHRISTOPHER SOFIA, PA NCO, 244th AVN. BDE. AVN. 244th NCO, PA SOFIA, BY SGT CHRISTOPHER CHAPTER PHOTO Mason, during a May 20th change of command Mrs. Beverly Shaddox was inducted into the Hon- ceremony at Redstone Arsenal, AL. Bratt was recog- orable Order of Our Lady of Loreto by 244th Avn. nized for his outstanding contributions to Army Avia-

U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY SGT NEIL GUSSMAN, PUBLIC AFFAIRS NCO, 28th CAB NCO, AFFAIRS PUBLIC BY SGT NEIL GUSSMAN, ARMY PHOTO U.S. Bde. Commander, COL Joseph A. Edwards, during tion over the course of 19 years of service and while an April 17 ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix- serving the last three years as the AFTD commander. Six members of the Keystone Chapter were Lakehurst, NJ. She was recognized for her outstand- He is being reassigned to the Program Executive Of- inducted into the Bronze Honorable Order of St. ing efforts as the Family Readiness Group Leader for fice, Aviation at Redstone.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 59 July 31, 2015 AAAA Chapter News NETWORK I z RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT

AAAA Members Keep in Touch! ease about a year ago, he has since been a strong advocate supporting others with the ALS disease. Find us on Twitter – @Army_Aviation On Facebook, LinkedIN, and YouTube search for Army Aviation Association of America. Suzanne Forrest, (photo left) wife of LTC Brian Forrest (right), was inducted into the Honorable Order of Our Lady of Loreto by Gary Nenninger (left), president of the AAAA Tennessee Valley Chapter during Forrest’s retirement ceremony April 30 on Redstone Arsenal, AL. U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY SOFIA BLEDSOE, PEO AVN PUBLIC AFFAIRS PUBLIC AVN PEO BY SOFIA BLEDSOE, ARMY PHOTO U.S. U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY SOFIA BLEDSOE, PEO AVN PUBLIC AFFAIRS PUBLIC AVN PEO BY SOFIA BLEDSOE, ARMY PHOTO U.S. Then LTC (P) James “Chris” Mills (right), prod- uct manager for the Armed Reconnaissance Heli- AAAA Awards copter product office, was inducted into the Bronze z Honorable Order of St. Michael by COL James NETWORK I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT Kennedy, project manager for Armed Scout Heli- CW3 Jonathan G. Melton Christina Karrels copter, on behalf of the Army Aviation Association SFC Christopher E. Bond Linda Rodgers of America Tennessee Valley Chapter president on CW3 Brian L. Pardue Christy Black May 7 during a ceremony on Redstone Arsenal, AL. CW3 Timothy J. Woznica Kerri C. Whitley CW3 Kenneth R. Bochat Michele Brashear CW3 Darren M. Bradley Allison Epps 1SG Thomas Graham Angela Britton CW4 Paul Heitzenroder Liz Vance CW4 James E. Connes Cynthia Landrum CPT Terry Hill Kristen Rykken CW3 Damon J. Hutton CW4 Scott Kidwell CW3 Adam Cox Soldier of the New Order of CW3 James D. Ward CW4 Sergio Leija CW4 Edward Pregana Month St. Michael SPC Mark A. Colbert Jr. LTC James Rae MAJ Courtney Kiluk Recipients CW4 Gerry L. Fallon MAJ Ryan Hanrahan May 2015 U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY THOMAS VOIGHT, PEO AVN ARMY PHOTO BY THOMAS VOIGHT, U.S. SSG Robert A. Ray III, Ret. SFC Julia A. Krampe Thunderbird Chapter Bronze CW5 Donald A. Dodson MSG Ricardo C. Negron SPC Samantha L. Hurst SFC Craig Starr (left) was inducted into the LTC Daniel A. Norman CW3 Lucas Gambrill 1SG Donald K. Adkins April 2015 Bronze Honorable Order of Saint Michael, by Ten- COL Todd W. Lewis CW3 Mariko Kraft SFC Peter M. Drake Thunderbird Chapter COL Robert A. Spano CPT Michael K. Putterill nessee Valley Chapter president Gary Nenninger New Order of SPC Christopher M. Hoffman (right), at Starr’s retirement ceremony May 14. CW4 Ernest W. Davis MAJ Anthony Bohl CW4 Sven Akesson, Ret. CPT David H. Aamidor St. Michael March 2015 Over his 24-year military career, Starr worked on, CW3 Jordan T. Yard CW3 Joseph L. Dent Knight Mid-Atlantic Chapter trained, supervised and managed the maintenance CW4 Brian D. Roush SFC Eric L. Harrison Recipients PFC Vernoris A. James of more than 12 Mission Design Series Army heli- 1SG Alexander Main CW3 Charles J. Basham May 2015 copter types. Nenninger also inducted Starr’s wife, MAJ Patrick M. DeForest CPT Wesley J. Pritchett Savannah Chapter Christy Starr, into the Honorable Order of Our CPT Patrick C. O’Donnell CPT Mickala S. Welsch SGT Larry Sloan CW2 Matthew R. Brandt Lady of Loreto for her unfailing support to Army CW4 Morris M. Kemple April 2015 SSG Tricia Cabrero Aviation throughout her husband’s career. CW3 Stephen Krumm Empire Chapter CW2 Paul Bowman 1SG Frederick D. Wallace 1SG Robert Martinez, Ret. CW3 Michael S. Ferguson SPC Ashley R. Green CPT Michael Bales CW3 James B. Mason May 2015 CSM Edgardo Cuadrado CW3 Stephen Mestas CSM Benjamin Jones Bavarian Chapter MAJ Shane M. Weller CW2 Daniel Peoples BG Ferdinand Irizarry II CW3 Nikki Muckleroy CPT Victor Munoz LTC Clarence W. Bowman SPC Charles C. Coleman MAJ Mackland Brownell SFC Rachel McDonald CSM James A. Mitchell May 2015 CPT Ryan Bruner SFC Jeremy B. Porter CPT Lesley Jackson-Peters Jimmy Doolittle Chapter CSM Glenn A. Rodney 1SG Jorge Jimenezramos COL Regina Curtis CPT Martijn Lugtigheid CW3 Justin Callahan LTC Eric Merck NCO of the SFC Gary M. Brown CW2 Johnny Pickett Louis Molella Jack Munroe Month CW5 Robert Negron CW3 Thomas C. Mueller SGT Jorge E. Silva CPT Mark Brana CW3 Constanzil McDonald New Our Lady June 2015 CW3 Nels T. Bergmark CSM John P. Smith Connecticut Chapter LTC C. Christian Cook CW4 Kenneth Hoover of Loreto Recipients SFC Moen I. Franco U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY SOFIA BLEDSOE, PEO AVN PUBLIC AFFAIRS PUBLIC AVN PEO BY SOFIA BLEDSOE, ARMY PHOTO U.S. LTC Talmadge C. Sheppard CPT Austin M. Bartlett July 2015 Mr. Rick Isaacs is inducted as a Knight of the CW4 Robert C. Cudd CW5 Sean Magonigal CW4 Andrew E. Brooks 1SG Henry Falan Mid-Atlantic Chapter Honorable Order of St. Michael by COL Thomas CW3 Jerry F. B rock CW4 Cedrick Brackens Todd, project manager for Utility Helicopters and 1SG Orlando L. Jackson 1SG Faustino Becerra SGT Shatiqua E. Jones outgoing senior vice president of the AAAA Ten- 1SG John C. Langley CW3 Larry Sarmiento May 2015 LTC Joseph F. Crocitto CW4 Johnny Garcia Jimmy Doolittle Chapter nessee Valley Chapter, during a gathering in the Amanda Baker SSG Frank N. Fosdick CW3 Frank A. Stephens Sikorsky office in Huntsville, AL May 20. Widely Dixie Gengler CW3 Kyle Clemm DAC of the regarded as the subject matter expert in integrated CW4 Travis N. Sitter Lara Herrera CPT Cory Wrobleski master scheduling in the acquisition community, CW5 Peter W. Rondeau Helaine McRae Month CW4 Osbourne L. Ferguson Isaacs dedicated 33 years of his career and life to MAJ Terrence Smith Jane Carnazza GS-09 Michelle M. Proulx CW3 Nicholas A. Koeppen CPT Kiera K. Zimmerman Sharon Everton May 2015 Army aviation. Diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s dis- LTC Glenn E. Lapoint CPT Bryan P. Pierce Colonial Virginia Chapter

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 60 July 31, 2015 AAAA Membership CW5 (Ret.) Dave Cooper z The Membership Corner By CW5 (Ret.) David F. Cooper

ergeant First Class Colleen Huber has taken what S we might call a “non-traditional” path to her position in Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment in the Louisiana Army National Guard (LAARNG).

Growing up in New Orleans she said Signal Specialist and is assigned to that when she graduated high school, the LAARNG’s 1-244th Avn. Regt. “…there were few choices or options She is new to Army Aviation and has available.” She realized that she could a unique perspective. She said, “Before either “join the military or just hang I came to Army Aviation I had heard out and not get anywhere.” So in that Aviation is a di˜erent world… and 1995 she enlisted in the U.S. Army as that they don’t play real Army. Nothing a medic. “Everything good in my life is further from the truth. All ranks and has come from God and my decision to leadership that I serve with are very join the military. I am very grateful to professional and they care for their the Army,” she said. Soldiers, like nowhere else.” While on active duty SFC Huber served with the 10th Mountain SFC Huber has been a member of Division and 307th eater Integrated AAAA for 2 months at this writing Signal Battalion in the Republic of and is an active member of the Korea. After six years, she left the Voodoo chapter. She’s seen the AAAA Service in hopes of starting her life magazine in the day room, but it was in New Orleans – September 11, something else that got her to join. She PROVIDED BY SFC COLLEEN HUBER PERSONAL PHOTO 2001 changed her plans as it did for said, “is unit recently su˜ered the loss SFC Colleen Huber and husband Nick, many Americans. SFC Huber joined of four Soldiers in a helicopter crash in immediately following the Gulf Coast Half the LAARNG and was assigned to Florida. I saw how Aviation Soldiers Marathon in Pensacola Beach, FL, April 15, Charlie Company, 205th Engineer take care of their own. e unit banded 2015. Battalion, headquartered in Bogalusa, together and really took care of each LA. She deployed in 2003 to Bagram, other. I was very impressed with these Afghanistan. e battalion was Aviation Soldiers and want to stay in energies to running. She has run 2 half assigned to build the air–eld which touch with Aviation, even though I marathons and has gotten her husband was critical to the war e˜ort. Building might move and be assigned to other into running too. ey ran their last the runways, taxiways, and ramps, she units. e AAAA magazine will let race in Pensacola, FL where she said poured concrete an entire year. Like all me do that.” While her job might take the –rst 4 miles were run in a heavy Soldiers she sent back pictures to her her elsewhere, she will always stay in downpour. No personal best that day! family. She said, “After I got back, my touch with Aviation Soldiers through It doesn’t matter how you got here, mom asked if I knew anybody that AAAA. we are proud to have you as an AAAA could pour a concrete driveway for her SFC Huber is a busy Soldier. Besides member. Your unique experience and and I asked if she knew that’s what I’d her military duties she is married and career path bring a distinctive insight been doing for the past year? She said the mother of a step-son and daughter. that makes us all a little better! she had seen the pictures I sent back Her husband is a former Soldier and but didn’t realize I was actually pouring works at Southeastern Louisiana all that concrete!” University. She has always been an CW5 (Ret.) Dave Cooper SFC Huber reclassi–ed as a 25U active person and recently turned her AAAA Vice President for Membership

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 61 July 31, 2015 AAAA Family Forum Judy Konitzer z

I was approached by a lovely young woman at the AAAA Summit this year with “Forgive me for being bold, but I went to school with your daughter Christy.” Can you imagine just how excited I was to not only reminisce with Sadie about those high school days, but to share our experiences with having large families and to learn about her life as an Army spouse who now is enjoying life at Fort Drum. Sadie accepted my o¨er to share some of her thoughts. Judy Konitzer Flying to Glory Over the Top By Sadie McCurry

ey honey, I got my orders today!” “H “Oh that’s great, babe. Where does the Army want to send us now?” “I’m so excited; we’ll get to see beautiful scenery and wildlife. We can take cruises, see foreign cities, explore historical sites, and get the kids involved in all kinds of outdoor activities.” “Um, babe…where are we going?” “Fort Drum, New York!” Silence… 10TH CAB FRGA COURTESY PHOTO 10TH CAB FRGA COURTESY

10th Cbt. Avn. Bde. Family Readiness Group Advisors show their Aviation For families assigned to Ft. Drum, located in the “North pride at a Spouse Leadership Symposium on Ft. Drum, NY. Pictured are Country” of New York, this conversation is not uncommon. (l-r) Kelly Hill, Christie Hurst, Erin Thornburg, Manda Martini, Sadie McCurry Nestled a mere thirty-–ve miles from the Canadian border, (author), Charity Lent, Jennifer Cupp, and Ronnie Velesky. Ft. Drum is home to the historic 10th Mountain Division of which the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) is a vi- tal part. For Soldiers who want to be challenged and to prove trips to Canada and New York City, concerts and –reworks in their mettle as “Mountain Tough” warriors, this assignment is the summer, and snowshoeing and skiing in the winter. ere a dream. But when families think of moving so far north, just are wineries to tour, farms to visit, and restaurants to meet o˜ the shores of the Great Lakes, where daily snowfall can be every palate. And the on-post agencies such as Army Com- measured in feet rather than inches, the initial reaction is often munity Services (ACS) and Family and Morale, Welfare and less than positive. However, in many circles, Ft. Drum is known Recreation (FMWR) strive to meet the needs of families. as the Army’s “best kept secret.” e families of the 10th Com- bat Aviation Brigade know this secret well. The Local Communities Provide Great Like the rest of the 10th Mountain Division, 10th CAB is Support among the most heavily deployed units in the Army. From its e beauty of being stationed at Ft. Drum lies not only in activation in 1988, the CAB has supported missions ranging its on-post o˜erings, but also in the surrounding communities. from hurricane relief e˜orts to operations in Haiti, Somalia, e local citizens embrace the military in a unique fashion. In Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan, just to name a few. At the time March of this year, a public rally at the local community college of this writing, a Gray Eagle company is deployed and other brought out thousands of citizens who proclaimed their sup- parts of the brigade are actively preparing for upcoming mis- port. At the monthly Community Leaders Information Forum sions. Such a rapid optempo can weigh as heavily on families (CLIF), speakers such as school superintendents and hospital as it does on Soldiers. Add in the long winter, and one can un- personnel often come to discuss their o˜erings for military derstand a family’s hesitation at moving to the North Country. families. And at the monthly retirement ceremony, one can –nd nearly half of the retirees choosing to remain in the local area. Opportunities Abound for Fun Excursions, Great Restaurants, and Winter Sports Canada is a Doorstep Away is is why 10th CAB strives to keep its families informed Speaking of surrounding communities, Ft. Drum is one of all there is to do in the area. O˜erings include local farmers’ of only a few CONUS assignments where a trip to a foreign markets and festivals, battle reenactments at Sacket’s Harbor, country can happen in a day. Canada is just a few miles north, boat shows and ferry rides from Alexandria Bay and Clayton, so armed with just a tank of gas and a passport, families can

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 62 July 31, 2015 New AAAA Members NETWORK I z RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT

New Lifetime Central Florida Chapter CW4 Michael Joseph Lost Members 2LT Adam F. Kruse SSG Paul S Anderson Carpenter, USAR Ret. Haruka Kuwahara Members Help AAAA locate a lost SPC Kyle John Laessig CW5 Duward C. Bean CW3 Craig John Nahrebne MAJ Brenton Groeneveld member from this list SFC Terrance Lake MAJ Alecia Jarvis Michael J. Presutti North Star Chapter and receive a free one SPC Dillon W. Lech MAJ Michael P. Slattery Kenneth L. Sullivan SFC Chad Stowers, Ret. month extension to your PFC Hayden Lee MG James R. Sneider, Ret. Colonial Virginia Chapter Northern Lights Chapter membership! Gilberto Leos Michelle M. Prouix SFC Shawn Redondo SPC Sam R. Libke COL Dennis J. Sorensen CW4 David R. Lilly COL Bobby R. Adams, Ret. CPT Trevor K. Patrick Connecticut Chapter SPC Christopher M. Smades SPC Braden Thomas Lindsey SFC Antonio Acevedo Pikes Peak Chapter 2LT Dustin E. Allard 2LT William S. Viana MAJ Timothy Baker CPT Michael E. Little John W. Williams SSG Frank Nicholas Fosdick 1SG Steven Robert Howe WO1 Kristen l. Bender SSG Michael Longhenry Claude Julien Moreau CPT Jose A Marquez SFC Christian R. Berrios 1LT Jennifer MacGibbon SGT Francisco Bonillabenitez CPT Nicholas Maksim New Members SGT Jorge E. Silva SSG Joshua Moyer 2LT Jack H. Manning Corpus Christi Chapter Ragin’ Cajun Chapter CPT Mike Bramel Air Assault Chapter SPC Matthew A. Britt MAJ Stephen A. Marsh MSG Mathew Bickford Stanton Goings MAJ Bill F. Cable 2LT Jake W. Carr MAJ Joseph Marshall 1SG Warren Noble Crystal Phillips Rio Grande Chapter Scott Caruso CDT Troy Julian Mason CW4 Wayne R. Olin Delaware Valley Chapter SGT Robert A. Perez SSG Brandon Reed Cessna CW4 John Roy Masters 2LT Dominic A. Chargvalaf SFC Adam Mauro SGT Kristofer Swanson CW3 Michael Brent Rising Sun Chapter SGT Skylar Jimmy McCoy Flint Hills Chapter Katsuhisa Ito SGT David Cheung Aloha Chapter CSM Terri Clavon 1SG Matthew T McLeod SSG Christopher Butts SFC Scott Dinse Savannah Chapter SPC Matthew M. Coffe SSG Jorge Alberto Medina Arizona Chapter SGT Christopher W. Jayne SFC Desmond A. Schultz WO1 Jon-Elliot Cortez PFC Melvin A. Medina SPC Israel B. Figueroa CW3 Bradley Renneke Tennessee Valley Chapter 1SG Thomas F. Coveney PFC Christopher D. Mickens CPT Timothy A. Schafer Douglas Scott Lund CW3 Jesse C. Cozart, Ret. SGT Seth G. Mix Armadillo Chapter CW4 Sean C. Crothers, Ret. SSG Michael J. Moff TJ Creamer Flying Gator Chapter Robert Vaughn Mrs. Betty Jane Crouch CPT Robert A. Molard Aviation Center Chapter Sean Reeves Thunder Mountain CW3 Ian Kenneth Davis CW2 Sadatreya Moultrie WO1 Richard L. Anderson Flying Tigers Chapter Chapter SPC Wesley P. Dearduff SPC Keith P. Mueller LTC Candice Frost LTC James P. Delaney CW4 J. Scott Nalley WO1 Trisha O. Baker MSG Forrest McKinley SPC Lauren Ness SPC Cory P. Schneidtmiller Utah Chapter 2LT Ian M. Diede 2LT Aaron A. Barragan SPC James Donnel PV2 Kenneth W. Oakes 2LT Maxwell K. Bauer Greater Atlanta Chapter 1LT Ryan Patrick Close SPC Gordon V. Douglas SGT Akaninyene J. Odoeyop 2LT Paul S. Black CW5 Lynn E. Deaven CW2 Deena Haag CPT Daniel Drake PFC Sean Michael Oliver Griffin Chapter Voodoo Chapter SPC Ryan M. Dugger 1LT Justin W. Osberg WO1 Colin M. Bucko SGT Jose A. Pabonmiranda WO1 Michael J, Carty MAJ Michael Omodt Phillip Carderara SPC Joseph Dunbar SGT Linus L. Felix SPC Luis C. Panerio WO1 William P. Duggan Iron Mike Chapter Kelly Carderara SGT Sascha W. Fletcher James D. Parker 2LT John S. Hart CPT Marvin L. Chase, USAR Miriam Gifford PFC Joseph L. Fogarty SFC William Parks 2LT Amber C. Ingwell Jack H. Dibrell/Alamo Steve Gifford Sr. SPC James Gambill 2LT Brittany J. Pearson CW4 Larry R Karmine Chapter SPC Tyler Jones CPT Brian J. Gaudette SSG Louis Peterson Anthony Adrian Arevalo III 1LT John M Lambert SPC Ashley Gomez BG Christopher J. Petty WO1 Jennnifer L. Kukahito CW3 Josef M. Gonzalez SSG Louinique Pierre, Sr. WO1 Brendan M. Lucas SGT Derek Polite Washington-Potomac Chpt. WO1 Timothy D. Govea LTC Daniel D. Primm 2LT Katelyn A. McDonough Jimmy Doolittle Chapter LTC Wenceslao Angulo CW2 Paul Graham SGT Francis Ready WO1 Timothyi R. Miller SPC Landon Hal Mintz SFC Raymond Conger SGT Fernando Gudino CPT Joshua A. Redmond WO1 Marc V. Moran CW3 Michael Roberts COL Thomas Gloor SGT Joe C. Harvey, Jr. SPC Brandi Reger PFC Micah C. Henson Brian Reise WO1 Nicholas A. Oredson Magnolia Chapter LTC Hilton Nunez SPC Christopher M. Hoffman Jason R. Rios CPT Ralph Salazar CW2 Dustin Bunkley Wright Brothers Chapter MSG Jere Holloway LTC Frederick Ritterspach, Ret. WO1 William I. Schryver Mid-Atlantic Chapter PV2 Jeffrey Turner SSG Sean Hoye SSG Theodore A. Robbins, II WO1 Mark D. Sills SFC Antonio Acevedo No Chapter Affiliation PFC David L. Hughes, Jr. SFC Chadwick J. Robbs SFC Moen I. Franco CW2 Travis Brainard SGT Matthew L. Hyde CSM Glenn A. Rodney WO1 Bryan W. Spradlin PFC Mary Ipiniu SPC Robert Rodriguez WO1 Colby S. Williams Minuteman Chapter Michael Doyle CDT Michael I. Jakub SGT Gregory M. Sagram 2LT Romano R Wilson CW2 Anthony V. Tata SGT Mitchel J. Dwyer Fred Johnson WO1 Ramon K. Sarmiento Bavarian Chapter Morning Calm Chapter CW5 Andrew Gregory MAJ Jacob M. Johnston CW3 Adam Schenck SPC Ashley R. Green SFC Alexander A. Kiouressis CW2 Jack Hughes Michael F. Kehl MAJ Peter Christian Schleider SGT Andrew Kelso SSG Robert W. Siling, II George Norman Wimpy SSG Shawn Kirby SGT Stephen G. Levesque SPC William R Key SPC John Solem Black Knights Chapter Narragansett Bay Chapter MSG Forrest McKinley Alan Kinsella Kyle Stephenson 2LT Austin Welch COL Chris Callahan SPC Jesse Messer PFC Tristan Korbisch CW4 Nate Stewart check o˜ bucket list items such as seeing Niagara Falls from “I have visited many places around the U.S. and the Fort Drum both the American and the Canadian sides. ey can attend a area is one of the prettiest and cleanest places in the world.” Montreal Canadiens ice hockey game and explore local shops, “I had heard things like, ‘It is worse than Alaska…’ After museums, and restaurants. almost three years here, I love it! We have survived the winters and built our family here. We actually want to stay!” Family Members Voice A Love for Ft. Drum Embracing the beauty, local community, and activities avail- Feelings about being stationed at Ft. Drum are best summed able at Fort Drum is what helps 10th CAB Soldiers and Families up by those who are doing it. e following are a few quotes from “Fly to Glory” and makes their experience here “Over the Top.” 10th CAB family members: “I cried when I found out we were moving to Fort Drum. I don’t enjoy the cold and snow at all. However, since we’ve Sadie McCurry is the senior family readiness group advisor for the been here living on post, I’ve enjoyed the close knit community 10th Combat Aviation Brigade at Ft. Drum, NY and the wife of and how most spouses want to get together and socialize often. COL Michael C. McCurry, 10th CAB Commander. She was born at We’ve helped each other make it through the harsh winter. I Ft. Rucker, AL. so Army Aviation has been in her blood since day one! know I’ve made lifelong friends.” “e best thing about Fort Drum to me is the slow pace Judy Konitzer is the family forum editor for ARMY AVIATION; piece of life it gives to the kids.” questions and suggestions can be directed to her at [email protected].

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 63 July 31, 2015 People On the Move NETWORK I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT

Aviation General Officer Flynn, 25th Inf. Div. commanding general, during McIntosh Takes Over 2-82 Avn. Promotions/Assignments a June 2 change of command and change of re- sponsibility joint ceremony at Weyand Field, Scho- BG Michael E. Bobeck has field Barracks, HI. Chase assumed command from been assigned as deputy COL Kenneth A. Hawley (right) and CSM Brian N. director for Force Protection Hauke (center, facing camera) took over as the and Counter Weapons of brigade’s senior enlisted advisor from CSM Eric S. Mass Destruction, J-8, the Pitkus (far left) in the dual ceremony. Joint Staff, Washington, DC; he previously served

as Special Assistant to the FREEMAN BY SSG CHRISTOPHER ARMY PHOTO U.S. Chief, Army National Guard

U.S. ARMY PHOTO U.S. in Arlington, VA. LTC Travis L. McIntosh accepts the colors of 2nd Bn., 82nd Avn. Regt., 82nd CAB, 82nd Abn. Div., BG Scott R. Morcomb from the 82nd CAB commander, COL Mike Musiol, speaks to attendees im- during a June 4 change of command ceremony on mediately after being Fort Bragg, NC. LTC Bryan J. Chivers relinquished promoted to the rank command of the battalion which recently returned of brigadier general in from Afghanistan where it supported Operations a June 27 ceremony at PAO DIV. 25TH INF. ARMY PHOTO U.S. Enduring Freedom and Freedom’s Sentinel during Godman Army Airfield, The previous day, CW5 Terry Horner, 25th CAB their nine-month deployment. Fort Knox, KY. Command Chief Warrant Officer; CSM Benjamin Jones, the 25th Inf. Div. senior enlisted advisor; TF Talon Welcomes Gibson Gold Star spouse Kristy Balli; and Allan Hoe U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY RENEE RHODES/FORT KNOX VISUAL INFORMATION KNOX BY RENEE RHODES/FORT ARMY PHOTO U.S. were inducted into the Honorable Order of St. Changes of Command/ Michael by BG (Ret.) E.J. Sinclair (far left), the Responsibility Army Aviation Association of America President, and COL Kenneth Hawley (far right), 25th CAB Morcomb Assumes Command commander, during a ceremony at the 25th CAB of 11th TAC Memorial on Wheeler Army Airfield, HI. Task Force Pegasus Changes Command U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY SSG CHRISTOPHER FREEMAN BY SSG CHRISTOPHER ARMY PHOTO U.S. LTC Hise Gibson accepts the colors of Task Force Talon, 3rd Bn., 82nd Avn. Regt. (Gen. Spt. Avn.), 82nd CAB, 82nd Abn. Div., from the 82nd CAB commander, COL Mike Musiol, during a June 9 change of command ceremony at Fort Bragg,

U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY RENEE RHODES/FORT KNOX VISUAL INFORMATION KNOX BY RENEE RHODES/FORT ARMY PHOTO U.S. NC. LTC William Braman relinquished command Incoming commander, then-COL(P) Scott R. of 3-82 GSAB which recently returned from Af- Morcomb (center), prepares to receive the 11th ghanistan where it supported Operations Endur- Theater Aviation Command colors as BG Troy D. ing Freedom and Freedom’s Sentinel during its Kok relinquishes them to LTG Jeffrey Talley, com- nine-month deployment. manding general of the U.S. Army Reserve Com- FREEMAN BY SSG CHRISTOPHER ARMY PHOTO U.S. mand (USARC), during a May 17 change of com- COL Michael J. Musiol, outgoing commander, and Owens Takes the Helm at mand ceremony at Hangar 1, Godman Army Air- CSM William J. Yeargan, relinquished the 82nd 122nd ASB field, Fort Knox, KY. 11th TAC command sergeant Cbt. Avn. Bde. colors to 82nd Abn. Div. command- major, CSM Steven M. Hatchell provided the ing general, MG Richard Clarke, during a dual colors. Morcomb, who was promoted to brigadier change of command and responsibility ceremony general on Jun 27, comes to the 11th TAC from May 16 at Fort Bragg, NC. COL Erik O. Gibert USARC headquarters; Kok has assumed duties and CSM William G. Elliott assumed command as the deputy commanding general of U.S. Army and responsibility. The brigade redeployed last Recruiting Command also at Ft. Knox. month from a nine-month deployment to Afghani- stan in support of Operations Enduring Freedom Chase Takes Over Wings of and Freedom’s Sentinel. Musiol will become the Lightning division chief of staff.

ATCOM REUNION FREEMAN BY SSG CHRISTOPHER ARMY PHOTO U.S. Employees, friends and relatives of the LTC Stephen W. Owen accepts the colors of 1960-1990 Army Aviation and Troop 122nd Aviation Support Battalion (ASB), 82nd Command that was located at 4300 CAB, 82nd Abn. Div., from the 82nd CAB com- Goodfellow Blvd. Saint Louis, MO are invited to attend a picnic reunion, 11:00 a.m. Sept. 10 in at Shelter 3, mander, COL Mike Musiol, during a June 3 Blanchette Park, 1900 Randolph Street, St. Charles, change of command ceremony at Fort Bragg, MO. Tickets are $15 before August 1, 2015 and NC. LTC Gail E. Atkins relinquished command of

U.S. ARMY PHOTO, 25TH INF. DIV. PAO DIV. 25TH INF. ARMY PHOTO, U.S. $25 thereafter. For further information contact Steve the 122nd ASB after redeployed the unit from Af- COL Kenneth D. Chase accepts the 25th Combat Bossomo on Facebook, or Gary Nenninger, 256-704- ghanistan by the end of December 2014 in sup- Aviation Brigade (CAB) colors from MG Charles A. 9683, or Pat Guy, email [email protected]. port of Operation Enduring Freedom.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 64 July 31, 2015 People On the Move NETWORK I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT

Change of Charter Promotions Vinson Takes Over at ANMP FY 2015 Captain Active 20 Petrowski, Alex Robert Gomez, John Paul * Neabore, Stacey William Guard Reserve (AGR) Non-AGR Competitive Graves, Johnathan Mark * Nestor, Andrew Scott * & Non-AGR Category Guin, Mathew Ho Yen Bok Normandeau, Brett Michael Allinder, Scott Clifford * Hagel, Justin Wayne Osmun, Matthew Michael Competitive Category Alossi, Khaled Michael Halbert, Blake Otero, David Manuel Selection Board Baird, Mitchell Thomas Hall, Brandon Levi Pardue, Jeffrey Stephen Results Bennett, Jarrett Lee Hapner, Eric Edward Payne, Caleb Aaron Bennett, Joshua Robert Hasan, James Michael Pearce, Michael John The fiscal year 2015 Cap- Bereznak, Brent Allan Hicks, Jacob Allen Pfeiffer, Ryan Russell tain AGR & Non-AGR com- Berkowitz, Daniel William * Hill, Michael Boyd Reichert, Christopher Adam petitive category selection Brooks, James Frederick * Hoopes, Austin Kimball Roberts, Travis Glen * board results were released Brookshire, Sean Aaron * Howard, John David * Robertson, Joshua Earl Jun 17, 2015. Officers were Carite, Carl III Ingebritson, Jacob David Rose, Anthony James Jr considered for promotion in Caron, Daniel Paul * Jewkes, Andrew James Royalty, Rebecca Elaine U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY SHANNON KIRKPATRICK, PEO AVN AVN PEO BY SHANNON KIRKPATRICK, ARMY PHOTO U.S. three categories: the Army Connelly, Lauren D. Soo Jones, Kevin Peter Squire, Christopher James COL Jerry Davis, Aviation Systems project man- Reserve component of the Degelow, Brian Allen * Kerr, John Hervey Iv Summerall, Sean Thomas * ager, presents Tim Vinson with the Aviation Net- Active Guard and Reserve, Donohue, Sean Patrick Loehndorf, Dustin Eric Sumruld, Jeremy Paul * the non-AGR component of Dougherty, Shawn Michael Lombardo, Jeremy Ray Teaff, Simon Edward works and Mission Planning product office char- the Army Reserve and the Echols, Robert Milton III Lowe, Curtis Allen Thomas, Terry Wayne Jr ter as he becomes the product director during a National Guard. Congratu- Evans, Timothy Gabriel J Luke, Sheldon Donald Toney, Lisa Ann June 4 ceremony at Redstone Arsenal, AL. A re- lations to the following 82 Fabricatore, Joshua William Marken, Mollie Jean Travers, Derek Wade tired lieutenant colonel, Vinson worked previously Aviation lieutenants on their Farrell, Calvin Benjamin Martin, Baron Curtis Vancil, Daniel Aaron III in the Apache Program Management Office. He selection. Fishell, Christopher Alan Mather, Brett Douglas * Verneer, Joseph Christopher is one of the inaugural group of board select PMs. Foster, James Whelchel Miller, Sean Cameron West, Steven Ross Jr AGR Competitive Garcia, Patrick James Montanez, Arturo Erlindo Wiberg, Eric Nels Category Garcia, Salvatore William * Morgan, Amanda Carroll * Wickman, David Alan * Awards Seq # Geibel, Mitchell J Munoz, Matthew Ezequiel Williams, Bart Allen 32 Guthrie, Nathaniel H.* Germany, Jennifer Michelle Murray, William Allyn * = AAAA Member Seymore Inducted into SCNG Hall of Fame Flight School Graduates IERW UH-60 A/M Track IERW UH-60 A/M Track WO1 David Noakes * – DG WO1 Robert Altman – DG LT Daniel Prior * – DG LT Geanna Hiller – DG LT Javier Sustaita – HG WO1 Justin Evans * – HG WO1 Terry Vest * – HG LT Stevie Lugo – HG WO1 Daniel Clapp WO1 James Aponte WO1 Michael Hassoldtfenoff LT Matthew Barringer AAAA provides standard aviator WO1 Andrew Hovey LT Connor Cash wings to all graduates and WO1 Rogers Kipchumbra WO1 Patrick Furrow sterling silver aviator wings to the LT Brian Kuennen * WO1 Michael Goebel distiguished graduates of each flight LT Michael Jakub * LT Koo Ji class ... LT Matthew Johnson * LT Fritz Kaelber another example of AAAA’s LT Donald Michael * LT Joseph Kramer SUPPORT for the U.S. Army LT Stephen Middlebrook * WO1 Kathryn Malchow Aviation Soldier and family. LT Ryan Miller * LT Jacob March

U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD PHOTO BY SGT BRAD MINCEY GUARD PHOTO ARMY NATIONAL U.S. LT Christopher Moropoulos * WO1 Michael Newgard * WO1 Vikram Parmar WO1 Thomas Pryjda 44 Officers, June 4 IERW CH-47F Track WO1 Jerry Pulido WO1 Cristobel Quiroz Retired CW5 Harold (Eric) Seymore (center) IERW AH-64D Track LT Chris Broderick * – DG was inducted into the South Carolina National LT Stephen Schmidt * WO1 Benjamin Smith * LT David Covell * – DG WO1 Joshua Yeager – DG WO1 Douglas Stutzman WO1 Joseph Swint Guard Warrant Officer Hall of Fame during a cer- WO1 Christopher Roach*DG WO1 Erikas Bagdonavicius WO1 Joshua Thompson * LT Victor Tersigni * emony at the McCrady Training Center April 12, WO1 Aidan Acosta * – HG WO1 Jonathan Chittim * LT Nathan Tuckness 2015. Flanking Seymore are (left) MG Robert E. WO1 Lloyd Borthwick WO1 Kevin George 28 Officers, June 18 LT Matthew Whitacre LT Carolyn Fiore * LT Joshua Holcombe * IERW UH-60 Track Livingston Jr., the Adjutant General for South Car- WO1 Jordan Guzman * WO1 Matthew Simms olina and CW5 Kent Puffenbarger, the Command LT Carlos Lopes * – DG WO1 Anthony Manfredi * LT Joey Yoo LT Matthew Cobb * DG = Distinguished Chief Warrant Officer for the SCNG. Seymore has WO1 Timothy Moore * IERW UH-60 Track LT Micah Gill Graduate the distinction of being the last retired Vietnam LT Mason Pack LT Kyle Newman LT Eduardo Goitia * HG = Honor Graduate veteran from the South Carolina National Guard, LT Harrison Poole LT Arthur Powers WO1 Justin Loftin * * = AAAA Member WO1 Colin Ravencraft * LT William Trageser WO1 Codie Suhr + = Life Member having retired Jan. 31, 2014. WO1 Andrew Sines LT Daniel Vorsky *

UNMANNED AIRCRAFT PV2 Brian A. Spurgeon – HG PV2 Basil Jr. K. Mott PFC Matthew D. Bruan Systems Repairer PVT Ryan J. Prom SYSTEMS (UAS) PV2 Jovani D. Vasquez – HG PV2 Courtney C. Nickerson PFC Bradley M. Heden Course, MOS 15E, at Fort GRADUATIONS SPC Brian K. Bowman PV2 Michael G. Pedersen PFC Zachary B. Pendleton Huachuca, AZ. Shadow UAS Repairer SPC Francisco Camacho PV2 Alexander W. Piper PV2 Zackary C. Radaich Course UAS OPERATOR SPC Anthony M. Ferrari PV2 Jarrod R. Saxton PV2 Jacob T. Whittington Shadow UAS Repairer 9 Graduates, June 26 AAAA congratulates the PFC Jessica R. Spaulding PV2 Shannon J. Strakal PV2 Zachary A. Brown Course PV2 Dana M. Tinnel – DHG following graduates of the PFC Brett A. Wilson PV2 Ryan E. Verhoef PV2 Brendon D. Hicks 11 Graduates, June 9 PFC Christopher LippincotHG Unmanned Aerial Vehicle PFC Patrick A. Wheetley PV2 Kyle J. Kleiner SSG Timothy A. Teets – DHG PFC Jason Fong Operator Course, MOS PV2 Julien I. Alameda Shadow UAS Operator PV2 Zackary C. Radaich SGT Melvin L. Wittman PFC Carlos R. Hernandez 15W, at Fort Huachuca, AZ. PV2 Brandon M. Davis Course PV2 Jacob T. Whittington PFC Reynaldo J. Carlo PFC Diana Nunezsabalsa PV2 Allan C. Dow 18 Graduates, June 29 PVT Christopher Gingras PFC Andrei Domskyi PFC Eduardo Ramosdelgando Shadow UAS Operator PV2 Jacob J. Gervy SGT Charles R. Schutz – DHG PVT Dedrick A. Lemon PFC Cristian A. Reyes PV2 Troy A. Thomas Course PV2 Robert A. Groenings SGT Chris M. Woods – HG PFC Adam D. Sterrenberg PVT Samuel L. Hartlerode 27 Graduates, June 1 PV2 Jackie Hinote PV2 Grace G. Regittko – HG UAS REPAIRER PFC Taylor Q. Wellington SGT Benjamin Hoffman DHG PV2 Jacob A. Kelly SGT Jamie L. Klenzing AAAA congratulates the PVT Cooper L. Brown DHG = Distinguished SPC Patrick M. Hartlein – HG PV2 Taylor N. Littlefield SGT Dustin M. Rice following Army graduates PVT Joshua S. Collins Honor Graduate PFC Tracy J. Sanders – HG PV2 Paul G. Morosi SPC Nathan A. Huffman of the Unmanned Aircraft PVT Travis M. Crawford HG = Honor Graduate

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 65 July 31, 2015 Industry News l Announcements Related to Army Aviation Matters NETWORK I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT

Editor’s note: Companies can send their Army Aviation related news General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, CA, was releases and information to [email protected]. awarded a $121,350,000 modification to a contract for 19 Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft systems and 19 satellite communications air CAE USA to Provide Comprehensive data terminals; work will be performed in Poway, with an estimated Training for FW Pilots completion date of Sept. 30, 2018.

Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, FL, was awarded an $18,014,000 modification to a contract for non-recurring engineering tooling, test equipment, and labor necessary to increase Hellfire II missile production from the current state of 500 all-up rounds (AURs) per month to a quantity of 550 and 650 AURs per month; work will be performed in Orlando, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2016.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, CT, was awarded a $21,756,070 modification to a contract for one UH-60M aircraft and two fire extinguishers for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and one UH- 60M for the Army BEST aircraft; work will be performed in Stratford 36TH INF. DIV. PHOTO BY MAJ RANDY STILLINGER PHOTO DIV. 36TH INF. with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2015. The Department of Defense announced on June 4 that CAE USA Upstate Construction Services Inc.,* East Syracuse, NY, was has been awarded a firm-fixed-price awarded a $19,408,103 firm-fixed-price contract with options for contract to provide comprehensive building an unmanned aircraft systems hangar; work will be performed initial and recurrent training for more at Fort Drum, NY, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 1, 2016. than 600 U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force fixed-wing pilots annually. Under the contract terms, CAE will provide turnkey training services at a new company-owned, company-operated training center which it Advertisers Index will begin building immediately at Dothan Regional Airport in Alabama, close to the U.S. Army’s Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE) at Advanced Turbine Engine Company (ATEC) ...... 5 Fort Rucker. Valued at over $29 million for the base period and six Agusta Westland ...... 19 one-year options through September 30, 2023, the total value over Alkan...... 39 the next eight years is expected to be approximately $200 million. The Army and CAE will also be implementing a new initial-entry fixed-wing AVT Simulation ...... 7 (IEFW) training program so that entry-level Army students can begin Beechcraft (Textron Aviation)...... 21 their career track to fixed-wing aircraft much sooner. The Army Fixed- CAE Flight Simulations & Training ...... 1 Wing training program also serves as the formal training for Army C-12/RC-12 King Air recurrent training, as well as providing annual Coastal Seat Cushions Inc...... 12 training to U.S. Air Force C-12 King Air pilots. Columbia Helicopters, Inc...... 72 David Clark Company ...... 15 Contracts – (From various sources. An “*” by a company name FlightSafety International ...... 2 indicates a small business contract) Inter-Coastal Electronics, Inc...... 17 Airbus Defense & Space Inc., Herndon, VA, was awarded a L-3 Simulation ...... 13 $28,325,176 modification to a contract for logistic support for MD Helicopter ...... 9 the UH-72A Lakota helicopter program; work will be performed in Meggitt Defense Systems ...... 11 Herndon, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2016. PAE...... 25 Intevac Photonics,* Santa Clara, CA, was awarded a $12,626,081 Science and Engineering Services, SES, Inc...... 29 firm-fixed-price contract with options for Electronic Image Intensifier USAA ...... 27 Ship-Set for Lot 4, Apache AH-64D/E Program; work will be performed in Santa Clara, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2017. Vencore ...... 35

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ARMY AVIATION Magazine 66 July 31, 2015 AAAA Scholarship Foundation NETWORK I RECOGNITION I VOICE I z SUPPORT Thank You to Our Scholarship Fund Donors AAAA recognizes the generosity of the following individuals, chapters and organizations that have donated to the Scholarship Foundation Inc. in the last 90 days through Jun 30, 2015. The list includes donations received for all scholarships, as well as the General Fund which provides funding to enable the chapter, corporate, heritage and individual matching fund programs as well as national grants and loans. Donors marked with an * are partially or totally donating to the newly established Families of the Fallen Scholarship. Every penny donated to the Scholarship Foundation goes directly to a grant or loan as a result of the Army Aviation Association of America subsidizing ALL administrative costs! BG (R) Lou Abbenante Jesse J. Drake John Keane Diana B. Radspinner Sidney W. Achee LTC (R) Joe Emerson David & Donna Keating Raytheon Airbus Group, Inc. Empire AAAA Chapter Jason Y. Kim Karl F. Reinhart Aloha AAAA Chapter CW2 John L. Enticknap Korean War Veterans Assoc. Robertson Fuel Systems * Ameripack, Inc. Europe Firearms Importer, LLC * LTC & Mrs. Tim Kraatz Rockwell Collins Richard Anderson Brandon J. Files COL (R) Hal Kushner, MD CSM Glenn A. Rodney MG (R) Ronald K. Andreson Flying Tigers AAAA Chapter Edward l. Landry Safran Army Aviation Center FCU Daniel N. Fousse Lindbergh AAAA Chapter Perry & Nancy Schmidt Army Otter Caribou Association, Inc. LTC Paul Gautron Macy’s Bloomingdale’s Mike J. Sleet WT & DR Atchley Leslie Gilbert R.T. & K.E. McGuire Timothy C. Small AugustaWestland N.A., Inc. Dr. Hilton Goldstein * MG (R) Carl H. & Jo Ann W. McNair Jr. Dennis J. Sorensen * LTC (R) James R. Barkley, Sr. Ellis Golson Jeremiah F. McNamara Evelyn A. Soucek Luciana Barlett Shawn Gorham COL (R) Lewis & Betty McConnell Albert H. Stiller The Benevity Community Impact Fund G. & L. Good Thomas F. & Ann V. McNamara System Studies & Simulation, Inc. MG (R) Joseph & Helen Bergantz Jon R. Greenhaw Mid-Atlantic AAAA Chapter * TJK Konsulting Frank S. & Elaine H. Besson Griffin AAAA Chapter Minuteman AAAA Chapter Tennessee Valley AAAA Chapter Frank & Katja Black Susan Guerrant Millennium Systems Services, Inc. Thunderbird AAAA Chapter CW5 John J. Blank, Jr. John & Kathleen Haugen Munsch & Co. Aeromechanics COL (R) Harry & Diana Townsend Bonham Technologies, Inc. * Thomas H. & Tommie A. Harding Nammo Talley, Inc. Edward B. Trexler Brett & Diane Bonnell BG (Ret.) James M. & Joyce L. Hesson North Texas AAAA Chapter Jeaneen Trowell * LTC Glenn P. Carr Kathleen Howard * CW4 (R) Michael R. Nowicki URS Philippe & Erin Catoire Idaho Snake River AAAA Chapter Kevin O’Brien Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association Michael & Carrie Cavalier Iron Mike AAAA Chapter Old Tucson AAAA Chapter Victory Solutions, Inc. Central Florida AAAA Chapter JACS Aircraft Certification MG (R) Virgil L. Packett II Volunteer AAAA Chapter MAJ Thomas Tim Chapman, MD Specialists COL (R) Derek & Kathleen Paquette Voodoo AAAA Chapter Frank L. Collazo Gary D. Jerauld Peduzzi Associates, LTD Washington Potomac AAAA Chapter Connecticut AAAA Chapter William A. & Andrea J. Johns Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. Wright Brothers AAAA Chapter SGT R. Joseph Cox LTG (R) Anthony & Nancy Jones Joseph L. Podolinsky Robert Walczak The Cub Club Kenneth Jones Radiance Technologies, Inc. Luis Z. Zamudio For more information about the Foundation or to make a contribution, go online to www.quad-a.org Contributions can also be mailed to: AAAA Scholarship Foundation, Inc., 593 Main Street, Monroe, CT 06468.

AAAA News NETWORK z I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT

UPCOMING EVENTS Upcoming Special Focus August 2015 1 Functional Award Submission Deadline – presented at the Cribbins August/September Aviation Product Symposium. Please see page 43 for a complete listing. Blue Book 24-30 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Assoc. 32nd Reunion, Washington, DC Scholarship Recipents September 2015 1 Functional Award Submission Deadline – presented at the Annual Aviation Senior Leaders Conference, Fort Rucker. Please see page 43 for a October complete listing. 10-13 NGAUS 137th General Conference, Nashville, TN Aviation Survivability Aviation Support October 2015 6-8 11th Luther G. Jones Army Aviation Sustainment Forum, Corpus Christi, TX 11 AAAA National Executive Board and Scholarship Foundation Board of Contact: Bob Lachowski Governors Meetings, Washington, DC [email protected] or 12-16 U.S. Army Warrant Officers Association 43rd Annual Meeting, Erika Burgess [email protected] Orlando, FL 203. 268.2450 29-31 MOAA Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 67 July 31, 2015 AAAA Legislative Report NETWORK I RECOGNITION I z VOICE I SUPPORT

By COL (Ret.) William H. Morris AAAA Representative to The Military Coalition (TMC) [email protected]

Congress Begins Caucus government more in the long run. Senator Mc- Savings Plan (TSP). It also adds cash incen- on 2016 Defense Bill Cain has been the champion of decentralized tives for retention as well as Government Both the House and Senate Armed Servic- program execution which he believes will lead automatic contributions to Service members es Committees (HASC and SASC) began their to more program accountability. Opponents TSP. Under this program Service members’ joint caucus on June 25th amidst a backdrop say that providing the Services more authority become vested after serving their first two of disagreement on both sides of Congress. may truncate the process and lead to unstable years of service, and will automatically have The caucus committee will set out to resolve programs and budgets that have no outside a TSP account established with 1 percent of differences in the 2016 National Defense Au- influence to ensure continuity and oversight the Service member’s pay deducted once thorization Act (NDAA) prior to the final bill be- for major programs. Prior to the joint caucus on duty. Matching contributions of up to 5 ing submitted as legislation to the President. of the HASC and SASC, the House Appropria- percent of the Service member’s pay starts Members gathered at the annual pass the tions Committee (HAC) and Senate Appropria- upon the completion of 4 years of service. gavel ceremony which symbolizes the start of tions Committee (SAC) both approved their Service members may reduce or terminate the conference. The caucus seemed doomed proposed versions of Defense Appropriations contributions after receiving financial literacy for an impasse when the House could not bill for 2016. The SAC bill contains $489 bil- training. The government automatic 1 per- agree on whether a spending bill that did not lion in base budget and $86.8 billion in Over- cent contribution and matching contributions originate in the House, like the Senate’s retire- seas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding will be forfeited in the case of a Dishonor- ment plan within the NDAA, could be consti- which is almost $30 million more than was able Discharge, Dismissal or Bad Conduct tutionally legal and would result in the House requested in the 2016 President’s Budget. Discharge. “Blue-Slipping” or rejecting the Senate’s ver- Critics point to the addition of base funding in As for those who serve for 20 years the sion of the NDAA. Additional concern has been OCO as a method of circumventing the spend- new defined benefit will be 80% of current raised over the Senate language that now pro- ing caps as laid out in the Budget Control Act retirement outlays which commences at the vides more authority to the Service acquisition of 2011, otherwise known as sequestration. 20 year mark. The retiree will receive a full authorities. Over the past decade more and The HAC bill similarly funded the base budget annuity and will not be provided an option more program oversight and authorities have at $490 billion and OCO funding at $88 billion. for a lump sum pay out. Additionally, retirees been given to the Undersecretary of Defense, Concerning personnel pay and allowances, in the DoD plan will be restored to full Cost for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (OSD the HAC bill calls for a 2.3 percent pay raise of Living Adjustment (COLA) for working age AT&L), largely based on the efforts of the cur- while the SAC bill remains more consistent retirees rather than the current COLA-1 per- rent Secretary of Defense, Ash Carter when he with the Presidential Budget submission at 1.3 cent currently under law. held the position. percent. The SAC bill also impacted Army Na- Most believe that this language will be tional Guard AH-64 Apache transfer to the Ac- Full Veterans Benefits for negotiated as a means to come to a consen- tive Component allowing only 36 in FY 2016. Same-Sex Couples sus and show unity. Others believe that this Additional transfers will be deferred until after The Veterans Administration announced may help to bolster a case to help change the Commission on the Future of the Army that same-sex couples will receive standard the current procurement system which has renders their report in early 2016. Veterans benefits regardless of state resi- been very reluctant to speed products to the dency on June 29th just three days after the field except in some novel cases such as the New Retirement System historic Supreme Court decision that ruled quick reaction capabilities provided to Task Gaining Momentum that the Constitution provides same-sex Force Observe Detect Identify and Neutralize Based on the recommendations of the couples the legal right to marry. Prior to the (ODIN). As part of acquisition reform in 2009, Military Compensation and Retirement court’s ruling, same-sex couple’s benefits OSD AT&L stood up an organization known Modernization Commission (MCRMC) the were determined by the state where the as the Capabilities Assessment and Program Department of Defense submitted their marriage took place or whether the couple Evaluation (CAPE) directorate. This organiza- blended retirement proposal to Congress resided in a state where same-sex unions tion provides independent cost estimates to for consideration as part of the FY 2016 were recognized during a service member’s compare the program manager and program NDAA. The blended retirement will benefit time of service. It is too early to determine, executive officers program costs. If the new 85% of all Service members in some man- but the Veterans Administration must now legislation is included in the NDAA many be- ner. Under the proposal there would be a 20 deal with many cases that are currently in lieve that the efficiencies gained through CAPE year vested annuity that will allow service various courts by same-sex couples who are program cost reviews may end up costing the member defined contributions to the Thrift suing for past benefits.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 68 July 31, 2015 Fallen Heroes In Memoriam Blue Ghosts Troopers Laid to Rest On June 17, 2015 the remains of four Army Aviation Soldiers who were listed as missing in action during the Vietnam War Mr. Paul L. were buried as a group in section 60 of Hendrickson Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia in a single casket. HENDRICKSON FAMILY PHOTO HENDRICKSON FAMILY

AAAA is saddened to announce the peaceful passing of former National Executive Board member

U.S. ARMY FILE PHOTOS U.S. and Scholarship Foundation WO1 Phipps WO1 Ramos SPC Newton SPC Secrist Governor Emeritus Mr. Paul L. Hendrickson on March 20, 2015, According to the Department of Defense, on 9 January 1968, Warrant Ocer in the Christian Health Center, James L. Phipps, aircraft commander, Warrant Ocer Rainer S. Ramos, pilot, Corbin, KY. He was 86. and door gunners Specialist Warren E. Newton and Specialist Fred J. Secrist, all He joined the Army in 1946 as assigned to Troop C, 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, “e Blue Ghosts,” one of the –rst Army aviation were on a gunship cover mission in their UH-1C Huey about 20 miles west of mechanics/technicians trained by the city of Tam Ky in Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, when their the USAF and rose to the rank of helicopter was struck by enemy –re and crashed. According to eyewitnesses the E-7 in just eight years. Switching Huey exploded upon impact with no evidence seen to suggest the crew had been to government service, he became thrown clear of the crash. an aircraft equipment specialist On 20 January 1968 a U.S. led recovery team found the wreckage of the aircraft. GS-9 in 1954, and achieved It crashed on top of a North Vietnamese bunker system and had come to rest in GS-14 at the age of 31 with an a defensive trench. Remains of two Soldiers were recovered from the crash site aviation logistics background at that time. Secrist was identi–ed and the other individual was not identi–ed matched by few at that time. He and subsequently cremated. Warrant OŒcers Phipps and Ramos and Specialist was key to the successful Army Newton were declared Missing In Action, however, military review boards later assumption of aviation depot level amended their status to presumed dead. While in MIA status, Phipps and Ramos maintenance responsibilities and were promoted to Chief Warrant OŒcer ree and Newton was promoted to served as the –rst civilian deputy Sta˜ Sergeant. Secrist was posthumously promoted to Corporal. at Corpus Christi Army Depot, TX. Working with the Father From 6-21 August 2011 a joint U.S./Socialist Republic of Vietnam team re- of Army Aviation Logistics, excavated the suspected crash site and recovered more human remains. Secrist Mr. Joe Cribbins, he lead the was identi–ed while other remains could not be positively identi–ed. On June team that created the Aviation 11, 2015, the Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) Intensively Managed Items, or announced the positive identi–cation of the remaining three crewmembers. AIMI, program. Together with (Information from Defense Department news releases and other media sources.) Hall of Famer, CW4 (Ret.) Don Luce, he created the AAAA Joseph P. Cribbins Product Support Symposium which has been conducted annually for the past 41 years. In addition, he was a long-standing driving force at AAAA both at the chapter level as President of the Lindbergh Chapter in St. Louis and at the national level as an executive AAPI PHOTO BY BILL HARRIS AAPI PHOTO U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE ARMY PHOTO U.S. board member and National Vice U.S. Army CPT Carson Filipowski, right, presents an American flag to Gail Moore, sister of U.S. Army President. A long-time member of CW3 James L. Phipps, during a graveside service in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery, June 17, the Scholarship Foundation Board 2015, in Arlington, VA. Former Aviation Branch Chief and past AAAA President, MG (Ret.) Carl McNair of Governors, he was elected a (standing 3rd from left) and AAAA Executive Director, Bill Harris (not pictured) attended the service. Governor Emeritus in 2015. The caisson carrying a single casket holding the remains of the Blue Ghosts crew arrives at Section 60, Arlington National Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 69 July 31, 2015 Art’s Attic By Mark Albertson Art’s Attic is a look back each month 25 years ago and 50 years ago to see what was going on in ARMY AVIATION Magazine. Art Kesten was our founder and first publisher from 1953 to 1987. He was also the founder of the AAAA in 1957 and served as its Executive Vice President. Each month contributing editor Mark Albertson will select a few key items from each historic issue. The cartoon, right, was done back in 1953 by LT Joe Gayhart, a friend of Art’s and an Army Aviator, showing the chaos of his apartment-office in New York City where it all began.

25 Years Ago 50 Years Ago July, 1990 July 1965

Prototype Brief e prototype U.S. Army MH- Former Director of Army Avia- 47E Special Operations Chi- tion, MG Delk M. Oden, recently nook, lifted o˜ for the –rst time returned from Vietnam. “e heli- copter,” observed General Oden, “is on June 1, 1990 at Boeing the greatest contribution which modern technology has given us Helicopters in Ridley Town- for counterinsurgency operations.” He states that of 500 Army ship, PA. e initial produc- aircraft in Vietnam, 300 are helicopters; œying an average of tion run is for 11 aircraft. A 80 hours a month. And these hours were œown in a variety of follow up procurement is set weather and terrain; and, according to Oden, established a re- for 39 helicopters. cord of availability of 82 to 93 percent. 1990 Drill Sergeant of the Year Report on Army National Guard for SFC Michael Marquez was recognized FY 1964 as the Fort Eustis Drill Sergeant of e number of ARNG aviators, on œying the year. Colonial Virginia Chapter of status, rose during FY 64, from 1,513 to AAAA will feature Sergeant Marquez 1,659, an increase of 146 aviators. For FY 64, as the honored guest at the 1990 ARNG œying hours tallied 203,413 versus Army Aviation Ball. SFC Marquez is 177,065 hours logged in FY 63. e chart assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, shows the rise in aviator strength since FY 58. 222nd Aviation Regiment. Ship-to-Shore At Long Last. . . e U.S. Army Aviation Materials Laboratory at Fort Eustis, On May 28, 1990, BG James M. Hesson (Ret.) (right), pres- VA, developed the Mark IV Ship’s Wing, a portable materials ents a $5,000 check to LTG Dave R. Palmer, Superintendent handling device. Most cargo vessels can accommodate the plat- of West Point (left). e AAAA contribution is towards the form, with installation time of less than an hour. e platform Memorial to Flight at the U.S. Military Academy. For nearly stretches 65 feet; comprised of a forty foot girder augmented by eight decades, the outstand- a 25 foot extension. Maximum capacity is 14,000 pounds. ing achievements of Army personnel who took to the air to serve their country were not recognized because they had not followed tradi- tional career paths. A Flight Memorial will be erected near the Air Cadet Memo- rial in the glade at the north end of Lusk Reservoir, to commemorate those West Point graduates who gave their lives in œight to defend our Grand Republic.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 70 July 31, 2015 Army Aviation Hall of Fame

The Army Aviation Hall of Fame, sponsored by Specialist Five the Army Aviation Dennis M. Fujii Association of America, Inc., recognizes those Army Aviation Hall of Fame 2004 Induction individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to Army Aviation.

P5 Dennis M. Fujii distinguished himself in February 1971 in Laos The actual Hall of Fame S while serving as a crew chief aboard a helicopter ambulance of the is located in the 237th Medical Detachment. Army Aviation Museum, e team’s mission was to evacuate seriously wounded Vietnamese Fort Rucker, Ala. military personnel from a battle–eld. While approaching the heavily defended landing zone Fujii’s helicopter was shot down. Another American helicopter extracted all the downed crewmen except for Fujii, who was unable to board due to intense enemy –re directed at him. Rather than further endanger the lives of his comrades aboard the second The deadline for helicopter, Fujii waved the craft out of the combat area and remained nominations for the behind as the only American on the battle–eld in Laos. 2017 induction is During the night of Feb. 19 and all through the next day, Fujii June 1, 2016 disregarded his own wounds as he administered –rst aid to the South Vietnamese casualties. When his position was attacked by a reinforced enemy regiment supported by heavy artillery, Fujii called in American Contact the AAAA helicopter gunships to assist the small unit in repelling the attack. For more than 17 hours, Fujii repeatedly exposed himself to hostile –re as National Office for details he left the security of his entrenchment to better observe enemy troop and nomination forms at positions and to direct air strikes against them. On Feb. 20 he was evacuated, but the helicopter was shot down. Two days passed before Fujii (203) 268-2450 or visit –nally was rescued. www.quad-a.org For this and other contributions, Fujii was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Purple Heart, two Air Medals, and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 71 July 31, 2015 The Best of Both Worlds

Now the proud owners of the Model 234 Chinook AND the Boeing CH-47D!

ARMY AVIATION Magazine 72 July 31, 2015