Allergic Rhinitis
Ask the Flight Surgeon / By CPT (Dr.) Joseph R. Adams and Dr. Steven D. Harris: Q: My allergies have been acting up lately. I’ve been experiencing nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, sneezing, and itchy eyes. I also feel fatigued and easily irritated. Should I be concerned? FS: This is a classic description of allergic rhinitis. Common symptoms include episodes of sneezing, runny nose, congestion, itchy/watery eyes, cough, irritability, and fatigue. While this is a very common condition affecting anywhere from 10% to 30% of Americans, it can lead to significant impairment in aviators. Allergic rhinitis can be caused by...
Learn MoreArmy Special Operations Aviation – Seeking Innovators
By CW5 David F. Greenwood: Empowering innovation is the hallmark of Special Operations Forces (SOF). This fact is proven time and time again in the history of SOF and Army Special Operations Aviation (ARSOA). A quick review of our past is ripe with examples. The GenesisThe need for dedicated and specially trained Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF) aviation support was identified because of the failed rescue attempt of American hostages during Operation EAGLE CLAW. The subsequent effort to improve joint and special operations warfare led to the formation of Task Forces 158 and 160, comprised of aviation companies from the...
Learn MoreModernizing and Integrating Sustainment Solutions for Today and Tomorrow
AMCOM 2020 / By MG K. Todd Royar: Army Aviation is at a strategic crossroad as we transition to a modernized aviation force that fully supports Multi Domain Operations (MDO) on a near-peer/peer threat, Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) battlefield. It is an exciting time to be part of the development of future Army Aviation systems and developing robust, modernized sustainment solutions that will support both our enduring fleets and the modernized fleet that is Future Vertical Lift (FVL). The Aviation Enterprise is working together to modernize and integrate aviation sustainment solutions that will improve Army Aviation’s support to the future...
Learn MorePEO Aviation: Balancing the Current and Future Fleets
Aviation Leadership / By Mr. Patrick H. Mason: Program Executive Office Aviation remains focused on ensuring the readiness and relevance of the enduring fleet while simultaneously developing new capabilities supporting Large Scale Combat Operations and the Army’s transformation to a Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) ready and capable force. Accomplishing this objective requires alignment across the aviation enterprise as we methodically balance investments between our current portfolio of capabilities and those of the future. Through this effort we will achieve targeted modernization of our enduring systems while delivering enhanced lethality, survivability, and mobility across the battlespace. U.S. Army helicopters, assigned to the...
Learn MoreVolunteering Through the Seasons
Family Forum / By Paula Lundy: As a newly retired military spouse, I’ve recently had time to reflect on both my own experiences with volunteering and what I’ve learned from other spouses throughout our 33 ½ year Army adventure. Fort Leavenworth Spouse’s Club volunteered for the “Cav Bar” at a 2 day downtown “Camp Leavenworth” Street Festival celebrating its rich history with the military, September 2019. Pictured are: (L-R) Heather Cipperly, Carolyn Crissman, author Paula Lundy, Kim Formica, Anne Kilgore, and Lauren Bolen./ PHOTO BY ANGELA MYERS, FLSC PRESIDENT As a newly retired military spouse, I’ve recently had time to...
Learn MoreThe Coronavirus and COVID-19
Ask the Flight Surgeon / By CPT Frank C. Stafford, D.O.: Q: What is this coronavirus and COVID-19? Why is it in the news? Is it dangerous and what should I do about it? FS: Human coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that can cause a variety of illnesses ranging from the common cold to severe diseases like Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV). The new novel coronavirus that produces the infection known as COVID-19 is designated as SARS-CoV-2 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention––. This virus may have moved from...
Learn MoreModernization In-Stride
Branch Chief’s Corner / By MG David J. Francis: It was a dark night in Iraq and, like many locations throughout the world, Aviation Soldiers were deployed conducting operations. But this night Iran decided to fire more than a dozen missiles at U.S. bases in Irbil and al-Asad. The first volley of theater ballistic missile (TBM) strikes destroyed UAS maintenance and ground control station (GCS) facilities and secondary fires severed fiber optic cables that caused lost link with multiple airframes already scattered in the skies over Iraq. As enemy combatants were attempting to breach the perimeter, over 60 Soldiers from...
Learn MoreAdapting to Ensure Future Success
President’s Cockpit / By MG Jeff Schloesser: Army Aviation is an agile and flexible combat capability, and we here at AAAA must be equally adaptable to support our Army Aviation Total Force enterprise, our members, and our great industry partners. Maintenance doesn’t stop! Soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade set up the U.S. Army latest rapid-deployment AN/MSQ-135 Mobile Tower System (MOTS) that will quickly establish Air Traffic Control (ATC) operations worldwide in all-weather conditions, night or day, for military and civilian aircraft. (U.S. Army photo by SGT Sarah D Sangster) In a time of global...
Learn MoreRaptor Engagement
AAAA Family Forum / By Janelle L. Bradford, Ed.D.: The he sun rises and sets across the Mojave Desert, as UH-72 Lakotas, UH-60 Blackhawks and MQ-1C Gray Eagle UAVs dot the sky, completing missions across the majestic and wild expanse. Spouses from the 2916th Aviation Battalion gather for a January social. Raptor gatherings serve as a valuable opportunity to welcome new spouses to the unit and Fort Irwin community. /PHOTO BY JENNY SANTOS Fort Irwin, CA is home to approximate-ly 25,000 Soldiers, civilians, contractors and family members who support the mission of the National Training Center (NTC). NTC receives an...
Learn MoreAeromedical Considerations for Deployment to AFRICOM
Ask the Flight Surgeon / By CPT(P) Christopher Grace, M.D.: Q: I am a CH-47 flight engineer that will deploy as part of a medical relief mission to Africa. I have heard a lot about people getting sick when they travel to this region. What do I need to know before I leave? FS: Assignment to the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) poses a unique set of medical concerns for military members with aviators being no exception. All aviators should discuss the preventative medicine require-ments for travel to USAFRICOM and their aeromedical impact with their aeromedical provider. Requirements Operation United...
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