Army Aviation: A Critical Member of the 21st Century Joint Team

Abstract : Starting with the collapse of the Soviet empire in 1989, world events have clearly shifted the threat paradigm for the United States Armed Forces from the Cold War model to the Global War on Terrorism. However, the United States Army, and specifically, Army Aviation, was slow to realize this shift and adjust its force structure, training, and doctrine to reflect a new set of conditions. The Persian Gulf War of 1991 did not help Army Aviation with a vision for change either, although the forces were magnificent in that conflict. For the most part, although some downsizing was done, the same force structure and tactics in many formations that had been designed for fighting the Russian Cold War model were retained. The United States Armed Forces must continue to push towards joint interdependence as the Global War on Terrorism is prosecuted for years to come. Army Aviation has the potential to play a decisive role for Combatant Commanders and Joint Force Commanders in combat theaters all around the world. In order to remain relevant as a member of the joint team, Army Aviation is in the process of transforming itself to like, modular, multi-functional aviation brigades that will be more robust, deployable, and sustainable throughout the full spectrum of operations. The end state is to provide our Combatant Commanders with increased combat power and flexibility on present and future battlefields. This is being accomplished through an overhaul of Army Aviation's force structure and a complete re-structuring of aircraft and personnel. Once completed, aviation formations will contain one type of aviation brigade which will contain every type of aircraft and capability. This is being done by dissolving a majority of higher level aviation organizations and pushing that capability to the Army division level. Each of these divisions will see a substantial increase in numbers of aircraft.