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 MoreHeliports – More Than Just Concrete and Asphalt
Reserve Component Aviation / By COL J. Ray Davis: One aviation training capability that may surprise some is the roster of ARNG-owned-and-operated Army airfields (AAFs) and heliports (AHPs). Sprinkled throughout the 54 States and Territories, these sites are most often not the bed-down locations of our Guard aviation units, but rather facilities where folks can come to train. 2-111th Airfield Operations Battalion, Florida ARNG, deals with a surprise snow storm at Blackstone Army Airfield, Fort Pickett, Virginia, during Exercise Southbound Trooper 12./ U.S. ARNG PHOTO BY GREG ALEXANDER Among this list of 47 airfields and heliports, 7 have manned air...
Learn MoreWelcome Home and End of an Era!
Branch Command Sergeant Major / By CSM Eric C. Thom: Always do your best at any job you do regardless of how menial it seems. Any job worth doing is worth doing right. – Michael Eddie Ryan Some members of the 597th Maintenance Detachment Forward’s Special Repair Activity are recognized during a welcome home ceremony on October 7, 2015 at Fort Rucker, AL./ U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY FORT RUCKER PUBLIC AFFAIRS Far too often when we talk about air traffic control we tend to focus on or talk about the controllers, or the equipment they use to keep our aviation...
Learn MoreAir Traffic and Air Space Management Warrant Officers
Chief Warrant Officer of the Branch / By CW5 Allen R. Godfrey: As the Army and therefore Army Aviation transitions to greater expeditionary operations, our aircraft and crews will operate in austere environments and locations. These environments and locations may not have established air traffic and airspace facilities and procedures. Soldiers from Foxtrot Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Task Force Viper, control air traffic from the AN/MSQ-135 Mobile Tower System, or MOTS, Feb. 20 at Forward Operating Base Wolverine, Afghanistan./U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY SGT LUKE ROLLINS Additionally, there may be numerous aircraft, platforms, weapons, and other objects occupying and...
Learn MoreUnmanned Aircraft Systems in the Maneuver Role
Aviation Branch Chief / By MG Michael D. Lundy: The integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into combat aviation brigades (CAB) is fully underway as we continue to implement the Aviation Restructure Initiative. CW3 Adam Kozel, Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, watches from the cockpit of his aircraft as an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter fires a Hellfire missile at a target that was laser designated by an MQ-1C Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft system at the Multi-Purpose Range Complex on Fort Stewart, GA June 20, 2015. / U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY CW3 ADAM KOZEL, 3RD...
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