Insomnia and Fatigue
Ask the Flight Surgeon / By Dr. (LTC) Joseph Puskar: Question: I’ve been having a hard time sleeping the past two months, and feel fatigued most days now. What can I do to get some decent sleep? FS: Chronic insomnia affects approximately 10-15% of the U.S. population. It is defined as difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, or non-restorative sleep for longer than one month resulting in impairment such as cognitive dysfunction and irritability. Advancing age, and medical conditions such as chronic pain, shortness of breath, heart conditions, polypharmacy, and low socio-economic status are considered risk factors. Mental health conditions can...
Learn MoreLeadership: Commitment vs. Compliance
Branch Command Sergeant Major / By CSM Eric C. Thom: Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others. – Jack Welch Soldiers with the 122nd Aviation Support Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, look over notes during the second annual Atlas Warrior Competition, Fort Bragg, NC, March 12, 2015. / U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY CPT ADAN CAZAREZ, 82ND CBT. AVN. BDE. We all know that the Army’s definition of Leadership is “the process of influencing others by providing purpose, direction and motivation to accomplish the mission and...
Learn MoreThe History
History Clank Stories History / By Dario Politella: The term “Grasshopper” is no longer used with pride and affection of World War II days. Army Aviation today also frowns on the term “light” plane because the adjective no longer applies. But some of the old timers of the…Read More… Operation: URGENT FURY Part II: Plan of Action . . . the marshal observes that the boldest and most extended plans are generally the wisest and most successful. When we are determined upon war, . . . we should carry it on vigorously and without trifling. Napoleon Bonaparte[1]…Read More… Lincoln & Lowe Historical...
Learn MorePartnering for Success
U.S. Army Reserve Aviation /By BG Troy D. Kok: As I wind down my time here as the commanding general of the 11th Theater Aviation Command (11th TAC), located at Fort Knox, KY, I would like to share some of the key reasons for our success as the home of United States Army Reserve (USAR) Aviation. USAR Aviation is a complex enterprise whose success relies on its multiple partners that include the Department of Defense (DOD), State, Federal, and private industry. Due to the current fiscal realities, Army Aviation is undergoing a transformation. Aviation is consolidating its number of locations,...
Learn MoreStill Engaged in the Away Game
Army National Guard Aviation / By COL Mark Weiss and COL (Ret.) Kevin Scherrer: A recent case study of an air traffic controller who developed type II (neurologic) decompression sickness (DCS) after a series of four consecutive training SCUBA dives illustrates the dangers of DCS for military and civilian divers and aviators. On final approach into El Dorado International Airport, Bogata, Colombia. / ALL PHOTOS COURTESY U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD Despite the end of IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM, your Army National Guard force is still engaged in the Away Game, and contributing on multiple fronts. Most visible is our...
Learn MoreType II Decompression Sickness
Ask the Flight Surgeon / By Dr. (LTC) Joseph Puskar: A recent case study of an air traffic controller who developed type II (neurologic) decompression sickness (DCS) after a series of four consecutive training SCUBA dives illustrates the dangers of DCS for military and civilian divers and aviators. Soldiers inside the hyperbaric chamber wearing oxygen masks.Aircraft designed and built specifically for military usage require lengthy schedules for design, manufacturing, and testing. A relatively small production quantity results in a high unit cost. When Army operational requirements can be satisfied by modifying a readily available COTS aircraft, the warfighter is provided...
Learn MoreThe Airworthiness Process
For Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Aircraft AMRDEC Tech Talk / By Dr. Robert Vaughan: The Army’s fleet of fixed wing aircraft is a testament to the Army’s ability to purchase Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type-certificated COTS aircraft, qualify extensive modifications under the Army’s Aviation Engineering Directorate (AED), and maintain these aircraft under unique and challenging operational requirements. Beech B-300 King Air / AMRDEC AED PHOTO Aircraft designed and built specifically for military usage require lengthy schedules for design, manufacturing, and testing. A relatively small production quantity results in a high unit cost. When Army operational requirements can be satisfied by modifying...
Learn MoreSimulation in Training
128th Aviation Brigade Update / By CPT Andrew T. Freeman: For this issue, I’ve asked our C/1-210th Aviation commander, CPT Freeman, to provide some insight as to how your school house uses a wide array of simulators and simulations to produce realistic and safe training. “Above the Best!” COL Rigole, Commander IMI and computer simulations provide an important bridge from the classroom to hands-on instruction. / 128th AVN BDE GRAPHIC Competent and qualified aircraft maintainers are not born, they are bred out of the regimented training courses at the 128th Aviation Brigade at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Advanced Individual Training...
Learn MoreAlways Looking for Better Comms…
Reserve Component Aviation Update / By COL Mark W. Weiss: Rare is the commander that’s satisfied with his or her unit’s communications. Whether it’s the reception quality on a high-freq radio, the interactions between staff and subordinate commands, or the network connectivity, we’re always seeking “better comms.” Army National Guard Professional Education Center (PEC), Camp Robinson, AR. / U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD PHOTOThe ARNG is no different – we’re always looking for better comms throughout the Guard’s Aviation Enterprise. I’ll report on two recent improvements. Domestic RadiosOne unique requirement of ARNG aircrews is that they be able to communicate effectively...
Learn MoreMentorship
Chief Warrant Officer of the Branch / By CW5 Allen R. Godfrey: Warrant officers embody the desired character, competence, and commitment of the Army Profession. Mentorship both to them and by them will enhance their professionalism. WO1 Daniel Ketchmark shares his knowledge of an Apache’s 30mm gun system with fellow students in the Aviation Basic Officer Leadership Course (Branch) (ABOLC-B) and Aviation Warrant Officer Basic Course (AWOBC)./ U.S. ARMY AVIATION CENTER OF EXCELLENCE COURTESY PHOTO According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a mentor is someone who teaches or gives help and advice to a less experienced and often younger person. In...
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