Transforming 160th Special Ops (Airborne) Combat Mission Simulation
Stimulating Simulations / By COL Richard Haggerty, LTC Al Niles, CPT Luke Leininger, and CW5 Jody Bridgforth: Although rotary wing flight simulation can never replace the realism and effectiveness of turning JP-8 fuel into noise, current technology has opened the door for some innovative ways to maximize it. The Product Manager for Special Operations Training Systems (PM STS), in collaboration with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) (SOAR(A)), pursued an acquisition/technical strategy to transform the special operations aviation simulation training enterprise from simulated to a stimulated baseline. The goals were to reduce lifecycle cost, shorten developmental timelines and improve...
Learn MoreMEDEVAC Proponency Update
By LTC John D. Goette, Jr.: It is an exciting time in the aeromedical evacuation community. The operational tempo for air ambulance units remains high as they balance the execution of one of the most important and most rewarding missions in the Army while balancing modernization efforts. Company C, 2nd Battalion (General Support Aviation), 1st Aviation Regiment moves into its new hangar on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan Nov. 9, 2016. / U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY JET FABARA Air ambulance units continue to provide support to ongoing contingency operations world-wide; respond to natural disasters and other emergencies at home; provide installation MEDEVAC...
Learn MoreThis Year’s Look at Army Safety
Safety / By BG Jeffrey A.Farnsworth: Annually, to get a better perspective on the state of Army Safety, our team prepares a comprehensive assessment of the previous year. The Fiscal Year 2016 Annual Assessment of the Army Safety Program provides leadership with in-depth accident analysis, trends and loss prevention concerns. It covers a broad spectrum of areas including aviation and non-aviation accidents, on- and off-duty accidents, and it provides a perspective into units’ safety cultures and command climates. With a concentration on aviation, I’ll share some insights. Polish special forces service members pull security as they wait for the last...
Learn MoreRise Above – The New Army Reserve Aviation
By BG Scott R. Morcomb, MAJ Clint Williams, and CPT Matthew Roman: The current geopolitical reality makes a U.S. engagement in a major conflict with a near peer enemy a definite possibility. Army Reserve Aviation has embraced this reality by executing the mass restructuring that is the Aviation Restructuring Initiative (ARI) while revolutionizing the way that we train our crews, battalions and brigades. We feel that this plan will prepare us to fight and win a unified land-air battle against any future foe. With the ever-evolving threat, the need for the capability to operate within a unified land-air operation, and...
Learn MoreARNG Aviation: Always Ready – Always There
Reserve Components Aviation / By COL J. Ray Davis: The Army National Guard has the vital role of providing essential capability to civilian authorities. As the combat reserve of the Army, the ARNG’s primary role remains to provide trained and ready forces to the Army to fight and win our Nation’s wars. North Carolina National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters fly over flooded areas of Eastern N.C. after Hurricane Matthew. Guardsmen from across the state executed rescue and relief missions with more than 1,000 Guardsmen activated in the wake of the storm. / U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD PHOTO BY CPT...
Learn MoreThe Waiver Process and Aircrew Member Access to AERO
Ask the Flight Surgeon / By MAJ Sonya H. Heidt, MD: Q:What is the process for obtaining a medical waiver? Also, how can I check the status of my flight physical and waiver request? military.com FS: Air-crewmembers complete an annual flight physical during the APART (Annual Proficiency and Readiness Test) window, where your flight surgeon or other aeromedically-trained provider reviews your prior medical records and conditions as well as any screening tests conducted for this exam (e.g. hearing, vision, EKG, and lab results). Then, he/she completes a physical exam. If your flight surgeon identifies a disqualifyingcondition or treatment that requires...
Learn MoreMEDEVAC Search and Rescue Missions
Tech Talk / By Mr. Nathan Proper: A successful medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) search and rescue (SAR) mission must quickly and accurately locate/navigate to the person(s) in distress. Soldiers standing by to load simulated casualties on a MEDEVAC Black Hawk / U.S. ARMY PHOTO Therefore, having the latest life-saving and personnel locating technology on the aircraft is critical. Alongside the properly trained medics, the well-equipped MEDEVAC pilots and crew significantly increases the chance of survival for wounded soldiers, downed crews, and other persons in imminent danger. One of the life-saving items of equipment used for these SAR missions is the Personal...
Learn MoreNonrated Crewmember Water Survival Training
128th Aviation Brigade / By CPT James A. Gleason: After completing Basic Combat Training, Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve Component Soldiers are assigned to the 128th Aviation Brigade for training in a wide range of Aviation Military Occupational Specialties. A Foxtrot Company Soldier demonstrates the proper trouser flotation technique. / 128th AVN BDE PHOTO BY 1SG MELISSA K. WHITE The 17 week 15U10 course provides Chinook helicopter maintainers with classroom instruction and valuable hands-on experience with the Army’s largest rotary wing aircraft. Upon successful completion of the course, some of these Soldiers will be assigned to maintenance units while...
Learn MoreThe Army National Guard Noncommissioned Officer Academies
Branch Command Sergeant Major / By SGM Jorge Rodriguez: The Eastern ARNG Aviation Training Site (EAATS) and Western ARNG Aviation Training Site (WAATS) have established themselves as premier helicopter-training resources for Army Aviation. The new Aviation Maintenance Instruction Building (AMIB) located on the EAATS campus, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA / U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD PHOTO BY SFC NICHOLAS DAVIS The EAATS, located near Harrisburg, PA, was established in 1981 and the WAATS, located near Tucson, AZ, was established in 1986. These ARNG training sites are also home to two outstanding Army Aviation NCOAs. Their respective NCOAs were established in...
Learn MoreEnhancing Mishap Investigation Skills
CWOB / By CW5 Michael R. Jewett: AR 385-10 directs that all Active Army, ARNG, USAR, and DA Civilian employees will be provided the training and education to achieve the skills necessary to perform their safety related roles and responsibilities. The “Boneyard” is a hands-on exercise where attendees conduct an accident investigation. / U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD PHOTO The United States Army Combat Readiness Center (USACRC) is the Army’s primary trainer in aviation and ground safety The Army National Guard (ARNG) has recognized the benefits of having an enhanced accident investigation training program. This training is necessary to provide ARNG...
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