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ARMY AVIATION Magazine 2 February 28, 2015

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TO THE FIELD12 PEO Aviation Update By BG Robert L. Marion

14 Aviation Logistics Officer Update By CW5 Donald L. Washabaugh Jr.

16 Branch Command Sergeant Major By CSM Eric C. Thom 20 Reserve Component Aviation Update By COL Mark W. Weiss 22 128th Aviation Brigade Update By SFC Dean A. Hess 24 AMRDEC Tech Talk By Peter Rao 26 Ask the Flight Surgeon By Dr. (LTC) Joseph Puskar

SPECIAL FOCUS — Rotary Wing PM Updates

28 Apache Helicopter Project Office Update By COL Jeffrey E. Hager with COL (Ret.) Robin D. Cofer

32 Armed Scout Helicopter Project Office Update By COL James R. Kennedy and Ms. Christian Sumner

36 Cargo Helicopter Project Office Update By COL Robert L. Barrie, LTC M. Reese Hauenstein, and LTC Calvin J. Lane

40 Non-Standard Rotary Wing Aircraft Project Office: 2015 – Mission Evolution By COL James B. Brashear and LTC (Ret.) Scott J. Hoffmann

44 Utility Helicopters Project Office Update – “Maximum Effect” By COL Thomas H. Todd III

ContentsFebruary 28, 2015, Vol. 64, No. 2

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SPECIAL FOCUS — TRADOC Capability Manager Updates

46 TRADOC Capability Manager for Reconnaissance and Attack (TCM-RA): Aligning With Strategic Guidance and Focusing on Aviation Branch Priorities By COL Jeffrey W. White

48 TRADOC Capability Manager for Lift Update By COL Erskine R. Bentley II

FROM THE FIELD50 Leadership Through a Positive Attitude in Your Little Corner of the World By COL Jimmy F. Blackmon

52 Why Future Vertical Lift By LTC Edwin C. Brouse and LtCol Alison Thompson

DEPARTMENTSAAAA NEWS

AAAA President’s Cockpit .......................................................................................................8AAAA VP Chapter Affairs ......................................................................................................56 Chapter News ........................................................................................................................ 57AAAA VP Membership ..........................................................................................................58 New Members ......................................................................................................................59AAAA Family Forum ................................................................................................................60AAAA Legislative Report .......................................................................................................68AAAA Scholarship Foundation ............................................................................................61

ARMY AVIATION COMMUNITY NEWSAdvertisers Index .....................................................................................................................66Art’s Attic ...................................................................................................................................... 70Briefings ..........................................................................................................................................6Calendar ...................................................................................................................................... 67Hall of Fame ................................................................................................................................. 71Historical Perspective ............................................................................................................54Industry News ............................................................................................................................66In Memoriam ..............................................................................................................................69Letter to the Editor ...................................................................................................................62News Spotlight ..........................................................................................................................23People on the Move ...............................................................................................................64

ContentsFebruary 28, 2015, Vol. 64, No. 2

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ARMY AVIATION is the official journal of the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA). The views expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors, not the Department of Defense or its elements. The content does not necessarily reflect the official U.S. Army position nor the position of the AAAA or the staff of Army Aviation Publications, Inc., (AAPI). Title Reg® in U.S. Patent office. Registration Number 1,533,053. SUBSCRIPTION DATA: ARMY AVIATION (ISSN 0004-248X) is published monthly, except May and September by AAPI, 593 Main Street, Monroe, CT 06468-2806. Tel: (203) 268-2450, FAX: (203) 268-5870, E-Mail: [email protected]. Army Aviation Magazine E-Mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.quad-a.org. Subscription rates for non-AAAA members: $30, one year; $58, two years; add $10 per year for foreign addresses other than military APOs. Single copy price: $4.00. ADVERTISING: Display and classified advertising rates are listed in SRDS Business Publications, Classification 90. POSTMASTER: Periodicals postage paid at Monroe, CT and other offices. Send address changes to AAPI, 593 Main Street, Monroe, CT 06468-2806.

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Former Branch Chief Honored

On January 16, 2015, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, MG (Ret.) Carl H.

McNair Jr. was inducted by

actor and aviator John Travolta

as a Living Legend of Aviation. The first Army Aviation Branch chief, past national president of AAAA and the AAAA Scholarship Foundation Board of Governors, and Army Aviation Hall of Fame inductee was recognized for his impacts on the development of Army Aviation as a branch over his 32-year Army career and his accomplishments with DynCorp and as a current member of the board of Air Methods, the largest civilian MEDEVAC operator in the world. Another Legend, actor Harrison Ford, was on hand to add his congratulations. The “Living Legends of Aviation” are 91 remarkable people of extraordinary accomplishment in aviation including: entrepreneurs, innovators, industry leaders, astronauts, record breakers, pilots who have become celebrities and celebrities who have become pilots. They meet yearly to recognize and honor individuals who have made significant contributions in aviation.

Beyard Tapped as MarylandTop Enlisted

The Adjutant General for Maryland, Brigadier General Linda Singh, announced her selec-tion of CSM Thomas B. Beyard as the Se-nior Enlisted Leader of the Maryland National Guard effective Janu-ary 21, 2015. A former

29th Combat Aviation Brigade CSM and most recently assigned as the Maryland Army National Guard Command Sergeant Major, Beyard brings more than 32 years of service and experience in the National Guard to his new Senior Enlisted Leader duties. He replaced Chief Master Sergeant Glenn Hart, who will continue in his role as State Command Chief of the Maryland Air National Guard.

March 27 Deadline to Apply for Test Pilot School

An Officer Personnel Management Directorate board will convene April 6 at Human Resources Command (HRC) to select officers for the Experimental Test Pilot Program. Those selected will attend an 11-month course at the Naval Test Pilot School in Patuxent River, MD. Commissioned officer applicants must be members of the Aviation career branch or Army Acquisition Corps and be in year groups 2007-2009; additionally, they must have completed a key developmental assignment in their current rank, and have at least 700 flight hours. Warrant officer applicants must be in the grades of CW2, or higher; have at least 1,000 flight hours, and have enough time remaining in their careers to complete a four-year service obligation upon completion of training. Contact your HRC career manager for information and how to apply.

On-the-Spot Cash Award Cap Doubled to $500Army Secretary John McHugh has approved a policy change in the Incentive Awards Pro-gram that doubles the top-tier payout for “on-the-spot cash awards” to $500. OTSs are small cash incentives that may be given by supervisors for the day-to-day accomplish-ments of subordinate employees. The eligible population includes career Army civilians, in-cluding Senior Executive Service members, direct-hire foreign nationals, and non-career Army civilians, including presidential appoin-tees. While soldiers are not eligible for OTS awards, officers and noncommissioned of-ficers frequently supervise civilians, and can recommend spot-cash awards. AR 672-20 is the governing regulation. Correction:On page 64 of the December issue, the author’s first name is Edwin. We apologize for the typographical error.

zBriefings

Late Breaking News - Announcements - NotesPublisher / William R. Harris Jr.

Editor / CW4 (Ret.) Joseph L. Pisano [email protected]

Director of Design & Production Anne H. Ewing

[email protected]

Web Edition / Trudy [email protected]

Contributing Editor / Mark [email protected]

Family Forum Editor / Judy [email protected]

Advertising Director / Robert C. [email protected]

Advertising Manager / Erika [email protected]

Marketing Director / Jennifer [email protected]

VP Business Development / Sal D. [email protected]

Circulation Department Deb CavallaroDebbie Coley

Elisabeth ManssonBarbara McCann

Corey StokesSue Stokes

Web Master / Mary [email protected]

Editorial Address593 Main Street, Monroe, CT 06468-2806Tel: (203) 268-2450 / Fax: (203) 268-5870

www.quad-a.org

On The Cover

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Colonel John W. Marr, RetiredMay 1, 1918 - January 19, 2015

AAAA is saddened to announce the passing of a great American, WWII Paratrooper,

Army Aviation Hall of Fame member, past AAAA National President, and past AAAA Scholarship Foundation President, COL (Ret.) John W. Marr, on January 19, 2015 at the age of 96. Born in Johnson County, Missouri in May 1918, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in June 1941. When he heard of a new, specialized unit, the paratroops, which would give him twice his monthly pay, he decided that was for him. After earning his jump wings he went to O�cer Candidate School and became a Lieutenant. He was assigned to Company G of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment and on June 6th, 1944 he was dropped at night behind enemy lines with the 82nd Airborne Division. Lieutenant Marr saw action almost immediately after landing near Ste.-Mère-Église where he led a platoon in what has been called one of the costliest small-unit actions in United States Army history, at the Battle of the La Fière Causeway. After �ghting in Normandy, Marr was put in command of Company B of the 507th during the Battle of the Bulge and continued to lead the company as it was the spearhead for Operation Varsity, his second combat jump, crossing the Rhine River, on March 24, 1945. He returned to the U.S. in September 1945, married his sweetheart, Willa, and continued his career in the Army, earning his Army Aviator wings and eventually commanding the 17th Combat Aviation Group in Vietnam. His

awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, and nine Air Medals. He retired with the rank of Colonel in January 1974 after more than 32 years of service. John served as AAAA National President from 1981-1983, and Scholarship Foundation President from 1996-1997. He was inducted into the Army Aviation Hall of Fame in 1980. Please see the awards tab at www.quad-a.org for John’s Hall of Fame citation. In his later years, he led several �eld trips back to Normandy. In 2014, on the 70th Anniversary of D-Day, he joined other veterans to share his recollections through video interviews in the History Channel documentary – D-Day in HD. In addition, you can watch John speaking about the D-Day jump and ensuing combat on YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0OWBbjL6Jc He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Willa just two months earlier in November 2014. �ey will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery later this year. He is a shining example of the �nest in a U.S. Army Soldier, Aviator, leader, and a humble member of the “Greatest Generation.”

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COL John Marr receives his rank insignia from wife, Willa, and BG John J. Tolson, the Army Staff Director of Aviation, during his promotion ceremony at the Pentagon in July 1964.

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�at is especially true in Army Aviation where almost no mission is conceived, planned, and launched without comple-mentary aviation assets. �e Ebola mis-sion in West Africa is the latest example. In this month’s issue General (Ret.) Dick Cody and members of his AAAA Strategic Planning Committee provide a thoughtful discourse on the strategic value of Army Aviation. �e value of such versatile, �exible and adaptable capabili-ties will no doubt be called upon again in

support of the ground commander and the joint and combined team. But, what kind of Aviation force will deploy in sup-port of those commanders? In 2004 the Chief of Sta� of the Army provided guidance to make Army Aviation a capabilities-based maneuver arm opti-mized for the joint �ght with a shortened logistics tail. I believe that has been accom-plished and the proof is clearly evident in the support Aviation has provided since. However, the end of the wars in Iraq

and Afghanistan, combined with mount-ing pressure on the Pentagon’s budget, is forcing the military to make steep re-ductions in the size of the force. In the Army, nearly 22,000 soldiers departed in 2014 and it’s not yet clear when those reductions will stop. �e Army has shed more than 60,000 soldiers since it began a drawdown in 2010 and faces the pos-sibility of losing 80,000 more by the end of the decade. We see the impact of such reductions

President’s Cockpitz

Army Aviation – Engaged around the World

What will it look like in the future?

Thirteen years of high-intensity ground combat came to

a close in December 2014. But many troops across the

Army are still grinding like it’s 2009, with individuals seeing

very little, if any, decline in the overall operational tempo.

President Obama addressing the United States Congress, Washington D.C.

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in Army Aviation as the 159th is presently conducting its drawdown and is expected to case its colors later this year. �e 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) will re-semble any other light division; what dis-tinguished this historically signi�cant unit, its vast array of aviation capabilities, will be reduced and one could postulate that the Division should be renamed in order to re-move its ‘Air Assault’ designation. Unfortunately, as ill-advised as Aviation force structure dilution may appear, it is the resultant action of budgetary pressures emplaced upon the military by Congress. Our current Aviation leaders have taken the prudent action of dictating the reshap-ing of the Branch rather than leaving it up to programmers in the Pentagon or pro-fessional sta�ers on Capitol Hill. �e un-relenting and deafening rhetoric pertain-ing to Apache reallocation misses the mark as had Aviation leaders not taken proactive measures, the Branch would have been far worse o�. �e question we should all be asking of the nation is…what capabilities do we want from our Army and by extension our Aviation force; and why are the resources that provide for that desired capability be-ing eliminated? Concomitant with force structure re-duction is the reduction in resources to train and maintain. Future OPTEMPO for �ying hours will be at an all-time low, regardless of Component. �ere is no sub-stitute for demanding and realistic train-ing. Leader development and individual/crew training is the foundation for every-thing our Army accomplishes. Aviation sustainment will su�er as the resources to reset, repair and/or replace will diminish and we see a reduction in readiness. �e resourcing decisions being forced onto the Branch today could have signi�cant and far reaching consequences in the future. Aviation force structure and unit com-petency cannot be created after the emer-gency arises. It takes months, even years, to develop. Strengthening Army Aviation and investing for a successful future reaf-�rms to our Soldiers and the nation that only the best equipment and capabilities put into the hands of the �nest Aviation Soldiers in the world will be brought to bear for that next mission wherever and whenever called upon.

BG Howard W. Yellen, Ret.31st President, AAAA

[email protected]

Quad-a.org/2015Summit Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!

Sponsored by the Army Aviation Association of America

3 Social Events and Recognition Look for the Soldier Café, a Photo Safari of Nashville, industry partner receptions, a formal

Hall of Fame induction banquet and informal Soldier Appreciation Dinner featuring Martina McBride.

2 State of the Art Helicopter Exhibits Enter our Technology Learning Center (Exhibit Hall) daily to see the latest aircraft

and future technology. Both U.S. and foreign exhibitors will be there!

1 Networking, Professional Development & Education There will be many opportunities to network and learn from the best! The

mobile app, 15SUMMIT, will provide up-to-the-minute information daily on networking events and professional & educational sessions. Don’t miss it!

Join Us at the 2015 Army Aviation

Mission Solutions SummitMarch 29-31, Gaylord Opryland Hotel, Nashville TN

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�e Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) threatens to violently establish an Islamic State across Syria and Iraq for starters with grand aims of a larger ca-liphate. Syria is engaged in a civil war that threatens its neighbors. �e Taliban has not relented in attacking Afghanistan from its stronghold in Pakistan. Al Qa-eda remains a violent destabilizing force throughout Asia and Africa. Iran contin-ues with its nuclear program against the wishes of the international community. Hatred between the Israelis and Arabs continues to �are in Gaza. Russia has annexed the Crimea, invaded Eastern Ukraine, threatened to cut o� energy to Europe and is causing signi�cant security concerns for our NATO eastern �ank al-

lies. China is establishing closer ties to Iran, and �exing its military muscle in Asia challenging neighbors over disputed territories rich with natural resources. North Korea continues unpredictable and provocative behavior and continues as a threat to South Korea and the United States. Northern Africa is threatened by rising Islamic terrorism and failed or cor-rupt governments while most of sub-Sa-haran Africa is threatened by pandemics of Ebola and HIV/AIDS. Army Aviation has demonstrated its value to the nation in the past dozen years while the Army’s conventional and Special Operations Forces (SOF) have been engaged in the nation’s longest wars. �e ability of Army Aviation to rapidly deploy globally to re-

spond to either security threats or natural disasters has demonstrated time and again that Army Aviation is a critical part of our nation’s global response. As the nation deals with this dangerous world, it is vir-tually certain that Army Aviation’s strate-gic, operational and tactical value will be called upon again.

Strategic Implications Already, Army ground units and complementing aviation are being called forward for missions with strategic im-plications. An Army Aviation task force is engaged in Africa supporting 101st led e�orts in the �ght against Ebola signaling U.S. resolve to support our African neigh-bors. Black Hawks have been deployed as

AAAA Newsz

The Enduring Value of Army AviationA White Paper by members of the AAAA Strategic Planning Committee

A s we have officially ended our ground combat and

Army Aviation operations in Iraq, and our combat

operations in Afghanistan, the world still remains a

dangerous place for America.

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Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment, South Carolina Army National Guard, load a UH-60 Black Hawk onto a C-17 Globemaster III during drill weekend at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, Eastover, S.C., Jan. 10, 2015.


part of small Army contingents to esto-nia to show U.S. support to our eastern NAtO allies, a strategic move designed to send a message to Russia. Recent ex-ercises demonstrating the flexibility and adaptability of Army Aviation to operate from aircraft carriers in the Pacific signals the seriousness of U.S. resolve to pivot to Asia, a message for our Pacific allies. Many recall the rapid aviation support provided to Pakistan to assist them with humanitarian assistance following their devastating earthquake. Army Aviation stands ready to perform humanitarian assistance and disaster relief not just at home but in support of strategically key allies and friends.

Operational Capabilities Army Aviation has contributed sub-stantially to the operational capabilities of America’s ground forces and continues to do so today. engaged in the fight with ISIL, Army Apaches are contributing to the air war against ISIL in Iraq. SOF Avi-ation is also engaged in the fight against ISIL, the taliban, and terrorists in yemen and other Middle eastern countries. The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regi-ment (SOAR) is supporting hostage res-cue operations across the globe against terrorists holding U.S. and ally citizens. Aviation brigades and task forces stand ready to conduct operational maneuver of their assigned brigade combat teams in Kuwait and Afghanistan while those at home are rehearsing operational and tactical maneuver in support of assigned ground forces. Army manned and un-manned fixed wing intelligence, surveil-lance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets are in the fight providing ISR from theater to division level intelligence. Army C-12s and UC-35s are moving critical supplies and key Joint leaders within theater to command and control the joint fight. At the tactical level, in Afghanistan in support of their ground brethren, Army Aviation is engaging the enemy with close combat attack and air-ground manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-t) recon-naissance, intelligence, surveillance and target acquisition (RStA) operations. As they say, nothing moves in Afghanistan without Army Aviation. Unmanned air-craft systems (UASs) teamed with Kiowa Warriors and Apaches are conducting reconnaissance and attack missions as manned unmanned teams and are just scratching the surface of what this team-ing promises in terms of effectiveness. UASs are also conducting RStA for bri-

gade combat team elements to find, fix and destroy the enemy. Black Hawks and Chinooks are sustaining the fight through the air movement of supplies, person-nel and saving coalition lives conducting aerial medevac. At home, Army Aviation units stand ready to continue to execute homeland security missions from fight-ing forest fires to assisting in disaster re-lief. Army aviation is an integral part of how the U.S. Army fights today and since our designation as a Branch in 1983 we have become the default third maneuver branch of the Service. The irreplaceable value of Army Avia-tion – reflected in the breadth of its tasks, the flexibility of its employment, and the quality of its Soldiers – can be seen through the lens of ADRP 3-0, the Army’s foundational publication of operational doctrine. Army Aviation is essential to each of the four elements of Decisive Ac-tion. In Offensive Operations, through its reconnaissance (RQ-7, OH-58D), direct fires (AH-64), tactical mobility (UH-60), and logistical support (CH-47), Army Aviation is the indispensable combat mul-tiplier. This was demonstrated daily dur-ing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, whenever ground commanders took the fight to the enemy. Similarly, in Defensive Operations, Army Aviation contributes to each of the six elements of combat pow-er during defensive operations: Mission Command (UH-60), Protection (HH-60), Sustainment (CH-47), Fire Support (AH-64), Intelligence (RQ-7, OH-58D), Movement & Maneuver (UH-60). Cur-rent plans for the defense of Korea are thoroughly laced with Army Aviation sup-port. In Stability Operations, Army Avia-tion helps with civil security and control, restoration of essential services, support to governance, and support to economic and infrastructure development. Operations in Bosnia and Kosovo could not have been accomplished without the support of our assault, cargo, and MeDeVAC helicopter formations. And in Defense Support of Civil Authorities, Army National Guard Aviation performs these missions near-daily. Whether rescuing Americans from rooftops after Hurricane Katrina, or fight-ing wildfires in California, the image of Army helicopters offering hope and relief nationwide is indelibly etched in our col-lective consciousness. In the recent publication of the Army’s new Operating Concept, tRA-DOC Pam 525-3-1, “Win in a Com-plex World,” the idea of Joint Combined Arms Operations (JCAO) is introduced

as “an expansion of the traditional con-cept of combined arms.” This concept also includes “whole of government” ac-tions necessary to “accomplish the mis-sion” where Army Aviation has always had an historic role. JCAO further describes a future where Joint teams using the “tenet of initiative” and “expeditionary maneu-ver” dictate the terms of the operation…”over wide areas” while simultaneously “integrating intel” to develop “situational understating through action.” The op-erating concept requires future forces to possess the “mobility to concentrate rapidly” and “adaptability to anticipate dangers” while “adjusting operations to seize, retain and exploit the initiative.” No other Branch in the Joint force operates in the middle ground between ground and air forces and has the situational under-standing, technology and culture needed to exploit these tenets in this new operat-ing concept. Army Aviation stands ready to embrace the Operating Concept with unmatched capabilities in support of our ground and air forces, as we write the next chapter of our Branch’s development. Through 2014, Army Aviation aviators have flown over 6 million flight hours in multiple theaters of operation performing a wide range of missions in support of the ground commander across the spectrum of conflict from major combat operations to homeland defense. They have proven to be an indispensable part of the Joint Air Ground team and possess valued capa-bilities for application at the strategic, op-erational and tactical levels of military op-erations. Aviation Soldiers are in the fight today. Their versatile, flexible and adapt-able capabilities will no doubt be called upon again in support of the ground com-mander and the joint and combined team. The world today is a dangerous place for America and our allies. We may not know exactly what the situation will be when Army Aviation will be called again, but this versatile force must continue to be best equipped, best trained and best led.

GEN (Ret.) Richard A. Cody is chairman of the AAAA Strategic Planning Committee; LTG (Ret.) J. Mark Curran, BG (Ret.) William H. Forrester Jr., COL (Ret.) Robert L. Godwin, and COL (Ret.) Samuel J. Hubbard serve on that committee as well. In addition to the listed bylined authors, AAAA Strategic Planning Committee members COL (Ret.) Randy Rotte, COL (Ret.) Shelley Yarborough, and BG (Ret.)Tim McHale also contributed to this article.


Given the realities of our current bud-get, we in the Program Executive O�ce for Aviation have taken great consider-ation on how we execute our Aviation Branch Chief ’s priorities. While we re-alize that we cannot have everything we need, we must go after as much new ca-pability as possible given our constraints.

While we do not have as much funding as we would like, we still have a large budget to manage and execute. Embed-ded in our current budget is tremendous opportunity for modernization and in-vestments into future capabilities. And as an enterprise, we are being diligent when it comes to modernization.

Modernization Programs One of our key modernization programs is the development of the Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP). ITEP will provide the next generation engine for Black Hawk and Apache helicopters and is also the baseline engine to reduce risk in

Opportunities for Modernization and Future Capabilities InvestmentsBy BG Robert L. Marion

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PEO Aviation Update

One of our Army’s guiding principles is to maintain balance among readiness, end strength and

modernization; and in our current fiscal environment, tough affordability tradeoffs have to be made across all three. Recognizing the importance of being strategic and decisive in order to gain as much ‘bang for the buck’ as possible, it is more essential than ever to focus our resources on what matters most.

A UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter navigates a mountain pass in Afghanistan during a personnel movement mission. One of the Army’s top modernization priorities is the Improved Turbine Engine Program, slated to go into the Black Hawk and Apache helicopters and will increase fuel efficiency, range and payload to meet the Army’s evolving mission requirements.

Publisher’s Note: For this Rotary Wing Project Manager special focus issue, the branch chief, MG Michael Lundy, has coordinated having the Program Executive O�cer for Aviation, BG Robert L. Marion, provide the lead, “To the Field,” article.


a future light helicopter. �e ITEP will bring increased fuel e�ciency, range and payload to meet Army mission requirements with decreased maintenance actions. It is Army aviation’s number one modernization program and will feed into the development of new technology for our future �eets and allow us to support expeditionary operations into the future. We are on track to transition this e�ort from the Science & Technology phase into a Program of Record. �e Army conducted its Army Systems Acquisition Review Council (ASARC) on October 2014, which authorized us to proceed to the O�ce of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) to pursue an approval to release a Request for Proposal for a Preliminary Design Review (PDR) contract. A Milestone B is expected to occur in FY18. �e current plan is to begin �elding the ITEP in FY25. �e 3,000 shaft horsepower and increased savings in fuel e�ciency will provide our Black Hawks and Apaches the needed power margin to operate in high/hot environments and bridge the gap to Future Vertical Lift (FVL). FVL will produce our next generation of vertical lift aircraft. As such, it is critical that we continue to support the Joint Multi Role program to ensure mature technologies feed into the capabilities of our future �eet. Our goal for FVL is to maximize use of common technology and parts to minimize training, logistics, and acquisition costs. FVL will leverage Joint Common Architecture and modular mission equipment to reduce the time and cost associated with modi�cation and modernization while also enabling technology insertion. �e JMR Technology Demonstration (TD) is the primary Science and Technology initiative that will inform FVL. JMR is well under way and has received the funding necessary to execute the next milestone for an air vehicle demonstration and �ight tests through FY19.

ARI Our Aviation Branch Chief has kept all of us aligned toward the continuation of Aviation Restructure Initiative (ARI) execution, to include force structure realignment, aircraft �elding and �eet modernization. Army Aviation must preserve operational capability and �exibility, modernize across the aviation �eet while maintaining its focus on

supporting the Soldier and sustaining our current �eet. PEO Aviation is partnering with the Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) to divest the OH-58 and TH-67 �eets and cancel the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior upgrade program. In accordance with the Army’s Execution Order in April 2014, we began planning for the divestment of these �eets over �scal years 2014-2019. Another key tenant of ARI is the UH-72A Lakota becoming the new training helicopter. We have already begun transition in 2014, and the Lakota will be used to conduct both the primary and instrument phase of Initial Entry Rotary Wing training as well as the Basic War�ghter phase. ARI also calls for the increased emphasis on Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUMT) by teaming Apaches and Shadows to support the Armed Scout mission. Our Shadow UAS becomes part of, not only the brigade combat teams, but

will also be a key combat multiplier in the combat aviation brigades (CAB). PM UAS has �elded the �rst Shadow platoons in a CAB and will continue �elding two to three Shadow Platoons per month for the next several years. Other key upcoming modernization initiatives include the UH-60V and Block II Chinook. Our challenges in Army aviation are complex, but equal are the opportunities to excel. Army Aviation is an asymmetric advantage our ground commanders not only demand but have come to rely upon because of the speed, mobility and �exibility aviation reliably provides time and again. Together, I know we will continue to equip, train, lead and sustain the world’s �nest aviation force.

BG Robert L. Marion is the U.S. Army Program Executive O�cer for Aviation located at Redstone Arsenal, AL.


Webster’s dictionary de�nes airworthiness simply as “�t to �y.” �e Army de�nes it in AR 70-62 as “a demonstrated capability of an aircraft or aircraft subsystem or com-ponent to function satisfactorily when used and maintained within prescribed limits.” Although an aircraft can �y, does not mean it is ‘airworthy;’ therefore, understanding the aviation maintenance policy and the way Army Aviation captures, gathers, trans-mits, and stores airworthiness information is essential to the tactical commander.

Current Policy �e current aviation maintenance policy and procedures, outlined in TM 1-1500-328-23, and referred to by the Army’s maintenance regulation AR 750-1, are unable to fully exploit and adapt to emerging technologies. �e policy char-acteristics inside this technical manual are currently under revision and are to become AR 95-4 “Aviation Airworthiness Sustain-ment Policy and Procedures.” �e regula-tion itself will provide the foundation from which the aviation branch can establish the maintenance requirements that are unique to Army Aviation due to the airworthiness component, leverage the innovative tech-nologies and management practices, and begin to balance that ‘quality triangle.’ �e existing policy centers on a mix of condition-based actions, interval (time-based or cycle-based) actions, failure �nd-ing, or run-to-failure policy on platforms or components. Some information is gathered directly from digital source col-

lectors, condition indicators, while other actions, dictated by the technical manu-als for a speci�c platform are performed, and then recorded in accordance with DA PAM 738-751. No, it is not a “forms and records” manual. �e process and proce-dures outlined for documenting the sus-tainment actions completed on an aircraft, and dissemination of that information is vital to the airworthiness process. Digital source collectors, condition indicators, bus data, and documented actions are all components of gathering of airworthiness information. �e information is crucial to the airworthiness process and provides the historical context for our advanced avia-tion assets, and is necessary to sustaining an airworthy �eet.

Airworthiness Information �e information that is gathered, trans-mitted, stored and analyzed is crucial to sustaining an airworthy �eet and devel-oping sustainment management practices which help the commander achieve the greatest duration of a maintenance free operating period, inspection to inspection. Additional information allows the Avia-tion community to identify and develop new technologies, improve components, and adjust maintenance e�orts in order to reduce soldier burden, drive costs down, and increase readiness. �e application of these technologies and re�nement of the process enables the community to meet the branch chief ’s goal of increasing readi-ness, decreasing �scal commitments, and

reducing soldier burden. �e current Standard Army Infor-mation Management System (STAMIS) does not a�ord the aviation enterprise the opportunity to leverage technology, and exploit gains. It is a dated business-enterprise incapable of meeting the fast-paced development of modern technolo-gy instead of maintaining a war�ghting focus. �e focus needs to be on what the soldier requires to conduct tactical op-erations, provide �eet management data at all levels, enable enhanced diagnostics and remain intuitive to the soldier while supporting airworthiness process. We at PEO-AVN are working closely with the Concepts and Requirements Di-rectorate (CRD) to merge those war�ght-ing functions and aviation core competen-cies to develop a solution that supports the war�ghter, reduces cost burdens, exploits technology gains, and enhances airworthi-ness. �ese actions reduce system safety risks and provide the aviation commander more �exibility to support the ground commander’s scheme of maneuver and ability to prosecute the enemy with vigor and lethality. We understand that aviation maintenance is not supposed to be a ‘busi-ness solution,’ is not just a logistics func-tion, but also a component of airworthi-ness sustainment and airworthiness infor-mation management.

CW5 Donald L. Washabaugh Jr. is the Avia-tion Logistics O�cer in the Program Execu-tive O�ce, Aviation at Redstone Arsenal, AL.

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Aviation Logistics Officer Update

Airworthiness Sustainment, Information Management, and Maintenance PolicyBy CW5 Donald L. Washabaugh Jr.

The often-discussed ‘quality’ triangle (fast, cheap, or right) is a delicate

balance that must be achieved when sustaining an airworthy aircraft. Often made synonymous with safety, airworthiness is sometimes misconstrued.

Airworthiness information mangement ties all these entities together.

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Did you know that just one-half of 1 percent of Americans served in uniform at any given time during the past decade and a half? Add to that, the Budget Control Act, Sequestration (and for us the Aviation Re-structuring Initiative) the Army’s size will decrease even further. No wonder there is a growing disconnect between mainstream America and the Army. So what happens to the Soldiers we ask to leave, not because they did something wrong or didn’t meet a standard, but just because we no longer have a position available for them? After all, these are America’s �nest; all of them either joining or reenlisting to serve our country during a time of war

when they knew they could be placed in harm’s way. Did all of them face life or death situations? No, but they all stood up and volunteered to do just that. Isn’t that the type of person you would want working for you? �e DOD and the VA are working with Congress, industry and many others to reduce this disconnect when it comes to transitioning Soldiers to the civilian work force, but we need to do our part as well.

What USAACE is Doing First I would like to talk about what we are doing with civilian credentialing. It is a primary focus for Army Aviation

right now. Investments in our Soldiers provide units with enhanced mission ca-pability by recognizing and re�ning their military speci�c training and experience. �is program links and establishes direct correlations of military skills to civilian sector equivalents by demonstrating that training and skills acquired in the military are on par with those gained through tra-ditional civilian pathways. Our goal is to provide potential employers of aviation Soldiers with an applicant who possesses civilian industry standard credentials. �e way ahead is through the Army Creden-tialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) website. https://www.cool.army.mil. We are

What Happens to Those We Ask to Leave? By CSM Eric C. Thom

“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be

directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”

– General George Washington, November 10th, 1781

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Soldiers case the unit colors for the 4th Attack Reconnaissance Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment during a formation gathered at Watkins Field on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The 4-6 ARS inactivated the Kiowa squadron, Aug. 14, 2014.

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Branch Command Sergeant Major


in the process of increasing and updating current credentialing opportunities. �e Army COOL option is available to Sol-diers but requires leadership emphasis and support along with the individual’s com-mitment to self-development. Our Branch has been extremely pro-active in identifying the relationship be-tween professional military education and postsecondary education. Created in 1942 to recognize the educational value of mili-tary training and experience, �e Ameri-can Council of Education (ACE) has con-tinuously evaluated military occupations (experiential knowledge), schools and correspondence courses to determine the amount of academic credit each should be awarded. Our NCO Academies recently went through an accreditation process with ACE. As a stakeholder in academia, USAACE works diligently with ACE team members in enhancing and re�ning our professional military education courses to maximize the potential outcome for our Soldiers, the result is that in our most recent evaluation, we experienced an in-creased number of upper division bacca-laureate degree semester hours for all of our courses. New courses and occupations are continually being evaluated by ACE, and will be added as they achieve recognition. Soldiers can go to the ATRRS system to

�nd out how many credits ACE will o�er them. (O�cers must use DD form 295) �e educational institution will make the �nal decision on what they accept. Pioneering e�orts to recognize and document our Soldier’s unique capabili-ties, USAACE has volunteered CMF 15 (Aviation) to be the �rst career manage-ment �eld to be incorporated into the digital job book of the Digital Training Management System (DTMS). Recently we have revived the job book in a digital format, and released it as part of DTMS version 7. With this release, we ask that you understand that as a 1st generation prototype, it will require adjustments to make it ours. With your assistance and commitment, we will continue to re�ne this product to make it what the Army and its leaders need. When it is all said and done, in addition to the many ben-e�ts for the unit, the digital job book will document a Soldier’s individual capabil-ity, along with identifying what their next milestones are in the certi�cation process.

Unit Level Responsibilities To start with �rst line leaders should ensure all Soldiers, not just those prepar-ing for transition are aware of and familiar with the Soldier for Life Program http://sol-dierforlife.army.mil/ and the Army Career

Tracker https://actnow.army.mil/. �ere is more information on these two sites than I could mention in ten articles. Just as im-portant is to remember that these Soldiers have already made a commitment and held up their end. Treat these Patriots with the dignity and respect they have earned as part of our team by helping them through-out the transition process. Look them in the eye and thank them for their commit-ment and service.

Soldiers Responsibilities �e reduction in troop strength and force structure in every military service af-ter more than a decade of war isn’t your fault, but if you are one of the Soldiers that has been identi�ed through di�cult decisions that will a�ect our Branch for years to come, you have a responsibility to prepare yourself. �e country selected our civilian leadership and that leadership has made decisions that they believe are in our country’s best interest. You need to be pro-active and review the sites I have listed in the article. �ese are not your only sources of assistance but they will do for a start. Remember what it took to get to where you are at. Most people will never know or appreciate what you have accomplished just to get here. Keep your head high and walk with pride, because you are a Soldier and Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier… A Soldier for life!

Partners in Industry As potential future employers of these highly skilled Soldiers, I ask you to look into your organizations and see if there is potential in exploiting their talents by recognizing what credentials you may be seeking. In addition, do you have an es-tablished on-the-job-training (OJT) pro-gram or apprenticeship program that this proven talent pool can utilize as they make their transition? �ese are trying times for all of us, I understand that and they are far from over, but never underestimate what a highly motivated Soldier can bring to your organization. �e bene�ts could be vast for you and the applicant. As always, it is an honor to serve as your Command Sergeant Major! Above the Best!

CSM �[email protected]

CSM Eric C. �om is the command sergeant major of the Aviation Branch and the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, Fort Rucker, AL.



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Reserve Component Aviation Update

About 8,000 Aviation Soldiers will separate from the AC over the next four years. Some of those 8,000 may want to stay in the Army Aviation business, and they likely can… in the Army National Guard (ARNG). If you think you may be in this group, read on.

Why You Should Consider the Guard You don’t have to leave the Band of Brothers (and Sisters). I continually hear this from veterans I meet: “I miss the ca-maraderie.” I can think of no civilian en-terprise that replicates the bonding that takes place in the military, and the Guard can help you maintain that sense of team-work, belonging, and purpose that you left behind in the AC. You can still �y, �y in, or maintain exciting machines. Flying

a Cessna 172 for recreation as a civilian is one thing. Flying a Black Hawk under goggles is quite another. And you cer-tainly can’t �re 2.75” Folding Fin Aerial Rockets in the civilian world. You can stay “in charge.” Most of us in the Army are high-speed, low-drag, Type-A overachievers. We long for a challenge. We thrive under pressure. And we savor leadership opportunities. Most of you in that group of 8,000 folks are leaders in the AC, and you can remain a leader in the National Guard. You can serve not only the Nation, but also your community. When you’re overseas battling bad guys, you no doubt derive some satisfaction knowing that you’re protecting the Nation and its citizens. Consider the satisfaction you’ll feel when responding to a natural

disaster in your home State. Who knows, that elderly gentleman you rescue o� of the rooftop might be your uncle!

What You Can Expect in the Guard Similar Organizations. An assault helicopter company in the Guard looks just like that in the AC…commander, 1SG, 10 Hawks, the whole kit. You’ll feel right at home. Part time work. 85% of ARNG posi-tions are Traditional/M-Day (Man-Day). �ese are part-time Soldiers who can ex-pect to work one weekend a month and two weeks during the summer. For avia-tion positions, this is supplemented by Additional Flight Training Periods, four-hour blocks of time for you to accomplish required aviation training. �ere are a

ARNG Aviation Cover PageBy COL Mark W. Weiss

Welcome back to the ARNG. This edition of my page is targeted not at ARNG Soldiers, but at their Active

Component (AC) brethren. Here’s why…

UH-60 Black Hawks in the hangar at the Colorado Army National Guard Aviation Support Facility, Aurora, CO.

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small number of highly competitive full-time Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) and Military Technician positions. Identical Aircrew Training Pro-gram (ATP) Requirements. Pilots and nonrated-crewmembers work out of the same Aircrew Training Manual and have the same ATP requirements as their AC counterparts. Growth opportunities. �e ARNG receives a robust number of institutional training seats for its Soldiers. So if you’re an ARNG pilot-in-command and you want to become an instructor pilot, we’ll send you back to Ft. Rucker (or to one of our ARNG training sites) for additional training and quali�cation. Just like in the AC, you can go as far as your talents and motivation will take you.

Added Bennies Networking. Connections with your ARNG teammates can open doors to civilian employment opportunities, both inside civil aviation (e.g. o�-shore, law enforcement) and otherwise. Pay. ARNG pay helps supplement your civilian salary. A seasoned captain might take in more than $20,000 annually. Not bad for doing something I tell folks I would do for free. Retirement. �is is a nice piece of security that merits close scrutiny. Consider that an ARNG MSG/E-8 with 20 years of service (of which 6 were in the AC) might pick up a retirement check of about $1,800 per month at age 60 (see https://www.hrc.army.mil/calculators/retirementcalc.aspx for speci�cs). And any �nancial expert will tell you that a guaranteed retirement check is far better than relying on accrued savings. Medical. Again, it’s complicated. But “google” Tricare Reserve Select and see what you might earn. Exchange. You have full-time access to all the on-post privileges you enjoyed while active: PX, commissary, bowling alley…the works. Our ARNG Liaison at Ft. Rucker, COL Steve Nicolucci (who helped with this ar-ticle), will be leading an ARNG road team around a few AC sites in 2015 to see who might be interested in joining the Guard. Engage them, ask them hard questions, and give it some serious thought. After all, we’re about 45% of Army Aviation. Come join us. Fly Safe; �y Guard.

COL Mark W. Weiss is the chief of the Army National Guard Aviation and Safety Division located in Arlington, VA.

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�e launchers which are being built by the Lockheed Martin Corporation will replace the current missile launchers used on numerous airframes in today’s military. �e �rst unit to be equipped with the new Light Weight Hell�re Missile Launchers will be in 2017. �e modernized M299A1 four-rail and M310A1 two-rail launcher is designed to reduce weight by approximately 40 pounds, eliminate obsolescence of the existing LEA components and improve reliability, productivity, and safety of the entire system. �ese modernized insertions will be accomplished by leveraging mature and relevant technologies that have already been used successfully in commercial electronics and manufacturing. �e Modernized M299 DC LEA will be updated and installed in the legacy M299 Hardback Assembly to ensure compatibility with the legacy launcher assemblies. �e maintenance concept for the new launcher is set for two levels (Field and Depot) in order to reduce the transportation time between maintenance events. �e Field Level includes troubleshooting, removing, and replacing Line Replaceable Units (LRU) and selected Shop Replaceable Units (SRU). �e Depot Level is for returning parts to the Original Equipment Manager (OEM) which consists of repairing LRU and SRU using the Interim Contact Support (ICS) Contract with Lockheed Martin Corporation thus providing an organic transition plan for part exchange.

Scheduled Maintenance Changes With the modi�cation of the launchers, come changes to scheduled maintenance and test equipment. Daily required preventative maintenance should not exceed 15 minutes. Phase

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128th Aviation Brigade Update

In this issue, SFC Dean Hess gives a breakdown of the newest addition to the armament community… the Light Weight Hell�re Missile Launcher… and its impact on routine maintenance requirements. “Above the Best!” COL Rigole, Commander

Industry Steps Up for Launcher Maintainers By SFC Dean A. Hess

F or all my fellow Armament Technicians out there you will be happy to hear

there is a new Light Weight Hellfire Missile Launcher in the works. The Modernized M299 Launcher Program, known as the MM299, will consist of the modernized M299A1 four rail, M310A1 two rail Light Weight Hellfire Missile Launchers and the MM299 Direct Current (DC) Launcher Electronic Assembly (LEA).

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N E W S S P O T L I G H T

21st Cavalry Brigade

Farewell BallBy LTC P. David Rogers

T he 21st Cavalry Brigade (Air Combat) held a farewell ball at Club Hood at Fort Hood Texas on November 14, 2014. The unit is scheduled to officially deacti-

vate on June 1, 2015. Over 250 current and former Soldiers of the brigade were in attendance, as well as the commander and members of the Royal Netherlands Air Force 302 Squadron, a permanent presence in 21st CAV. Civilian members of the many com-munities in the Western Training Area, were also in attendance. GEN (Ret.) James D. Thurman, a former member of the unit, Senior Army Aviator and most recently commander of U.S. Forces, Korea, was the keynote speaker. He recognized many current and former members of the brigade including more than 20 former brigade commanders, command sergeants major, and command chief warrant officers. Since its inception as the AH-64 Task Force almost 30 years ago the unit has been responsible for training, validating, or certifying more than 75 combat avia-tion units. Many of these units deployed to combat theaters in Iraq or Afghanistan immediately upon completing a rotation at 21st CAV. There will be a formal deactivation ceremony in the spring.

LTC P. Dave Rogers is the deputy commander of the 21st Cavalry Brigade located at Fort Hood, Texas

maintenance will stay the same using the AN/AWM-101A/B test set for on-aircraft testing and the Launcher Test Station (LTS) for o�-aircraft testing. �ere will be changes to the software in the test sets to allow for enhanced built-in tests and testing capabilities; however, the physical characteristics and functions of the test sets will remain the same. �e bottom line is increased reliability, ease of maintainability, and usability of the same processes and procedures. To ensure industry remains on the contract timetable, there will be an in-depth testing event using real world scenarios with 15Y �eld representative maintainers who have just graduated from initial entry training. �e testing will be done prior to the �elding of the �rst new launcher and will focus on the maintainers being able to complete each and every task for the launcher with the skill level and tools identi�ed. �ere will be no coaching of the maintainers as they complete each task. �eir actions will be evaluated by a group of experts to determine if the new Light Weight Hell�re Launcher meets all expectations. �e test, known in the Acquisition Community as a Logistics Demonstration, will require close coordination between Lockheed Martin Corporation; Project Manager Joint Attack Munitions Systems (PM JAMS), Aviation Missile Command (AMCOM), Aviation Missile Research Development Engineering Center (AMRDEC) and Boeing. Another purpose of the Logistics Demonstration is to capture any and all maintenance procedures not in the existing tasks and have those procedures incorporated into the airframe technical manuals. �ere are many things involved in introducing new components to the world of Aviation. �ose items include contract agreements, publications, validation and veri�cation, Logistics Demonstrations, and safety functions to list a few. With all these moving pieces, coordination between the combined sections is a key factor in executing tasks and staying on target. �e key to keeping all these moving parts moving is total support from our industry partners!

SFC Dean A. Hess is a 15Y senior training developer/writer in the Systems Integration Division, S-3, 128th Aviation Brigade, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA.

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Above left: Attendees at the 21st Cavalry Brigade (Air Combat) Farewell Ball at the Club Hood, Fort Hood, Texas, November 14, 2014. Above Right: GEN (Ret.) James D. Thurman makes a point during the keynote address. Bottom:21st Cavalry Brigade (Air Combat) commanders in attendance pause for a photo: (left to right) COL (Ret.) Bill Reeder, COL Morgan Lamb, COL Greg Brockman, COL (Ret.) Craig Pearson, COL John C. White (current commander), COL(Ret.) Greg Walker, COL (Ret.) Doug Eller, LTC (Ret.) Joe Owen (former XO), and COL (Ret.) Malvin Handy.


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AMRDEC Tech Talk

Hydraulic systems use �uid power to do work. In most Army helicopters, the hydraulic system is the only link from a pilot’s control inputs (cyclic, collective, anti-torque pedals) to the main and tail rotors. As such, hydraulic systems must operate while dealing with close internal tolerances, extreme pressures, system-induced heat created by pumps, and dynamic forces incurred during �ight. Contamination of these systems leads to decreased component life and potential safety of �ight concerns. Hydraulic system contamination is most often found in the form of particu-late matter, water, barium, or chlorine. �e results of the investigations following the crash led to the current process of hydraulic puri�cation for the CH-47. At phase inspection, before the ground power cart is ever hooked up for hydraulic system servicing, it is completely decontaminated and cleaned of particulates, water, and entrained solvents via a pu-ri�er. Consequently, the Chinook hydraulic system is now the cleanest in the Army’s �eet. After completing these e�orts for the Cargo Project Manager (PM), the Aviation Engineering Directorate (AED) was tasked by the Apache and Utility PMs to conduct further research on their aircraft. �is research led to hydraulic �lter improvements as the AED Propulsion Division partnered with �lter manufacturers to transition �ltration technology from the nuclear and polymer industries to use in Army Aviation hydraulic systems. In addi-tion, the work led to a detailed understanding of how the �lters capture and retain particulate matter in a dynamic environment. A series of tests were designed to subject the existing �ber-glass and cellulous (paper) �lters to dynamic �ow (�ow with direction changes, induced vibration, and hydraulic pump pul-sations) that a �lter would see in �ight. Every �lter tested failed to retain captured particulate matter during maneuvering �ight, causing a “cloud of contaminates” to �ow downstream from the �lter. �is phenomenon, known as “silting,” can cause spool valve locking, un-commanded �ight control inputs, or simply increased wear of dynamic components. Because the particulate sheds from the �lter, the hydraulic �lter bypass buttons may never pop due to �lter loading, therefore indicating a false clean �lter and �uid condition. Beginning in 2008, �ve AH-64 Apache and �ve UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters were modi�ed at Fort Rucker, Alabama by in-stalling sampling valves and robust metal media �lters. Addition-ally, 120 training aircraft were �tted with the new robust metal

media �lters. �e �ight demonstration program culminated in over 34,000 �ight hours on both the AH-64 and UH-60 heli-copter �eets. Monthly hydraulic cleanliness sampling of aircraft with sampling valves proved the robust �lter’s capabilities. �e documented increased Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) of six key hydraulic components on the UH-60 had a projected cost savings over $27 per �ight hour per aircraft, excluding la-bor cost savings. �e new robust metal media �lters are drop in replacements and interchangeable with existing �lters. �ey remove and retain particulate matter e�ectively despite the perturbations in the �ow caused by the operating environment of the helicopters, thus in-creasing and maintaining hydraulic system cleanliness levels as shown in Figure 1. Since the completion of the Fort Rucker Demonstration Pro-gram, two new �lter speci�cations have been written for the AH-64 (MIL-DTL-8815/31) and the UH-60 (MIL-DTL-8815/32). �e Aviation Ground Support Equipment PM also requested a new metal media �lter be installed in the Aviation Ground Pow-er Unit (MIL-DTL-8815/33). Both PM o�ces are working to develop the best method of bringing this capability to the �eld. Together with the respective PM o�ces and aircraft manufactur-ers, AED continues to research technologies to prevent hydraulic contamination through detection, �ltration, and puri�cation. Based on overhaul data of parts removed, the Army currently spends over $70 million a year on overhaul costs associated with 34 distinct hydraulic components across its four helicopter types. Improved �ltration won’t bring this cost to zero, but will signi�-cantly reduce it while greatly reducing the probability of hydrau-lic system failures in �ight.

Mr. Peter Rao, M.S. is an aerospace engineer with the Propulsion Division of the Aviation Engineering Directorate of the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Cen-ter located at Redstone Arsenal, AL.

Robust Hydraulic Filters will Increase Aircraft Reliability and Safety By Peter Rao

After a CH-47 Chinook crashed on its maiden flight from Corpus Christi Army

Depot (CCAD) in 1997, investigations by the Army and Boeing pointed to the need for improved hydraulic housekeeping.

Figure 1.


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FS: As in any medical condition, the �rst and most important thing is to take care of you by treating the condition, and worry about returning you to �ight status after your heart rate is back to normal, and you hopefully don’t need to continue medica-tion. In this case, since it’s been over two months since the ablation therapy, and that has been unsuccessful, we’ll refer you back to the cardiologist who has recently treated you, and is familiar with your case. If there is to be a signi�cant delay in get-ting back to the cardiologist it would seem reasonable to re-start the medications you were taking before the procedure even though medical treatment is not compat-ible with �ight status for the time being.

Physiology In a normally beating heart, an electri-cal impulse is generated near the top of the right atrium in the sino-atrial (SA) node that then travels at a steady rate though the atria causing them to contract, and then through the atrio-ventricular node at the junction between the atria of the up-per heart and the main pumping cham-bers the ventricles, causing them to con-tract forcefully in a nicely synchronized fashion just after the atria that �ll them do. In atrial �brillation (A-�b), impulses are randomly generated in locations other than the SA node (usually the ends of the pulmonary veins near the heart) that cause the atria to contract very irregularly or �brillate. �is can be asymptomatic, but can cause some people to notice heart �uttering or palpitations, and some fa-tigue and weakness as in your case. �e “atrial kick” provides roughly 5% of car-

diac output, but in trained athletes it can be closer to 15%. Blood lying against the walls of the atria for prolonged periods can form a clot called a mural thrombus. Pieces of the clot can break free causing pulmonary emboli or a stroke. �e Cou-madin was given to you to prevent the clot from forming, and the calcium chan-nel blocker to slow the heart rate down; other medications can be used to try to put the heart back into a regular rhythm.

Risks and Treatment Radio-frequency ablation is done by inserting very thin wires inside the heart through a large vein, �nding the tiny areas that are causing the atria to beat irregularly, and then destroying those tissues with high heat. It is successful approximately 74% of the time. Atrial �brillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. For every decade of life the prevalence doubles, and by the age of 80-90, 10% of people have it. �e most common cause is hypertension, and other risk factors include hyperthyroid-ism, chronic obstructive pulmonary dis-ease, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, rheumatic heart disease, mitral stenosis, structural heart disease, and pericardial disease. Obesity, heavy alcohol use (“holi-day heart”), and metabolic syndrome also contribute to the risk. Smoking and heavy ca�eine intake can also be contributing. Men are more likely to develop atrial �-brillation, but it is more dangerous in terms of outcome for women. All of these possible causes should be sought out by the health care team, and any reversible ones identi�ed and treated.

Workup should include a metabolic panel, thyroid panel, echocardiography, and invasive or non-invasive testing for cardiac ischemia based upon calculated likelihood, and a cardiology consult. Also required for waiver submission are an AGXT, and three 24-hour Holter moni-tor studies done at two-month intervals. A detailed health history to document any precipitating event, and a six-month observation period o� of anti-arrhythmic or rate controlling medications without recurrence is necessary for waiver.

Flying Duty A single episode of atrial �brillation with clearly documented precipitating factors (e.g. “holiday heart”) is waiverable for �ying duty following a six month period of observation to ensure absence of recurrence as well as the elimination of underlying organic sources. In your case, a waiver may be applied for six months after successful radio frequency ablation, with a normal post-ablation evaluation (A �b unable to be provoked) on a case-by-case basis. Hopefully the second attempt will be e�ective. Waivers are not recommended for recurrent cases, or cases with signi�cant underlying coronary artery disease. Initial applicants with a history of A-�b are not considered for exception to policy. Safe �ying, and see you at the �ight line! Doc Puskar

Question for the Flight Surgeon? If you have a question you would like addressed, email it to [email protected]; we’ll try to address it in the future. See your unit �ight surgeon for your personal health issues. �e views and opinions of-fered are those of the author and research-ers and should not be construed as an o�cial Department of the Army position unless otherwise stated

Dr. (LTC) Joseph Puskar is a �ight surgeon and the director of the Army Flight Surgeon Primary Course at the US Army School of Aviation Medicine at Fort Rucker, AL

z

Ask the Flight Surgeon

Atrial Fibrillation By Dr. (LTC) Joseph Puskar

Q: I was recently diagnosed with Atrial fibrillation and prescribed Coumadin (warfarin) and a calcium

channel blocker (Diltiazem) for heart rate control. I saw a cardiologist who took me off the medications, and used radio-frequency ablation to eliminate the fibrillation, but I still have a high heart rate (118 to 126), don’t have my normal energy level, and I’m running much slower than usual. What’s the next step?

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T he role of the Apache Attack Heli-copter is growing as the Army’s

requirements for this exceptional ma-chine evolve in the current operational and �scal environments. �e AH-64D Longbow Apache continues to be the backbone of the Army’s attack helicop-ter �eet. With the doubling or tripling of normal �ying conducted by deployed units, the Apache �eet exceeded 4 mil-lion �ight hours this year resulting in units and aviators that are more pro-�cient at maintaining and �ying the Apache than ever before. �e new kid on the block, the AH-64E, is making its presence known as well.

Initial Unit Fieldings �e units with the initial �elding of the AH-64E have been busy. �e �rst unit equipped, 1-229th Attack Reconnais-sance Battalion (ARB) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Washington, recently returned from conducting combat op-erations. As of November 2014, 25,866 �ight hours were completed by their E model �eet, almost 11,000 of those were combat hours �own by the Tigersharks

commanded by LTC John “Pat” Davis. �e second unit equipped, 1-25th ARB stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado and commanded by LTC Tammy Baugh, has had one company deployed through-out the Paci�c for training while the rest of the 1-25th remained in CONUS to support unit training and Apache test requirements. In the Paci�c, Company A, with eight AH-64E Apache aircraft, deployed �rst to Wheeler Army Air Field in Hawaii for over-water operation training with the 25th Infantry Division ground brigade. Next, they participated with U.S. and coalition ships in the Rim of the Paci�c (RIMPAC) training exer-cise, conducting blue water operations and live �re gunnery. After RIMPAC, the unit trained with both Indonesia and Japanese forces. In Indonesia, 4 Apaches participated in exercise Garuda Shield with the Indonesia armed forces and conducted a combined live �re operation with Indonesian Mi-35 attack helicop-ters. From Indonesia, these 4 Apaches deployed to exercise Orient Shield in Japan where they trained with the Japan Ground Self Defense Force and Japanese

AH-1S Cobras and CH-47D Chinooks. Another part of the battalion that didn’t deploy in the Paci�c assisted the Apache Project O�ce in the execution of the AH-64E Capability Lot 4 Fol-low-on Operational Test & Evaluation (FOT&E) from 4-14 Aug. 14 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Twenty-one (21) reconnaissance and attack pro�le mis-sions were conducted in varying condi-tions (day/night, maritime, counter-air) to assess the bene�t of three capabilities: Link 16 communications, Reduced-size Crashworthy External Fuel System (RCEFS), and the System Level Embed-ded Diagnostic Software Tool for the Aviation Maintenance Picture (SLED-STAMP). Link-16 is a communication standard that has been in use by both the U.S. Air Force and Navy for years but is only utilized by Army Aviation on the Apache, giving Army Aviation increased capability in the Joint �ght. �ough ex-ternal fuel systems are not new to the

Apache Helicopter Project Office Update

By COL Jeffrey E. Hager with COL (Ret.) Robin D. Cofer

Reduced-size Crashworthy External Fuel System (RCEFS)

SPECIAL FOCUS uRotary Wing PM Updates

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Apache, the new RCEFS is certi�ed and speci�cally designed to enable the Apache to continue to operate in its at-tack �ight pro�le. �e third unit equipped, 1-101st ARB, is currently preparing for deploy-ment. Fort Rucker, Alabama will receive additional AH-64E models in 2015. �e Project O�ce is gearing up to begin �elding and training 3-101st, the fourth unit to receive AH-64Es later in 2015.

Next Technology Insertion While these units and the Longbow �eet remain heavily committed in today’s environment, the Product O�ce for De-velopment continues to prepare for the next technology insertion. �e AH-64E model program was designed with two technology insertions to make the pro-gram a�ordable over the life cycle of pro-duction and �elding. Follow-on Test and Evaluation (FOTE), conducted with as-sistance from 1-25th ARB, con�rmed the �rst technology insertion, Capability Lot 4. Work is in progress to transfer these ca-pabilities from the developmental and test phase to the production lines. �e next technology insertion, Capabil-ity Lot 6, will focus on sensor improve-ments, including the Fire Control Radar, Maritime Targeting Mode, Multi-Mode laser and upgrade of the Interactive Maintenance Support System Ground Analysis Software. �ese capabilities are in development and will be cut into the production lines in the future.

Apache Sensors Product Office In 2015, the Apache Sensors Prod-uct O�ce will continue building on the success of the Modernized Day Sensor Assembly (MDSA), Modernized Radar Frequency Interferometer (MRFI), and Manned/Unmanned Teaming (MUMT) capabilities. For MDSA and MRFI, the Product O�ce will shift its focus from development and testing to aircraft in-tegration and production. For MUMT, the Product O�ce will continue pro-duction of its two legacy MUM systems while starting development of a future MUM solution that promises to meet all user requirements while reducing the unit cost compared to legacy systems. Flight testing of the MDSA was completed during the summer of 2014. Testing was performed at multiple loca-tions including Redstone Arsenal, AL (Aviation Flight Test Directorate) and at Yuma Proving Grounds. �e feedback from the testing was extremely posi-tive. MDSA will be operationally tested as part of the FOTE II event in 2017-2018 timeframe. �e MDSA is an ob-solescence mitigation program that also provides color video in the cockpit, an Ultra Narrow Field of View (increased range / zoom level), a Laser Pointer on the MTADS for improved accuracy, “XR” picture-in-picture capability, less wiring, and improved failure diagnostics to reduce O&S costs. �e Sensors team successfully com-pleted initial �ight testing of the MRFI

in September 2014. �e MRFI is an obsolescence mitigation program that also adds additional capability including passive ranging (geometric calculation of an enemy’s location without giving away our position) and frequency exten-sion (ability to detect enemy radar from greater distances). MRFI will also be op-erationally tested as part of the FOTE II event in 2017-2018 timeframe. �e MRFI and MDSA capabilities will be cut-in to the AH-64E production line as part of the overall Version 6 con�gura-tion starting in 2019. 1-101st ARB deployed with MUMT-2 as an AH-64D unit and based on that past experience, requested MUMT-2 be installed on their AH-64E aircraft as well. �rough the outstanding e�orts of the 1-101st (Ft. Campbell, KY), industry teams, and multiple Government agen-cies, the MUMT-2 capability was inte-grated onto the AH-64E in less than nine months. With little funding and an ex-tremely aggressive schedule, the teams worked together and currently all 24 AH-64E aircraft will have MUMT-2 installed prior to 1-101’s deployment early next year. Apache’s other MUM system, the UAS Tactical Common Data Link As-sembly (UTA), also deployed with the AH-64E First Unit Equipped (1-229 out of JBLM) in early 2014. �e PM will continue �elding MUMT-2 and UTA to AH-64E battalions in 2015. �e �elding of the AH-64E model aircraft in the �eld today is not mission complete. �ere is much to do in order to produce the �nal design, which will be complete with the incorporation of the two technology insertions. All de-velopment and production programs are on track, with paths forward for any bumps in the road. �e goal of the whole Apache Team is to provide soldiers with a remarkable, maintainable, and safe at-tack aircraft. Attack!

COL Je�rey E. Hager is the project manager for the Apache Project O�ce, Program Exec-utive O�ce for Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, AL; Mr. Michael Ski Horrocks is the deputy sensors product director in the Apache PO and also contributed to this article. COL (Ret.) Robin D. Cofer is a support contrac-tor with S3 Inc., Huntsville, AL supporting the Apache Project O�ce.

U.S. Army Acquisition Executive, Ms. Heidi Shyu (left), and GEN Dennis L. Via, commanding general of U.S. Army Materiel Command, are briefed by 1-229th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion in Afghanistan, March 2014.

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T he Armed Scout Helicopter Proj-ect O�ce (ASH) began 2014 fully

engaged in sustaining the OH-58A/C/D Kiowa Warrior (KW) and TH-67 �eets, managing OH-58D KW Wartime Re-placement Aircraft (WRA) production, and executing the �ight test program for the OH-58F KW – the next generation in the OH-58 attack scout series. Con-currently, ASH was monitoring the �scal environment and preparing to execute a new mission as the Army considered fu-ture Aviation needs in an age of sequestra-tion and budget constraints. As it became clear that ongoing sustainment of aviation modernization programs, force levels, and training across all three components was not supportable, the Army’s re-evaluation of the aviation strategy lead to the Avia-tion Restructure Initiative (ARI). Under ARI, divesting the OH-58 and TH-67 �eets and cancelling OH-58D KW upgrade and �eet replenishment programs would enable re-purposing of funding to support other Army pri-orities. �e initiative also identi�ed the

Apache teamed with the Shadow un-manned aircraft system (UAS) as an in-terim solution for the armed scout mis-sion, and called for the UH-72 to assume the Army Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) training mission. Accordingly, the Army terminated the OH-58F KW upgrade program and the OH-58D KW WRA e�ort in March. In early April, the

Army issued an Execution Order (EX-ORD) directing ASH to begin planning for the divestment of the OH-58A/C/D KW and TH-67 �eets over Fiscal Years 2014-2019 (FY14-19).

Shifting to a New Mission Set OH-58F KW termination began with contract closeout actions, property inventory and disposition planning, and DEMIL and static display screening of the OH-58F prototypes. Limited 58D KW WRA work-in-progress was autho-rized to complete in support of ongo-ing operations while contracts for new WRA production were terminated. OH-58A/C/D KW and TH-67 divestment planning began by de�ning a balanced approach to minimize taxpayer cost, support the industrial base, and enhance

Armed Scout

Helicopter Project Office UpdateBy COL James R. Kennedy and Ms. Christian Sumner

Above: Divested OH-58D Kiowa Warriors, 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, 2014.

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Casing of the Colors, 4th Attack Reconnaissance Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, August 2014.

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U.S. international partnerships through foreign military sales (FMS). Executing the divestment mission is essentially like a �elding in reverse – early coordination with divesting units is the key. Whether aircraft leave an OCO-NUS or CONUS unit, extensive plan-ning precedes the transfer of aircraft – a precise event ASH executes in a matter of days. Under the approved ASH Aircraft Disposal Plan, all divestment involves adherence to a Federally-mandated pri-oritized screening for transfer to other services, agencies, parts reclamation, FMS, historical artifact static display, or disposal. ASH also began planning to complete the targeted �elding of safety-critical upgrades necessary to support the OH-58D KW �elded �eet through the end of the KW divestment schedule.

Divestment in 2014 OH-58D Kiowa Warrior: Shortly after the April EXORD, the Army iden-ti�ed the �rst group of 26 KWs to divest from the 6th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment CAV in Fort Wainwright, AK. By early May, ASH stood up a two-tier divestment team to coordinate with the owning unit and the designated stor-age, screening, and divestment facility, the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, in Tucson, AZ. �e teams executed aircraft and equip-ment inventory, strategic airlift load-out via a C-17 at Ft. Wainwright, aircraft acceptance, and transfer into AMARG, completing the process for all 6-17 CAV KWs in two weeks. ASH implemented a similar process for KWs at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE), Fort Rucker, AL, in Octo-ber, although the KWs transported via self-deployment, rather than cargo air-craft. A total of 81 KWs divested from units and USAACE in 2014. �e major-ity entered AMARG with a small group deemed uneconomically repairable, and inducted for parts-harvest into ei-ther the Regional Aviation Sustainment Maintenance (RASM) West, Fort Hood, TX or the Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD), Corpus Christi, TX. OH-58A/C: All remaining National Guard Bureau (NGB) OH-58A/Cs di-vested in 2014. Most were received by the Law Enforcement Support O�ce (LESO) to begin a second life in sup-porting law enforcement agencies across the country; just a few went to parts harvest or historical artifact display. Ac-tive component OH-58A/C divestment

also began in 2014; these inducted into RASM West for part and component harvest to support sustainment of the remaining active component �eet. Training Devices: After OH-58D KW institutional training ceased at the end of FY14, all training devices were deemed excess defense articles in Oc-tober. Training device divestment be-gan promptly, with twelve maintenance training aircraft transferred to other ac-tivities and uses by the end of 2014.

Divestment 2015-2019 ASH is coordinating with the Army to de�ne a unit-by-unit divestment sched-ule in a series of follow-on Fragmentary Orders (FRAGOs) to the April EXORD. Although the entire divestment mission will execute over a �ve-year period, the majority of remaining KW divestment is planned for FY15-16, with the �nal unit scheduled to stand down in FY17. Active Component OH-58A/C and training device divestment will continue through FY19. ASH is closely coordinating with USAACE to develop the TH-67 divest-ment schedule, and ensure that the divest-ment aligns with the �elding schedule of the UH-72s. TH-67 divestment will be-gin in FY15 with the remaining TH-67 divestment occurring over FY16-19.

Bringing an Era to a Close �e OH-58 community experienced many bittersweet milestones in 2014. OH-58A/C NGB divestment marked the end of an Army service record span-ning 45 years. �e 4th Attack Recon-naissance Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regi-ment, the �rst KW unit to deactivate, cased its colors in August. A month later, Class 14-002 completed training at Ft. Rucker and graduated the �nal class of KW pilots. 2014 closed with the last OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helos depart-ing Afghanistan, ending 11 years of con-tinuous combat operation support in the Global War on Terrorism.

OH-58D FMS As the KW prepares to leave Army service, the FMS community has ex-pressed extensive interest in the future of the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior – hardly a surprise considering the KW’s proven operational tempo (OPTEMPO), op-erational readiness rates, and continu-ous combat record. ASH has a history of successful FMS programs, most re-cently completing the Iraqi Armed 407 (IA 407) FMS program. As lead system integrator, ASH managed the design,

test, production, training, and �elding of three training Iraqi 407s and 26 fully con�gured IA 407s in only 45 months. Shortly after receiving the divestment order, ASH began collaborating with the United States Army Security Assistance Command (USASAC) and the AM-COM Security Assistance Management Directorate (SAMD) to de�ne the OH-58D FMS program. At the beginning of October, USASAC issued a world-wide survey to gauge international interest in the OH-58D as an Excess Defense Ar-ticle (EDA)/FMS platform. Initial re-sponses were very strong. In 2015, ASH will continue coordination with USA-SAC and SAMD to maximize KW reuti-lization across the global community in an e�ort to Build Partnership Capacity.

Preparing the ASH Portfolio Final Chapter �e OH-58 and TH-67 training �eets began producing Army rotary wing pilots over 20 years ago. Most Army helicopter pilots �ying today learned to do so in a Kiowa or a Creek. OH-58 development has also shaped the future of Army ro-tary wing operation with innovation and cutting-edge modernizations that have proliferated across the rotary wing port-folio. Consider the digital cockpit, Blue Force Tracker (BFT), and most recently, full-spectrum CAB manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) in combat opera-tions – an operational model pioneered by the OH-58D that will be utilized across Army Aviation as UAS continues to integrate across the portfolio. As the Pride of the Cavalry, the OH-58D KW is considered the ground com-mander’s best friend. �e OH-58, in all its variants, has not only met every mis-sion call, without fail, across the world for over 40 years – it has given rise to a tightly-knit family of CAV troopers span-ning three generations. Kiowa Pilots and Maintainers have proudly passed con-trols, wrenches, and institutional knowl-edge from father to son to grandson and granddaughter over the past 45 years. An operational tenure is coming to an end, but an impressive legacy lives on.

COL James R. Kennedy is the Armed Scout Helicopter Project Director, and Ms. Christian Sumner is the Kiowa Warrior Helicopter Operations O�cer. Both are as-signed to Redstone Arsenal, AL.


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T he Cargo Helicopter Project O�ce (CHPO) had a banner year in

2014. �e CHPO continued delivery of CH-47F production aircraft, completed CH-47F fielding to the Active Component (AC), and developed a blocking strategy to maintain the CH-47 as the Army’s premiere heavy lift helicopter through 2060. In 2015, we will continue supporting our deployed forces, �elding CH-47F to the Guard and Reserve Components, modernizing

our �eet, and planning for the future. We will also sustain our international engagement in support of numerous foreign military sales (FMS) oppor-tunities. Most importantly, we’ll continue to stay linked with the greater Chinook community through forums that maximize the exchange of ideas and experiences. We remain committed to our tradition of responsive support to the world-wide Chinook community. We are honored

to serve our talented, committed, well-trained and well-led Soldiers, civilians and contractors serving throughout the world.

CH-47F �e CH-47F is the U.S. Army’s only heavy lift helicopter and continues to be vital to Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) and our nation’s Homeland Security needs. In Afghanistan, the CH-47F is a critical asset for transporting troops, supplies, and providing various

Cargo Helicopter Project Office UpdateBy COL Robert L. Barrie, LTC M. Reese Hauenstein, and LTC Calvin J. Lane



combat support, and combat service support operations. Secondary missions include MEDEVAC, aircraft recovery, parachute drops, disaster relief, and search and rescue. �e CH-47F and Boeing Team de-livered the 308th CH-47F in December 2014. �e CH-47F aircraft incorporates key reliability and maintainability im-provement modi�cations such as a new machined airframe, vibration reduction, corrosion protection, digital source col-

lectors, T55-GA-714A engine, Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS), Air Warrior, Common Missile Warning System (CMWS), Infrared Suppression System (IRSS), enhanced air transport-ability, Digital Automatic Flight Control System (DAFCS), an Extended Range Fuel System II for self-deployment mis-sions, and is compatible with joint digi-tal connectivity requirements. �e air-craft continues to prove itself every day in deployed locations around the globe. During this past year the Product O�ce achieved several milestones. �is year marked the beginning of the �elding of the CAAS V9.2 software which provides the aircraft with Required Navigation Performance (RNP) and Area Navigation (RNAV) capability. We also began �elding of the APX-123 transponder. �is new con�guration allowed the CH-47F to become the �rst aircraft to achieve AIMS (Air Tra�c Control Radar Beacon System, Identi�cation Friend or Foe, Mark XII/Mark XIIA, Systems) certi�cation.

Additionally, we delivered the �rst aircraft in our Multi-Year 2 production contract con�guration three months ahead of schedule. �e CH-47F Product O�ce reached yet another milestone by completing New Equipment Training (NET) for the 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment, Honduras, signaling completion of NET operations and CH-47F �elding for all thirteen AC combat aviation brigades (CABs). �e Product O�ce continues to utilize two CH-47F NET teams, providing concurrent operator and maintainer training at Savannah, GA for National Guard (NG) units and at New Century, KS for Reserve Component (RC) units. �e Product O�ce remains on schedule to complete RC �elding in FY15 and NG �elding in FY 16. Additionally, the Product O�ce recently completed NET, installation and �elding of CAAS V9.2 to the 25th CAB, Hawaii and the Hawaii National Guard and will continue to provide CAAS V9.2 NET to all Chinook units. CH-47 Modernization �e Modernization Product O�ce continues to focus on both near and long term improvements for the Chinook Fleet. �e Modernization Product O�ce executes Chinook FMS e�orts and has delivered the CH-47F and CH-47D to international partners in support of the U.S. strategic mission. Additionally, the

Soldiers with Delta Company, 2nd Aviation Assault Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, prepare to hook up a sling-load to a CH-47F Chinook as part of a downed aircraft recovery team training exercise, Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Nov. 11.

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Soldiers from Task Force Iron Knights, 2nd Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, based out of Roberts International Airport, Monrovia, Liberia, load electrical and building material into a CH-47F Chinook helicopter for an Ebola treatment unit in Ganta, Liberia, Dec. 9, 2014.

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Product O�ce is responsible for the GSA sales program that successfully divested 14 CH-47D aircraft to U.S. industry. Over the past year, the PM has achieved many key development and �elding milestones. �e CHPO is planning a block-upgrade strategy to the CH-47F Chinook designed to a�ordably maintain platform relevance

through the planned service life of 2060. A cornerstone of the �rst block upgrade, known as Block II, is an improvement to the rotor blade system – the Advanced Chinook Rotor Blade – which will signi�cantly improve the performance of the helicopter in high-hot atmospheric conditions. �e PM is exploring other modi�cations as well. Examples are airframe modi�cations that will increase aircraft maximum gross weight up to 54,000 lbs. and a fuel system modi�cation that improves reliability and allows for 80 additional gallons of fuel. �e Army is conducting an analysis to determine the appropriate technologies to carry forward into the Block II program and the Project O�ce is seeking approval to enter the acquisition process in early 2015. Cargo On/O�oad System (COOLS) is the number one requirement from our Soldiers. COOLS allows the CH-47 cabin and ramp �oor to be easily and quickly converted from the troop (�at �oor) con�guration to the cargo (rollers) con�guration. �e COOLS �oor system has an under�oor lightweight ballistic protection system and the typical transition time from troop to cargo con�guration is less than 15 minutes. COOLS is now installed on aircraft coming o� the factory assembly line and has been retro�tted onto eighty previously �elded aircraft in support of current operations. �e Cargo Platform Health Environment (CPHE) for the CH-47F is now being installed on production aircraft at the Boeing factory. CPHE is an integrated system that provides rotor track and balance solutions as well as timely and reliable vibration and parametric data. CPHE provides the CH-47F maintenance community with the aircraft-speci�c tools and technology needed to evolve the CPHE system into the Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) solution for the CH-47F �eet. Bene�ts to the soldier include: light weight refreshed Mass Memory Server with greater storage capabilities; logbook interface with automated data transfers; collection and storage of aircraft parametric data; collection and storage of aircraft vibration data; enhanced vibration trouble-shooting functionality for the aircraft drive-train; and active processing of collected data to provide accurate and timely information on the condition and health of the aircraft’s systems and components. �e PM is incorporating software updates developed from lessons learned during a recently completed system demonstration conducted with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

COL Robert L. Barrie is the project manager of the Cargo Helicopter Project O�ce, Program Executive O�ce, Aviation; LTC M. Reese Hauenstein is the CH-47F Product Manager, and LTC Calvin J. Lane is the CH-47 Modernization Product Manager; all located at Redstone Arsenal, AL.

A CH-47F departs Redstone Army Airfield, Redstone Arsenal, AL, on December 16, 2013 as part of a ferry mission that delivered a group of CH-47F aircraft to Ft. Carson, CO.

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Job Number: BOEG_BDS_CHN_3212MClient: Boeing

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The CH-47F Chinook is the world standard in heavy-lift rotorcraft, delivering unmatched multi-mission

capability. More powerful than ever and featuring advanced flight controls and a fully integrated digital

cockpit, the CH-47F performs under the most challenging conditions: high altitude, adverse weather,

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T he Non-Standard Rotary Wing Air-craft (NSRWA) Project Manage-

ment O�ce (PMO) was originally es-tablished in January 2010 by the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Tech-nology and Logistics (USD (AT&L)) to consolidate the Department of Defense’s fragmented approach to non-standard rotary aircraft procurement and sustain-ment. In just 4 years of existence, the PMO has delivered 124 new helicopters to Iraq, Afghanistan and other partner nations on schedule and within cost. Although the PMO’s initial focus was the procurement and sustainment of Mi-17 helicopters, the emphasis now shifts to partnering with U.S. aviation industry and original equipment manufacturers. Success is de�ned as providing a rotary wing capability to our Partner Nations while helping to strengthen the Ameri-can aviation industry.

Mi-17 Helicopters �e Mi-17 �eet has greatly improved the Afghan National Security Force’s

(ANSF) ability to support ground combat operations, and conduct counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics and other aviation special operations missions in Afghanistan. �e capability is critical since the U.S. exit strategy in Afghanistan involves building partner nation capacity. It is encouraging to note that the ANSF �eet of Mi-17 aircraft allows the ANSF to prosecute their missions independent of U.S. and coalition air assets. �e Mi-17 provides the outer ring of security essential to the safety of our personnel and our commanders have stated that the “loss of Mi-17 capability would have a catastrophic e�ect on the military campaign.” Therefore, continued utilization and sustainment of the existing Mi-17 capability remains the least risky approach and there is no plan to transition to an alternate platform. While there have been considerations for transitioning, in the longer term, to a U.S. manufactured platform, it is acknowledged that the e�ort required

to transition pilots, aircrews, and maintainers to a di�erent platform would require a minimum of three years. �e actions of the NSRWA PMO to procure the 63 new militarized Mi-17V5 aircraft, spare parts, training and engineering services necessary to strengthen the Afghan Air Force and Special Mission Wing security and stability postures will enable the accomplishment of U.S. and Coalition Forces missions in Afghanistan.

Transitioning to U.S. Platforms The transition from Operation Enduring Freedom to Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in support of NATO’s Resolute Support Mission requires the Afghan Air Force (AAF) to provide close air support (CAS) in 2015. �e AAF is not yet fully prepared to assume the CAS mission. �e United

Non-Standard Rotary Wing Aircraft Project Office: 2015 – Mission Evolution By COL James B. Brashear and LTC (Ret.) Scott J. Hoffmann

Above: AH-6i Light Attack / Reconnaissance Helicopter


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States Air Force program to acquire and �eld the Light Air Support Aircraft (A-29) will provide an initial operational CAS capability with aircraft, trained pilots and maintenance personnel at the beginning of 2016, completing �elding over a two year period. As an interim solution, the Commander International

Security Assistance Forces (COMISAF) submitted an urgent and compelling request in June 2014, to procure twelve new MD-530F helicopters con�gured for CAS. Concurrent with the production of the aircraft, an armaments mission equipment package (A-MEP) is being developed, integrated

and quali�ed prior to installation on the helicopters. �e �elding of the 12 MD-530F Cayuse Warrior aircraft to Afghanistan will commence less than 6 months after contract award. Subsequent to the �elding, the �ve MD-530F training helicopters cur-rently in the AAF inventory will also be converted to the Cayuse Warrior con�guration. �e MD 530F was selected to �ll the gap over other helicopters because of its a�ordability, agility, proven performance in Afghanistan and existing sustainment activities in Afghanistan. �e AAF currently has aircraft mechanics and experienced instructor pilots on the MD 530F. �e program will deliver twelve new armed MD-530F Cayuse Warrior aircraft and modi�cations of the existing �ve aircraft. �e current delivery schedule calls for an initial delivery of 6 new aircraft in the 2nd quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 15 and a 2nd delivery of 6 aircraft in 3rd quarter of FY15. �e modi�cation of the 5 existing aircraft must occur in the United States and the entire armed MD 530F �eet will reach fully operational capability during calendar year 2015. �e NSRWA PMO is working with the Armed Scout Helicopter (ASH) Proj-ect O�ce to transition program manage-ment of the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior �eet to the NSRWA PMO. Although the OH-58D �eet is being divested by the Army, there is plenty of interest in the foreign military sales community and there are more than 300 airframes avail-able for partner nation’s use. �e Boeing AH-6i Scout/Light At-tack helicopter program for the Saudi Arabia National Guard (SANG) is an-other exciting e�ort which has long-term implications for the NSRWA PMO. �e SANG AH-6i program consists of an initial 24 Scout/Light Attack helicopters, spare parts package, initial transition training (pilot, instructor pilot, mainte-nance test pilot and maintainer) with an option for 12 additional aircraft. �ere have been several other coun-tries that have expressed interest in the aircraft. �e government/contractor team is working the weapons integration and airworthiness activities and the pro-duction contract was recently awarded. �e aircraft will be delivered in calendar years 2016 and 2017.

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production schedules, every new program executed by the NSRWA PMO has to be negotiated with the suppliers including U.S. original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). To address the challenges of ful�lling urgent requirements, the NSRWA PMO is working with American aviation industry partners to create a more e�cient and e�ective way to deliver assets that are adaptive and responsive to the challenges of the soldier and partner nations while supporting national security interests. �e discussions with Industry focus on improving partner nation capabilities through modernization and sustainment, with speci�c attention given to the importance of responsiveness, cost control, and creating the mechanisms to expedite acquisition and transfer of critical capabilities to partner forces. One possible solution currently being explored is the use of Basic Order Agreements (BOA) between the NSRWA PMO and the U.S. OEMs. A BOA is a written instrument of understanding, negotiated between an agency and contains; terms and clauses applying to future contracts; a description, as speci�c as practicable, of supplies or services to be provided; methods for pricing, issuing, and delivering future orders. A basic ordering agreement is not a contract but a method to expedite contracting for uncertain requirements. Under proper circumstances, the use of these procedures can result in economies in ordering parts for equipment support by reducing administrative lead-time, inventory investment, and inventory obsolescence due to design changes.

Sustainment Contracts For the last four years, the NSRWA PMO has used legacy Space and Missile Defense Command contracts which were originally established by the Department of Defense Counter-terrorism Technology Program O�ce for aircraft sustainment, modi�cations and overhaul. �ese contracts have come to the end of their respective life-cycle and the NSRWA PMO is in the process of transitioning sustainment e�orts to the Air Force’s Future Flexible Acquisition & Sustainment Tool (F2AST) Program. Under the F2AST contract, the NSRWA PO awarded a prime contract to Lockheed Martin (LM) for one initial year and two option years of support. �e NSRWA PMO and LM recently held a contract kick-o� transition meet-ing to ensure a seamless transition from

the current prime contractor and that the ANSF rotary wing assets are main-tained to the highest level possible. �e F2AST contract is a bridging e�ort while the NSRWA PMO develops a lon-ger-term sustainment approach and awards the Worldwide Logistics Services and Sup-port (WLSS) contract. �e WLSS contract will be a multiple award inde�nite delivery, inde�nite quantity (IDIQ) contract con-sisting of four pillars: training, depot level services, contractor logistics support, and parts. All four will be competitively award-ed during the next 40 months.

Conclusion Despite the challenges, the NSRWA PMO has continued to deliver critically-needed rotary wing capability. �e PMO remains committed to resolving safety, maintenance, airworthiness, and training issues facing Soldiers operating non-stan-dard rotary wing aircraft. As U.S. Forces plan and execute the

eventual withdrawal from countries in the Middle East and Southern Asia, the need for rotary wing capability is essential to en-sure our Partner Nations have the resources available to meet their internal defense and security requirements while simultane-ously strengthening the American aviation industry.

COL James B. Brashear is the project manager for Non-Standard Rotary Wing Aircraft, Program Executive O�ce for Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, AL; and LTC (Ret.) Scott J. Ho�mann works for Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation and supports the NSRWA PMO Strategic Plans and Communications.


O ur National security demands that we remain mindful of history and

alert to the future. �ese imperatives are in force continuously and thus we are tasked to meet America’s security needs to the “maximum e�ect” possible in spite of funding constraints or uncer-tainty. Accordingly, our Aviation Branch Chief has asked his material developers to focus our resources on these four attri-butes: aviation survivability / navigation, mission command / networking, chal-lenging �ight environments and turbine power improvements. What follows are some examples of how the Utility He-licopters Project O�ce (UHPO) is ad-dressing these war�ghting concerns.

UH-60V On February 28, 2014, only 14 months after receipt of initial requirement, the UH-60L Digital Product O�ce success-fully achieved a Milestone B Decision from the Army Acquisition Executive. On July 25, 2014, the UH-60L Digital was formal-ly designated the UH-60V. �e program

is currently in the engineering and manu-facturing development (EMD) phase. It heavily leverages existing government furnished equipment (GFE) for commu-nication, navigation, and interoperabil-ity requirements. �ese common Aviation GFE components comprise approximately eighty percent of the line replaceable units (LRU) for the UH-60V program. �e government-owned, government-operated (GOGO) facility’s prime contractor ex-ecuted a full and open competition for the selection of non- GFE avionics hardware, anticipated to be approximately twenty percent of the kit, along with the associ-ated software. �e program currently plans to develop �ve production representative aircraft during the EMD phase which is scheduled to be completed in FY18. Additionally, in order to e�ciently pre-pare the existing �eet for conversion, the Product Director for H-60V is undertak-ing an initiative to establish a standardized con�guration on all UH-60L aircraft that are scheduled to be inducted into the re-capitalization program at Corpus Christi

Army Depot beginning FY18. During production, these aircraft will be �tted with the L-Digital kit and upon comple-tion, be designated as a UH-60V and �elded. �e H-60V program will convert 760 viable H-60L airframes into H-60V aircraft with a fully digitized architecture that looks, feels and acts like the current �eet of H-60M aircraft; ultimately com-pleting 100% digitization of the U.S. Army Black Hawk �eet.

Common Engine Powering our �eet of attack and lift helicopters, the T700 family of turbine engines continue to pull their weight in reliability and performance. �e op-

Utility Helicopters Project Office Update –

“Maximum Effect” By COL Thomas H. Todd III

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Above photo: A UH-60 MEDEVAC crew assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment, Louisiana Army National Guard, practices rescuing an individual during hoist training with German and Swiss counterparts, Feb. 26, 2014 in Kosovo.



erational requirement for early -700 and -701 engines of the 70s and 80s has given way to a mature -701D �eet of aircraft and engines. Retirement for the -700 is only around the corner as more UH-60s modify to the more reliable and powerful -701D con�guration. �e Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) is developing the next generation engine for the Black Hawk, Apache and future aircraft �eets to provide signi�-cantly increased operational capability in high/hot environments. It will provide increased fuel e�ciency, range and power to meet Army mission requirements with decreased maintenance actions. ITEP is a direct result of a successful science and technology transition to achieve combined goals of increased power and fuel e�cien-cy. Most recently, an Analysis of Alterna-tives (AoA) was completed con�rming the need for a new development engine. ITEP remains aligned with the Army’s e�orts in Operational Power and Energy Strategy, the DoD Operational Energy Strategy, and the National Defense Strategy. ITEP will make current and future attack and utility helicopter �eets more e�ective and e�cient on the battle�elds of tomorrow.

UH-60M �e H-60M Product O�ce continues to lead our Army Aviation Black Hawk Fleet. �e program delivered 111 H-60M on-time or early during FY14. Over the past 12 months, the H-60M Product Of-�ce completed the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade’s (CAB) New Equipment Train-ing (NET) in Hawaii and then quickly re-consolidated at Hunter Army Air�eld and conducted the 3rd CAB NET which was completed in early December 2014. Over the past year, the H-60M Product o�ce has provided the 128th Aviation Brigade with several new training devices designed to increase the training value provided to the aviation Soldier. �e newly �elded training devices include M model versions of the Black Hawk Maintenance Trainer (BHMT), Black Hawk Electrical Trainer (BHET), Black Hawk Avionics Trainer (BHAT), and the Cockpit Academic Procedures Tool Enhanced (CAPT-E). Collectively, these training devices have both increased training capacity and en-riched the actual learning environment by bringing the most relevant training aides to Advanced Individual Training (AIT) Soldiers. At the same time, the H-60M Product O�ce supported numerous for-eign military sales cases as well as other Department of Defense and government agency procurements. All these e�orts, as

well as future Global Air Tra�c Manage-ment (GATM) upgrades to the H-60M continue to grow our Army’s Black Hawk �eet now and into the future. MEDEVAC As of December 2014 Product Di-rectorate MEDEVAC �elded 154 In-terim Medevac Mission Support Systems (IMMSS), 74 hoist, 6 Talon FLIR, and 35 Sa�re II FLIR and made great head-way in reducing medical equipment package con�gurations from 23 to 18. �is consolidation into standard, e�ec-tive con�gurations will signi�cantly im-prove mission success as well as reduce the sustainment burden for the MEDEVAC �eet. Looking forward, PD MEDEVAC is beginning work on an improved patient handling system (PHS) called IMPACCT (Improved MEDEVAC Paramedic and Critical Care Transport). IMPACCT will focuses on the needs of the Critical Care Emergency Medical Technician – Para-medic (CCEMT-P) and Enroute Critical Care Nurse (ECCN) for point of injury (POI) and trauma transport, with the ca-pability for expansion to 4-6 patients for missions requiring mass casualty support. IMPACCT will provide commanders with a lighter-weight, modular solution that can be tailored to suit any MEDE-VAC mission. It will incorporate a POI module (that will cover 95% of the mis-sions), a Trauma Transport module (for those long-haul critical care missions), and a maximum-density module (for the relatively small percentage of mis-sions requiring that con�guration). Each module will be optimized for that mis-sion set, and will incorporate years of suggestions and lessons-learned from the War�ghter. Ultimately PD MEDEVAC will provide improvements to today’s MEDEVAC aircraft while supporting constantly evolving new requirements identi�ed by our MEPD partners.

Lakota As a part of the Army’s Aviation Restruc-turing Initiative (ARI), the UH-72A is re-placing the TH-67 and OH-58A/C as the Army’s primary �ight trainer at Fort Ruck-er, AL. In addition to transitioning to the training �eet, the Active Component will maintain a number of UH-72As for spe-ci�c missions such as combat training cen-ter observer controller and opposing force aircraft. �e Army National Guard �eet of MEDEVAC, general support, and security & support aircraft are spread throughout 45 states and territories, conducting mis-sions such as counter drug operations, air

movements, command and control, recon-naissance, and medical evacuation. �e entire UH-72A �eet is being modi�ed with dual Wide Area Augmen-tation System (WAAS) enabled Garmin 430Ws. �e Garmin 430Ws will allow the UH-72A to comply with Global Air-Tra�c Management (GATM) naviga-tional requirements and supports nation-al airspace transition to terrestrial based navigational aids. �e Garmin 430W in the UH-72A will enable the aircraft to use Global Positioning System (GPS) for all phases of �ight, including preci-sion approaches to any airport within its coverage area with a published WAAS approach (LNAV/VNAV or LPV). �is upgrade along with the decision to maxi-mize the use of Lakotas across many dif-ferent Army mission sets, makes it an ef-fective and e�cient choice as we look to the future of Army Aviation.

Conclusion Across many platforms and missions the Utility Helicopter Project O�ce remains committed to providing our Soldiers the best platforms Aviation has to o�er. �ese short vignettes provide a glimpse of just some of the many e�orts that the men and women of the UHPO strive to achieve daily so our nation and our Soldiers can achieve “maximum e�ect” at home and abroad.

COL �omas H. Todd III is the Utility Heli-copters Project Manager, Program Executive O�ce for Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, AL.

The first UH-60L is delivered to the Prototype Integration Facility at Redstone Arsenal for conversion to UH-60V.

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The first UH-72A training aircraft arives at Cairns Army Airfield, Fort Rucker, AL.

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TRADOC Capability Manager for Reconnaissance and Attack (TCM-RA)

Aligning With Strategic Guidance and Focusing on Aviation Branch Priorities By COL Jeffrey W. White

“�e Army Operating Concept is the start point for developing the future force…the tenant of innovation challenges us to anticipate changing conditions to ensure that Army forces are manned, trained, and equipped, to overmatch enemies in order to seize, retain, and exploit the initiative.”

– GEN David G. Perkins

As the TCM-RA, we are chartered by the TRADOC Commanding General to manage manned reconnaissance and at-tack aircraft requirements and capabilities. As such, we organize our directorate to focus on three primary lines of operation: attack, reconnaissance, and weapons in or-der to develop and/or re�ne requirements nested with current strategic guidance and aligned with Aviation Branch priorities. As requirement developers, our other addi-tional responsibilities are to maintain open lines of communication with a wide vari-

ety of stakeholders throughout the Avia-tion Enterprise including program manag-ers (PMs), operational units, industry part-ners, appropriate sta� sections in HQDA, the Joint Sta�, and OSD. Maintaining open communication is an important part of our responsibility to facilitate the �eld-ing of recon and attack capabilities syn-chronized across doctrine, organization, training, material, leader development, personnel, and facilities (DOTMLPF) framework. Our current priorities of ef-fort within TCM-RA support the Aviation Restructuring Initiative (ARI) and the re-cently released U.S. Army Operating Con-cept: Win in a Complex World as described in TRADOC Pamphlet 525-3-1.

Apache Impacts Both the Army Operating Concept and evolving guidance shaping current ARI e�orts serve as the basis of TCM-RA ini-tiatives. Current TCM-RA initiatives are

focused on modernization of the AH-64D Apache �eet by way of signi�cant upgrades, creating the newest Army attack aircraft, the AH-64E. AH-64E equipped units will a�ord supported commanders executing joint combined arms opera-tions a greater ability to operate decisively across the full spectrum of operations in every domain. We are collectively pursu-ing increased capabilities to expand on the success of the AH-64A/D programs, upgrading the entire Apache �eet to the latest E-model as an integral part of ARI. �e AH-64E program, which started delivering Lot 1 aircraft in 2011 and is scheduled to complete �elding a total of 690 E-models by 2026, includes sig-ni�cant improvements in �ight perfor-

SPECIAL FOCUS uTRADOC Capability Manager Updates

A 1st Battalion (Attack Reconnaisance), 229th Aviation Regiment (first unit-equipped) AH-64E returns from a training flight at Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA.

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mance – combining an improved drive system, composite main rotor blades, and enhanced fuel controls with T700-701D engines. In addition to full Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) certi�cation, AH-64E aircraft leverage an aircraft open system architecture (OSA) to incorporate soft-ware upgrades and increased computer processing necessary for integrating com-munication, weapon, sensor, and sustain-ment enhancements into the aircraft. Some of these system enhancements in-clude integration of Small Airborne Link 16 Terminal (SALT), System Level Em-bedded Diagnostics (SLED), Fire Control Radar (FCR) improvements, moderniza-tion of the Radar Frequency Interfer-ometer (M-RFI), Day Sensor Assembly (M-DSA), and Cognitive Decision Aid-ing System (CDAS) to name a few of the AH-64E upgrades. In addition to upgrad-ing the Apache �eet, the Army will divest all OH-58 aircraft as part of ARI.

OH-58 and TH-67 Another key component of ARI is to divest all OH-58 and TH-67 aircraft (in-cluding OH-58D Kiowa Warriors) in or-der to reduce operating and sustainment costs. �e divestiture of these aircraft is ongoing and will continue through at least 2019. �e loss of Kiowa Warriors from both the Active and Reserve Components will increase an armed reconnaissance ca-pability gap that exists in the Army. With-in Army Aviation, we will mitigate risks associated with this gap through the mid-term with manned-unmanned teaming (MUMT) coupled with re-organization of force structure in each combat avia-tion brigade (CAB) to align manned and unmanned units. MUMT combines in-herent capabilities of AH-64D/E aircraft operating simultaneously with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), most notably the Army RQ-7 Shadow and MQ1-C Gray Eagle. �ere are limited MUMT capa-

bilities that already exist in both AH-64D and AH-64E equipped units with several �elded systems. �e eventual goal is to �eld one MUMT system integrated in the entire AH-64E �eet capable of Level of In-teroperability (LOI) 2 control (receipt of full motion video/data) on C/L/S bands and LOI 4 control (direct control of UAS payload and route of �ight) on Ku/TCDL band. We will not only focus on the ma-terial solution but add emphasis to train-ing, doctrine, leader development, and more robust simulation devices as part of a long-term comprehensive MUMT strate-gy. �e ongoing Future Vertical Lift (FVL) attribute study will guide future armed re-connaissance requirements.

FVL While divesting OH-58A/C, Kiowa Warriors, and TH-67 aircraft in the Army as part of ARI, we are participating in an ongoing Future Vertical Lift (FVL) attribute study to guide the eventual de-velopment of a next generation armed re-connaissance aircraft. �e FVL attribute study will highlight the combination of attributes suitable to best enable armed reconnaissance in 2025 and beyond guid-ed by the Army Operating Concept. Once these attributes are identi�ed as a prod-uct of the FVL study, we will prioritize and develop requirement documents to guide our material developer and industry partners in long-term e�orts (beyond 20 years) to produce a capable and a�ordable armed reconnaissance aircraft. �is study will form the foundation for induction of these requirement documents in the Joint Capabilities Integration and Develop-ment System (JCIDS) process. �e third TCM-RA line of operation is weapons.

Weapons We are working with stakeholders to upgrade Aviation weapons including the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) and

Small Guided Munitions (SGMs). �ese e�orts are focused on increasing lethality, countering escalating threat capabilities, addressing legacy weapon stockpile reliabil-ity issues, and adding complementary ca-pabilities to existing Hell�re (HF) and un-guided rocket suite of munitions. Amongst other features, JAGM will add a dual-mode seeker, combining both semi-active laser (SAL) and millimeter wave (MMW) capabilities in each missile. JAGM is speci�cally designed to defeat more so-phisticated traditional armor threats and advancing threat countermeasures while enhancing abilities to destroy emerging non-traditional threats (littoral/fast attack boats and counter-UAS) and targets in ad-verse weather/poor visibility. In addition to JAGM, we are working closely with stakeholders to �eld a limited quantity of precision-guided rockets in order to satisfy deployed units speci�c operational needs. We are developing a training support pack-age (TSP) including recommended tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) as part of this limited, short-term precision-guided rocket �elding. In the long-term, we will incorporate observations, insights, and lessons learned as we develop a com-prehensive SGM strategy that will then in turn inform future requirements for this complementary capability. As we strive to develop our future force, our Army continues to overcome numerous challenges in order to ac-complish our many missions. As GEN Perkins alluded to in the Army Operat-ing Concept, the future “environment the Army will operate in is unknown.” �e future will not only be complex but full of opportunities that our most precious resource – our Soldiers – will continue to work to our advantage. Undoubted-ly Army Aviation will continue to play a vital role, adding to the legacy of our Branch as we collectively develop ho-listic approaches to harness technology and expand attack, reconnaissance, and weapon capabilities for employment in an increasingly challenging operational environment now and in the future.

COL Je�rey W. White is the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Capa-bility Manager for Reconnaissance and At-tack, with the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker, AL.

Team Apache in front of two Lot 4 AH-64Es used for Follow-On Test and Evaluation (FOT&E) in August 2014 at Eglin AFB, FL.

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T he TRADOC Capability Manager for Lift (TCM-Lift) is the user ad-

vocate for Army Aviation capabilities that enable our Aviation formations to support the ground commander. We do this by closely coordinating with the Aviation units throughout the Army, sis-ter Services and our counterpart project management o�ces (PMO) within the Program Executive O�ce for Aviation at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Our priorities are air assault and air movement of troops, equipment and sup-plies; airborne medical evacuation; air-borne command and control; intra-theater air movement of key leaders; and sustain-ment and support to law enforcement and other government agencies across the Unit-ed States and throughout the world. �e Aviation Weapon Systems portfolio that we represent includes the UH-60 Black Hawk, the CH-47 Chinook, the UH-72 Lakota, the Mi-17, and all the Army’s �xed wing aircraft. We are also leading the capa-bilities development e�orts for Army Avia-

tion on the Improved Turbine Engine and the Future Vertical Lift programs.

UH-60 TCM-Lift has several key projects that are actively working with lasting impacts for the future of Army Aviation. �e most prevalent project, which will greatly en-hance the Army’s largest �eet of helicop-ters – the H-60 Black Hawk –, is the digi-tization of the aging H-60A and L analog architectured aircraft. �e Army’s objec-tive size of the H-60 �eet is 2,135 aircraft with a programmed 1,375 new produc-tion H-60M “Mike models.” �e new program approved last year by the Army Acquisition Executive will recapitalize the remaining 760 analog H-60A/L to a new-ly designed H-60V and while doing so, add capability so they match the digital performance and Pilot-Vehicle-Interface of the H-60M. Other improvements to the entire H-60 �eet include upgrades to integrate new worldwide communica-tions, navigation and surveillance airspace

capabilities to meet civil airspace require-ments known in the Army as Global Air Tra�c Management (GATM). �e Army is also highly focused on developing new technologies designed to improve opera-tions in the degraded visual environment (DVE) for both the H-60 Black Hawk and the CH-47F Chinook. �e Army’s “Trident” approach to resolving combat operations in DVE promises advanced science and technology development in aircraft �ight controllability; synthetic vision though sensors and sensor fusion; and symbology, cueing and heads-up dis-play systems allowing crews to “see” and operate in any visual environment.

TRADOC Capability Manager for

Lift UpdateBy COL Erskine R. Bentley II

CW4 Mike Eger (left), a pilot with 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment, and CW4 Troy Parmley, a pilot with Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 148th Aviation Regiment, both Colorado Army National Guard, fly a UH-72 Lakota helicopter over flood-ed areas as part of relief and recovery operations near Ft. Collins, CO, Sept. 18, 2013.

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UH-72A TCM-Lift is facilitating the integration of the UH-72A Lakota as the next Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) training air-craft at the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE) and the redistribution of Lakota helicopters throughout the Army’s force structure. �e Aviation Restructuring Initiative (ARI) called for a major restructuring of the UH-72A. Of the Army’s programmed 427 Lakota helicopters, 187 are being relocated to USAACE to become the primary, instrument, and basic war�ght-ing skills training aircraft. TCM-Lift also works closely with the Army National Guard to make sure that the six battalions of security and support, general support, and MEDEVAC equipped Lakotas con-tinue to meet their mission of supporting both Title 10 Homeland Security needs as well as the Title 32 needs of the 54 states, territories and the district.

CH-47 TCM-Lift continues the e�ort to up-grade the Army’s oldest active airframe, the CH-47 Chinook. We expect the Chi-nook to be a critical war�ghting asset for the Army beyond its 100th anniversary in 2062. Since the �rst heavy lift company’s initial operational capability (IOC) in 2007, the Army’s CH-47F has been one of the success stories of the modernized Army Aviation �eet. �is platform has signi�cantly expanded the capabilities of the Army’s premiere cargo helicopter �eet. �e “Fox” model allows the completion of missions not otherwise possible with the earlier CH-47D. To ensure the continued relevance of the CH-47F on the changing battle�eld, TCM-Lift and Cargo Heli-copter Project Management O�ce have developed a program strategy that will en-sure aircraft performance and capabilities continue to meet emerging Army needs. �e necessary capability improvements are collectively referred to as the CH-47F Block II. �e Block II Chinook is planned to have an increased max gross weight with a strengthened airframe; an advanced rotor blade; a new twin, single tank fuel system; improved drive train; improved �ight controls; improved avionics; and improved electrical systems. We anticipate conducting test �ights of a CH-47F Block II in late 2018 or early 2019, with a poten-tial IOC in the 2020 timeframe.

Fixed Wing On the �xed wing front, TCM-Lift has continued to champion a capability docu-ment that will allow the Army to procure

a �xed wing utility aircraft replacement for the �eet of aircraft comprised mostly of C-12s and a small number of UC-35 and C-26 aircraft. �ese aircraft support our theater aviation battalions organized into fourteen companies of eight aircraft each. As each C-12 in our �xed wing �eet becomes more expensive to sustain than to replace, the Army will have a capability document that de�nes the requirements, which will allow our Army Acquisition Corps to procure a newly manufactured replacement aircraft.

ITEP �e Improved Turbine Engine (ITE) is a multi-platform design that will replace all the T-701 engines throughout the Black Hawk and Apache �eets. ITEP increases engine power up to approximately 3,000 shaft horsepower and will enable HH-60s, UH-60s and AH-64Es to meet all of their combat con�gured mission loads at the most severe altitude and temperature envi-ronmental conditions. �e engine’s mod-ern design will also achieve signi�cant fuel savings and improved time-on-wing as compared to the current T-701D engine. Improved Turbine Engines could start to be �elded in 2024 if the program remains on its current course.

Mi-17 TCM-Lift is also the Army’s centralized system manager and user representative for Mi-17 Non-Standard Rotary Wing Aircraft (NSRWA) TCM-Lift assists the NSRWA Project Management O�ce in meeting the current and future operation-al force commander’s capability needs in

support of Department of Defense Secu-rity Assistance-Afghanistan, aircraft �eld-ing, management, sustainment and train-ing. Recent accomplishments include the procurement, �elding, accreditation and training integration of the institutional training base’s �rst Mi-17 Cockpit Proce-dural Trainer and Mi-17 Flight Training Device at the Goodhand Simulator Com-plex, Ft. Rucker on September 22, 2014. FVL TCM-Lift is also chartered as the Army lead for developing the capabil-ity requirement for Future Vertical Lift (FVL) – which de�nes the Department of Defense’s next generation family of Joint vertical lift aircraft. Capable of enroute speeds and distances over two times greater than the majority of the current vertical lift �eet, the Joint FVL �eet of light, medium and heavy aircraft will create revolutionary advances across the Joint battle�eld. Closely linked to the Joint Multi-Role (JMR) technology demonstrator program, JMR-TD will conduct demonstration �ights in 2017 and FVL is scheduled to begin low rate initial production as early as 2034.

COL Erskine R. Bentley II, is the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Capabil-ity Manager for Lift, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker, AL.

Afghan commandos with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak shield their faces from flying debris after loading a wounded commando on a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during a village clearing operation in Zhari district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan.

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S ome of the most meaningful lead-ership lessons impressed upon me

were learned while on the job, not in the classroom. Classroom environments tend to be too esoteric, causing some young leaders to believe that inspiration will en-ter their o�ce like a cool mountain breeze and descend gently upon them. �en, when adequately moved, young leaders will address their soldiers with hopes of raising their spirits to great heights. Do not misunderstand me; in no way do I mean to discredit the study of both the art and science of leadership. Lord knows I’ve done my fair share of study, both in and out of academia. We gain leadership knowledge through the study of great leaders, but we need tangible experiences to help us more clearly understand the application of leadership. What I suggest is that the most powerful moments of instruction and illustration frequently occur when we watch leaders with their soldiers. When I was a scout platoon leader, my �rst sergeant was a second-generation American from Texas named Allen

Seymour. We served together in 4th Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Bliss, Texas. Our hangars were huge buildings originally built to house Air Force bombers. Our troop command post and o�ces were located upstairs, while our crew chiefs worked out of a long, skinny plywood room on the hangar �oor. One afternoon I �nished up some work at my desk and headed down the stairs to see my soldiers. “L.T.-where you going?” 1SG Seymour asked in his distinctive Hispanic accent. “I’m going down to check on my guys, 1SG.” “Hold up. I’ll go down with you,” he said. 1SG Seymour and I made small talk as we walked down the stairs and across the hangar �oor. As we approached the crew chief shack, we noticed that the two double doors were not completely closed, as they normally were. We could see the crew chiefs sitting on their toolboxes in a semicircle with their backs to us. �e men were gathered around my platoon

sergeant. 1SG Seymour put his �nger to his lips, signaling for me to keep quiet. He then stepped to the side of the door where he could listen in unobserved. “�e Army is so f---ing stupid,” we heard my platoon sergeant say. He kept belaboring the point that the Army was f---ed up, but assured them that he would take care of them. “You can count on that. I’ll take care of you guys, so just stick with me,” he assured them. After he felt that he had heard enough, 1SG Seymour began to visibly change. He looked over at me, and then as if he had suddenly been possessed by a demon of some sort, he contorted his face into an expression of intense rage. Veins popped out on his forehead and neck as his face glowed red. I took a step back as he centered himself on the double doors. He then rocked back and kicked the doors open with his right foot. �e explosion of the doors sent every crew

From the Field

Leadership Through a Positive Attitude

in Your Little Corner of the WorldBy COL Jimmy F. Blackmon

Soldiers from 159th Combat Aviation Brigade prepare fuel blivets for sling load operations.

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chief scrambling for cover – and then the lesson began. 1SG Seymour walked straight to my platoon sergeant and poked him in the chest with his �nger. “Do you know what’s f---ed up?” and then answered his own question. “You are what’s f---ed up! And do you know why?” he belted out as he surveyed the trembling men. “Because you ARE the Army. And if the Army is f---ed up then that means YOU are f---ed up.” �en I watched in amazement as he began to slowly decrease his volume and intensity. “You men control your little corner of the world,” he said. “If you want to have a good place to work, a fun place to work, that’s up to you. You get to make that decision.” Suddenly, his face relaxed and he began speaking in a fatherly tone. He was �lled with obvious care and compassion. Every eye was �rmly �xed on him. “Are you going to get taskings from time to time that may not be fun? Sure you are, but if you are working with people you enjoy being with, positive people who you like hanging out with, you will still enjoy working together. You have a choice. You can make this a good place to come to work every day, or you can sit

in here and complain all day and wallow in your misery. �e choice is yours.” And with that he turned and walked out. �at event took place over twenty years ago. I’ve told it literally hundreds if not thousands of times since. It had a profound impact on me. I realized that a positive attitude a�ected almost everything we did. It has been the basis of my leadership philosophy at every level from troop to brigade command. We have challenging times ahead in our Army. We will resize and restructure while simultaneously transforming from an Army at war to an Army preparing for war. Units will move, shift, resize, even inactivate. �ere will be plenty of things that our soldiers do not understand or with which they do not necessarily agree. Some soldiers will choose to sit around the command post or crew chief shack and dwell on everything that they think is screwed up with the plan. �ey’ll wallow in their misery and inevitably make everyone around them miserable. Others will move forward with a purpose knowing that they will make the best of every situation. �ey are the ones that understand that THEY are the Army, and they have a choice as to how they will in�uence their little corner of the

world. �ey will be the ones who see the challenges of the future as exciting new opportunities. �ey will control their destiny. I want to be on their team. I’m grateful for a sage lesson taught through the actions of a wonderful NCO. I am also thankful to have learned early on that one of the most important things a leader should do is to observe others. I do not believe that the power of this lesson could have been experienced in the classroom. It stuck with me because I could feel the emotion of a caring leader. �is is but one lesson that I have learned from quality NCOs, o�cers, war-rant o�cers and fellow soldiers. �is par-ticular lesson stuck with me because it was about attitude. With a positive attitude and climate we open the door to learn-ing so many other meaningful lessons. Because of 1SG Seymour’s in�uence, I have spent my career optimistically look-ing forward to the future knowing full well that whatever changes came my way – and will continue to come – that I, too, have a choice.

COL Jimmy F. Blackmon is the commander of the 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, KY.

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W hat is Future Vertical Lift? Is it another helicopter program that will get canceled? Is it another Joint

program that will be too complicated, too expensive, and take too long? �ese are some of the questions and comments you hear when you bring up the Department of Defense’s Future Vertical Lift (FVL) initiative. Having the bene�t of lessons learned from previous Joint and vertical lift programs, there are many aspects of the Future Vertical Lift e�ort that make it decidedly di�erent. By having early Joint requirements development and industry partnership, incorporating common systems and open architecture, and by considering logistics and training e�ciencies, the Department can make tradeo�s to ensure delivery of capable and a�ordable platforms – in procurement and throughout its life cycle. In 2008, Congress tasked the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Sta� to carry out a Capabilities Based Assessment (CBA) outlining joint approach to the future development of vertical lift aircraft and rotorcraft for all of the Armed Forces. With that Congressional mandate, the Department of Defense established the FVL working group. �e group conducted a comprehensive CBA, published in 2009 which identi�ed 55 capability gaps across the Services for FVL to mitigate. Following the CBA, the working group wrote an FVL Strategic Plan that provides an overall strategy for developing and �elding the next generation of Joint vertical lift aircraft. Since its inception in 2008, FVL has extensive Joint involvement as requirements were developed. �e FVL team consists of all the Services, United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), O�ce of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Sta�, and the Joint Sta�. While there is a strong perception that FVL is an Army program, it is neither solely an Army e�ort, nor is it a single platform. Rather, it is a Joint initiative for a Family of Systems.

An Evolving Approach As the FVL e�ort continued to evolve, leaders understood that it would have to have an atypical construct to avoid the pitfalls of other Joint programs and to capitalize on work that had already been done. A key element to this construct is to take a portfolio approach to vertical lift capabilities. Instead of placing all the requirements onto one aircraft making it too complicated, expensive, and large, a portfolio approach allows the FVL team to deliberately examine the requirements and align them where they produce the most e�ective and a�ordable solution set. Another way FVL is proceeding di�erently is through the early integration of the science & technology (S&T), require-ments, and acquisition communities. By bringing these com-munities together early via working groups, the FVL team is able to do the analysis that will lead to informed choices at the right time. �e FVL team is able to look at desired air vehicles attributes, critical technologies, and is able to focus them and modify timelines so leadership can make informed decisions on acquisition risk and cost versus requirements. Key to assessing technologies is FVL’s unique and robust S&T e�ort. �e Army, as the S&T lead, is working with industry to design and build an experimental aircraft whose technologies will inform future FVL programs. Since the late 1960’s, very few pro-grams have focused on non-�xed wing vertical lift. Hence, we are in the 3rd generation of vertical lift while work is underway on 6th generation tactical �ghters. �e Joint Multi-role Technology Demonstrator (JMR-TD) is examining critical technologies and con�gurations necessary for the next generation of vertical lift air-craft by building two experimental aircraft or X-planes. �ese X-planes will help to mature vertical lift technologies, inform, and reduce the associated risk in the FVL e�ort. To further ensure decisions are well informed and not made in isolation, the FVL team is casting a wide net across not only DoD, but the government, think tanks, academia, and industry for in-

Why Future Vertical LiftBy LTC Edwin C. Brouse and LtCol Alison Thompson

From the Field


put and feedback. �ese o�ces include, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, Test and Evaluation, Military Industrial Base Policy, Materiel Readiness and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Additionally, through the Vertical Lift Consor-tium, which is comprised of over 60 large and small manufactur-ers and universities, FVL can leverage their incredible knowledge and analytical processes. In this way, the FVL team can identify potential challenges and pitfalls while �nding the most advanced yet a�ordable solutions.

Assessing Affordable Solutions A�ordable solutions cannot refer to only procurement costs. Operations and sustainment costs constitute 70-75 percent of life-cycle costs. Commonality is central to FVL’s a�ordability. Today, the Services and USSOCOM have di�erent aircraft, com-ponents, logistics systems, training programs, and stovepipe sup-port structures. When the Services deploy, each takes its support structure and repair parts for each platform. �e e�ciencies, sav-ings, and battle�eld �exibility gained by commonality are crucial to enable a technologically superior, yet a�ordable �eet. �rough commonality the Services and USSOCOM will be able to mate-rially support each other’s aircraft across the area of operations. To implement commonality, the FVL team established a Common System Integrated Product Team (CIPT). �e CIPT’s charter is to identify components for commonality where it makes sense. Another comment you hear around the Pentagon is that FVL will take too long and the technology will be obsolete by the time the aircraft is built. �is point is germane if discussing a laptop computer or smartphone, but is it a relevant discussion point for a major weapons system? From a purely academic point of view, the technology may arguably not be cutting edge, but from a tac-

tical/strategic point of view, the increase of range and speed that FVL will possess will change the way the Joint War�ghter �ghts.

The Next Generation Although the idea of designing, producing and �elding the next generation of vertical lift aircraft seems daunting, and some say impossible, it was a little over thirty years ago the Depart-ment of Defense was �ying AH-1, CH-46, CH-47C, H-3, OH-58 A/C, SH-2, and UH-1H helicopters. Over those thirty years, through many administrations and changing �scal environments, the United States has a fully modernized vertical lift �eet that is the envy of the world and has played an indispensable role across the full spectrum of military operations. But we cannot become complacent, our adversaries and allies alike are aggressively pursu-ing the same performance capabilities FVL is targeting. FVL is important to the Joint war�ghter and important to our nation. In order for the United States to continue to have the most dominant and survivable vertical lift �eet, the Department of Defense must deliver on the promises to provide the best capa-bilities to the nation’s Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. �e Future Vertical Lift e�ort through its Joint involvement, early integration of all the FVL partners, and robust S&T supporting e�ort will deliver what the nation needs when it needs it.

LTC Edwin C. Brouse is the director for the Future Vertical Lift Joint Coordination and Integration Cell at Fort Rucker, Al; and LtCol Alison �ompson is a CH-53E pilot currently serving as an O�ce of the Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology & Logistics vertical lift sta� specialist.

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From the Archives u

Reprinted from the June 30, 1986 edition of ARMY AVIATION


�e �underbird chapter has an aggres-sive fundraising program that has al-lowed it to sponsor and contribute to the AAAA scholarship program, an Aviation branch ball, deployment ceremonies, �owers and meals for grieving family and friends, and care packages for deployed Aviation Soldiers.

Saint Michael’s Ball �e 1st Annual �underbird Chapter and Oklahoma Army National Guard Aviation Command Saint Michael’s Ball was held February 2, 2013. �ere where over 250 Aviation Soldiers, family and guests assembled to celebrate chapter ac-complishments, supported units, deployed Soldiers and Army Aviation. �is was the �rst opportunity many Soldiers had to experience a military ball. �e event en-hanced the camaraderie and esprit de corps within the chapter’s various aviation units. �e interactions of family members made them feel a part of something larger than just being an Aviator’s spouse, and strengthened relationships built during the hardship of deployments. �e chapter continued this new tradition in 2014 and is in the �nal preparation phase for the 3rd Saint Michael Ball in 2015. Each year the �underbird chapter sponsors the Okla-homa Army National Guard (OKARNG) Aviation Soldier of the Year and their date to the St. Michael’s Ball.

Chapter Recognition Annually the �underbird chapter recognizes several members within the

aviation community for their outstand-ing and sel�ess service to Army Aviation. Since the chapters inception they have presented nine Order of Saint Michael Bronze awards, one Knight of the Order of Saint Michael, and three Our Lady of Loreto awards. �ese presentations ac-knowledge and reward dedication, ser-vice, and hard work for Army Aviation, while greatly increasing the awareness and knowledge of the AAAA awards program among �underbird Chapter members.

Supporting the Family and Soldier �e chapter �rmly believes one of the main ways to support the Army Aviation Soldier and Family is through funding certain unit and Family Readi-ness Group (FRG) functions. �ey pro-vided this support with funds to help cover the cost of mailing Christmas care packages to the unit while deployed to Afghanistan in support of OEF. �is was a blessing to the Soldiers who received the packages from home over the holi-days, as well as the family members back home who were able to express their love and support. When one of their recently retired aviators was killed in a civilian MEDEVAC helicopter crash, the chap-ter purchased catering for the family to assist with feeding family and guests fol-lowing services; and on other occasions has sent �owers on behalf of the chapter as a symbol of concern, care and sympa-thy for the loss of a loved one. �e �underbird chapter raised over

$12,000 in 2013 and $9,000 in 2014 through fundraising e�orts. �ey have an active activities/fundraising program that consists of an Annual �underbird “Straight Up” Golf Tournament and An-nual Army Aviation Veteran’s Day 5K Race. �e chapter has greatly increased its visibility within the local community and among aviation Soldiers through these events. �e funds raised create the ability to provide greater support to the AAAA Scholarship fund and the OKARNG Aviation Soldier and Family. Since its inception, the �underbird chapter has contributed $7,500 in matching funds to the AAAA Scholarship fund.

Summary �e AAAA �underbird Chapter strives to live out the AAAA purpose of supporting the US Army Aviation Sol-dier and Family. In a little over two years the �underbird chapter has grown from nothing to a vibrant chapter with over 200 members that conducts monthly board meetings, semi-annual chapter meetings, a Saint Michael’s Ball, a golf tournament, 5K race, and has an active web site www.thun-derbirdaaaa.org and Face Book account. Feel free to contact me if you need help for your chapter, Executive Board support, would like your chapter featured in the AAAA magazine or to obtain clari�cation of National procedures. I look forward to working with you and supporting AAAA.

LTC (Ret.) Jan S. DrabczukAAAA VP for Chapter A�airs

AAAA Chapter Affairs LTC (Ret.) Jan Drabczuk

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The Thunderbird Chapter - Up and RunningBy LTC (Ret.) Jan S. Drabczuk

I appreciate the support from MAJ Rob Walker, the �underbird Chapter President, for providing and sharing this information to our membership.Jan Drabczuk

T he Thunderbird Chapter was established in late 2012 and has worked vigorously since then to be an active

and relevant chapter that supports the Army Aviation Soldier and Family. In its two years of existence the chapter has made tremendous strides in serving its members and the Oklahoma Army National Guard Aviation program.

http://derbirdaaaa.org


Flying Tigers Chapter

The Flying Tigers Chapter located at Fort Knox, Kentucky recently held elections and concurrently approved a new chapter logo. As reported on January 19, the chapter officers are: President, LTC Roger F. Deon Jr.; Senior Vice President, COL Charles W. Durr; Secretary, CW5 Dan S. Youngerman; Treasurer, MAJ Brian C. Angell; VP Membership, CSM Franko J. Antolovich; VP Scholarships, SFC Michael D. Newport; VP Awards, CW5 John W. Bailey; VP Industry Relations, CW4 (Ret.) Glen Phelps; Historian, CW5 (Ret.) Kevin Kristen; and Sergeant at Arms, CW5 John W. Bailey. Proudly chartered by 8th Battalion, 229th Aviation Regiment (Flying Tigers) and expanded by 11th Theater Aviation Command, Company F (MEDEVAC), 1st Bn., 214th Avn. Regt., B Co, 6-52nd Fixed Wing & Human Resources Command, members include Aviation professionals from Active Duty, USAR, and retirees of all ranks.

Order of ST. Michael and Our Lady of Loreto Awards

Iron Mike Chapter

CW5 (Ret.) David C. Beishline, Flight Oper-ations Officer for the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOAC) is inducted into the Bronze Honorable Order of Saint Michael by USASOAC commanding general, BG Erik C. Peterson, during a ceremony at Fort Bragg, NC on December 17, 2014. Beishline was recognized for his outstanding continuous support to Army Aviation over the span of more than 47 years of combined military and federal service.

Tennessee Valley Chapter

Mr. B. Keith Roberson (left), director of the Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) Logistics Center (ALC), and Mr. Gary Nenninger (right), Tennessee Valley Chapter president, induct Mr. Bruce J. Metzger, director of the Logistics Support Facility (LSF) of the AMCOM ALC into the Bronze Honorable Order of Saint Michael during a December 19 ceremony at Redstone Arsenal, AL. Metzger has been in charge of the LSF for the past seven years during which time over two dozen major aviation modification programs have been successfully executed.

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Air Assault Chapter

President, COL Hawk Ruth, Ret.Secretary, CW5 Robert Huffman, Ret.Treasurer, CW5 Ivan Murdock, Ret.VP Industry Sponsorship, CW5 Dave Cooper, Ret.VPs Membership Recruiting, CSM Donnie Calvery, Ret.CSM Clifton O’Brien, Ret.

Bavarian ChapterVP Membership, CW3 David Facio

Corpus Christi ChapterVP Membership, Jutta Welschoff-BurtVP Activities, Tammy TuttleVP Publicity, Roger Ceballos

Flying Tigers Chapter

President, LTC Roger DeonSenior Vice President, COL Charles DurrVP Membership, CSM Franko AntolovichHistorian, CW5 (R) Kevin KristenTreasurer, MAJ Brian AngellVP Scholarships, SFC Michael Newport VP Awards, CW5 John Bailey

High Desert Chapter

Senior Vice President, LTC Henry Perry

Morning Calm ChapterSenior VP, CSM Estevan Sotorosado

Mount Rainier ChapterTreasurer, 1LT Michael Chiaia

Rising Sun ChapterSenior VP, CW3 Blake LeibachTreasurer, SGT Christina Fryer

ShowMe ChapterTreasurer, CPT Benjamin Hansen

Thunderbird Chapter

VP Member at Large, CW2 Kyle WatkinsVP Membership, CW2 Michael Gobble

Washington Potomac ChapterVP Membership, LTC David George

NETWORK I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT AAAA Chapter News

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Don’t Miss Out! Recently, a number of AAAA members have not seen critical messages from us about the Martina McBride Dinner Concert on 31 March 2015, the AAAA Annual Summit hotel rooms/ housing links and the 2015 Summit Proffer acceptance among others. In many cases the email is being filtered directly to your spam filters. Add @quad-a.org to your email Safe Senders list. If you are not sure how to do this, go to quad-a.org for detailed instructions based on what email pro-gram you are using.

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For once the weather guessers got it right. Unfortunately, their prediction included rain and low ceilings! �e weather is well above minimums but certainly this �ight will be no easy task. Your training mission for this evening is to move an artillery piece, its crew and ammunition to the other side of post. �e aircrews are briefed and ready. �e pre-�ight went well. Now if you and your �ight of three can get the mission completed without incident… You are a member of the world’s only air assault division. Ft. Campbell, KY is where the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Screaming Eagles train and call home. It is currently home to two combat aviation brigades (CAB), the 101st and 159th, as well as 3 battalions of special operations aircraft from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). If all the units are at Ft. Campbell (which is a rarity over the last 14 years) that equates to more than 450 helicopters and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). While Ft. Campbell is 106,700 acres it can seem small when multiple formations of helicopters are training. �is is especially true at night in poor weather during gunnery and air assault exercises. �e task of keeping track of all these aircraft is the mission of a dedicated company of Soldiers from the 6th Battalion (General Support Aviation),

101st CAB. �ese air tra�c control (ATC) Soldiers man the control towers at Ft. Campbell as well as the �ight following ATC entity known as Eagle Radio. �e Soldiers use a combination of old fashion ground reporting points to track aircraft �ying around the reservation as well as state of the art radar to ensure �ight safety. One of the 6th Battalion’s outstanding Soldiers is Specialist Luke Pirtle. His hard work and dedication led him to being signed o� as an air tra�c controller at Eagle Radio. SPC Pirtle said, “It took years of training to get here, but the aircrews deserve it.” When I called his company commander looking for an ATC Soldier to interview for this article, CPT Ashley Olds, a.k.a. Skymaster 6, knew exactly who I should talk to. She said, “SPC Pirtle is an outstanding Soldier and a great air tra�c controller.” SPC Pirtle’s service includes tours in the U.S. as well as an overseas tour in Germany. He enjoyed Europe and knows a few things about helicopter crews �ying in marginal weather. His professionalism and steady voice have reassured many aircrews. He is married to the love of his life, Stacey, and their children keep them fully occupied. When he does have free time, he enjoys woodworking at the craft shop. By the time this article is published

SPC Pirtle will have completed his service to the nation. He is considering applying to the Federal Aviation Administration as an Air Tra�c Controller. Whether he stays Army or chooses the FAA, he will continue to bring the calm, steady reassurance that de�nes air tra�c controllers everywhere. SPC Pirtle is a brand new member of AAAA. We are excited to have him join our ranks. “Air Assault!”

CW5 (Ret.) Dave CooperAAAA Vice President for Membership

Author’s Note: �e interview was set up on a day the unit was preparing to go to the �eld. �is author appreciates the time both CPT Olds and SPC Pirtle took out of their busy schedule to speak with me.

AAAA Membership CW5 (Ret.) Dave Cooper

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I n mid-December 2004 a C-23 Sherpa made a daylight approach and landing at TQ [Al Taqaddum], Iraq. There

was nothing extraordinary about the approach.

The landing was another matter.

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New Lifetime MembersBG Howard W. Yellen, Ret.

New MembersAir Assault ChapterSFC Jeremy Wayne BuzzardCW2 Charles MontgomeryMAJ Jonathan Robert PeiferCPT Merritt ThomasSSG William ThompsonShawn WoodmanAloha ChapterSGM Danny Davis1SG Keith NakaharaSGT Joshua N. RodriguezArizona ChapterWilliam KamlArmadillo ChapterCDT Jordan BlanchardAviation Center ChapterSGM Terri Denton, Ret.2LT Ryan Oneal FordBrian SwensenBadger ChapterLt. Col. Robert Hesselbein, Ret.James John ZentnerBavarian ChapterCPT Eddie Walker Jr.George Norman WimpyBlack Knights Chapter2LT Samuel Jacob AndersonCDT Alexis Lexie BlairCDT Austin BrownCDT Kevin CarlinCDT Nathan DegenCDT Stephanie EldridgeCDT Lyle FinleyCDT Matthew Siu-Hock KhooCDT Tyler KorellisCDT Matthew Martz NielsenCDT Cody Noonan2LT Cale Pratt-CordovaBluegrass ChapterWO1 George GadberryCW3 Bryan Keith McCoyMelvin David SloanCPT Jonathon WeselyCedar Rapids ChapterHeather RobertsonCentral Florida ChapterChristine Jane LimsiacoColonial Virginia ChapterSFC Terrence L CoelSSG Thomas Albert FeatsentSFC Joshua J. FulghumSSG Jeffrey GunnoeSFC Jonathan Wade HoesleyCW5 William MentgesCowboy ChapterLTC Stacy RothFlint Hills ChapterSPC Dwayne A. Hayman Jr.WO1 Tory A. KirkFlying Tigers ChapterWO1 George GadberryCPT Alan S. MossLTC Edmund Gerard NaughtonCPT Jonathon WeselyCW5 Daniel S. Youngerman

Greater Atlanta ChapterCW3 Albert Gerald Hill, Ret.MAJ Kenneth ShieldsGreater Chicago ChapterCDT Sean David MoganHigh Desert ChapterCPT Wyatt BrittenIdaho Snake River ChapterCW2 David Patterson Iron Mike ChapterCPT Matthew NiagroJimmy Doolittle ChapterSFC Marc A. SteeleKeystone ChapterChris CalhounRyan C. WaltMacArthur ChapterSteve PhillipsMid-Atlantic ChapterMSGT Ron BrickerMike ThompsonRobert C. WinkoppMorning Calm ChapterPaul BushMount Rainier ChapterMarvin Black Blackshear1SG Jonathan GibsonCPT Cody L. KillmerNorth Texas ChapterBrooke KingOld Tucson ChapterSPC Daniel Dan BeckerOregon Trail ChapterSSG Jason van MourikPhantom Corps ChapterMAJ Paul FugereCW3 Luis IglesiasRio Grande ChapterSPC Christopher B. DennisCW3 Edwin RivasBryon Scott WilliamsSavannah ChapterSFC John C WoodieSouthern California ChapterRaju Chandra

CW3 Jacinto GonzalezJulieta RandallTarheel Chapter1LT Brandon GreeneJohn KarkoskiBrian RisoTennessee Valley ChapterCW4 Todd BullerAshley EricksonCharles Walker GarrettDave HerrellRod HillWilliam HooperSFC Charles Lohr, Ret.Josiah T. McCulloughSGT Terry D MillsTamara OlsonNovella ParsonsJoshua PreusserLindsey SherrillTearah IC SmithJoshua E. SmothersKenneth SokolowskiLeigh B ThigpenTroy Allen WessonThunderbird ChapterCW2 Michael GobbleSPC Samuel Earl GroomsChris MoodyUtah ChapterWilliam Douglas BullockSGT Norman S. Serrano, USAFVolunteer ChapterSSG Johnathan Bryan HaynesWashington-Potomac ChapterGregg BeardsleyCW5 Chad CambronScott HaskenTherman MedlinRoxanne M. O’BrienJames Jim PunelliPhuong T. TranWright Brothers ChapterLTC Michael DykesSGT Justin Fosnaugh

CDT William Garrett HolmesAndrew JacksonDennis M. KeatingSFC Dexter Leon NevelsNo Chapter AffiliationBG John Chesley Adams, Ret.SSG Kyle W. AlleyJohn BurgerMAJ Sara L. CarlsonMonika CrannellMarlene Fox-McIntyreCDT Kyle FredricksonCDT Ashlee FuhrkenCW5 David K. HarveyMSG Preston B. JohnsonDavid PashenCW2 Brendan Jerome PowersSGT Jonn Raymond, Ret.Jeffrey S. SearsCDT Hali Smith CW2 Chapin Thoma

Lost MembersHelp AAAA locate a lost member on this list and receive a free one month extension to your AAAA membership!

SPC Jonathon C. AlarconSPC Brandon E. AlbertSPC Frank J. BaileyFrank BaroneMAJ Brad BertinotPFC Jared M. BlandfordSPC Geoffrey A. BorgmeierPFC Daniel CajigasSPC John I. CaminitiSPC Cameron CampbellSGT Laura A. ClairWO1 Jessica A. CochranKeith R. ConaronPFC Raymond A. CooperCarlos CuestaPFC Taylor K. DavisPFC Andrew K. Dubois

Michael DukesSPC Steven DyeSPC Kyleand J. EllisSGT Remy EstevaCPT Joshua R. EwingCW4 John FoleyWO1 Ryan GallupsSGT Kelly A. GarciaSGT Richard M. Glenn Jr.SGT Epigmenio Gomez Jr.SFC Orville C GrossPFC Kyle A. HenricksonSSG Zachary HightSSG Andrew D. HillSPC Daniel L. HillSPC Nathan O. HrinkoSGT Louberto HuertaslopezPFC Brandon HullSPC Carlos E. InzunzacarvajalSPC Emmanuel JandresTara L. JonesSSG Norberto L. Limos Jr.CPT Douglas T. LindsaySPC Anthony MachSPC Jered A. MartinSPC Phillip P. MartinSPC Andrew T. MillerDaisuke MitsumoriCPT Samantha L. MuchmoreSPC John M. NephewCW4 Anthony NwaforLTC Bryan K. PhillipsSPC Stephan J. Poulin Jr.PFC Kseniya Richards1SG Timothy John RosSGT Frederick L. SandersonSGT Adam A. SchaeferPV2 Justin T. SimsSPC Jhonny StromanSPC Jorge L. Torres Jr.PFC Alexander R. VillarrealMSG Paul WadePFC Trevor W. WaltersRick WattsSPC Aaron Yeazle

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A few months ago I also requested some help from the �eld to share the highs and lows of enduring repeated deploy-ments, but garnered limited responses. My thought was our seasoned service-member spouses could write the book on how-tos. Hopefully, this will elicit a re-sponse from many and in a future article we can share the positives and negatives of how to “survive” the deployments from our Aviation community families. In the meantime, I will just share a few facts for those new to the service that hopefully will prove valuable.

Understanding the Return-ing Family Member Military deployments, especially in a combat zone, can signi�cantly change an individual’s life. What is taken for grant-ed in a home setting but then transferred to a war zone involves loss of personal contact with family, uncomfortable liv-ing conditions, no time for relaxing, sometimes lack of a variety of favorite foods, not to mention hard work and enormous responsibility and the con-stant threat of loss of life or injury. Upon returning home, servicemembers may have su�ered physical or emotional in-juries or worse yet a disability. �ey can also seem preoccupied with the experi-

ence of their deployment, and yet may also expect extra attention and support for some time after their return.

Understanding the Adult that Stayed at Home At the same time, life has gone on at home and the spouse and other family members have had to take over functions that were normally performed by the de-ployed family member. Some problems that were handled could be a big surprise. And the stay at home adult may expect extra attention and credit for what they did. �ey might even expect their Sol-dier to automatically accept the family as it now exists, which could prove to be uncomfortable.

Understanding the Children Children’s responses are in�uenced by their developmental level and it is im-portant that if children seem anxious or uncertain about the reunion, it should not be misinterpreted or taken personal-ly. Toddlers may be shy; school age chil-dren may not understand the returning parent’s need to take care of themselves

and spending time with their spouse; and teenagers can seem distant as they continue activities with their friends.

Understanding the Family Couples may �nd that deployment has strained their relationship, and problems that existed before the deployment fre-quently reappear after the return when “absence made the heart grow fonder.” For those who have chosen to return to their “home” communities and thereby received support and service from members of their extended family such as grandparents, aunts and uncles, it may prove di�cult to rede�ne this role once the deployed ser-vicemember returns and perhaps relocates the family to another location.

Give Everyone Time Every family situation is di�erent and every family member will have di�erent expectations and most families will have changed. And all family members regard-less of age, sex, rank or time in service, number of deployments, education levels, spousal employment, number of children, as well as extended family and friends will

zAAAA Family Forum Judy Konitzer

Adjusting to Coming HomeBy Judy Konitzer

I may be “preaching to the choir” as I expound on

some expectations that military families have when coming together again after a long deployment, however research and accompanying data have made observations and suggestions that have proved timely and valuable.

A Soldier from Company E, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, is reunited with his family in time for the holi-days at a ceremony at Cottrell Field on Fort Stewart, GA, Dec. 19.

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Thank You to Our Scholarship Fund Donors AAAA recognizes the generosity of the following individuals, chapters and organizations that have donated to the Scholarship Foundation Inc., since the previous quarter through January 31, 2015. The list includes donations received for all scholarships, as well as the General Fund which provides funding to enable the chapter, corporate, heritage and individual matching fund programs as well as national grants and loans. Donors marked with an * are partially or totally donating to the newly established Families of the Fallen Scholarship. Every penny donated to the Scholarship Foundation goes directly to a grant or loan as a result

of the Army Aviation Association of America subsidizing ALL administrative costs!

7th Sqdn., 17th Cavalry Reg. Assoc.Ameripack, Inc.David J. & Joan L. AshcraftBAE SystemsBank of America Employees* Elisabeth Cassel BaughThe Boeing CompanyPaul BradtmuellerJames L. BrownJon C. EidemAnthony J. Gentile* Thomas M. & Katrina B. Harrison

Gran M. HendrixBG (Ret.) James & Joyce HessonLarry D. & Julianne S. HolcombCOL (Ret.) James E. & M. Roberta HyersArlo & Mary JanssenWilliam A. & Andrea J. JohnsCOL (Ret.) Larry M. & Faye JonasMG (Ret.) Richard & Virginia KenyonAmo LinderGeorge Leaf Living TrustStephen J. & Debra S. Lyding

Tommy L. MarksBarbara & Kenneth McCann* MG (Ret.) Carl H. & Jo Ann W. McNair, Jr.Donald T. MunschClifton P. O’BrienKevin O’BrienOregon Trail AAAA ChapterPiesecki FoundationAlton G. PostDiana B. RadspinnerMarie Luise E. Ramsey

Jaros C. RickemeyerRichard SherlockKenneth M. & Linda SlyeCW4 (Ret.) Angelo SpeliosTarheel AAAA ChapterTennessee Valley AAAA ChapterDavid & Pauline ThillTransportation Corps Aviation AssociationVietnam Helicopter Pilots AssociationWashington Potomac AAAA Chapter

For more information about the Foundation or to make a contribution, go online to www.quad-a.org Contributions can also be mailed to: AAAA Scholarship Foundation, Inc., 593 Main Street, Monroe, CT 06468.

need time to adjust to the changes that accompany the return of a deployed fam-ily member. �e goal is to form a healthy new life together, and we are very fortu-nate that a myriad of resources have been generated both within the military as well as throughout our civilian communities to help families successfully reunite with a minimum of problems. And if problems should arise, the stigma of seeking help from a quali�ed mental health profes-sional is becoming a thing of the past. �ose of us who were part of the Viet-nam era did not have the bene�ts of today’s research and shared knowledge about expectations and what is the “new normal.” How good it would have been to know that what we were experienc-ing after deployment, good and bad, was something we could share. Knowledge is so important in building resiliency, and by sharing our stories we can help to meet the challenges of our lives as we continue to embrace our pride in be-longing to the Army Aviation family.

Judy Konitzer is the family forum editor for ARMY AVIATION; questions and suggestions can be directed to her at [email protected].

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Support Happens

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AAAA Summit

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NETWORK I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT AAAA Awards

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New Order of St. Michael Recipients

SilverCW4 Robert J. MetoyerLTC Andrew J. ChevalierCW3 William T. MissiewiczCOL Brian C. TrapaniSFC Neil P. MoranLTC John D. StahlBronzeCOL Martin D. Kerkenbush1SG William C. HowardLTC Michael W. WeaverCPT Clinton D. HookerCPT Richard S. Button IICW4 Christopher D. Peters

New Order of St. Michael Knight RecipientsRalph R. ScruggsRick Isaacs

New Our Lady of Loreto RecipientsRegina M. CurtisDoreen VandalJudi LaughlinJamie ScholbergJuliana Blas

Soldier of the MonthSPC Dwayne A. Hayman Jr.Flint Hills Chapter

u Letters to the Editor

January 5, 2015

Army Aviation’s future is through ARI. We will no longer be the World’s vertical lift leader if we fail to execute the Aviation Restructuring Initiative. ARI is a comprehensive approach to Army aviation reorganization that is focused on those mission capabilities that Homeland Security and Regional Combatant Commanders expect from Army Aviation. Every aspect of our military’s Joint Vertical lift future, from technology to funding, hinges on a successful execution of ARI. ARI allows us to reduce risk in the near term by continuing the aerial scout mission rather than delaying it until the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) Scout is fielded. 13 years of sustained combat has developed Unified Ground leaders that will not let the aviation aerial scout mission go away. And, rightly so! FVL as currently envisioned is funded and supported. There are two major areas of concern that can impact FVL; ARI and Sequestration. The near term capabilities of Army Aviation are supported and funded by divesting the legacy fleet of OH58 A/C, TH67 training helicopters, and the OH 58 Kiowa Warrior. This legacy fleet has served us well for decades. However, continuing to keep this fleet in the force would be a waste of tax payer funds. The money not used to maintain this legacy fleet will be used to transition active, National Guard, and Army Reserve crew members to modernized aircraft as well as maintain the modernized fleet, to include UAS. And, ARI will help fund the Army’s initial role in FVL science and technology. If the Army is forced to keep the structure of the legacy aircraft then the Army

aviation community will fall behind most of the modern World’s vertical lift industry. The elimination of three entire fleets of legacy aircraft can go a long way towards maintaining our vertical lift leadership in the near term, as well as set the conditions for the deep future. ARI accomplishes this by investing the dollars that would have been used to maintain the legacy fleet into modernizing the aviation personnel and the existing advanced digitized aircraft. As the Army moves toward 2025, ARI is designed to increase and modernize Army Aviation capability with less aviation structure. If we chose to not execute ARI and adopt an incremental approach to reorganization we in essence will divest ourselves of the World’s leadership in vertical lift. It is critical that the Army aviation community supports ARI.

LTG Dan Petrosky, U.S. Army, Retired

January 9, 2015

I am disappointed to see in the December 2014 issue of ARMY AVIATION Medal of Honor recipient, CW3 Michael Novosel, referred to as having “won” the Medal of Honor. I see this mistake a lot. I am not aware of any award that is worn on a service member’s uniform that is won – using the term “win” makes it sound like a prize. While a very young lieutenant I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Novosel at flight school and later when I was stationed at the hospital at Ft. Rucker getting to know him a little. He was a great man.

CPT John H. Green Jr., Deputy Surgeon, 1st Sustainment Command (Theater)

We encourage you to send your comments and suggestions to [email protected]. Submissions should be exclusive to ARMY AVIATION – we do not publish open letters or third-party letters. Submissions should be 150 to 175 words, should refer to an article that has appeared in the current or most previous issue, and must include the writer’s name, address, email address, and phone numbers. We regret that because of the volume of submissions, we cannot acknowledge unpublished letters other than by an auto-mated e-mail reply. Letters may be edited and shortened for space. Joe Pisano, Editor

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Aviation General Officer Promotions/Assignments

The chief of staff, Army announced on Jan. 9 the assignment of BG William K. Gayler, director, Officer Personnel Management Directorate, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky, to deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army, Germany.

AwardsZayas Awarded Air Medal with V

COL Donald G. Fallin (left), commander of the Special Mission Wing (SMW), Special Operations Advisory Group (SOAG), NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan (NSOCC-A), presented the Air Medal for Valor to CPT (P) Russell D. Zayas, J-3 Operations Officer assigned to the SMW during a Jan. 24 ceremony at Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan. On November 11, 2014, an Afghan National Army recon patrol conducting combat operations in Northern Afghanistan was pinned down by enemy fire. Operational Detachment A (ODA) 3335 was activated as the quick reaction force (QRF) along with elements of the Special Mission Wing lead by Zayas. Acting as the air mission commander, Zayas conducted the QRF infiltration with a flight of 3 Mi17s under intense enemy machine gun fire. While conducting the infil, two aircraft sustained major damage from those fires. Following the successful infil, Zayas was able fly his own damaged aircraft, together with the rest of the flight of Mi17s, safely back to the forward operating base without further damage. The Special Mission Wing is a Joint Command that partners with and mentors the Afghanistan Special Security Forces in Mi-17 helicopter and PC-12NG intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) fixed wing aircraft in support of all Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan.

Warrant Officer Selections

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CY 2015 Warrant Officer Candidate Selection Board Results

The Army released the names on Jan 16, 2015 of those service members selected to attend the Warrant Officer Candidate Course in 2015. AAAA congratulations the following 55 enlisted and officers who were selected for military occupational specialty (MOS) 153A, Rotary Wing Aviator.

SGT Gerald BacoatsSSG Benjamin BarczakSSG Joshua BoneSSG Jeremiah BruceSFC Ryan CahillSFC Rex ClaytonSSG William ClotfelterSFC Jonathan ColeSGT Christopher ConnellSSG Matthew CookeSGT Stephen CulverSSG Shawn DicksonSSG Christopher DidwaySSG Michael Dowd1LT Caleb FrazierSGT Zane FultonSSG Mitchell GabbertSSG Shane HawkinsSGT Daniel HolmesSSG Bernard Horne1LT Taylor Hurd *SFC Ian Kalgren

SSG Brandon Kitch2LT Andrew KoskelaSSG Russell KosloskeSPC Daniel KrollSPC Jacob LoftisSPC Stephen MarshSGT Seth MattoxSSG Darren MayeSGT Nathanial MckeownSPC Michael MillerSSGT Jason MissenheimSGT Pierre MitchellSFC Cray MorseSFC Christopher NehlSSG Nicholas OkellySGT Ross OlsonSSG Kevin OmalleySSGT Tyler Otto1LT Justin Owen1LT Neil PallottaSGT John RiveraSGT Juan Rivera-ColonSSG Joseph RyanSSG Robert SherwoodSSG Adam SnyderSPC Paul SpallinoSSG Adam StarkeySSG Justin Suina *1LT Nathanael TrammCPT Nicholas WallSPC Terril Williams2LT Brian WolfeSFC Stefanie Wood

* = AAAA Member+ = Life Member

The Following AAAAFunctional Awards Are Open For Nominations Now!

Send in Your Nominations Today! Nomination forms for all of the AAAA Awards are

available from the AAAA National Office, 593 Main Street, Monroe, CT 06468-2806

Telephone: (203) 268-2450 FAX: (203) 268-5870 and www.quad-a.org

n Aviation Mission Survivability Officers (AMSO) Awardn Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) Awardn Avionics Awardn Donald F. Luce Depot Maintenance Artisan Award Suspense:July 1.

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Flight School Graduates

AAAA congratulates the following officers gradu-ating from the Initial En-try Rotary Wing (IERW) courses at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excel-lence, Fort Rucker, AL.

27 Officers, January 15

IIERW CH-47D TrackWO1 Timothy Govea* –DGLT Freddy Wojtkowski–DGLT David KeeleyLT Stephen MeinholzWO1 Jantzen TaylorWO1 Wiley Seals *

IERW UH-60 TrackLT Krystal HarperLT Patrick MartinWO1 Jason Nolda *

IERW UH-60A/M TrackLT Taylor Frye – DGWO1 Reid Gaskin – DGLT Mark Morrissett * – HGLT Bryan CunninghamWO1 Joshua Deuel * LT Kenneth Fischer * WO1 Adam Garrison * LT Steven Gundlach * WO1 Travis HeckelsbergLT Kyle Kilroy * LT Philip KnoetgenLT Timothy Ko * LT Brett Kroll * WO1 James P. Metler, Jr.LT Wayne Pak *

LT Barton Steffy * LT Nicholas Tubbs * WO1 Corey Wadsworth

43 Officers, January 29

IERW AH-64D TrackLT Dak Kibler * – DGWO1 Louis Siciliano – DGWO1 William Carlson–HGLT Ryan Webb * – HGWO1 Bryan Bentley * LT Craig Cowell * LT Tyler Federwisch * WO1 Matthew Goins * WO1 David Knadle * WO1 Joseph Lochridge * LT Christopher Malachosky * WO1 Ryan McDonaldLT Benjamin Potter * LT Phillip Savoie *

LT Stephen Sollenberger * LT Alexis Thorne * WO1 Stephen Tucker *

IERW CH-47F TrackLT Paul Johnson * WO1 Dustin Moll * LT Trevor SherbaWO1 Brandon Williams *

IERW UH-60 TrackLT Joshua Robinson *–HGLT Dustin Allard * WO1 Bruce Beideman * WO1 Jason HoneycuttLT Adam Kruse *

IERW UH-60A/M TrackLT Tyler Peck – DGLT Alex Duncan * – HGLT Russell McIntyre – HG

LT Joshua BoundsLT Zachary Cahalan * LT Liza DyeLT Kenneth Jackson * WO1 Daniel R. Jimenez Sr.LT Joseph KrehelLT John Lambert * WO1 Daniel LupoLT Spencer PayneLT Stephen Rowland * LT Peter Schlatter * LT Richard SchuesslerLT Jacob Tappe * LT Nicholas Thurston *

DG = Distinguished GraduateHG = Honor Graduate* = AAAA Member+ = Life Member

AAAA provides standard aviator wings to all graduates and sterling silver aviator wings to the distiguished graduates of each flight class ... another example of AAAA’s SUPPORT for the U.S. Army Aviation Soldier and family.

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Army Aviation Association of America

2016

Hall of Fame Send in Your Nomination

Today!

Suspense: June 1Nomination forms for the AAAA Awards are available from the AAAA National Office, 593 Main Street, Monroe, CT 06468-2806 (203) 268-2450 FAX: (203) 268-5870

quad-a.org

UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (UAS) GRADUATIONS

UAS OPERATOR AAAA congratulates the fol-lowing graduates of the Un-manned Aerial Vehicle Op-erator Course, MOS 15W, at Fort Huachuca, AZ.

Shadow UAV Operator Course25 Graduates, January 7SSG Andrew W. Silver- DHGPFC Robert H. Baller-HGSPC John W. Mattinson -HGPFC Vincent L. McNemar -HGPFC Slade P. AdkinsPV2 Thomas E. BlairPV2 Ryan D. BowlesPV2 Carlos R. CanabaPVT Christopher C. CatronPFC Travis L. CollinsSPC Anthony J. Cortopassi SPC Stephen A. DamronPV2 Spencer O. GawkoskiSPC Gillian M. KacsutaPV2 Isaac T. KhamlanokaewPFC Daniel J. KosinskiSPC Mark W. KurvachSPC Jamie R. LockPV2 Jonathan R. Mangosing

SPC Jose V. MelendezberriosSPC Victor J. MedleySPC Joel Perez-LorenzoPV2 Patrick S. RobertsPV2 Dakota J. ScharverPV2 Jacob M. Schollian

UAS REPAIRER AAAA congratulates the fol-lowing Army graduates of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Repairer Course, MOS 15E, at Fort Huachuca, AZ.

Shadow UAS Repairer Course 8 Graduates, January 8SSG William A. Domanowski – DHGPFC Ricardo C. BelloPFC Kristopher W. KeetonPFC Darryl K. LeePFC Ryan J. LetendrePFC Justin N. QuezadaPFC Sandra SeguraPFC Nathanael C. Williams

Gray Eagle UAS Repairer Course 19 Graduates, January 15SGT Christopher M. BulenSGT Francisco J. CamachoquinonesSGT Daniel D. Carter

SGT Tyler J. GaedeSGT William M. HimesPFC Joshua D. JonesSPC Brandon M. OrrSPC Juma N. WallaceSPC Ben Jr. AdamsSGT David J. GuginSPC Derek A. Mercer * SPC Christopher A. PflaumSSG James C. SmithSSG Cory L. MenshouseSPC Stephen M. KatzSGT Riley E. CummingsPFC Juan Carlos HerediaSPC Vincent E. Elom

Shadow UAS Repairer Course 8 Graduates, January 29PFC Dylan N. Nickisch – DHGPFC Pedro D. AvalosSFC Jason M. Duncan * PFC Andres D. HillPFC Gabriel R. StrehlPFC Austin L. WinklesPFC Dondre L. Young

* = AAAA MemberDHG = Distinguished Honor GraduateHG = Honor Graduate

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Editor’s note: Companies can send their Army Aviation related news releases and information to [email protected].

Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. Awarded NASA Contract

NASA has awarded the Aircraft Maintenance and Operations contract to Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. of Huntsville, Alabama. The services will support NASA’s aircraft scientific research missions based at the agency’s Wallops Flight Facility at Wallops Island, Virginia. This is a cost-plus-fixed-fee core contract with a cost-plus-fixed-fee indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) portion. The basic core and IDIQ contract value is $33.4 million and the basic period of performance began on Dec. 21 and extends through Sept. 30, 2016. Option I is $37.5 million with a two-year period of performance and Option II is $24.1 million with an approximately 15-months period of performance. Including all options, the total value will not exceed $95 million. This contract was awarded under the Total Small Business Set Aside program. Pinnacle will provide labor, material/parts and equipment to support a wide range of aircraft maintenance and operations support services. The aircraft are operated to meet both center and agency platform, research, and support aircraft requirements for scientific research missions. We are pleased to partner with NASA on this program and to expand our capabilities as an aerospace company,” Mike Durant, President of Pinnacle Solutions said. “This was our second NASA multi-year prime contract win in 2014 and we are proud to have been selected for such an important program.”

Contracts – (From various sources. An “*” by a company name indicates a small business contract)

Boeing Co., Mesa, AZ, was awarded a $14,583,600 modification to a contract to increase the quantity of AH-64E Apache full rate production Lot 5 aircraft. The modification adds additional advance procurement funding to purchase of long lead items; work will be performed in Mesa with an estimated completion date of March 20, 2015.

L-3 Communications Corp., Madison, MS, was awarded a $60,320,578 modification to a contract to support maintenance for the Army’s fleet of C-12/RC-12/UC-35 fixed wing aircraft; work will be per-formed in Madison with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2015.

L3 Communications Vertex Aerospace, LLC, Madison, MS, was awarded two contract modifications: - a $15,634,434 modification for a six month extension of the current bridge contract at Corpus Christi Army Depot, Corpus Christi, TX, to provide highly specialized aircraft production indirect labor services augmenting the civilian workforce; and, - a $16,445,946 modification for a six month extension of a second current bridge contract at Corpus Christi Army Depot to provide highly specialized aircraft production direct labor services, which augment the CCAD civilian workforce. The estimated completion date for both modifications is July 28, 2015.

Lockheed Martin, Orlando, FL, was awarded a $28,246,765 firm-fixed-price foreign military sales (Korea, Indonesia, Qatar, Singapore) multi-year contract with options for 320 Launchers and 4 Launcher Electronic Assembly (LEAs) in support of the Joint Attack Munitions Systems (JAMS) M299 HELLFIRE launchers, spares and engineering support; work will be performed in Orlando with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2017.

M7 Aerospace, LLC, San Antonio, TX, was awarded a $9,842,453 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for continued logistics support for C-26 fixed wing aircraft; work will be performed in Madison, WI; Columbus, OH; Otis Air National Guard Base, MA; Clarksburg, WV; Ft. Belvoir, VA; Raleigh-Durham, NC; Columbus, SC; Dobbins Air Force Base, GA; Little Rock, AR; Buckley Air National Guard Base, CO; Wheeler Air Force Base, HI; and San Antonio with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2015.

Northrop Grumman Technical Services, Inc., Sierra Vista, AZ, was awarded two contract modifications:- a $24,345,692 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Hunter unmanned aircraft system contractor logistics support; work will be performed in Sierra Vista (25 percent), and in Afghanistan (75 percent) with an estimated completion date of Dec. 17, 2015; and, - a $37,080,474 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for continued contract logistics services for unmanned aircraft systems; work will be performed in Sierra Vista and Afghanistan with an estimated completion date of Jan. 14, 2016.

ACES Systems/TEC Aviation Division ..............................38

Advanced Turbine Engine Company, ATEC ......................72

BAE Systems .................................................................29

Bell Helicopters ..............................................................33

Boeing Defense, Space & Security ..................................39

BOSE Corporation ..........................................................35

Coastal Seat Cushions, Inc. ............................................42

Columbia Helicopters, Inc. ................................................2

Finmeccanica North America ...........................................27

Harris Corporation.............................................................5

Helicopter Association International ..................................63

Hupp Aerospace Defense ...............................................51

L-3 Wescam ..................................................................15

MD-Helicopters ..............................................................41

Meggitt Defense Systems ...............................................25

PIC ................................................................................18

Phantom Products Inc. ...................................................19

Science and Engineering Services, SES, Inc......................1

USAA .............................................................................17

UTC Aerospace Systems ................................................13

VT Miltope Corporation ...................................................31

Advertisers Index

NETWORK I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT Industry News l Announcements Related to Army Aviation Matters

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MARCH 2015

Mar. 2-5 HAI Heli-Expo, Orlando, FLMar. 5-7 Women In Aviation International (WAI) 26th Annual Conference, Dallas TXMar. 29-31 AAAA Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit, Nashville, TN. quad-a.org/2015SUMMIT

MAY 2015

May 1 Submission Deadline – Scholarship Applications

JUNE 2015

June 1 Submission Deadline – Hall of Fame Nominations

UPCOMING EVENTS

Upcoming Special Focus

March/April 20152015 AAAA Army Aviation Mission Solution SummitArmy Aviation Leadership

Annual Updates2014 Photo Contest

Winners

AAAA Chapter Directory

May 20152015 AAAA Army Aviation

Mission Solution Summit Recap

Guard/Reserve Aviation

Fixed Wing Update

Contact: Bob [email protected] or

Erika Burgess [email protected]. 268.2450

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Please contribute to the AAAASFI through the

Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) program.

The AAAA Scholarship Foundation, Inc. provides a variety of annual scholarships to

hundreds of students seeking higher education: Soldiers, NCOs, warrant and

commissioned officers and to their family members. Your tax-deductible donation helps make a difference to those looking to further

their educational opportunities.

Contribute to #10516. See your unit CFC representative for details on participating in

the 2015 CFC Program.

The AAAA Scholarship Foundation, Inc.593 Main Street, Monroe, CT 06468-2806Email: [email protected] (203) 268-2450

The Combat Helicopter Pilots Association is soliciting nominations for the Robert N. Tredway Award. The award honors the late Col. Robert N. Tredway who had a distinguished military career as well as an exceptional post-military career, including notable service to veterans with the Wounded Warrior project, as a Founding Member of CHPA and numerous other community and veterans organizations.

The Robert N. Tredway Award is given by the Combat Helicopter Pilots Association in recognition of an individual or corporation for demonstrated accomplishments in support of:

n the United States Military Helicopter Community;n United States Military Veterans with an emphasis on helicopter veterans;n for an individual, signi�cant accomplishment in his/her professional area;n the Combat Helicopter Pilots Association and,n the community at-large.

The nomination must be in writing and contain the Name, Address and other contact information for both the nominee and the individual making the nomination. In addition the nomination shall include a written narrative presenting the accomplishments that qualify the nominee for the award.

Please send all nominations to:

Hon. Stephen M. Reilly 43 Calle Ventoso West Santa Fe, New Mexico 87506

Nominations must be postmarked no later than May 15, 2015.

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State of the Union 2015 On January 20th President Barrack Obama delivered his sixth State of the Union address to the country projecting a bold stance toward a Republican majority in both the House and Senate. The president noted that he had no more elections to run so his focus for the next two years would be to promote his agenda whether through using bills or Executive Order. Highlights included a mix of tax cuts and increases intended to provide the middle and lower income taxpayers a break while increasing taxes on those individuals and corporations in the top earning levels of the tax code. Additionally, the president touted his intent to continue to press the military campaign of coalition airstrikes against ISIS which he noted, “This effort will take time. It will require focus. But we will succeed.” The tone and demeanor of his speech concerning ISIS would indicate that this operation will not be over quickly and that the administration remains prepared to continue strikes for an undetermined amount of time that could be measured in years rather than months. Previously reported in this column, many members of the Republican-led Congress oppose the administration’s interpretation of the authority to legally take action against ISIS based on past legislation taken in the wake of 9/11. President Obama’s point to request autho-rization for use of military force (AUMF) from Congress during his speech shows that this continues to be a priority focus of the admin-istration’s foreign policy stance in the foresee-able future. To bolster his position for AUMF, the president noted that U.S. national power, to include the military element was critical to stemming the tide of ISIS advances through-out the region. He also noted that without the support of a broad coalition that includes Arab, European and Asian Nations, the campaign against ISIS could potentially turn into another protracted U.S. led ground war. Cyber defense was also front and center

during his speech after siting the recent attacks by North Korea as a major catalyst Congress should use to introduce new legislation that would allow more opportunity for information sharing and other agencies like the Department of Homeland Security.

House Passes Suicide Prevention Bill In what can only be categorized as one of the tragic realities of the 21st century in the United States, prevention of Veterans suicide, which is estimated to take 22 Veteran lives each day as reported by the Veterans Administration last year, continues to be a congressional topic of interest. The House, for the second time in two months, passed the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act on January 12th. The bill which boosts funding and resources to combat suicide prevention was rejected by the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC) in December 2014 as then Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) torpedoed the bill based on his claim that there were already existing VA programs that supported suicide prevention. Many organizations, to include The Military Coalition, expressed their dismay to the committee and with the beginning of the 114th Congress this became the first tabled bill before the SAVC in 2015. The bill passed unanimously through the SVAC on January 21st and will be voted on by the full Senate within the coming week. Corporal Clay Hunt served with distinction in the United States Marine Corps in both Iraq and Afghanistan and took his life at 28 after lobbying for Veterans issues on Capitol Hill. Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA), the committee chairman assured the press that this measure would be passed by the full Senate and signed by President Obama as the first law of the year. The House version of the bill instructs the VA to provide the necessary funds for suicide prevention within its current operating

budget, provides funding for psychologists and psychology students who work for the VA with transitioning Veterans, and a centralized web site that provides information on resources available to Veterans. The bill also calls on the Department of Defense and the VA to conduct a complete review of their current suicide prevention programs and to report back to Congress.

Anticipated Changes to Military Compensation The Congressionally mandated Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Committee (MCRMC) is set to release its results on personnel compensation and retirement during the first week of February 2015. Already, there is debate on how these new reforms will take place, as both Senator John McCain (R-AZ), the new Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Mac Thornberry (R-TX), the new Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, agree that there must be reform but that these contemplated changes should look at the quality of the fore as a whole, focusing on recruitment and retention, rather than just looking at savings that can be realized to reduce the Federal deficit. Both Sen. McCain and Rep. Thornberry do agree in principle though those changes to compensation should not be levied against those currently serving or retired. This was also echoed by MCRMC committee member former OSD Comptroller Dov Zahkeim who stated that the recommendations would not affect those currently serving. Other than Mr. Zahkeim’s comment, the findings and recommendations of the committee are being kept tightly under wraps until released. At the same time, with sequestration ready to take effect at the end of 2015, the chairmen know that they must come up with a comprehensive plan that shapes future personnel compensation outlays while at the same time keeping National security at the forefront of and discussion of reductions.

By COL (Ret.) William H. MorrisAAAA Representative to The Military Coalition (TMC)[email protected]

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In Memoriam

Major General Joseph N. “Jim” Jaggers, Retired It is with great sadness that AAAA announces the passing of MG (Ret.) Joseph N. “Jim” Jaggers

from heart failure at his home in Carlsbad, CA on January 16, 2015. He was 85. A 2007 Army Aviation Hall of Fame inductee, he played a key role in fostering Army Aviation

as a combat commander, earning two Silver Stars, �ve Distinguished Flying Crosses and 45 Air Medals, developing tactical doctrine, �elding the Huey Cobra and in the procurement of the Ad-vanced Attack Helicopter.

After commanding a ri�e company in the Korean War, he earned his wings in 1957 and, at Ft. Benning, Georgia, organized and commanded the Army’s �rst experimental Aerial Reconnais-sance and Security Troop. While in Vietnam, he commanded the 68th Aviation Company (re-designated the 197th), evolving from the legendary Utility Tactical Transport (UTT) Company.

His near-single handed orchestration of a major airmobile operation in Hau Nghia province, near the village of Duc Hoa, resulted in the197th being recognized for conspicuous bravery and, in May of 1965, being awarded the �rst Presi-dential Unit Citation in the Vietnam War. He developed “Cardinal Rules” for armed helicopter tactical employment, the basis for a new Army �eld manual. Be-tween Vietnam tours, he was the DA Special Sta� O�cer for the �elding of the AH-1G Cobra. Back in Vietnam, he commanded the 3d Battalion, 506th Infantry operating in the Central Highlands, and made a brilliant combat assault into Cambodia. He was assigned to Project MASSTER, where he directed key developmental tests involving aerial scouts, followed by command of the 3d Brigade, First Cavalry Division. After promotion to BG, he became the Assistant Division Commander of the 1st Cav. He served as Chairman of the Advanced Attack Helicopter Source Selection Board and then Chairman of the TADS/PNVS Source Selection Board re-sulting in the development and procurement of the AH-64 Attack Helicopter. He accumulated more than 1,600 combat �ying hours and a total of over 5,000 hours. His leadership and contributions to Army aviation have been inspirational. A memorial service was held February 21st in Austin, Texas, where he and his wife resided before moving to California, at Camp Mabry, headquarters of the Texas National Guard. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. May he rest in peace.

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25 Years AgoFebruary 28, 1990

Just CauseArmy Aviation played a signi�cant role in Panama during OPERA-TION JUST CAUSE �ying 1,200 missions, to the tune of 4,500 com-bat hours; such missions as Attack, Recon, Assault and Resupply. Of

note is the damage assessment: At its height, some 167 heli-copters were committed. Forty-�ve were damaged, mostly by small arms �re. Of these, 40 were re-turned to service, and within a period of 24 hours or less. �e four aircraft lost were of the Scout or Scout/At-tack variety.

ARNG and War on DrugsIn 1983, only four states utilized ARNG assets for Drug Enforcement operations. In FY 89, some 53 states and territories committed ARNG assets to the War on Drugs; up from 32 states in FY 88. A total of 1,811 missions were logged, representing 107,348 man-days performed by over 1,000 ARNG troops. DEA/ARNG counterdrug operations provide an opportunity for two government agencies to wield their capabilities and talents against a scourge in American society… illicit drugs.

MD 530NAn MD 530N helicopter took to the air for the �rst time on December 29, 1989. �is McDonnell Douglas o�ering, which features the NOTAR anti-torque system, is reputed to be the �rst conventional, single main-rotor helicopter without a tail ro-

tor for anti-torque direc-tional control. NOTOR-equipped helicopters, which will be available in both MD 530N and MD 520N con�gurations, are the latest versions of the MD 500, which �rst �ew in 1963.

50 Years AgoFebruary 1965

“Space Utilization,” CPT Gerald D. MacDowellLTC Benjamin S. Silver’s 228th As-sault Support Helicopter Battalion at Fort Ben-ning, GA, has e�ected space-

saving solutions aboard the CH-47A Chi-nook. For overhead storage they borrowed from the typical inner-city bus. Instead of racks, though, they used litters from the air-craft litter kit for ceiling storage. Behind the troop seats, along the sides, tie-downs were employed to secure ammo boxes, PRC 25 radios, �eld cook sets, survival kits… Truth be told, Madison Av-enue bus driver, Ralph Kramden of “Honeymooners” fame, could have learned a thing or two about space utilization on his bus from LTC Silver’s Winged Warriors.

“Hot Cycle”January 28, 1965, the XV-9A “Test Bed” �ew; developed for USARECOM by Hughes Tool Company’s Aircraft Division, Culver City, CA. �e XV-9A, AKA “Hot Cycle,” is based on a principle by which hot gases are jetted from blade-tip louvers; a concept designed to dispense with the heavy gear boxes associated with normal shaft

engine aircraft. �e “Hot Cycle” principle is supposed to enable a helicopter to be able to hoist more than twice its empty weight in cargo or passengers.

Calling it a CareerMG Clifton F. von Kann, CG, U.S. Army Avia-tion Center and commandant of the U.S. Army Aviation School, announced his retirement from the Army, e�ective February 28. He began his career as a regular in 1938. He came to Fort Rucker in August 1963, following command of the 1st Cavalry Division.

Art’s AtticBy Mark AlbertsonArt’s Attic is a look back each month 25 years ago and 50 years ago to see what was going on in ARMY AVIATION Magazine. Art Kesten was our founder and first publisher from 1953 to 1987. He was also the founder of the AAAA in 1957 and served as its Executive Vice President. Each month contributing editor Mark Albertson will select a few key items from each historic issue. The cartoon, right, was done back in 1953 by LT Joe Gayhart, a friend of Art’s and an Army Aviator, showing the chaos of his apartment-office in New York City where it all began.


Army Aviation Hall of Fame

The Army Aviation Hall

of Fame, sponsored by

the Army Aviation

Association of America,

Inc., recognizes those

individuals who have made

an outstanding contribution

to Army Aviation.

The actual Hall of Fame

is located in the

Army Aviation Museum,

Fort Rucker, Ala.

The deadline for

nominations for the

2016 induction is

June 1, 2015

Contact the AAAA

National Office for details

and nomination forms at

(203) 268-2450 or visit

www.quad-a.org

Chief Warrant Officer Four James T. Burnette

Army Aviation Hall of Fame 1989 Induction

CW4 James T. Burnette was inducted into the Army Aviation Hall of Fame for

his extraordinary contributions as a leader, innovator, manager, and mentor in the aviation logistics �eld. One of those rare “non-rated” Aviation Maintenance O�cers who have routinely been the mainstay of aviation maintenance and supply operations, he devoted his entire 28 years of service to the not so glorious, behind-the-scenes world of aviation logistics. His truly exceptional devotion to duty, superlative leadership, tenacity, and innovativeness produced dramatic improvements to �eet readiness, and most of all, the sustained professional respect of subordinates, peers, and superiors throughout Army Aviation. An exceptional aviation mechanic, he quickly assumed demanding positions early in his career, serving as maintenance section chief of a VIP L-23 detachment and liaison to the USAF’s Southern Air Material Area at Clark AFB, Philippines, where he supervised contract maintenance and depot programs for all Army aircraft throughout the Far East. Promoted to WO1 in 1963, Mr. Burnette deployed to Vietnam where with the 73rd Aviation Company, he established one of the �rst aviation support activities in USARV. Following a second tour as Detachment 5 Commander, Company A, 15th Transportation Battalion, his reputation became legendary because of his unit’s �awless record on accidents or incidents attributed to material failure or aircraft maintenance oversight. His later key positions included tours with the 11th Air Assault Division’s 228th Helicopter Battalion and the Cheyenne project management o�ce in DA. He was a platform instructor and authored many programs of instruction while at U.S. Army Transportation School and the USA WO College at Ft. Rucker, AL, prior to earning BS (Avn Repair Facility Management) and MA degrees. During ‘70-’80, he distinguished himself as administrator of TWA’s maintenance contract servicing all USA aircraft in the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Africa. On his last active duty tour, he managed a theater level intermediate/limited depot facility in Europe where his initiatives resulted in great cost savings and e�ciencies.

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