Current Issue Articles
MC-12 Game Changer
From the Field / By LTC Candice E. Frost and CW5 Jerry D. Hollars: One of the primary concerns of ground commanders is executing missions while protecting forces and equipment. Soldiers providing security while capturing or killing the enemy becomes a manpower-intensive effort and minimizes the commander’s primary mission effectiveness. In an atmosphere of military downsizing, aviation and intelligence must provide better intelligence oversight directly to ground commanders freeing up more manpower and resources. This is done through the expansion and modernization of its Aerial Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (A-ISR) capabilities. Army Chief of Staff, GEN Raymond Odierno, is briefed...
Learn MoreOperational Support Airlift Agency
Fixed Wing Aviation / By COL James W. Ring: Activated on October 2, 1995, the Operational Support Airlift Agency (OSAA) and its operational subordinate unit, the Operational Support Airlift Command (OSACOM), merged fixed wing assets and personnel of the Active Component and the Army National Guard to form one of the Army’s first multi-component operational commands. As an Army Field Operating Agency and a subordinate operational fixed wing command, OSAA and OSACOM are optimally structured to sustain fixed wing readiness in support of total Army fixed wing requirements. OSACOM aircrew with TF ODIN returning from a mission in Afghanistan./ U.S....
Learn MoreEfficient, Effective and Reliable
Fixed Wing Aviation / By COL Steven B. Clark and Ms. Tracey Ayres: The Fixed Wing Project Office (FWPO) continues to emerge as a multi-faceted organization transitioning from its traditional sustainment role of a diverse fleet of niche capabilities to the full-on modernization and life cycle management of the Army’s fleet of transport and manned intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft. “The fixed wing fleet is dynamic and diverse; it affords the Army increased capabilities,” said BG Robert “Bob” Marion, the Program Executive Officer for Aviation. “From providing executive transport for the Army’s key personnel to conducting aerial ISR missions...
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...
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