A Paradigm Shift for Post ARI Master Gunner Training
From the Field / By CW5 Blaine A. Tirendi: The Aviation Master Gunner Course was created as a program of instruction for the attack and aeroscout community to “train senior instructor pilots (IP) to perform duties as the principle advisor to the commander and staff for tactical targeteering and weaponeering.” It also trains them to plan, schedule, coordinate and execute the unit gunnery training program. This course has been successful in equipping the instructor pilot in AH-64 and OH-58 aircraft with the knowledge set necessary to manage the gunnery program. However, the paradigm has not evolved in terms of current...
Learn MoreArizona NG Hosts Gunfighter Fly-in Helicopter Competition
Spotlight / By CPT Candace Park: The South Carolina National Guard took home the top performing team award for the inaugural AH-64D Apache Gunfighter Fly-in helicopter competition hosted by the Arizona National Guard Nov. 2-6, during a closing ceremony at Silverbell Army Heliport in Marana, AZ. 1st Bn. (Attack/Recon), 151st Aviation Regiment, South Carolina Army National Guard commander, LTC John W. McElveen, is surrounded by members of the battalion team as they receive the Top Gunfighter award: (l to r) CPT Matthew Summey, S4; CPT Jonathon Norris, S3; SSG Lauren Rhodes, AH-64D Crew Chief; SSG Corri Simmons, AH-64D Technical Inspector;...
Learn MoreEngineering the Future of Army Aviation
Research& Development – Science & Technology / By Dr. William D. Lewis: During our operational duty assignments as Army Aviators, our ability to safely and effectively accomplish flight missions results from the coalescence of numerous factors: equipment, training, teamwork, leadership, etc. One of the foundational aspects contributing to our mission success is the extraordinary scientific and engineering talent that resides in our government engineering organizations, the aircraft and aviation systems industry, and academia. Mr. Kevin Kalinowski and Dr. Christina Ivler inspect the laser measurement system mounted on an AFDD flight research aircraft. / AMRDEC ADD IMAGES However, until one enters...
Learn MoreMission-Critical Systems
Industry Support and Challenges / By COL (Ret.) Robert W. Kenneally and COL (Ret.) Edward B. McKee: As one of the world’s largest, most diverse suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and defense products, UTC Aerospace Systems has a long history of improving safety, operational cost, reliability and functionality for the U.S. Army. Its diverse products and systems protect and support modern Warfighters with capabilities ranging from airborne systems aboard fighters, helicopters and UAVs to land vehicle, handheld and soldier-mounted systems. UTC Aerospace Systems supports every branch of the U.S. military and is committed to investing in and developing new technology...
Learn MoreNutritional Supplements
Ask the Flight Surgeon / By LTC Steven J. Gaydos, MD, MPH: Q: Doc, why are you always asking about supplements when I get my physical—what’s the big deal? FS: Well, perhaps you have seen a recent news article this month whereby a major supplement chain was accused of selling ‘tainted’ products. It can be a big deal. There is a fair amount of truth to the tired cliché, “you are what you eat.” Our bodies require exogenous vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other essential nutrients that ultimately become the substrates for crucial cellular metabolic activity. Medical nutritional science has made...
Learn MoreTies That Bind: Camaraderie
128th Aviation Brigade / By SSG Andrew D. Hill: In 2004, I arrived at Fort Eustis, Virginia and was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 222nd Aviation Regiment, 8th Transportation Brigade. I attended training at the U.S. Army Aviation Logistics School (USAALS) and was trained as a 15Y10 (AH-64D Armament/ Electronics/ Avionics Repairer) MOS. While the Army has imparted numerous skills and life lessons to me, I was introduced to its greatest lesson in Advanced Individual Training – camaraderie. SSG Andrew D. Hill as he graduated from AIT in 2004, and working as an instructor today. / PHOTOS PROVIDED BY...
Learn MoreHo, Ho, Ho…
Reserve Component, Aviation / By COL J. Ray Davis: Greetings again from your Army National Guard (ARNG). It’s December. Cold temperatures, lousy flying weather, and holiday schedules all add up to not much flying. How better to keep your edge in this low OPTEMPO month than with simulation. North Carolina Guardsmen training on a Shadow Crew Trainer. / NORTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD PHOTO BY MICHAELINE KOLBICKA The ARNG’s aviation simulation capacity is quite substantial – over 100 simulators total – use it to your best advantage. UH-60 – Since the Guard owns about 900 Black Hawks, we’ve got plenty of...
Learn MoreProject Warrior – Set Yourself Apart From Your Peers
Branch Command Sergeant Major / By CSM Eric C. Thom: Whenever I travel to our outstanding combat aviation brigades (CABs) I look forward to conducting a sensing session with our NCOs. Inevitably someone (sometimes it’s me) asks the question, “What can you do to get promoted?” SGT Swiegart, Co. B, 3rd Bn., 10th Avn. Regt., 10th Cbt. Avn. Bde. instructs Soldiers from 2nd Bn., 15 Field Artillery Regt., 2nd Bde. Cbt. Tm. on proper sling load procedures prior to their gun run. / U.S. ARMY PHOTO And I tell them they have to find a way to set themselves apart...
Learn MoreWarrant Officer Flight Training A Historical Perspective
Chief Warrant Officer / By CW5 Allen R. Godfrey: As of this December, the first LUH-72 Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) class is undergoing training. The model for IERW continually updates to take advantage of the resources, technology, and modernization of Army Aviation. Many years ago, flight school utilized a model know as Multi-track. WOC Thomas French and WOC Godfrey enjoying time away from TAC Officers. / PHOTO PROVIDED BY CW5 RANDY GODFREY This is an excerpt from a paper written on 18 Oct. 1989 based on the experiences gained during my stay at Fort Rucker. I graduated on 13...
Learn MoreInnovation in Technology and Process
Program Executive Officer, Aviation / By BG Robert L. Marion: The challenges for Army Aviation are extremely complex and approaching us quickly. They also present extraordinary opportunities for our Army and our industry partners. Aviation survivability continues to evolve to keep pace with current and emerging threats. / U.S. ARMY PEO AVIATION PHOTO Because we live in a time where everything moves at a lightning pace, our ability to innovate and react quickly is important now more than ever. If we take a serial approach to meet our critical needs, maturing technology within the Science and Technology (S&T) community, progressing...
Learn More
