Current Issue Articles
MEDEVAC 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 MoreYour Voice – Loud and Clear
President’s Cockpit / By BG E.J. Sinclair, Ret.: As you know, the four pillars of our mission statement, to “Support the U.S. Army Aviation Soldier and Family,” are Networking, Recognition, Voice and Support. Hosted by AAAA, members of the 115th Congress House of Representatives Army Aviation Caucus and their staffs are updated by top Army Aviation leadership on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017 at the Rayburn Building in Washington, DC. Pictured (l to r, front row) are co-chairs, Representatives Martha Roby, Mo Brooks, Rosa Delauro, and member, Marc Veasey. / AAPI PHOTO BY BILL HARRIS Last month we really hit the...
Learn MoreThis “Soldier’s Soldier” Did Not Serve Alone
Family Forum / By Judy Konitzer: Many are aware that an aviation icon recently passed at the age of 93 in his residence in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Tom [BG (Ret.) Tom Konitzer] and I had the privilege of attending MG (Ret.) James C. Smith’s Memorial Service on December 17, 2016 in Snellville, Georgia. MG James C. Smith (center) during his promotion to major general receiving his new rank from wife, Doris (right), and father and mother, Cliff and Aurora Smith. / PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE SMITH FAMILY While there, we visited with his family and friends, and heard eulogies, which brought...
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