NETWORKl

RECOGNITION

l

VOICE

l

SUPPORT

June 30, 2019

GO ABOVE AND BEYOND FLIGHT
AT BELL.CO/ARMYAVIATION

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

2June 30, 2019

44

Contents
June 30, 2019, Vol. 68, No. 6

TO THE FIELD
14

18

10

ARSOAC Commander Update
By BG Allan M. Pepin

14

ARSOAC Command Chief Warrant Officer Update
By CW5 David F. Greenwood

18

ARSOAC Command Sergeant Major Update
By CSM Billy D. Webb

22

Combat Readiness Center Update
By COL Christopher W. Waters

24

Reserve Components Aviation Update
By BG J. Ray Davis

26

Tech Talk
By Mr. Toney Heathington

28

Ask the Flight Surgeon
By CPT Joseph R. Adams, DO and MAJ Ryan Green, PhD

SPECIAL FOCUS — Army Special Operations Aviation

34

38

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

30

Special Operations Aviation Mission Survivability Team –Owning the Spectrum for Tomorrow’s Fight
By MAJ Zachary Dadisman, MAJ Evan Westgate, CPT Brandon
Jack and CW4 Thomas Schneider

34

Bridging the Aviation CBRN Gap
By CPT Nickolas Nagel and MAJ Paul Neal

38

Prepare for A2AD
By MAJ Chip Colgary and CW4 Dan Cosson

40

ARSOA & AFSOC: Leverage Training Opportunities with a
Focus on Near-Peer Threats
By MAJ David Aamidor and Maj. Ryan Taylor (USAF)

42

Analog Processes in a Digital Army: Human Expertise 			Supporting Digital Complexity
By CW3 Bruce Silva and SSG Kyle Gardner

44

Owning the Environment – DVEPSBy CW4 Michael Pounds and MAJ Jeff Timmons

3

June 30, 2019

48

Contents
June 30, 2019, Vol. 68, No. 6

46

46

SPECIAL FOCUS – Arming the Force
46		 PM JAMS Update – Special Operations Support
By Mr. Todd L. Gangl

SPECIAL FOCUS
48		 Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit Recap

FROM THE FIELD
61

60

FORSCOM Aviation: Supporting the Aviation Warfighter
By LTC Michael Charnley

DEPARTMENTS

62

68

AAAA NEWSAAAA President’s Cockpit........................................................................................................8
AAAA VP Chapter Affairs.......................................................................................................64
Chapter News.........................................................................................................................65
AAAA VP Membership...........................................................................................................66
New Members....................................................................................................................... 67
AAAA Family Forum.................................................................................................................68
AAAA Legislative Report........................................................................................................ 73
ARMY AVIATION COMMUNITY NEWS
Advertisers Index...................................................................................................................... 72
Art’s Attic....................................................................................................................................... 78
Briefings...........................................................................................................................................6
Calendar.......................................................................................................................................65
Hall of Fame................................................................................................................................. 79
Historical Perspective.............................................................................................................62
Industry News............................................................................................................................. 72
In Memoriam .............................................................................................................................. 70
People on the Move................................................................................................................ 74
Spotlight.........................................................................................................................................61

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: aaaa@quad-a.org. Army Aviation Magazine E-Mail: magazine@quad-a.org. 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.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

4June 30, 2019

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

5June 30, 2019

Briefings u
POTUS Nominates
Shanahan as SECDEF

Contributing Editor / Mark Albertson
mark@quad-a.org

McConville Confirmed as
CSA

Advertising Director / Robert C. Lachowski
bob@quad-a.org
Advertising Manager / Erika Burgess
erika@quad-a.org

AAPI PHOTO BY RENÉ BIDEZ

Family Forum Editor / Judy Konitzer
judy@quad-a.org

Marketing Director / Jennifer Chittem
jenn@quad-a.org

Funk to Head TRADOC

U.S. ARMY PHOTO

VP Business Development / Sal D. Luccisal@quad-a.org
Circulation Department
Sarah Beyer
Deb Cavallaro
Debbie Coley
Elisabeth Mansson
Sue Stokes
Web Master / Mary Seymour
mary@quad-a.org

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

U.S. ARMY PHOTO

www.ARMYAVIATIONmagazine.com

LTG Daniel R. Hokanson,
United States Army National
Guard, was confirmed by
the Senate on March 28,
2019 for reappointment
to the rank of lieutenant
general and assignment
as Director, Army National Guard, Arlington,
VA. A Master Army Aviator, he is currently
serving as Vice Chief of the National Guard
Bureau, Arlington, VA.

Richardson
to Command
ARNORTH
U.S. ARMY PHOTO

PAID ADVERTISEMENT:
When a soldier’s life hangs in thebalance, all that matters is how fastand how far you can fly. At 280
knots, there’s no rotorcraft in theworld better built to save a life—themost important mission of all.
Caption provided by the advertiser.

LTG Paul Funk, currently the commanding
general of III Corps andFort Hood, Texas, wasconfirmed by the Senate on
March 28 for a fourth star
and appointment to lead
the U.S. Army Training andDoctrine Command, at Joint
Base Langley-Eustis. He will replace GEN
Stephen Townsend who assumed commandof TRADOC last March.

Hokanson Confirmed as
ARNG Director

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

On The Cover

On May 23rd, the Senate
confirmed by unanimous
consent the nomination of
GEN James C. McConvilleto become the 40th Chiefof Staff of the United States
Army. He will succeed GEN Mark A. Milley
who was nominated in April to be the 20thchairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Three Six-Pack Members
Confirmed for MG

U.S. ARMY PHOTO

Web Edition / Trudy Hodenfieldtrudy@quad-a.org

President Trump has nominated acting secretary ofdefense Patrick Shanahan
to fill the position vacatedby Jim Mattis in December
2018. Shanahan, 56, spentdecades at Boeing before
he was picked in April 2017 by Trump toserve as Mattis’ deputy secretary of defense
and has been acting secretary since January
2019. If confirmed by the Senate, he will be
the 27th SECDEF.

U.S. ARMY PHOTO

Director of Design & Production
Anne H. Ewing
magazine@quad-a.org

rank of lieutenant general and assignment
as commanding general, United States Army
North/Fifth Army, Joint Base San Antonio,
TX; she is currently serving as deputy
commanding general/chief of staff of U.S.
Army Forces Command, Ft. Bragg, NC.

LTG Laura J. Richardson,
was confirmed by the
Senate on May 23, 2019
for reappointment to the
6

U.S. ARMY PHOTO

Associate Editor / CW5 Adam Jarvis
adam@quad-a.org

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PHOTO

Publisher / William R. Harris Jr.
Editor / CW4 (Ret.) Joseph L. Pisano Sr.
editor@quad-a.org

Late Breaking News - Announcements

The Senate confirmed on May 23, 2019 thefollowing officers for promotion to the rankof major general:
BG David J. Francis, enrouteto Commanding General,
United States Army Aviation
Center of Excellence andFort Rucker, Ft. Rucker, AL;
BG Kenneth T. Royar, enrouteto Commanding General,
United States Army Aviationand Missile Command,
Redstone Arsenal, AL; and,
BG Thomas H. Todd III,
Program Executive Officer,
Aviation, Redstone Arsenal,
Alabama.

CORRECTIONS:

On page 22 of the April/May 2019 issue, theco-author’s name should be CPT Richard
Nezat; and on page 21 of the March 31,
2019 issue, the photo is of SSG Matthew
Ferguson – we apologize for the errors.

15th Luther G. Jones
Army Aviation Depot Forum

Thank You Sponsors!

Register Today!
Online Registration Closes 8/5

August 20-21, 2019
Solomon Ortiz Center, Corpus Christi, TX

quad-a.org/19LutherJones#19LUTHERJONES
June 30, 2019u President’s Cockpit

AAPI PHOTO BY BILL HARRIS

Taking Off to Continue the MissionI

am honored to serveas the new AAAA
President. I have been amember for almost four
decades, and I believe
our association provides
a true service to ourArmy, Army Aviation, and
our Soldiers and theirfamilies.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

Representative Rosa DeLauro, addresses members of the Army Aviation Congressional Caucus during
an AAAA-sponsored breakfast in Washington, DC, May 16, 2019. Also attending: (left to right) MG(Ret.) Jeff Schloesser, AAAA President; BG(P) Dave Francis, incoming U.S. Army Aviation Branch Chief;
BG(P) Thomas Todd, PEO Aviation; BG Allan Pepin, Commanding General, U.S. Army Special Operations
Aviation Command; Mr. William Marriott, Executive Director, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command;and Mr. Geoffrey Downer, Acting AMCOM Director, Special Programs.

I am committed to ensuring we support
and provide a voice for our members
and their families, while providing animportant means for networking andboth personal and unit level recognition.
I sincerely thank our previous
president, BG (Ret.) Steve Mundt, for
his two years of exceptional vision andleadership, which culminated in eight
years of volunteer leadership within
our AAAA National Executive Group.
Steve has willingly accepted my request
to continue to play a substantive role in
AAAA, and so I expect you will see hisface and name in our future activities.
I thank our Executive Director, Mr.
Bill Harris, for his superb leadership of
his talented AAAA professional teamover the past year, culminating in ourlatest AAAA Army Aviation Mission
Solutions Summit 14-16 April 2019.
Bill and his team make this huge and8complex event look seamless, but it is infact a highly complex orchestration ofmultiple near simultaneous events that
benefit Army Aviation and our members, as well as our industry and media
partners. This year’s summit was a hit:with almost 7,500 attendees, and multiple professional forums capped by the
Army’s most senior aviator, Vice Chiefof Staff General Jim McConville (who
we also congratulate on his confirmation by the Senate as our Army’s next
Chief of Staff ).
At the Summit, your National
Executive Group (NEG) was elected:
Senior Vice President MG (Ret.) Tim
Crosby, Treasurer MG (Ret.) Walt
Davis, Secretary MG (Ret.) “Wally”
Golden, and me as your 34th President.
My congratulations to Tim, Walt, andWally, and my thanks for their selflessservice to AAAA!
June 30, 2019

As part of the NEG, I am empowered to appoint Vice Presidents toserve in one-year capacities, and soreappoint MG (Ret.) Les Eisner as
VP of National Guard and Reserve
Affairs, LTC Jan Drabczuk (Ret.) VP of
Chapters, and CW4 Becki Chambers as
VP Membership. I thank them for theircontinued hard work!
As I look at Army Aviation, we area strong, mature, and highly relevant
branch. That said, we, like the rest of
the Army, are at an inflection point.
To borrow the Chief of Staff of the
Army’s phrase, and we must modernize
our capabilities as the Army shifts tofocus on peer to peer competition anddeterrence, all the while maintaining alaser focus on current readiness. We at
AAAA will seek to support our Armyand our branch in this balancing act.
By the time you read this article, wewill have hosted a forum between ourelected leadership in Congress and Army
Aviation Six-pack leaders for them toexchange viewpoints and learn fromeach other (the Army Aviation Caucus).
You can also expect to see in-depth
articles in this magazine focused on
Army Modernization, Future VerticalLift, Peer to Peer competition and whatthat means for Army Aviation, andpractical / tactical solutions for readinesschallenges faced by our commanders,warrant officers and NCO leaders of
our combat aviation formations. As you
have come to expect, we will continue
to give voice and focus to our total
Army Aviation team of teams: Active,
Reserve, National Guard, and Special
Operations Aviation forces.
Congratulations to LTG Dan
Hokanson on his confirmation as
Director of the Army National Guard.
As an Army Aviator, he brings a uniqueawareness to this critical position for the
success of our Total Army Team.
This month our Army Aviation
Branch Chief, MG Bill Gayler,
relinquished command at Fort Rucker
after 38 months in command. Billhas provided strong, passionate, andvisionary leadership to our branch, andon behalf of our over 18,200 membersof AAAA, we wish he and Michelle (aleader in her own right) a fond farewelland best wishes in their next posting inEurope. We also welcome BG (P) DaveFrancis and his spouse Jodie back to
Fort Rucker and offer our best wishes as
Dave assumes command of our branch.
I also welcome our new AMCOM
Commander, BG (P) Todd Royar backto Redstone Arsenal, and look forward

to working with him to provide focused
attention on readiness and sustainmentof our fleets. And, we likewise welcome
BG Mac McCurry as the Directorof Aviation at DAMO-AV and wish
him well as he looks out for the Army
Aviation Enterprise interests at HQDA.
As I look forward to AAAA events
this year, we have the Luther G.
Jones Army Aviation Depot Forumin Corpus Christi, August 20-21; our
AAAA National Executive Board
semi-annual meeting in Washington,
DC, October 13; and in Huntsville,
our Aircraft Survivability Symposium,
November, 18-19 followed by the
Joseph P. Cribbins Army Aviation
Product Sustainment Symposium on
Nov. 20-21. Additionally, we will besupporting many Chapter events thisyear with resources to lower costs andexpand opportunities to our members
and prospective members.
It is shaping up to be an exciting year
for Army Aviation, and I look forward
to providing proactive leadership of ourgreat association!
MG Jeff Schloesser, U.S. Army Retired
34th President, AAAA
jeff.schloesser@quad-a.org

PROUDLY SUPPORTING ARMYAVIATION BY PROVIDING AEROSPACEAND DEFENSE SOLUTIONS TO OURSOLDIERS WORLDWIDE!

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

9June 30, 2019

u ARSOAC Commander Update
Editor’s Note: For this Special Operations Aviation focused issue, the branch chief, MG William K. Gayler, has coordinated having the commanding
general of the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command, BG Allan M. Pepin, his command chief warrant officer, and command sergeant major
provide the lead, “To the Field,” command group articles.

ARSOAC – A Ready and Lethal Command
By BG Allan M. Pepin

BG Pepin addresses Soldiers during aphysical training session while visiting Fort Campbell, KY.

They often push themselves and theirequipment to the upper limits of humanability and equipment capability. Amazingly and consistently, they do this +/- 30
seconds time on target. This unique ability is a result of a continued adaption andinnovation since the early 1980s.
Today, the United States Army Special Operations Aviation Command(ARSOAC) continues to meet the current challenges, while pursuing modernization efforts to prepare for the next
fight in Joint Multi-Domain Operations( JMDO). As the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment’s and otherunit’s higher headquarters, ARSOAC
has Title X responsibilities of manning,training, equipping and modernizing theoperational units. While our people remain our most important resource, ourmodernization efforts focus on improving operator capabilities through evolutions in technology and capability. Theseadvancements will increase readiness andlethality in the future peer adversarial environments, while enabling or removing
humans, when and where able, with theevolution of artificial intelligence (AI).
Our sustainable readiness model(SRM) began well before 9/11 due to
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

the demand exceeding the supply of
ARSOA units. The impact of nearly 18
years of sustained combat operations has
placed increased requirements and demands for our force to remain ready andlethal. At the individual level, ARSOAC
is enhancing unit programs aligned with
USSOCOM’s program focused on individual readiness and enhanced quality oflife, called Preservation of the Force andFamily (POTFF). The pillars of this program include: 1) Human Performance
which includes physical performance,
physical rehabilitation, working memory,and cognitive load management; 2) Psychological Performance, 3) Social Performance, and 4) Spiritual Performance.
These are designed to enhance humanreadiness, resiliency and life longevity.
Individual readiness is a key component
to remaining ready to deploy anywherein the world, on short notice, to enableground forces to fight and win.

Training

To ensure our battalions remain readyto deploy as an ARSOA Task Force,
ARSOAC established an external evaluations (EXEVAL) process to validate
battalion commanders and staffs (2-lev10

ARSOAC PHOTO

S

ince October 2001,
the Army Special
Operations Aviation(ARSOA) enterprise hascontinuously deployedglobally in support of
SOF ground forces.
Executing dynamic
missions in challenging
environments without failis the result of our bravemen and women.

els down doctrinal process). To maximize
the training opportunity, while minimizing increased perstempo, we overlap
these EXEVALs in conjunction withbattalion training exercises and regimental flight lead evaluations. These complex training exercises, which include a
dedicated ground force to enable training objectives, as well external fixed androtary wing support from Joint and other
Components, support mission essentialtraining list (METL) focused and training at echelon. We also generate readyforces through Joint and home station
tough and realistic training. We can pushcrews past failure points through the innovative and integrated use of simulations and simulator training. Sustained
readiness allows commanders at echelon
to remain laser focused on adapting tactical, operational and strategic capabilities to preserve options for Departmentof Defense and Geographical Combatant Commanders in support of our National Defense Strategy.

Modernization

Our prioritized modernization efforts
focus on providing enhanced combat
power for the joint force in the demandJune 30, 2019

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

11

June 30, 2019

ing and diverse environmental conditions
we will face. Maintaining a comparativeadvantage in shoot, move, communicate,survive, and sustain capabilities to meetcurrent and future challenges requires
an investment in modernization initiatives and continual refinement of tactics,
techniques and procedures in Joint Forceinteroperability. We are actively pursuing the most practical and cost-effective
equipment, while continuing to leveragetechnology to increase the survivabilityof our crews and ground force. This includes AI efforts to track and use data to
support condition-based maintenance,
which will decrease sustainment costs
over time that will enable increased investments in other priorities. There are
ongoing efforts to optimize our navigation, weapons, targeting, communications and mission command systems andarchitecture for interoperability and effectiveness in a cyber and electronic warfare (EW) contested environment. Thisis critical as JMDO will require the ability to operate within adversary domains
using air, land, sea, space and cyber spacedomain systems adding to an alreadycomplex physical environment.
In partnership with Army CrossFunctional Team programs, ARSOAC
seeks to invest in SOF-unique capabilities, and adapt to emerging technologies

and training in order to maintain readiness. Our efforts must encompass lethality, maneuverability, mission command,countering advanced air defense systems,
and optimizing our sustainment of combat power. We anticipate the introduction of a longer-range precision munition
as an alternative to the Hellfire for theAH-6, MH-60M and Gray Eagle, to allow us to engage targets at greater ranges
to increase lethality. We are investing to
upgrade our MH-47Gs to close the gap
between SOF and Army platforms byproviding commonality of parts, reduction of support costs, and cost sharing
between Services; the Mission Enhanced
Little Bird (MELB) to increase speed,
payload, and maneuverability and closely
monitoring and supporting the developments of the Future Vertical Lift (FVL)
and Future Tactical Unmanned Aerial
Systems (FTUAS) programs.
Before a person or platform departs
home station, the ecosystem of ARSOA
and SOF Acquisition is committed to
producing the best capability in people
and equipment. Due to the changing
global environment and technologicaladvancements, we must keep an eye on
the horizon to set the conditions for future missions in a more complex environment. The reality is we will not always
have the ability to pick and choose thetime and place of the next mission, andwe will execute with the equipment wehave, not always with what we wished
we had. Therefore, as we modernize, wemust continue the high level of training, leader development and adaption
to new doctrine within our formations.
Tough, realistic training that develops
leaders and crews at echelon and ourhonest and professional candid AARs
remains the bedrock of readiness.
It is an honor to be part of the great
accomplishments of the Aviation community and its support to the groundforces we support. ARSOA cannot exist without the integration, collaboration and support of the rest of the Army
Aviation community. We also realize wehave the ability to enhance Army Aviation with an exchange of information on
successful SOF expedited modernization efforts that enhance lethality andsurvivability. I remain humbled to servewith the men and women whose honorable and selfless service to our Nation, as
well as the sacrifices of their families is
inspirational. We are a team of teams andwinning is the only acceptable outcome.
Volare Optimos! To fly the best!
BG Allan M. Pepin is the commander ofU.S. Army Special Operations Aviation
Command located at Fort Bragg, NC.

ReleaSe Unit &ejectoR ReleaSe Unit
foR helicopteRS

Weight Saving - Short turn-around time - Unmatched boresight repeatability

www.alkan.fr
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

12June 30, 2019

DECISIVE

PRINCIPLED

VERSATILE

TRANSITION FROM YOUR LIFE IN SPECIAL OPERATIONS TO
PARAMILITARY OPERATIONS WITH THE CIA.
With your special operations training, you’ve proven that you’ll
push yourself to the limit in defending what makes our country great.
Now, we’re inviting you to go beyond – to serve our nation’s interests as aParamilitary Operations Officer or Specialized Skills Officer with the CIA’s
Directorate of Operations. You’ll conduct intelligence activities globally using
your significant combat and leadership experience in Special Operations or
Combat Arms (Infantry and Aviation).
Every company has a mission statement. Some are just moremeaningful than others.

Successful candidates for this position may be eligible for a
one-time hiring bonus of up to 25% of their base pay.

THE WORK OF A NATION.
THE CENTER OF INTELLIGENCE.

For additional information and to apply, visit:

cia.gov/careers

Applicants must have US citizenship and the ability to successfully complete medical examinations and security
procedures, including a polygraph interview. An equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workforce.
ARMY AVIATION Magazine
13
June 30, 2019

u ARSOAC Command Chief Warrant Officer Update

Stay Army, Join Special Operations
Aviation (SOA) By CW5 David F. Greenwood

T

ARSOAC COURTESY PHOTO

he United States
Army Aviation
Center of Excellence(USAACE) prepares thebest aviators in the world
for assignment to warfighting units in our Army.
“Above the Best” is amotto that every Armyaviator knows.
A Green Platoon instructor from the Special Operations Aviation Training Battalion (SOATB) at Fort
Campbell, Kentucky observes Night Stalker candidates during a timed road march. Green Platoon isthe assessment and selection entry point for all enlisted, officer and warrant officer candidates to serve
within Special Operations Aviation.

The United States Army Aviation
Center of Excellence (USAACE)
prepares the best aviators in the world
for assignment to war-fighting units in
our Army. “Above the Best” is a mottothat every Army aviator knows. It is
ingrained in our aviators’ ethos that
their task is to continually develop
individual tactical & technical expertisein their craft to best inform and enablesuccessful Army ground force missions.
We exist to support the ground force.
The Aviation Warrant Officer(AvWO) is a critical component of ouraviation force structure. Our nation’s
Army invests millions of dollars in
the development and training of each
AvWO during their first obligationof service and continue to invest
throughout their careers. As the AvWO
progresses up through the ranks,
their roles become more importantto our Army’s ability to fight and win
tonight. By design, the career status
Chief Warrant Officers Two, Three,
and Four are the Aviation Branch’s
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

journeymen and masters who executethe commander’s priorities and training
guidance. They do this by assisting in
the development and execution of theirunit’s training plans and equipment
sustainment readiness. They are also
force generators supporting thepipeline at the USAACE. If you are
one of these journeymen/masters, ourArmy teammates need your continued
commitment, mentorship, leadership,
and professional example.
If you are looking for a newenvironment to challenge your unique
skills, or are at a decision point to stayin or get out of the Army (but haveplenty left in the tank), consider theopportunities that joining the Special
Operations team may offer you andyour family.
Do you remember the excitement
you felt when you received word thatyou have been selected for Warrant
Officer Flight Training (WOFT)?
You didn’t know what you didn’tknow, but you knew that you were14

about to embark on something special.
An opportunity that you may havewondered if you would succeed at, nowthat you were accepted. It was not justanother PCS; all of your peers were
impressed. You had quietly moved
through the packet process and gained
support of your company and battalion
commanders. You reached out to asenior warrant officer for an interview,no idea how that process would go. You
were internally optimistic, but the wait
was grueling. Thinking back to thistime, ask yourself if you would haveregrets if you hadn’t applied?
Not unlike the application processthat feeds the Army Aviation enterprise,
YOU must take the first step to join
the SOA team. Fan the flame thatburned within you when you applied
for WOFT. You don’t know what
you don’t know, but you have alreadyproven to yourself that you have theguts to try. Similar to getting accepted
into WOFT, the opportunities for you
in SOA are exceptional as you apply
June 30, 2019

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

15

June 30, 2019

yourself through your already provendisciplined initiative and motivation.
Don’t leave a stone unturned in yourpursuit to find fulfillment in your
Army career.
SOA units are actively seeking
AvWO men and women applicantsthat want to join well-resourced, welltrained and combat ready units. SOA
assesses and selects fit, disciplined andmotivated AvWOs for assignment.
Assignment in SOA guarantees agraduate-level training program thatwill rapidly enhance your capabilities
and skills. A SOA assignment
guarantees you the time and resources
to focus on planning for and executing
realistic, challenging training andreal-world aviation missions in allenvironments. SOA unit members
and their families are provided superb
family support programs and location
and assignment stability. Preservationof the Force and Family (POTFF)
initiatives provide world-class services
that deliver the tools to build resilienceand longevity at all SOA AvWO
assignment locations. SOA units
normally deploy and train in teams
which allows for a more predictable

160th Recruiting Schedule
FY19

Fort Rucker
Fort Bragg
Korea
Fort Drum
Fort Hood
Hunter AAF
JBLM

FY 20 (Proposed)

8-12 JUL
15-19 JUL
20-27 JUL
5-9 AUG
19-23 AUG
3-6 SEP
16-20 SEP

and flexible individual schedule,
allowing better balance between workand family.
Imagine what you can accomplish
with the synergy of highly modified
mission design aircraft, well-resourced
sustainment
andmodernization
programs, working with like-minded
motivated teammates. Are you an
Aviation Warrant Officer with at least 50
hours Pilot in Command or 500 hours
total flight time? The SOA community
is interested in having your skills on
the team. The Special Operations
Recruiting Battalion (SORB) in concert
with unit recruiting team(s) offer one-

Fort Rucker 7-11 OCT
Hawaii21-25 OCT
Fort Bliss
4-8 NOV
Fort Campbell 18-22 NOVFort Carson 9-14 DEC
Fort Bragg 6-10 JAN

on-one briefings to interested applicants
and their families (see 160th Recruitingschedule in this article).
Want to know more? Contact a
SORB recruiter today or attend a brief
at your duty station.
Contact a recruiter today throughour email: 160threcruiters@socom.mil or
website: https://goarmysof.com/160th/
Follow us on FB, Twitter, andInstagram @USASOAC
CW5 David F. Greenwood is the fifthcommand chief warrant officer of the
U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation
Command (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, NC.

Columbia Helicopters maintains a Honeywell certified test
cell capable of operating up to 6,000 shaft horsepower.
We provide complete Honeywell T55-714 engine testingthat ensures your engine exceeds minimum standards
and operates at peak performance.

Columbia Helicopters
Dedicated People, Inspired Solutions

Connect with Columbia at info@colheli.com.
© 2019 Honeywell International Inc.

N61-2166-000-000_Print Ad - Channel - Columbia Helicopters_13052019.indd 1

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

5/15/2019 12:00:06 PM

16

June 30, 2019

Strength of purpoSe
Entrust your most sensitive missions to Gulfstream. With morethan five decades of high performance, flexible platforms
and proven reliability, there is no other choice for civilian andmilitary operations over land and sea.

the Art of excellence
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

17June 30, 2019

u ARSOAC Command Sergeant Major Update

Organization of Standards
By CSM Billy D. Webb

T

Through training and leadership, we deploy tight knit, cohesive teams that arehighly capable, adaptable, agile, and effective that follow the standard. Army
doctrine, Army regulations, unit regulations, programs of instruction, and unit
standard operating procedures provide
an understanding of the standard. It requires strong leadership to foster an environment where strict enforcement can be
maintained and understood at all levels.
Regardless of the framework used,
whether it’s time-on-target plus or minus thirty seconds, the Army Special
Operations Promise, or the imperatives contained within ARSOA 2028,
maintaining a high level of proficiency
requires more than strategy – it requires
an organizational culture committed todoing what is “right” right the first time
– STANDARDS. The end state results
in a winning team ready to fight tonight
and prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.
In the special operations community,
we have created a culture of standards
by investing in human capital. One of
the SOF Truths, “People are more important than hardware,” is our most important imperative, and it is constant ineverything we do at the Army Special
Operations Aviation Command (ARSOAC). Quality is more important thanquantity, the success of any organization
is dependent on training and developing Soldiers that possess the following
characteristics: high degree of individual
character; unwavering professionalism;
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

PHOTO COURTESY OF ARSOAC PUBLIC AFFAIRS.

he accomplishmentof every Army
Aviation mission isgrounded in the strict
adherence to a standard,carried out by disciplined
and responsible Soldiersand leaders.

A crew chief from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) conducts pre-flight inspections on an MH-47G Chinook helicopter.

adaptable, agile, mission-focused problem solver; team player; perseverance;
operational aptitude; and exceptional
leadership, judgment, and maturity.
Leaders within the ARSOAC understand that investing in Soldiers leads
to mission success and readiness. We
provide structured MOS progression,
career professional development, talent management and tough demanding
training that challenges our Force andour troop training procedures that drives
bottom up innovation that evolves ourcapabilities which leads to success on
the battlefield.
The Making of a SOF
Aviation Soldier
One of the things that makes ARSOAC unique, is that every Soldier
must reaffirm his or her ability toachieve the Army standard prior to being assigned to the organization. All
members of ARSOAC are trained andtested in Combat Skills, formally known
as “Green Platoon,” as part of their accession into the command. There are no“special” standards during Green Platoon training, simply a strict adherence
to the Army standard. We aren’t trying
to exceed the Army standard, but we aretrying to be the best at the Army standard. In this context ARSOAC Soldiers
can instantly deploy as part of a highly
18

effective team capable of winning involatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous,and continually evolving environments.
Beyond Combat Skills
ARSOAC has dedicated training elements within the command, enabling
us to maintain 32 in-house, dedicatedArmy approved Programs of Instructions (POI) that produce ARSOAC
Basic Mission Qualified pilots, enlisted
Non-Rated Crewmembers, Flight Instructors, UAS Operators, enlisted flight
medics, enlisted aircraft maintainers andseveral other programs that enhance thecapabilities of the organization. We invest in numerous low-density programs
to professionally grow technically andtactically proficient Soldiers within theircareer fields. Our young Soldiers are
subject to structured MOS progression
programs that develop them within their
specialty and as a valuable team member.
The phrase “Never measure your importance by your proximity to the target” isnever been truer and it’s these Soldiersthat make it happen every day.
Talent Management
The need for competent leaders whoare empowered to make critical decisions at their level cannot be overstatedwhen performing combat operations.
Understanding that we need competent
June 30, 2019

MODERN FLIGHT TECHNOLOGIESSIKORSKY S-70 AND UH-60A/L BLACK HAWKG5000H™ INTEGRATED FLIGHT DECK FOR DEFENSE HELICOPTERSRAPIDLY DEPLOYABLE

COTS SOLUTIONSARMY AVIATION Magazine

SEAMLESS INTERFACE WITHMISSION COMPUTERS AND SENSORSSUPPORT FOR THE ENTIRE

LIFE CYCLE OF THE AIRCRAFT

To learn more, visit Garmin.com/Defense
19© 2019 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

STATE-OF-THE-ART

MODERN FLIGHT TECHNOLOGY
June 30, 2019

Mission Focused Training
Model
Another SOF truth is “Special Operations Forces cannot be mass produced.”
This means that we will go to war with
the Soldiers we have today and thatmakes training (Readiness) a priority
within the command. In the next fightthere will not be time to ramp up training and therefore we must be ready tomeet our adversary with the most lethal
force and equipment we have. Trainingis the cornerstone within our enterprise,with challenging and realistic training
being the capstone to setting and maintaining high standards. This approach
helped us transition from owning thenight to owning the spectrum as we
prepare for Multi Domain Operations(MDO). There are two unique characteristics that ARSOAC has when it
comes to training. Its habitual relationship with our customers and how weregionally align the operational units
allowing our units to capitalize on valuable training exercises around the world
as well with the SOF forces assigned
within that AOR. These training events
not only provide valuable training venues, but they also educate Soldiers about
the various AORs and the countries
they work in.
The habitual relationship that ARARMY AVIATION Magazine

Enlisted Aviation Soldier Spotlight
Each issue we will feature a past AAAA National or Functional Enlisted or NCO
Award winner as part of our ongoing recognition of the Best of the Best in our
Aviation Branch. The CY 2014 National winners were featured in the April/May
AAAA Annual Summit issue.

SPC Dolphise Colomb

Company A, Special Troops Battalion,
4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division
Fort Bliss, TX

2013 Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Soldier of the Year
Sponsored by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

AAPI FILE PHOTO

leaders is one thing; how we fill thatneed is a separate effort altogether. The
Professional Ethic and the three pillars of Commitment, Competence andCharacter require that Soldiers are committed, competent at their job and thatthey possess values, ethics and morals
which lead them to be successful. Earlyin an enlisted Soldier’s assignment tothe command, junior Soldiers are given
a tremendous amount of responsibility
to grow professionally as an individual,
as a competent team member, and as
subject matter expert within their field.
Development models and leaders ensure
the time and resources are structured tomeet this important requirement. Professional Military Education, broadening opportunities, NCOIC duties ofsmall teams and leadership assignments
within the command provide the basis
for the solid progression to a professional Soldier. Additionally, the commandruns a comprehensive Talent Management program in conjunction with
USASOC for all its senior NCOs. This
process ensures that we are utilizing the“Talent” correctly across the commandand the Army.

Editor’s Note: SPC Colomb had been promoted to SGT, E-5 before theaward was presented.

SPC Dolphise Colomb, Alpha Company, Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat
Team, 1st Armored Division, demonstrated superior knowledge, professionalism andleadership as a tactical unmanned aircraft systems (TUAS) instructor operator. He
quickly rose to the role of subject matter expert, mentor and role model to juniorand senior operators alike. Setting the standard for work ethic, he heeded the callof excellence by working long hours to ensure accomplishment of all tasks duringsystem deployment operations. He has proved repeatedly that he is truly the backboneof the unit Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems operation. He excelled throughout
the challenges of limited equipment, time and personnel. He constantly drives as aprofessional to perform every task and mission assigned well above the set standards.
He meticulously trains and builds his 12 operators towards becoming fully readinesslevel progressed, totally mission ready and capable; all while maintaining a zero
discrepancy and zero mishaps record as an instructor operator during this period. He
motivates his subordinates by demonstrating genuine concern for their well-being,assisting them with solid solutions for personal problems.
SOAC has with its customer base isinvaluable. When a unit has the ability
to work with the supported customer
throughout its combat development
lifecycle, the training and the standards
gleaned serve as combat multipliers
that make both the customer and the
ARSOA capability stronger. Althoughcombat provides an excellent venue forrefining the smallest details, the constant engagement during training in
numerous environments and mission
profiles serves as the placeholder for exacting standards.
Conclusion
Training and Soldier development
programs within the ARSOAC help
support the three main imperatives that
we have outlined in our future operating
concept, ARSOA 2028. In this document we’ve challenged ourselves to assess the current force, develop the futureforce, and generate the future force. Being part of a special culture that breeds
success requires a significant investment
into our training programs and humancapital. This investment produces highly
20

competent, committed Soldiers that canbe trusted to carry out tough missions
around the world. It’s these programs
that foster an environment or culture ofcommitted excellence towards mission
accomplishment and teamwork. The“Love of the Job” is at the heart of every
ARSOAC Soldier. So, we will continue
to build a commitment to standards
with a cohesive professional force focused on successful accomplishment of
the mission and will remain postured
and ready to execute precise, lethal, andcomplex mission profiles anytime, anywhere, time on target +/- 30 seconds.
ARSOAC will continue to enforce strict
military standards and build adaptive
and innovative leaders that are creative
problem solvers that answer the Nation’s
objectives in a volatile and uncertain
global environment.

CSM Billy D. Webb is the command sergeant major of the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command headquartered at Fort Bragg, NC.
June 30, 2019

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

21

June 30, 2019u Combat Readiness Center Update

Pilot-in-Command Judgment, Maturity
and the Responsibility By COL Christopher W. Waters

A

U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD PHOTO

s part of the pilot in command(PC) designation process, aformal face-to-face counselingsession or commander’s board
with the company- or battalion-levelcommander and other select leaders
is an effective way to convey thecommander’s intent and expectations.
In Army Regulation 600-55, a commander is required to conduct face-to-face interviews with vehicle drivers and trainers.
How much more critical is a face-to-face with PCs who will becommanding multimillion-dollar aircraft? Following are a few
topic areas commanders can address during a PC counselingsession or commander’s board..

CW5 Teresa A. Domeier, Army National Guard Bureau (right), receives acapability briefing on the UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter from CW4
Jeff Caniglia, executive officer, 1st Battalion, 376th Aviation Regiment,
Nebraska Army National Guard, at the Joint Multinational ReadinessCenter’s Hohenfels Training Area, Hohenfels, Germany, July 31, 2018.

Expectations
Ultimately, serving as a PC is about decision-making, maturity and judgment. These attributes form the bedrock of thetrust necessary to operate – trust from the commander in the
PC’s ability to employ the aircraft safely; trust from the aircrew and team; trust from the customers onboard; and trustfrom the supported ground forces. It is important to communicate to PCs that they have your complete trust and support
to operate within the limitations of the aircraft, the approved
risk assessment and the mission brief. You expect them totake charge when these constraints change and, as importantly, demonstrate sound judgment and maturity in the absenceof updated mission intent and approvals.

find their aircraft in a situation where the information available
is not sufficient to make a real-time decision to carry on safely
and successfully, then they should stop, reassess the situation
and amend the mission. If necessary, this should include an
updated risk assessment and/or a renewed mission approval.
Follow your Instincts
If something looks or feels wrong, it is probably anindicator that what you are doing is not right. Again, when in
doubt, stop, reassess and seek guidance.
Counseling for Other Than First-Time PCs
The commander’s counseling for all PCs should cover thesame topics regardless of whether it is a first-time PC or thebattalion standardization instructor pilot. Knowing your PCs is
an important aspect of command and the aviation risk management/briefing process.

Be a Leader
A PC is a designated formal leader and standard-bearer inthe organization, representing the Army, the unit and the commander internally to the aircrew and team and outwardly tocustomers and supported forces. As the face of the organization, PCs lead from the cockpit and, in doing so, their words
and actions speak on behalf of the commander and unit.

Make Counseling a Deliberate Process
The process of earning PC responsibility can be as rigorous as the commander chooses. However, it should culminate
in some sort of formal board or counseling, during which thecommander clearly articulates expectations for the PC. This reinforces the unit culture and ethos for other select leaders in theunit who observe and participate. Your PCs are the front-line
leaders and purveyors of your expectations outwardly for yourorganization; as such, they should best appreciate and represent
your intent and values during mission planning and execution.
Readiness Through Safety!

No Such Thing as aStandard Mission
Remind PCs there is no such thing as a routine mission.
Every mission requires their best diligence and “game face”
from the starter button until rotors stop. Expectations of PCs
and their aircrews never waver, and complacency is the enemyof excellence.
When in Doubt – Stop
During mission analysis, address challenging decisions PCs
may have to make throughout execution of the mission. If PCs
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

COL Christopher W. Waters is the deputy commander of the
Combat Readiness Center at Fort Rucker, AL.
22

June 30, 2019

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

23

June 30, 2019

u Reserve Components Aviation Update

Army National Guard (ARNG) Aviation:

Changes in Leadership at the National Level By BG J. Ray DavisIn November of 2018, I was honoredand humbled to be selected as thefirst Assistant Director for Aviation and
Safety.
The Chief National Guard Bureau (NGB) and the Director
ARNG initiated a number of changes in the positioning andresponsibilities of senior leaders on the NGB Staff, one ofwhich was a new position for a General Officer Aviator. I
want to take this opportunity to share with you some of the
background of this change and the vision going forward.
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD PHOTO

A New Era
The position and assignment of an Assistant Director for
Aviation and Safety marks a new era for not only ARNG
Aviation but Army Aviation as a whole. Senior NGB leadersbelieved it was time to place a general officer on the ARNG
Staff to represent the ARNG across the Aviation Enterprise.
The Department of the Army, having established a general
officer position (DAMO-AV) a number of years ago, identified
the need for senior aviation leader management and oversightacross the Army. Along those lines a General Officer Aviator
as an Assistant Director will provide similar affects across the
ARNG. Given the monetary investments in Aviation alongwith operational employment and the associated risks in
Aviation proportional to the rest of the Army, establishing thisgeneral officer billet sets the conditions for not only ARNG
success but Army success.
Although the ARNG had general officer aviation
representation in the past, this position is now more formalized
and embedded within the NGB staffing architecture. With the
ARNG operating over 1,400 rotary/fixed wing aircraft andpossessing a significant amount of the Total Army’s aviation
force structure, a senior ARNG Aviation General Officer canenable integration and synchronization of priorities for ARNG
Aviation and provide input to better define end states across theAviation Enterprise and amongst the three components. An
Assistant Director has authorities to speak for and represent
the Director and can ensure strategic and holistic approaches
are occurring that address the most pressing and difficult
matters for the ARNG. In addition to Aviation and Safety, thisnew position will also provide oversight and guidance to the
ARNG G2, G6 and the Cyber Division.

Temple Army Readiness Center, Army National Guard, Arlington, VA.

ties and determined focused priorities. COL Joseph Bishop, as
the division chief, executes the day to day operations of the Division within the ARNG Directorate. The Aviation and Safety
Division Chief remains responsible for providing the resources,
strategic guidance, policy, and staffing assistance to the States,
and coordinating with Department of the Army, NGB, andother government agencies in support of the ARNG State andFederal mission.
COL Bishop came to the NGB Aviation and Safety Division from the North Carolina Army National Guard. His
most recent assignment as commander of the 449th Aviation
Brigade, which was recognized as the 2018 AAAA Outstanding Aviation Unit of the Year and the 449th’s highly successful deployment adds tremendous value to the ARNG Aviation
Team. Over the past several months Joe has picked up thereins and assumed the helm for tackling the diverse challenges
facing ARNG Aviation across the 50 States, 3 Territories andthe District of Columbia.
It is my intent to provide a consistent, enduring voice for
ARNG Aviation as envisioned by Chief NGB, and the Director ARNG. I look forward to my continuing role for the Army
National Guard in this new position and working with the leadership of the entire Army Aviation Enterprise as we rapidly approach the third decade of the 21st Century and lay the groundwork for significant Army Aviation changes in the future.
Fly Guard.

The Aviation and Safety Division
Some might ask; how does this new position impact the
Aviation and Safety Division? It won’t. Over the last six months
we have sorted out many of the lines of effort and responsibiliARMY AVIATION Magazine

BG J. Ray Davis is the assistant director of the Army National
Guard for Aviation and Safety located in Arlington, VA.
24

June 30, 2019

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

25

June 30, 2019u Tech Talk

T55 Engine Air Filtration Systems
By Mr. Toney Heathington

M

U.S. ARMY CCDC COMPOSITE PHOTO

ilitary aircraft engines need clean
air and lots of it. U.S. Army aircraftroutinely operate from unimproved
landing zones where the rotor systems
stir up dirt and debris and the ingestionof sand and dust particles is a certainty
in desert/arid environments.

MH-47 with Engine Barrier Filter testing.

Ingesting this debris has a very negative effect on engine serviceability. Sand ingestion not only abrades the compressor andturbine engine blades but degrades compressor and turbine liners. The extreme heat causes any fine sand/dust that gets into
the cooling passages inside the turbine blades to melt and form
glass, blocking the cooling airflow quickly leading to turbine
degradation. The end result is loss of power, significant maintenance, and readiness impact for replacement or repair of an
expensive engine.
To solve this problem, the U.S. Army developed an engine air
particle separator system for the CH-47. This separator system
uses hundreds of vortex tubes to swirl the incoming air, causing contaminants to separate from the air stream by centrifugal
force. The core of clean air is ducted to the engine inlet plenum,
while the heavier contaminant particles are slung to the outsideof the tubes and discarded overboard by a scavenge fan. Thissystem provides a significant reduction in wear to the engine.
Currently the MH-47 is operating without the benefit ofan engine air filtration system. To prevent large pieces of debris that would physically damage the engine, a conical screen
known as the All-Weather Screen (AWS) is installed on theengine inlet. While this prevents foreign object damage itdoes little to prevent sand ingestion issues. The U.S. Army has
moved forward with a modern technology to help provide
clean air to the engines as well as reduce the weight and performance impacts. The Engine Barrier Filter (EBF) system isa high efficiency filtration system that reduces the ingestion of
AC Coarse and AC Fine specification sands (per SAE J726),

CCDC GRAPHIC

vastly reducing damage to the T55-GA-714A engines usedon the MH-47 Helicopter. This EBF is showing considerable
promise in meeting the desired key performance parameters.
Restricting airflow comes with a cost. The EBF’s impact onengine performance, in particular torque available, is determined by the total pressure recovery in the inlet. Total pressure
recovery is defined as P T1/P T0 where P T1 is the total pressure at
the engine inlet and PT0 is the freestream total pressure. Pressure recovery is actually a combination of two physical phenomena: 1) The ram air that is recovered by the inlet and 2)
The total pressure losses of the inlet. The inlet pressure losses
are the result of turning air and friction, including the totalpressure drop through porous media such as screens and filters.
An “ideal” inlet would have a pressure recovery of 1.0. The pressure recovery typically decreases with increasing flight airspeed.
In addition, the pressure loss tends to increase as airflow increases through the inlet. The impact on torque available basedon the PT1/P T0 of the clean EBF is less than 2% for almost theentire operating envelope and power spectrum and is summarized for Sea Level / Standard Day (SL/SD) and 4,000 feet /95º F (4K/95) at Maximum Rated Power (MRP) in Figure 1.
A barrier filter system can be a maintenance challenge since
the pressure recovery drops as the filters collect more dirt.
When tested in the ‘dirty’ configuration the torque impact was
as high as 6% @ SL/SD-140 Knots. However, a power management method is being developed that will allow an estimation of ~ 2% loss for mission planning purposes.
Qualification is nearly complete for the MH-47 EBF system and testing has proven it meets and/or exceeds the major
program KPPs. The EBF has the future potential to provide
copious clean air for MH-47 engines while providing exceptional dust, sand, and dirt separation efficiencies.

Figure 1.
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

26

Mr. Toney Heathington is an aerospace engineer in the U.S.
Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation& Missile Center Aviation Engineering Directorate, Special
Operations Aircraft Division at Redstone Arsenal, AL.
June 30, 2019

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

27

June 30, 2019

u Ask the Flight Surgeon

How to Find Help: Accessing Behavioral

Healthcare for Soldiers By CPT Joseph R. Adams, DO and MAJ Ryan Green, PhD

Q:

I’m a member of the National Guard and needhelp working through some personal problems.
Who can I talk to?
FS: This is an excellent question, as
accessing healthcare resources can bechallenging for National Guard Soldiers.
While access to care in a crisis is always
available through the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs (see contact information below), seeking care for a non-crisis
related concern may seem daunting. Not
all life events are easy to cope with andmanaging things on your own can be especially difficult. Realizing this early on
and seeking assistance is key to preventing your concerns from snowballing.
Army Behavioral Health providers
evaluate and treat Soldiers with manydifferent needs including but not limited to marital issues, stress, trouble
sleeping, substance use concerns, anger
management difficulties, depression,anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They are here to help get
you feeling better and back in the fight.
If you do not know who your unit Behavioral Health Officer is (usually a psychologist or social worker) and do nothave access to a Military Treatment Facility, there are many people in your unit
who can point you in the right direction
including your chain of command. Of
particular note is your unit Chaplain
who can be an incredible resource to talkto as well as to assist you in seeking care.
The healthcare of Army Aircrew must
involve an aeromedically-trained provider. That doesn’t mean you can’t be seen
by providers who are not aeromedicallytrained. Any healthcare specialist canwork in coordination with an aeromedically-trained provider to make sure you
receive the appropriate care.
Q: But if I seek help won’t
they ground me?
FS: This is a common concern that
may keep Aircrew from seeking help.
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

However, the primary goal is to keep you
flying as safely as possible. While it may
be necessary to issue a temporary downslip during the course of your evaluationand treatment, in the long run you will
avoid more serious problems. Whenaddressed early on, many common
reasons for which Aircrew seek help
are listed as “for information only” inthe flight physical and do not require a
waiver. When medications are necessary,a 4-month down-slip will be required
to ensure correct dosing and to monitor
for medication tolerance. Problems arise
when Aircrew wait too long to seek help;
early intervention is highly encouraged.
Often a delay in reaching out for assistancecan compound the problem resulting in alonger duration of grounding.
Q: How do I know if I havea problem?
FS: If you feel like things are becoming difficult to manage on your own,
feel out of control, or feel like you arein a downward spiral you should seek
help. You can also take a self-check
quiz at https://www.vetselfcheck.org/
welcome.cfm to help determine if behavioral health concerns may be affecting you. Here are some general signs
and symptoms to look out for:
Depressionn Feeling or being told that you seem down
or depressedn Having less interest in doing things thatyou used to enjoyn Unintentional weight loss or gainn Eating too much or too littlen Sleeping too much or too littlen Lack of energyn Poor self-esteemn Difficulty concentrating and making
decisionsn A sense of hopelessness28

n Thoughts of suicide (If you are having
thoughts of suicide call the crisis line (seecontact info below).

Anxietyn Feeling worried, restless, or on-edge
n Easy fatigabilityn Having trouble concentratingn Irritabilityn Muscle tension
n Difficulty sleeping
Sleep Disordern Difficulty falling or staying asleep
n Being told that you stop breathingintermittently during sleepn Feeling fatigued during the day
n Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
Substance Abusen Often taking larger amounts or over alonger period than was intendedn Feeling like you need to cut backn Spending an unusual amount of effort in
obtaining, using, or recovering from use
n Cravingsn Failures to fulfill obligations at home,school, or work resulting from usen Continuing to use despite recurrent social
or interpersonal problems
n Giving up important activities due to use
n Recurrent use in dangerous situationsn Experiencing tolerance to or withdrawal
symptoms
Anger Managementn Failure to control aggressive impulses
leading to verbal or physical outburstsn Aggressive behavior that is out of
proportion to the provocationn The behavior causes you distress or
results in difficulty in social situations
Any combination of the above
symptoms that result in a negative impact
in your work or personal life should be
evaluated. Whatever component you
are in, we encourage you to seek help
for your concerns. You are not alone andhelp is available.
Contacts
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Crisis Line (available 24/7 365 days ayear) Dial 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1
June 30, 2019

to talk to someone.
Send a text message to 838255 toconnect with a VA responder.
Start a confidential online chat session
at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat
Take a self-check quiz at
VeteransCrisisLine.net/Quiz
In Europe: Call 00800 1273 8255 or
DSN 118
In Korea: Call 0808 555 118 or
DSN 118
In Afghanistan: Call 00 1 800 273 8255
or DSN 111
Questions?
If you have a question you would likeaddressed, email it to AskFS@quad-a.org;
we’ll try to address it in the future. Seeyour unit flight surgeon for your personal
health issues.
The views and opinions offered arethose of the author and researchers andshould not be construed as an official
Department of the Army position unlessotherwise stated
CPT (Dr.) Joseph R. Adams is a flightsurgeon and MAJ Ryan Green the chiefof Human Factors and Aeromedical
Psychology at the United States Army
School of Aviation Medicine (USASAM),
Fort Rucker, AL.

STL-VIR-II-ArmyAviation.indd 1

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

29

5/8/19 2:11 PM

June 30, 2019

Special Focus u Army Special Operations Aviation
Special Operations Aviation Mission
Survivability Team –Owning the Spectrum for Tomorrow’s FightALL GRAPHICS COURTESY U.S. ARMY SPECIAL OPERATIONS AVIATION COMMAND

By MAJ Zachary Dadisman, MAJ Evan Westgate, CPT Brandon Jack and CW4 Thomas SchneiderT

he National Defense Strategy (NDS,2018) and ADRP 3-0 (2017) serve
as key policy and doctrinal sources forthe Department of Defense’s focus
shift toward Great Power Competition
preparedness. The United States Army
Special Operations Command (USASOC) “USASOC 2035 Campaign
Plan” (2017) further specifies requirements investment in “ARSOF rotary
wing and unmanned platforms to penetrate integrated air defense systems.”
The 160th Special Operations Aviation
Regiment (160th SOAR) is holisticallyinvested in pursuing competitive advantages over the Nation’s adversaries
through a shift of focus from “owning
the night” to “owning the spectrum.”
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

Integrated Air Defense Systems(IADS) threats pose unique challenges
to Army Aviation – challenges generally not encountered during the last 18
years of counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations. Great power(peer, near-peer) adversaries will seek to
employ anti-access and area-denial (A2/
AD) capabilities to deny Army Aviation
freedom of maneuver throughout thejoint operations area ( JOA). As Special
Operations Forces shift focus, the 160th
SOAR is adjusting to conduct operations in contested environments that
operate robust, modern integrated air
defense networks.
Deliberate, joint planning incorporating inter-service and cross-functional
30

Shared tasks between the 160th SOAR Electronic Warfare section and the Regiment Intelligence section during Denied Area Planning. The
graphic was created by 160th SOAR (A) CEMA
Cell and RS2.

expertise is crucial for successful courseof action development in A2AD environments. The 160th SOAR employs
Special Operations Aviation Mission
Survivability (SOAMS) teams to leverage the subject matter expertise
required to conduct detailed mission
planning in order to avoid or mitigate
detection in denied or semi-permissive
environments where “high end” threat
systems are employed. Composed ofmulti-discipline intelligence profesJune 30, 2019

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

31

June 30, 2019sionals, cyber electromagnetic activities(CEMA) personnel, and aviation mission survivability officers (AMSO), the
SOAMS team concept was first implemented and tested during the annual
Special Operations Aviation Advanced
Tactics Training (SOAATT). Eachteam member brings a unique skill set
with them in a collaborative planningenvironment to solve the complex problem set of mitigating tactical risk during
operations.
Army intelligence professionals, sensitized to the unique needs of SOAR
aircrews and platforms, seek to develop
a comprehensive understanding of theoperational environment. Intelligencespecialists from all disciplines must work
together to provide a detailed characterization of the battlespace and the threat.
With a detailed understanding of theunit’s unique intelligence requirements,
dedicated Signals Intelligence Analysts,
Imagery Analysts, and All-source analysts collaborate with experienced operational planners to ensure they piece
together the most accurate picture of theenvironment. Analysts conduct detailed
multi-functional analysis to determine
suitable air avenues of approach, mission support sites, and landing zones.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

The latest enemy orders of battle arechecked and updated to show enemy
composition, disposition, and strength.
All-source analysts assess the most likely and dangerous courses of action for all
threat entities within the area of operations, to include police, paramilitary, andcivilian populations. During this process, analysts continuously collaborate
with other SOAMS team members andstaff functional sections, creating a holistic understanding of the JOA.
CEMA is the bridge from intel analysis to tactics. CEMA NCOs at eachbattalion provide detailed and tailoredelectronic order of battle (EOB), threat,
and route analysis products to 160th
SOAR flight leads and planners. Thisis done by utilizing advanced mission
planning tools, electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) analysis, and coordination
with joint cyber, space, and electronic
attack enablers. The construct of thesmall team enables flexibility and timely
contributions to the aviation mission
planning process. CEMA NCOs work
together throughout the planning, execution, and post mission analysis withboth 160TH SOAR intel personnel and
AMSOs. A strong relationship among
the SOAMS team members enables the32

quick production of extremely detailed
planning support products.
While the input of intelligence and
CEMA subject matter experts is important, the AMSO is key in implementing the detailed products and recommendations from the intelligence and
CEMA personnel. The AMSO assess
these products through the lens of anexperienced aviator, and selects the appropriate tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) necessary for successin contested environments. The close
collaboration of all three disciplines (Intel, CEMA, and AMSO) promotes thedetailed planning required to succeed in
expected future missions.

Implementation

160th SOAR training focus has
included denied airspace penetration
since the unit’s inception in the early
1980s. However, continuous operational deployments in support of the Global
War on Terrorism since October 2001
increasingly steered exercise scenarios
into the semi-permissive realm to replicate the missions being performednightly in theater. In the 2015-2016
timeframe, leaders at the Regimentand battalion levels recognized and set

June 30, 2019

out to address the near-peer training
gap brought on by years of nearly singular focus on counterterrorism andcounterinsurgency support in semipermissive operating environments.
Incidentally, 160th SOAR combat rotary wing mission tactical tasks at thetarget are generally the same regardless of the threat environment. Raids,
for instance, require the same terminal
area crewmember skills in both semipermissive and highly contested RF
threat environments. Altitude, LZ selection, weather, dust, fields of fire, etc.
remain the primary considerations at
the target irrespective of the threat orlack thereof between the intermediate staging base (ISB) and the target.
By infusing en-route A2AD problems
Born from
into training scenarios, 160th SOARa Legacy of
can sharpen skills in the electronicallycontested environment while sustainMission-Provening combat power in the current fight.
Performance
Evidenced by countless tactical successes and feedback from SOF groundforces across the Joint Services, theThe DC ONE-XM...made
ONE-X
traditional bottom-up driven 160th
for the military cockpit.
SOAR training model works. The
Outstanding comfort featureschallenge faced by the unit was to creHYBRID
combine with advanced Hybrid
ate a program to target senior trainers
Electronic Noise Cancelling(instructor pilots and AMSOs) that it
technology on a rugged, yet
could overlay on the existing model
lightweight alloy suspension−justwithout upending the training paradigm that has served the unit so well.
12.3 ounces. It’s the new standard
SOAATT, first executed in 2016,of excellence in a long line of
emerged as the capstone event for the
mission-proven, military aviation
160th SOAR’s effort to educate theheadsets from David Clark.
force for fighting in an electronically
Visit www.davidclark.com or callcontested environment, develop tac800-298-6235 to find out more.
tics, and test equipment and techniques
against threats. It is a joint, inter-agency
train-the-trainer (or educate the trainer)
program designed to provide graduate
An Employee Owned
W W W. D AV I D C L A R K . C O M
level tactics experience to the unit’s priAmerican Company
mary trainers, enabling them to carrylessons learned back to battalion level
operations forces (SOF) ground eleexercise scenarios for the broader force’s
Naval Air Station ranges during thements and integrate with conventional
exposure. Active throughout the year
event’s third week.
ONE-XM 45625X7AAM.indd 1
maneuver elements in the JOA. 2/15/18 1:44 PM
reinvest the dividend from thisas a function of the Regiment Futures 230-35069To
high-end training, lessons learned
OPT (a standing OPLAN-focused
MAJ Zachary Dadisman is the regimentfrom iterative flights on the EW range
team that maintains running estimates
operations officer (RS3), MAJ Evanand culminating full mission profiles
on 160th SOAR-apportioned plans)
Westgate is the regiment intelligence officer(FMP) are captured and carried back toand as subject matter experts on other(RS2), CPT Brandon Jack is the regiment
exercises, the SOAMS team serves as
the battalions by participants for implecyber and electronic warfare officer andthe centerpiece when staff and crews
mentation into company and battalion
CW4 Thomas Schneider
from all airframes across the Regiment
exercises. This directly addresses 160th
is the regiment aviation
come together annually for SOAATT.
SOAR’s gap for being able to validate
mission survivability
units in a near peer environment that
This builds familiarity with crossofficer assigned toexisted in previous years. As the Armyfunctional capabilities among senior
the 160th Special
aircrews as participants and equipment
returns to decisive action (DA) scenarOperations Aviation
are put to the test in the classrooms
ios with IADS at its Combat Training
Regiment (Airborne)and simulators at Ft. Campbell during
Centers (CTC), 160th SOAR will seek
at Ft. Campbell, KY.
Weeks 1 and 2 and on the China Lake
opportunities to support the special
Futura Med w/Bernard Fashion

M© 2018 David Clark Company Incorporated® Green headset domes are a David Clark registered trademark.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

33

June 30, 2019

Special Focus u Army Special Operations Aviation
Bridging the Aviation CBRN Gap

U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY CPT JEFFERY SLINKER, 160TH SOAR(A) PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER

By CPT Nickolas Nagel and MAJ Paul NealIn the past three years the U.S. military has increased its
focus on high intensity conflicts in a near peer environment.
This dynamic battlefield environment will pose new threats
with old ones reemerging. Among those old threats is the
combating of weapons of mass destruction and the potential
for their use on the battlefield. In anticipation of this dynamic
and complex threat the 160th Special Operations Aviation
Regiment (Airborne) has placed special emphasis on training
and refining its tactics, techniques and procedures as they
pertain to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN)
training, and equipment.

CBRN personnel from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment(Airborne) perform aircraft and equipment decontamination on an MH-60M
Black Hawk during a training exercise.

In order to achieve its CBRN proficiency the 160th hastaken a phased approach beginning with individual training
and culminating in 100% masked, multi-ship helicopter
assault forces (HAFs) conducting full spectrum night vision
goggle (NVG) flight operations. Training begins with CBRN
academics which cover Level 10 tasks and discuss different
ways aircrews can wear their personal protective equipment(PPE) dependent on airframes. Classes generate a broader
understanding of the various CBRN threats that might beencountered and their implications.
Simultaneously, companies develop flight training
programs to build and maintain flight proficiency throughthe “crawl, walk, run” method. Progression begins with lessthan 50% of the aircrew masked, conducting day only tasks
then progresses to full aircraft crews operating masked.

Realistic, Dynamic and Threat Focused Training

Facilitating training events and exercises that incorporate
realistic CBRN scenarios is critical to achieving productive
training. Too often, CBRN training is relegated to fulfilling
the Level 10 tasks outlined in AR 350-1, which does notprovide pilots and aircrews with a realistic and relatabletraining program. The threats in a CBRN environment areversatile and complex, a reality which the 160th seeks toreplicate in its training program.
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

34

June 30, 2019

Gray Eagle ER

EXTENDING THE EDGE
NETWORKING THE FORCE
ga-asi.com
ARMY
Magazine©2019AVIATIONGENERAL ATOMICSAERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC.

35

June
30, 2019
Leading The Situational Awareness
Revolution

with forward area refueling point (FARP) operations. The
Expedient Personnel Decontamination System (EPDS) has
proven to be a reliable and expeditionary system for personnel
decontamination. The system can be broken down into threeduffel bags and weighs less than 150 pounds combined.
For detection of chemical warfare agents (CWA) and toxic
industrial chemicals or materials (TIC/TIM) the M4 Joint
Agent Chemical Detector ( JCAD) is employed. This allows
the decon team to verify that any contamination remaining on
or inside the aircraft will cause no immediate danger to life or
health. The shortcoming of this detector though is its ability
for low threshold detection. Regarding radiological hazards
such as beta and gamma radiation, the VDR-2 detector andUDR-13 dosimeters are utilized. For alpha particle radiationa PRD-77 radiac detector is employed.

Once proficiency is gained as an aircrew in both day and
NVG flight tasks, training is expanded to include multiple
aircraft in mission oriented protective posture (MOPP)
operating as a team in day then NVG profiles. Finallytraining progresses to a multi-ship HAF flying first in day
profiles then under NVGs. During each phase of training, therated crew member’s proficiency is meticulously monitored
and recorded by the standardization instructors. Using thisphased approach, the 160th has safely progressed to battalionlevel exercises with 100% crew masked night operations that
culminate with the establishment and utilization of personnel
and aircraft decontamination sites.

Mission Planning

CBRN training should be approached with flexibility in theplanning process.While doing so, CBRN subject matter experts(SME) should focus on guiding mission planners towards
adhering to the CBRN principles of Avoidance, Protection,
and Decontamination, in that order. A close integration of
CBRN SMEs and planning cells is integral to facilitating asustained CBRN training focus that does not overshadow
the entire exercise if that is not the commander’s intent. The
CBRN SMEs conduct in-depth threat analysis and provide
commanders and planners with options and guidance when
conducting flight operations in a CBRN environment. Armedwith detailed information, pilots are able to assess the best
possible method for contamination avoidance. Integrating the
CBRN SME into the process allows commanders to develop
training events that can touch on various threats ranging fromchemical to radiological without having a contamination
event disrupt other training objectives.
Battalion commanders nonetheless must place emphasis on
the development and sustainment of their organic operational
decontamination capabilities. The U.S. Army’s CBRN units
are a limited asset and in accordance with ATP 3-11.32
operational decon should be conducted at the battalionlevel. Augmenting the decon team with maintenance andsupport personnel from across the battalion has proven to bea sustainable and effective concept. Integration of the medical
section with the CBRN section is critical when it comes to thetreatment of casualties on a contaminated battlefield. CBRN
and medical considerations are both contingency scenariosthat cannot be trained, planned and executed exclusively fromone another.

Lessons Learned

Over the past year the 160th has pursued the ability toachieve a Thorough Decontamination capability. Before doing so it sought to determine a quantifiable definition of
Thorough Decon for aircrews and pilots specifically. The U.S.
Army Public Health Command’s RD230, establishes that
contamination must be reduced to a level below an Acute Exposure Guideline Level-1. Below this level the RD230 statesthat humans will no longer experience any form of miosis,
nausea, or issues with depth perception. Achieving a level inwhich these possible symptoms have been eliminated will restore pilots’ abilities to execute precision rotary wing assault
and close air support tasks. Currently there are no metrics
or reliable low threshold detection capabilities that will arm
commanders with the necessary data to gauge the risk they
may or may not be accepting in resuming flight operations inlimited PPE.
The Joint Service Aircrew Mask ( JSAM) is a “gamechanger” when it comes to the ability of aircrews to reducetime in mask but still react expeditiously if exposed to a
CBRN threat. Not only has it shortened the time it takes
to don one’s mask, but it also increases aircrews’ chances ofsurvival in the event they are required to perform emergency
egress procedures after ditching overwater. The JSAM’s quick
detachment face piece now gives the crew member the ability
to access their Helicopter Emergency Egress Device System(HEEDS) without having to remove their flight helmet anddoff their mask. The JSAM is also better designed to be wornunder a flight helmet. The improved comfort is vital duringextended missions.
The potential for conflict with near-peer adversaries ina CBRN environment is increasingly present. The 160th
continues to pursue multiple avenues to ensure the force
is prepared. Habitual interaction between commanders,
air mission planners, and CBRN SMEs ensures complex,
realistic CBRN training scenarios. While a deliberate, phased
progression program gradually prepares aircrews to accomplish
multi-ship HAF missions in full MOPP posture, under
NVGs, with realistic decontamination procedures. Avoidanceis always the goal in a CBRN environment, as with any fight,
preparation and training is our best chancefor success.

Decon Equipment

The 160th utilizes Modified Table of Organization
Equipment (MTOE) equipment and commercial off
the shelf (COTS) items to develop and build its deconequipment package. The unit’s standard package consistsof a COTS Fogbooster apparatus through which GD-6 isapplied to the aircraft interior in the form of a fine mist, so
as not to cause water damage to critical interior components.
For the aircraft exterior a Macaw backpack by Inteligard
that produces compressed air foam in order to apply DF200 decontaminant is used. The center piece of this package
is the M26 JSTDM, which utilizes highly pressurized andheated water to wash the DF-200 decontaminant off theaircraft exterior. In order to provide the significant amountof water required for decon operations, a 500-gallon fuelblivit is employed. The utilization of this fuel blivit provides
the battalion with more flexibility regarding where andhow the decon site is established as well as integrating it
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

CPT Nickolas Nagel is the CBRN OIC and
MAJ Paul Neal the executive officer Task Force
1-160 SOAR (A) at Fort Campbell, KY.
36

June 30, 2019

EARN YOURSTRIPESWHETHER IT’S FLIGHT CRITICAL COMPONENTS, COMPLEX SUB-ASSEMBLIES OR
WORLDWIDE ROTORHEAD OVERHAUL & REPAIR SERVICES, OUR MISSION IS STEADFAST.
WE FULFILL THE RIGOROUS REQUIREMENTS OF TODAY’S MOST ADVANCED ROTORCRAFT & FIXEDWING PLATFORMS. AT PCX AEROSTRUCTURES WE’VE EARNED OUR RANK AS A LEADING SOURCE FORPRECISION MACHINING, SPECIAL PROCESSING CAPABILITIES & A QUALITY STANDARD THAT IS SIMPLYHIGHER. BECAUSE PROVIDING SUPPORT TO ARMY AVIATION IS SOMETHING WE’LL ALWAYS SALUTE.
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

37. C O M
PCXAERO

June 30, 2019

160TH SOAR(A) COURTESY PHOTO

Special Focus u Army Special Operations Aviation

Prepare for A2AD
By MAJ Chip Colgary and CW4 Dan CossonT

he 2018 National Defense Strategy(NDS), focuses on sharpening theAmerican Military’s competitive edge
to compete, deter, and win in a morecompetitive and dangerous security environment than we have seen in generations. It prioritizes long-term competition with China and Russia, while
also seeking to deter and counter rogue
regimes such as North Korea and Iran.
The NDS uses the terms anti-access/aerial denial (A2/AD), electromagnetic
spectrum, and electronic warfare overtwo dozen times, in context alongsidecontinuous references to the countries
above; it is clear the Secretary of Defense fully understands the challenges
our current force faces to fight and win
against a near-peer military force.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

38

ARSOA MH-47G accelerates to conduct CONUS
training

While our military has been at war
for nearly two decades, this is a new
type of fight few of us have yet seen or
imagined. A fight where flying at night
will no longer be a cloak of protection and the greatest threat will not be
small arms and rocket fire. It is also one
where tactics employed by many aircrews over the last decade will get themkilled, quickly. We need advanced aircraft systems, survivability equipment,
and planning tools to gain a tacticaladvantage- all of which will be uselesswithout greater access to information
and using that information to reshape
how we train.
June 30, 2019

Training for the New Fight

In developing a training methodology
for this new fight, remember that the
Army is not alone. Emphasis on theterm “Joint” cannot be overstated. Just
as an aviation mission survivability
officer (AMSO) will not be expected
to plan to penetrate a denied area in a
bubble, Army Aviation branch will notfight and win in a denied area alone.
For years, Army Special Operations
Aviation (ARSOA) aircrews haveparticipated in courses at the
Marine Corps Weapons & Tactics
Instructor (WTI) course, as well as
the Air Force’s Weapons School, as
both teachers and students. We also
regularly participate in large scale joint
exercises that support these schools
such as the 14th Weapons Squadron.
In any future conflict, whether on Day
0, or Day 45, Army Aviation will be
expected to directly contribute, likely
with portions of a robust enemy
integrated air defense system (IADS)
still in place. We will do so successfully
by fighting with and alongside oursister services and leveraging joint
capabilities.
A way our sister services addressedtraining deficiencies in this arena
was with advanced tactics schools.
Unfortunately, there is no Army
Aviation equivalent to Top Gun,
Weapons School, or WTI. We are also
the only branch that doesn’t own its
own electronic combat range (ECR).
To be a “Patch” in the Air Force, a pilot
must first be an experienced instructor
pilot and apply to attend the arduous
Weapons School. Upon graduation,
they become a tactics instructor. The
Chief of Tactics (always a “Patch”)
assigned at various levels throughout
the Air Force is the de facto expert
in their field. All ARSOA’s battalion
and higher AMSOs are also instructor
pilots and most are flight lead
qualified. This represents our firststeps at mirroring the joint approachto developing Army Aviation tactics
instructors.
The Army TACOPS course is notintended or designed to be a graduatelevel course like the schools mentioned
above. To build on that foundation,
after attending the TACOPS course,
ARSOA AMSOs attend a variety ofother joint services schools. To bridge
the gap between schooling and practical experience ARSOA developed
Special Operations Aviation Advanced
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

Tactics and Training (SOA-ATT).
Over the course of a month, experienced ARSOA aviators are exposed tograduate level denied area simulations,academics, and mission planning scenarios. Members of the National Intelligence Community (NIC) give classes
on pertinent subject matter, alongside
vendors and engineers who support ouraircraft survivability equipment. The
event culminates with a full mission
profile event executed on an electronic
combat range with joint assets.

Simulation

While simulation has a pivotal
role to play in training for denied
areas, it is not a replacement for alive ECR. For a Commander to place
his forces in harm’s way, he must beable to adequately assess the levelof risk he is being asked to accept.
Such determinations cannot be madebased on experience gained solely ina simulator. Tactics can’t be developed
solely in a simulator, nor can aircrew
proficiency and confidence truly bemeasured and built in one.
Once tactics are fully tested andevaluated on live ranges, simulation
absolutely should play a key role inaircrew proficiency training. Even if
the Army builds a range tomorrow,not everyone will be able to fly on
it regularly enough to build true
proficiency. Simulation is perfectfor that, while a live range shouldbe thought of as the equivalent to acombat training center (CTC) rotation
where the years’ worth of training andpreparation are validated.

Proficiency in Old and New Tactics

We must also be open to learning
new tactics and relearning some oldones. For many sound reasons, flying
at high (above ground level) altitudes isthe only way of doing business many inour community have ever known. Low
level flight is a lost skill, and one thatmust be mastered again. Our ability
to fly low is one of the single greatest
advantages helicopters have in denied
areas. The low-level environment (lessthan 100’ AGL, sometimes much less)greatly mitigates many risks, but does
uncover other challenges that require
thorough planning, training, and experience to surmount. Waiting for the
war to start, where low level flight is the
only option, is not the time to start relearning these skills.

39

Equipment

While experienced and knowledgeable crews will always provide the decisive advantage in conflict, some equipment considerations cannot be ignored.
The radar warning receiver (RWR) is thecornerstone of any aircraft survivability
equipment (ASE) suite and is foundational to any serious attempt to trespass
into a denied area. Beyond providing astrictly operational capability, ARSOA’s
advanced RWR incorporates a training
mode that allows AMSOs to program
threats to appear on the display during
flight at pre-determined locations. The
threat displays like a live threat would
and an aviator can be evaluated on theirreaction to contact. That means we don’t
have to rely on limited ECR opportunities or simulators. We can, and do, accomplish ASE phase progression training, in our assigned aircraft, utilizing
this capability. We have also utilized thiscapability, along with supporting intelligence and electronic warfare products,
to create multi-week long, multi-ship
battalion situational training exercises.
We can effectively recreate real worldorders of battle in our local flying area andtrain to specific scenarios.This has greatly
increased the number of denied area
training reps our crews get throughout
the year.
The fight of the future has become
the fight of today; the 2018 NDS makesthat clear. We must begin reprioritizing
efforts away from counterinsurgency(COIN) and place greater emphasison A2AD. That means we need better
training for AMSOs and to develop
cross functional teams of subject matter experts that can leverage the capabilities of the NIC. We need modern
aircraft survivability equipment thatprovides increased operational capability in combat and can be used during
training at home station. Finally, andmost importantly, we need to develop
better base tactics and capitalize on
opportunities to train those skills at
dedicated Army ranges.
MAJ Chip Colgary is the operations officer
and CW4 Dan Cosson the aviation mission survivability
officer for 3rd Battalion, 160th Special
Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) at HunterArmy Airfield, GA.
June 30, 2019

Special Focus u
Army Special Operations Aviation

ARSOA & AFSOC:

Leverage Training
Opportunities with a
Focus on Near-PeerThreats
By MAJ David Aamidor and Maj. Ryan Taylor (USAF)

I

t is possible to imagine a future conflict where the United States military
does not enjoy the technological advantage we have come to expect over the
past two decades. Our nation’s competitors and adversaries have witnessed
our military in action, and they haveevaluated our strengths and weaknesses,
developing weapons to exploit our realand perceived vulnerabilities. Our relative technological overmatch has been
undermined by the development andproliferation of advanced weapon systems designed to prevent our military’s
access of territory or encumber our ability to traverse the land, air, or sea. Theseanti-access/area denial (A2AD) weapons will certainly play an importantrole during conflicts in the future andare already present in close proximity
to our allies and deployed forces. Furthermore, according to a 2017 RAND
study, adversarial nations, such as Russia
and Iran will continue to increase their
A2AD capabilities, further diminishing
our relative advantage.
Army Aviation may be uniquely vulnerable and exposed to these threats andmust therefore focus our training andtechnological resources towards survivability and lethality in these environments. Required by design to penetrate
and transit denied areas, potentiallyprior to the establishment of air supe-

ARMY AVIATION Magazineriority, Army Special Operations Aviation (ARSOA) cannot underestimate
our adversaries’ capabilities. While thesechallenges continue to be addressed andevaluated, preparing for these types ofconflicts is resource intensive and must
include the actual simulation of operations within denied areas.
As an added challenge we must continue to support ground forces in deployed areas while also preparing ouraircrews to fight against adversaries with
distinctly different capabilities than
we have witnessed during the previous
two decades. While no branch within
the military is immune to these threats,
ARSOA must strike a balance between
preparing aircrews for the present fightand preparing for the future; finding
training environments where both canbe accomplished is imperative.

Bilateral Training

Since 2016, 4th Battalion, 160th
Special Operations Aviation Regiment(Airborne) (SOAR(A)) and the U.S.
Air Force 14th Weapons Squadron haveconducted bilateral training centeredon the Weapons School Integration(WSINT) exercises. WSINT is the capstone of the six-month Weapons Officer
Instructor Course consisting of large
force exercises, which provide a uniqueand training rich environment focused40

on preparing forces to fight and win
against near-peer competitors. Air Forceweapons officers are tactical experts thatspecialize in integrating combat capability across the military domains andservices to help win America’s next war.
Located at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, WSINT provides air crews withaccess to environments which not only
simulate harsh desert and mountainous
environments (where crews regularly
operate overseas) but as importantly,
an area well suited for advanced aircraft
survivability training focused on future
threats. Beyond the unique ranges andenvironments present around Nellis
AFB, WSINT brings together platforms with diverse capabilities including Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR), Suppression of Enemy
Air Defense (SEAD), Strike, Electronic
Warfare (EW), Space, and Cyber fromall branches of the military. ParticipantsJune 30, 2019in the WSINT exercise are presented
with challenging scenarios, simulating
contemporary threats, and must plancollaboratively to ensure survivability
and lethality. A detailed understanding of the enemy’s strengths, weakness,and vulnerabilities is presented allowing
participants to employ the right assets at
the right time in order to achieve desired
effects.
ARSOA crews and aircraft havebeen an integral part in many of thesetraining scenarios during WSINT,
conducting for example direct action
infiltrations which are reliant upon
both onboard survivability equipment
and Joint enablers for survivability andsuccess. While such scenarios during
WSINT resemble missions regularly
conducted in our contemporary conflicts,
incorporating denied-area planningand execution adds an additional levelof complexity which is focused on
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

future threats and A2AD challenges.
Furthermore, the WSINT environment
allows crews to improve their tactics
and procedures. During after action
reviews and debriefs crews can accessdata and evaluate their performancefor, among other factors, survivability.
This facilitates the refinement of tactics
in a manner that could only otherwise
be accomplished during a real-world
deployment.
The collaboration during WSINT
between ARSOA crews, the 14th
Weapons Squadron, USAF Weapons
School, and joint partners at large has
resulted in an assessed increased level ofreadiness for the planning and executionof operations in denied areas. A2AD
threats present a unique challenge
for our military and addressing thesethreats with both technology and training is essential. Leveraging expertise andinitiatives present within the entire de41

fense apparatus is imperative if we wish
to maintain our competitive advantage.
Finally, we cannot prepare to fight thelast war, however, we must maintain ahigh-level readiness for our current conflicts. Therefore, we must develop training that allows our aircrews to refine theskills they need to maintain readinessfor the fights we face today, while also
addressing future A2AD threats.
MAJ David Aamidor is the commander of
B Company, 4th Battalion, 160th SOAR
(Abn) assigned to Joint Base LewisMcChord, WA. Maj.
Ryan Taylor is an
MC-130J Instructor
Pilot, and the deputy
director of operations
for integration assigned to the 14th
Weapons Squadron atJune 30, 2019

U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY CW4 BRAD PALM

Two MH-47Gs conduct ASE training.

Special Focus u Army Special Operations Aviation
Analog Processes in a Digital Army:

Human Expertise Supporting Digital Complexity

ROCKWELL COLLINS COURTESY PHOTO

PHOTO BY JAMES ROSS

By CW3 Bruce Silva and SSG Kyle Gardner

Above: CH-47D Cockpit
Right: CH-47F Cockpit

In today’s world of sophisticatedaircraft avionics systems, using asimple multi-meter with steam-gauge
era schematics will not provide thelevel of fidelity needed to troubleshootcomplicated systems and identify
intermittent faults. Today’s techniciansrequiretestingequipment
assophisticated as the systems being tested
and the technical data that is needed
to train Soldiers to levels beyond “boxswapping.” Aircraft mission equipment
continues to develop at a rapid pace,bringing high-tech capabilities toArmy aviators supporting demanding
ground force commanders. As theseaircraft systems evolve and become
artificially intelligent enough to “tell”
the technicians when they fail, ourefforts to work smarter generally
result in cheating the technician of
the intricacies and technical nuances
required to understand the basic
principles of electronics. We think weare working smarter, but in actuality
we are potentially driving unrealistic
costs into our fiscally constrained flying
hour budgets. Many times paying

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

the original equipment manufacturer(OEM) to repair components that
could have easily been identified andrepaired by our Soldiers; this robs
maintainers of the critical experienceneeded to effectively operate awayfrom home station. Skill is built from
repetitions at task; by giving theserepetitions away, we are giving away
valuable opportunities to learn andgrow into master technicians.

Advanced Equipment

Aircrafttroubleshooting
has
rapidly declined with reliance on“smart” systems. The question of“why” the component failed has
almost been completely removed
from the vocabulary of the current
generation built on principles of 2 level
maintenance and lack of technical data.
Asking “why” is the first step toward
becoming a technician and not a “boxswapper.” Currently, our technicalmanuals are written to address
problems in a step-by-step processwith little to no understanding of thelogical steps of the process. When42

there is a problem, the maintainers
are left relying on a system that tells
them what Line Replaceable Unit
(LRU) to remove without consideringother issues that could be systemic or
problematic, including things such as
wiring faults or faults induced by nonrelated systems. As an Army enterprise
we are losing the understanding ofavionics systems; this understanding
is vital to our technicians’ professional
development.
Building systems that self-report failures is perceived to be forward thinking,but this form of condition-based maintenance often leads to incorrect fault
detection at the LRU level and results in“box swapping.” The LRUs identified as
faulty are being sent back to the vendors
for testing and are then returned to thegovernment as Could Not Duplicate(CND) or No Evidence of Fault Found(NEOFF). These CNDs or NEOFFs
are a direct result of the lack of maintainer technical expertise. This “boxswapping” method of troubleshooting
is costly and has a significant impact onreadiness and logistical footprint.
June 30, 2019

New and advanced forms of data
wiring including the 1553 Data Bus,
microwave, fiber optic, and othercomplex wiring systems, bring theirown challenges that the maintainer may
not understand. For example, wiring
can initially seem to be operational
when tested using available means suchas a multi-meter, but are often times
degraded and not readily apparent to
the maintainer. These systems require
specialized tools and training in order
to effectively test, diagnose, and repair
them. Acquiring these special tools is
often expensive and comes with its own
set of challenges, such as increasing
your operational footprint, developing
a sustainment plan, training to operate
the equipment, and an increase inmaintenance man-hours performed ona given task. These challenges are often
what drives the desire for systems that
self-diagnose.
Systems that have self-reporting
functions are not bad, in fact, they
have proven to help in most cases.
However, we often depend too muchon this mechanism in an effort to
get the aircraft back into the fightwithout having a holistic picture ofwhat the root cause was. These faults
are sometimes rectified, but typicallyre-manifest due to an underlying issue
that self-reporting systems lack thecapability to identify.
Getting the new capability to thewarfighter is the top priority, but
we leave our maintainers struggling
to sustain technical relevance on
constantly evolving systems. Formal
maintenance training and programsof instruction take significant time todevelop and implement and are often
executed a year or more after thesystem is already in the field. Having
the most advanced systems will notprovide any benefit if the people thatmaintain them do not have that samelevel of technical expertise, the required
equipment, and the source data to keep
it operational.

Limited Technology Data Packages

Technical
capabilityof
ourmaintainers often must rely on the
OEM and field service representatives(FSR) for support. Many new systems
being fielded have propriety technology,
and cost restrictions limit our program
managers from buying enough technicaldata packages to adequately generate
troubleshooting manuals. Because ofthis, we have little to no ability to test
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

the LRU beyond what the system tells
us. Army Special Operations Aviation®
Command and Army Aviation canovercome some of these issues by
including the need for technicaldata rights on systems procured or
SAVING LIVES SINCE 1981
developed for use on our aircraft. Theserights allow us to better troubleshoot
STILL OUR BEST SELLING PRODUCT®
on wing, correctly identify faults the
SKED CONTINUES TO SAVE LIVES
first time, and develop test equipment
to reduce occurrences of CNDs.
The lack of technical data rights
drives up sustainment costs, logistics
footprints, and degrades Soldier skill
sets. The Special Operations Aviation
Regiment has proven that this initial
upfront cost does provide a positive**EQUIPPED WITH
return on investment while reducing
COBRA BUCKLES FOR
aircraft downtime. With the use of
RAPID PATIENT PACKAGING
approved system mockups, the ability
to crack open an LRU and repair
and test to manufacturer’s standards,
SKEDCO® PJ SKED
SKEDCOsignificantly reduces theoverall PJ
costSKED
of(SK-215C)“LIGHTER
repair, while increasing the amount of
FAS T E R
serviceable assets available to the fleet.
EASIER TO CARRY”
The FSR does play a useful role whenit comes to new systems, but longterm dependence due to proprietary
rights takes away from the Soldier’s
ability to acquire in-depth knowledgeof the system.

Precision Maintenance with Blunt
Resourcing

The overarching issue is thatmaintainers need detailed manuals
and technical training as advanced
as the mission equipment they aresupporting. As an enterprise, we needto empower our maintainers and arm
them with the best equipment andtechnical expertise possible. This small
investment in “human” capital provides
a huge return on investment in our“readiness” capital and is in keepingwith our SOF Truth “Humans are
more important than Hardware.” Thebottom line is that a multi-meter anda continuity check with steam-gauge
era schematics does not cut it in today’s
world of sophisticated avionics aircraft
systems.

CW3 Bruce Silva is the mission equipment
officer in charge, and SSG Kyle Gardner
the mission equipment noncommissioned
officer in charge, with the United States
Army Special Operations Aviation
Command(Airborne)
Aviation
Maintenance Support Office located at
Fort Campbell, KY.
43

UNIVERSAL LITTER
TIE-DOWN STRAPS™
NSN: 6530-01-530-3860

PATIENT LITTER STRAPSNSN: 6530-01-536-4145

The only Litter Tie-Down Strap
with Airworthiness Release(AWR 1330), 3000lb MBS.
Patient Litter Strap, 5000lb.

WWW.SKEDCO.COM
800-770-7533

June 30, 2019

Special Focus u Army Special Operations Aviation

Owning the Environment – DVEPSBy CW4 Michael Pounds and MAJ Jeff TimmonsThrough the last 30 years, the UnitedStates military has dominatedcombat operations in low-lightvisibility conditions with its superior
use of night vision devices (NVDs).
However, recent years have shownthat not only do America’s peer andnear-peer adversaries possess similarcapabilities, but anyone from organizedcrime and terror networks to lone-wolf
hostiles can affordably purchase theirown NVGs1. Ever seeking complete
capability overmatch, United States
Army Special Operations Aviation(ARSOA) is taking the steps to expand
from not only “owning the night,” butalso to dominating operations in the
degraded visual environment (DVE).
We want to give our customers aircraftthat can takeoff, negotiate obstacles
enroute, and deliver combat operators
to the “X” in fog, blowing sand, andsnow. ARSOA’s DVE Pilotage System(DVEPS) is breaking new ground indevelopment and integration to meet
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

our customers’ needs.
ARSOA is solving the DVE problem
based on three attributes: cueing, imagery, and flight controls. Cueing provides the aircrew with color contrasted
symbology that directs flight control
inputs to stay on course, avoid obstacles,
or maintain position. To date, this has
proven the least developmentally challenging attribute; however, it is rendered ineffective if the state data driving the cueing is less than accurate. To
overcome those inaccuracies, imagery is
generated with a priori data, e.g., digitalterrain elevation data (DTED), and/or
learned through in-flight sensor gathering. Multiple sensors add weight whiledata fusion creates software complexity
making imagery the next most challenging attribute. Finally, the perfect DVE
solution includes an autopilot driven sophisticated flight control system capableof interpreting fused data and associatedcueing. The autopilot drives the controls
as directed by cueing, flying the aircraft
44

through DVE, accomplishing the mission. In seeking a true DVE pilotage solution, autonomous flight control is themost complex endeavor.

Safety Standards

Such a system requires significant
safety standards be met. Testing is rigorous and only grows more restrictive overtime as we learn more about the risks
versus capacity of the system. If DVEPS
is to achieve a full pilotage, “heads-up,
eyes-out” solution, an incremental approach is necessary. The first incrementin this process is to achieve a fielded situational awareness (SA) enhancing solution, specifically, to aid aircrews duringterminal brownout landing conditions.
Through the early part of the wars in
Afghanistan and Iraq, brownouts at takeoff or landing proved to be the cause fornearly 75% of accidents2. Yet, this is not a
21st Century problem. Studies conducted between 1984 and 1996 showed thatover 70% of all NVD related accidents
June 30, 2019

nally. Worse yet, when the pilot fails to
notice the issue and simply lands badly
with an unrecognized drift. Other factors may include unseen obstacles suchas towers or wires that are obscured in
the brownout. Without knowing or
having a system aiding the final seconds
of a landing, even a highly proficientcrew can find itself disoriented.

160TH SOAR(A) COURTESY PHOTO

System Equipment

An MH-60M Black Hawk helicopter crew fromthe 160th Special Operations Aviation Regimentconducts a dust landing during a desert training
exercise. Aviators with the 160th SOAR regularly
conduct operations in low visibility situations andaustere weather conditions.

occurred due to the pilot’s inability toperceive visually the flight environment3.
These data points inspired DVEPS’ initial step of pilot SA prior to tackling fullpilotage. While not all controlled flightinto terrain (CFIT) incidents are catastrophic, they can be costly by damaging
aircraft landing gear and other airframecomponents. Many factors contributeto CFIT including unexpected brownout, unrecognized sloping terrain, andaircraft failing to land at assigned location. In nearly every incident, the pilot
realizes something is wrong, creates anunusual attitude through overcorrection,and then mishandles the aircraft termiARMY AVIATION Magazine

DVEPS integrates multiple pieces of
mission equipment in order to allow aircrews to maintain situational awarenessdespite the loss of visual cues. DVEPS
uses Long Wave IR, Light Detection
and Ranging (LIDAR), Synthetic Vision Avionics Backbone (SVAB), a priori data (DTED), and in-flight remembered DTED updates. It’s the blend andfusion of all these data that creates themagic and displays the synthetic imagery to the aircrews on multi-functional
display paneling or future head mounted systems. This is a “see and remember
system” that views the landing zone (LZ)
and creates a sensor fused high resolution image. The LIDAR 3D point cloudis fused onto a priori data. This image isused as a secondary aid with hover symbology. The aircrew receives hover andapproach cues while the image behindthe cues gives the aircrew confidence
that landing to the LZ is safe and suitable. Therefore, DVEPS will mitigate
risk to the aircrew and customers when
operating in more austere and visuallylimited environments, specifically thoseleading to brownout conditions.
DVEPS also has the ability to usehigh resolution remembered data thatcan be loaded pre-mission. This results in
a completely passive capability that uses
high resolution data complete with updated towers, wires, and other obstacles.
The system already knows the groundplane through DTED. Any variationfrom DTED with the remembered data
fused (the towers, wires, etc. mentioned
previously) would be declared as obstacles by both audio and color cues. Thinkof a radar altitude turned ninety degrees
in front of you. Setting the obstacle alert
audio is based on time to criticality. Thisis similar to how low altitude audio is set
by radar altitude based on set parameters.
As DVEPS flies and gains a level ofpedigree through operational effectiveness, this will inform what is necessary
to get to a qualified pilotage system. As
mentioned before, the path is not paved
45

in gold. It is wrought with challenges
that require sophisticated and rigorous testing. Great strides over a decadein development and cue tuning havebrought us to current developmental
flight tests. These tests are cracking thecode that creates predictable and repeatable combat approaches in DVE conditions. As ARSOA moves forward, future considerations include introductionof “heads-up, eyes-out” helmet mounted
displays and the fusion of radar capability into DVEPS cueing and imagery before completing the steps necessary forautonomous flight control integration.
Clearly, just as the rain falls on thejust and unjust alike, so does the degraded visual environment interrupt thetime sensitive missions of special operations forces as well as conventional.
Efforts in recent years have sought tomitigate the risks of flying in DVE. The
goal of ARSOA includes mitigation but
extends to exploitation. We want to not
only control the fight in darkness as wehave done expertly for so many years,
but now we must also own the environment to end our enemies’ sanctuary andgive them no quarter.
Notes:
1https://www.amazon.com/Night-Optics-USA-PVS-7-3AG-Generation/dp/
B0086Y03S6/ref=sr_1_13?crid=1KPC9WL
VQ4NOU&keywords=night+vision+goggles+military&qid=1552078418&s=gateway&
sprefix=night+vision+goo%2Caps%2C320&
sr=8-13
2
Johnson, Chris W., Ph.D. (2007). Interactions Between Night Vision and Brownout Accidents: The Loss of a UK RAF Puma Helicopter
on Operational Duty in Iraq. Department ofComputing Science, University of Glasgow,
Scotland. Retrieved from https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/ab49/4b4e6a9971568025
d0eb5dcc47363464d19d.pdf.
3
Bachelder, Edward N. (2000). PerceptionBased Synthetic Cueing for Night-Vision Device Rotorcraft Hover Operations (Doctoral
dissertation). Department of Aeronautics
and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328736870

CW4 Michael G. Pounds is the chief of theSensors, Navigation, and Weapons Branch,and MAJ Jeff Timmons is the systems integration officer, for the
Systems Integration
Management Office(SIMO) of the Army
SpecialOperations
Aviation Command.
Both are assigned to
Ft. Campbell, KY.
June 30, 2019

Special Focus u Arming the Force

PM JAMS Update –Special Operations Support

ALL PHOTOS: US ARMY, PM JAMS, COURTESY PHOTOS

By Mr. Todd L. Gangl

JAGM Engagement Before and After – Successful engagement of a Ford Raptor traveling at 77 mph and still accelerating.
Test executed to stress the dual mode seeker performance and validate the pilot vehicle interface on the Apache.

The Program Management Office Joint Attack Munitions(PM JAMS) is the home of the combat proven
HELLFIRE missile, the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile( JAGM), which successfully entered their production anddeployment (P&D) phase in 2018, the Aviation Precision
Kill Weapon System (APKWS) and the Hydra-70mm familyof rockets as well as their associated launchers, including theM299 HELLFIRE missile launcher. As the program officefor these air-to-ground missile systems and launchers, PM
JAMS enjoys a dynamic, on-going relationship with theUnited States Special Operations Command (SOCOM),
equipping their aviation assets with highly reliable missileand launcher systems and providing engineering expertisein the area of platform integration.
This vital mission of supplying and supporting these key
systems also extends beyond the SOCOM community, into
the Army family. Over the course of the past year, PM JAMS
has worked hand-in-hand within the SOCOM community
specifically the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment(Airborne)(SOAR(A)) on many of their aviation platforms toinclude the Gray Eagle Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS),
the MH-60M Defensive Armed Penetrator (DAP), and
the AH-6M Mission Enhanced Little Bird (MELB). Eachof these efforts enhanced the current capabilities of theseplatforms in relation to operational effectiveness against
targets as well as overall platform endurance. At the sametime, PM JAMS delivered greater munitions capabilities to
the Army community through enhancements to the precision
guided munitions Aviation Precision Kill Weapons System

ARMY AVIATION Magazine(APKWS), increasing its lethality against a greater range of
hardened armor targets.

HELLFIRE

Over the course of the past year, the HELLFIRE Product
Office worked to bring full Romeo missile capabilities tothe 160th SOAR AH-6M MELB and greater munitions
and endurance capability to the Gray Eagle UAS. These fullRomeo capabilities include both increased target selection
and weapons system engagement zones through the inclusionof a multi-purpose warhead and enhancements to the missile
Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). Giving full Romeocapabilities to the MELB platform includes ensuring all
possible missile warhead suite and delay combinations are now
available maximizing possible engagement opportunities. As
part of this effort, PM JAMS HELLFIRE product office willcomplete new platform and launcher software testing to allow
both Romeo and R2 missile systems to be fired from the AH6M platform. This enhanced capability will be verified andvalidated over the summer with live missile shots from the
MELB platform.
In addition to extending the capabilities of the MELB
platform, the HELLFIRE product office has also worked
to increase endurance time and munitions loads on the160th SOAR Gray Eagle UAS. This work has included
validating interfaces between the platform and a newlauncher, captive carry flights, and live missile shots tovalidate the platform improvements with the HELLFIRE
Romeo missile system.
46

June 30, 2019JAGM

The Joint Air-to-Ground Missile ( JAGM) continues tointegrate its capability onto objective platforms as it nears full
rate production in mid-2020. JAGM currently fires from its
threshold platforms, the AH-64E Apache and AH-1Z Viper,along with several other manned and unmanned platforms.
The 160th SOAR MH-60M DAP platform, which cancurrently engage targets with the HELLFIRE missile,plans to test full JAGM interoperability with test shots inearly 2020. JAGM integration will give special operators
an improved precision point and fire-and-forget capability
on a single munition that can destroy heavily armored, fast
moving and stationary targets within a countermeasure richor adverse weather environment.

issuance of an Urgent Material Release, and assist in further
refining the integrated flight simulation for the M282APKWS guided rocket.

LT/S

The Launcher and Test Sets L/TS product office serves as
the executive procurement agent for the M299 HELLFIRE
missile launcher for the Army, sister services and coalition
partners. The M299 HELLFIRE Missile Launcher (HML) isa stalwart for Army Aviation the past 19 years. The reputationof the system is proven through countless flight hours, missile
shots and its demand across 29 different platforms - both
Aviation and Ground. It’s a versatile system. A key challengeof providing full up HELLFIRE and JAGM capability to theHydra-70 M274 Smoke Signature-Practice Rocket being fired from M260
Rocket Launcher at Rocket Alley firing position at Yuma Test Center, AZ.

HELLFIRE Longbow Littoral Combat Ship Qualification Engagement

The MH-60M DAP fired the JAGM in August 2018.
Engagements included stationary and moving targets thatprovided confidence in the ability to fire JAGM in multiple
modes. This early demonstration provided data to continue theintegration process to bring JAGM capability to MH-60M
DAP’s worldwide mission. The JAGM program is currently
procuring low-rate initial production missiles with joint
interest from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force.

platforms often requires significant modifications to the fourrail variant of the launcher. Even today, there are emerging
integration requirements for modified M299s in supportof strategic initiatives. This presents a myriad of challenges
across the programmatic spectrum. Each platform that
requires modified M299’s is unique. Such challenges include
but are not limited to unique designs and software, logistics
support and protracted production requirements.
Moving forward, L/TS is charged to lead the “Tiger Team”
that will develop the munitions/ALE launcher for FARACP- currently named the Integrated Munitions Launcher(IML). The intent is to leverage the lessons learned from
the M299 history. The IML will be a modular open systems
architecture solution that will facilitate rapid munitions and
ALE integration. IML key attributes include standardized
functional, mechanical and electrical solutions. These solutions
will be the baseline for weaponized future aviation platforms.
The close cooperation between PM JAMS and the Special
Operations community was recently highlighted with the David
Packard Excellence in Acquisition Award being presented to
the Stand-Off Precision Guided Munition (SOPGM) team.
This award was presented in part for the rapid delivery of a
HELLFIRE missile platform for use against high-value targets
and capable of nearly zero collateral damage, a capability which
was not resident in any service's inventory.

ARSGM

The Aviation Rockets and Small Guided Munitions(ARSGM) product office successfully completed two flighttesting events in 2018 of the APKWS guided rocket with an
M282 High Explosive Incendiary Penetrating warhead. This
new guidance section and warhead combination will allow
for precision targeting of more heavily armored target sets,
expanding the capability of ARSGM’s weapons portfolio
for all Army platforms. The first functional and performanceflight testing of the M282-APKWS guided rocket was
conducted successfully last August at the Yuma Test Center
utilizing an AH-64D Apache helicopter. This Apache fired
16, M282-APKWS guided rockets at plywood, bunker,
stationary up-armored, and moving up-armored targets from
16 different test points.
The second testing event was conducted successfully at
Eglin Air Force Base in December utilizing an AH-64E
Apache helicopter piloted by two Redstone Test Center(RTC) experimental test pilots. This Apache fired eightM282-APKWS guided rockets with M282 telemetry
warheads at stationary plywood targets from eight different
test points achieving all test objectives. The testing efforts will
support a 3QFY19 Airworthiness Release, the subsequent
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

Mr. Todd L. Gangl is the Hellfire
Program Integrator for the Joint Attack
Munition Systems Project Management
Office located at Redstone Arsenal, AL.
47

June 30, 2019Nashville, Tennessee

12

3
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

448

June 30, 2019

AAAA PHOTOS BY RENÉ BIDEZ AND MICHAEL ULLERY

2019
Highlights
AAAA Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit

5

7

9
01 – More than 340 companies andorganizations filled the exhibit hall’s 280,000+
square feet to display their products/services.
02 – Over 7,200 participants took the opportunity
to renew old acquaintances and make new ones
during the two days of professional sessions andsocial events.
03 – FORSCOM Deputy Commanding Generaland Chief of Staff, LTG Laura Richardson(center), officially opens the Exhibit Hall withthe assistance of (l to r) MG (Ret.) Tim Crosby,
AAAA Secretary; MG (Ret.) Jeffrey Schloesser,
AAAA Senior Vice President; Mr. Bill Harris, AAAA
Executive Director; BG(P) Dave Francis, HQDA
Director of Aviation and incoming Aviation Branch
Chief; AAAA President, BG (Ret.) Steve Mundt;
Richardson; MG William Gayler, Aviation Branch
Chief and U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

6

8

10
commanding general; CSM Brian Hauke, USAACE
command sergeant major; CW5 Joseph Roland,
Chief Warrant Officer of the Aviation Branch; LTC(Ret.) Jan Drabczuk, AAAA VP Chapters; and MG(Ret.) Walter Davis, AAAA Treasurer
04 – AAAA National President and Senior VP,
BG (Ret.) Mundt & MG (Ret.) Schloesser, address
members of the NATO Helicopter Inter-Service
Working Group (HISWG) which annually conducts
one of their sessions in conjunction with theSummit.
05 – Outgoing Scholarship Foundation President,
BG (Ret.) Tom Konitzer (left), receives a memento
from newly elected SFI President, COL (Ret.) Lou
Bonham.
06 – Members of one of the newest chapters, theJohnny O Cluster Chapter, Nashville, TN, pose forphoto during the Summit.
49

07 – COL (Ret.) Sid Achee, one of 9 remaining
members of the “Originals”, a.k.a. “The Cub
Club,” continues their tradition of collecting
donations in their hats at the Scholarship
Luncheon door.
08 – LTC (Ret.) Jan Drabczuk (standing), AAAAVP Chapters, guides discussions on chapter
operations with attendees at the chapter
workshops.
09 – Donors to the U.S. Army Museum
Foundation pose with Foundation Vice President,
and Ozark Mayor, Bob Bunting (third from right),
at the Scholarship and Museum Foundations
donor luncheon at the Summit.
10 – AAAA Scholarship Foundation President,
COL (Ret.) Lou Bonam (left, kneeling) poses withFoundation donors following the luncheon at theSummit.
June 30, 2019

11

12

14

13

15

18
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

16

19

17

20
50

June 30, 2019

21

22

24

23
11 – It was standing room only for the openingof the 2019 AAAA Army Aviation Mission
Solutions Summit at the Opryland Hotel,
Nashville, TN, April 15.
12 – AAAA President, BG (Ret.) Steve Mundt
talks with LTG Neil Thurgood (right), Director for
Hypersonics, Directed Energy, Space and Rapid
Acquisition, Office of the Assistant Secretary of
the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology);
and MG Troy Kok, commanding general of the
U.S. Army Reserve Accessions Task Force.
13 – The 101st Combat Aviation Brigade honor
guard presents the colors at the Summit opening
ceremony.
14 – AAAA National President, BG (Ret.) Steve
Mundt, opens the 2019 Summit.
15 – AAAA Executive Director, Bill Harris,
introduces the AAAA National President.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

16 – MG Brian Winski, commanding generalof the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
welcomes Summit attendees to Nashville, TN.
17 – LTG Laura Richardson delivers the Summit
keynote address.
18 – Jeff White, the Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics
and Technology, and retired Army Aviator, provided
an acquisition update at the opening session.
19 – MG William K. Gayler, Aviation Branch Chiefand Commanding General, U.S. Army Aviation
Center of Excellence and Ft. Rucker, gave his
final branch update before changing command.
At the conclusion, he was inducted into the Gold
Honorable Order of St. Michael by BG (Ret.)
Steve Mundt with wife, Michelle, by his side.
20 – LTG Ted Martin, Training and Doctrine
Command Deputy Commanding General, speaks
to opening session attendees.

51

21 – The AAAA Outstanding Army Aviation Unitof the Year is 449th Theater Aviation Brigade;pictured (l to r) LTC Mark Pickett; CSM Matthew
Shorter, senior NCO; commander, COL Joseph
W. Bishop; command chief warrant officer, CW5
Carnadose Bauknight; and LTC Charles Lampe.
22 – John F. “Rick” Lunnemann celebrates the
Joseph P. Cribbins Department of the Army
Civilian of the Year award for CY 2018 withwife, Becky.
23 – CW3 Nickolas F. Sciacca, is congratulated
on receiving the AAAA James H. McClellan
Aviation Safety Award by (l to r) BG Timothy
Daugherty, LTG Richardson, and BG (Ret.) Mundt.
24 – The AAAA Henry Q. Dunn Crew Chief of theYear, SGT Jack A. Brook, shows off his award
with (l to r) wife, Jennifer; brother, Roy; motherand father, Wanda and Robert.

June 30, 2019

25

26

13

27

28
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

52

June 30, 2019

29

30

31
25 – SFC Jesse R. Jernigan celebrates his AAAA Rodney J.T. Yano
Noncommissioned Officer of the Year award with some of the membersof his unit, A/1-101st Avn., Task Force Shadow.
26 – The AAAA Army Aviation Soldier of the Year, SGT Bradley C.
Galloway, displays his award together with his wife, Kathleen, and5-week old daughter, Isabella.
27 – The AAAA Active Army Aviation Unit of the Year is 2nd Battalion,
160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) – commander,
LTC Michael Athanasakis (left); Senior Warrant Officer, CW5 Benjamin
Arps (center); and senior NCO, CSM Paul Hutchings.
28 – The AAAA John J. Stanko Army National Guard Aviation Unit of
the Year 1st Battalion, 151st Aviation Regiment commander, LTC Brian
Pipkin (right holding trophy), and senior NCO, CSM Charles Hancock
Jr. (left of trophy) accept the award on behalf of unit Soldiers and arecongratulated by (l to r) CSM Hauke, CW5 Roland, MG Gayler, BG J.
Ray Davis, LTG Laura Richardson and BG (Ret.) Mundt.
29 – The AAAA Michael J. Novosel Aviator of the Year Award winner,
CW3 Patrick W. Fleming, celebrates his award by taking a selfie withthe trophy and his wife, Isabelle.
30 – The UH-60V Product Office is the winner of the AAAA Robert M.
Leich Award; Product Manager, LTC Andrew Duus, accepts the trophy
on behalf of the office with the congratulations of (l to r) CSM Hauke,
CW5 Roland, MG Gayler, LTG Laura Richardson, and BG (Ret.) Mundt.
31– The AAAA U.S. Army Reserve Aviation Unit of the Year 5th
Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment commander, LTC Matthew Hill(right), and senior NCO, CSM Charles A. Booth, receive their award
for the second consecutive year on behalf of the unit and were

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

32

33
congratulated by BG Jamie Shawley (left of Booth), commanding general of the
U.S. Army Reserve Aviation Command and USARC CSM Judd Mooso.
32 – Mr. John Shipley was presented the AAAA President’s Award for a lifetimeof dedicated service to Army Aviation before the Summit because he was unable
to travel to Nashville. A short video of the presentation was shown following the
National Award presentations.
33 – The Army Vice Chief of Staff, GEN James C. McConville, a Master Army
Aviator, awarded the Silver Star to two Soldiers from the 6th Battalion, 101st
Combat Aviation Brigade; SGT Armando Yanez and SGT Emmanuel Bynum.

53

June 30, 2019

34

35

37

36

38

40
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

39

41
54

June 30, 2019

43

42

44
34 – Working groups such as the Aviation Warrant Officer Readiness Review
provided diversified information from across the Aviation Enterprise.
35 – Soldiers were able to view the future development in Army Aviation at thevarious exhibitor displays.
36 – The International Aviation Leaders panel – (l to r) MG (Ret.) Jeff Schloesser,
moderator; BG Mac McCurry, 2ID (ROK); BG John Novalis, DCS-Ops, Multinational
Corps NE, NATO; AirCdre. Alastair Smith, British Army; BG Jean-Yves Bouillaud,French Army; and Brig. John Fenwick, Australian Army.
37 – MG (Ret.) Tim Crosby, AAAA National Secretary, moderates an industry leadersforum in the Aviation Warfighter Theater.
38 – The Veterans’ History Project of the Library of Congress conducted interviews
each day.
39 – The Soldier Café provided a venue for Active, ARNG, and USAR Soldiers andfamily members to relax and obtain refreshments and affordable meals.
40 – MG (Ret.) Walt Davis, left, AAAA Treasurer, moderates leadership discussions
such as the Requirements Development and Determination with Army Futures
Command and TRADOC key leaders.
41 – MG (Ret.) Lester D. Eisner, left, AAAA VP Guard/Reserve Rel., moderates theAviation Accessions Panel; with MG Frank Muth, CG USAREC; MG Troy Kok, CG
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

55

45
USAR Accessions Task Force; and MG John Evans, CG, Cadet Cmd.
42 – COL (Ret.) Jeffrey N. Williams stands next to his portrait withhis wife, Anne-Marie, and grandson, Braeden Williams following his
induction into the Army Aviation Hall of Fame.
43 – CW4 (Ret.) Robert J. Monette is congratulated by MG William
Gayler, Aviation Branch Chief, upon his induction into the Army
Aviation Hall of Fame.
44 – The Army Aviation Hall of Fame Induction Banquet was held
April 16th, during the Summit.
45 – LTG (Ret.) Kevin Mangum stands next to his portrait with his
escort, CSM (Ret.) Buford Thomas following his induction into the
Army Aviation Hall of Fame.
June 30, 2019

47

46

48

50

49

51

52
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

56

June 30, 2019

53

54

56

55

58

57

46 – Attendees entering the Exhibit Hall.
47 – BG(P) Thomas H. Todd III, the Army Program Executive Officer, Aviation,
updates attendees on the Aviation portfolio during the Friday morning
professional session.
48 – Army Vice Chief of Staff, GEN James C. McConville, in the new Army
Green uniform, delivers the second day’s keynote address in the Aviation
Warfighter Theater.
49 – Director of Army Safety and commanding general of the U.S. Army
Combat Readiness Center, BG Timothy Daugherty, discusses trends andprograms in the world of Aviation safety.
50 – BG(P) Dave Francis, HQDA director of Army Aviation and incoming
Aviation Branch Chief gives an update on Tuesday afternoon.
51 – MG William Gayler, Army Aviation Branch Chief, seated next to former
Army Vice Chief of Staff GEN Dick Cody, asks a question during a leadershipbriefing.
52 – MG Erik Peterson (center), CG, First Army Div. West, moderates a Total

Team Army Aviation discussion with (l to r) COL Joe Bishop, ARNG Avn. &Safety; BG J.Ray Davis, Asst. Dir. ARNG; Peterson; BG Jami Shawley, CG,
USAR Avn. Cmd.; and COL Ron Ells, Cdr. 166th Avn. Bde.
53 – Professional sessions on Tuesday were conducted in the new, 800seat Aviation Warfighter Theater located in the Exhibit Hall.
54 – Attendees in the exhibit hall on Tuesday.
55 – LTG James Richardson, deputy commanding general of the new Army
Futures Command headquartered in Austin, TX, provides an update on
AFC's mission and organization.
56 – BG Jamie Shawley (2nd from left) reacts to a comment by MG Frank
Muth during a question and answer session in the Aviation Warfighter
Theater.
57 –Gaylord Executive Chef Matt Foreman and staff provided a tour for
spouses of how the facility prepares various cuisine for events.
58 –CW5 Doug Englen with the Chief of Staff Army Talent Management
Team fields questions.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

57

June 30, 2019

59

60

63

61

62

64

65
62 – Phil Harpel receives the Outstanding Soldier & Family Support Award
on behalf of himself and his twin brother, Bill, from AAAA National President
BG (Ret.) Steve Mundt for their long-standing support of Army Aviation
Soldiers and Families at Fort Campbell, KY.
63 – AAAA Executive Director Bill Harris, presents outgoing president, BG(Ret.) Steve Mundt, with his own personalized Boston Red Sox shirt.
64 – MG (Ret.) Jeff Schloesser accepts the gavel from outgoing AAAA
President, BG (Ret.) Steve Mundt during the Annual Meeting on April 16,
2019, at the Opryland Hotel, Nashville, TN.
65 – Former Black Hawk pilot and country music entertainer, Ryan Weaver,
performs as the opening act for the Soldier Appreciation Concert.

59 – Country music’s Lee Brice headlined the entertainment at the Soldier
Appreciation Concert on Tuesday night.
60 – Janis Arena with the National AAAA Office received the AAAA Founders
Award from AAAA President BG (Ret.) Steve Mundt and Executive Director
Bill Harris, for her longstanding support of AAAA, and especially her personalefforts toward awardees and their families.
61 – Top chapters for 2018 were recognized at the annual meeting portionof the dinner/concert. Pictured from left with AAAA President, BG (Ret.)
Steve Mundt (3rd from right) are: (l to r) CW5 (Ret.) Bob Huffman (Air
Assault Chapter/Super/3rd consecutive win); COL (Ret.) Kevin Vizzarri(Central Florida Chapter/Master); COL David Hall (Grizzly Chapter/AAAA);
and COL (Ret.) Dave Brostrom (Aloha Chapter/Senior).
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

58

June 30, 2019

THANK YOU SPONSORS!
M A G A Z I N E

Concert Entertainment

Soldier Café & Charging Station

Early Bird Reception

Mobile App

Badge Holder

WiFi

Networking Café

Coffee Breaks - Exhibits& Professional Sessions

Atrium Lamp Post Banners

Pocket Guide (Jiffy)

Elevator Wraps

Escalator Clings
Exhibit & Registration

Popcorn Break

Popcorn Break

Official Summit Bag

Exhibit Hall
Foyer Frames

BLUE BOOK
DIRECTORY
AUGUST / SEPTEMBER
ISSUE

Outdoor Pole Banners

Hotel Key Cards

Press Room

Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit 2019 Sponsors

quad-a.org/19SUMMIT

15th Luther G. Jones
Army Aviation Depot Forum

UpdateYour Unit!

OnlineRegistration
Closes 8/5

Register Today!
August 20-21, 2019
Solomon P. Ortiz Center, Corpus Christi TX
Sponsored by AAAA

quad-a.org/19LutherJones l #19LUTHERJONESARMY AVIATION Magazine

59

The Blue Book
Directory Issue isReferenced All Yearby Army and Industry!
Instructions and forms
for updating your unit’s
information will beavailable on 1 July.
June 30, 2019

From the Field u

FORSCOM Aviation: Supporting
the Aviation Warfighter

FORSCOM COURTESY PHOTO

By LTC Michael Charnley

U.S. Army Forces Command Headquarters, Fort Bragg, NC.

U

The Missionndoubtedly, a majority of you who read Army Aviation
are familiar with Forces Command (FORSCOM), most
likely through the recurring visits of FORSCOM’s Aviation
Resource Management Team (ARMS) to your units over theyears. However, most of you may not realize the extent towhich FORSCOM represents our Aviation branch at the
Joint Staff, Department of the Army, major army command,and echelons throughout the Army and Aviation Enterprise.
Due to its unique characteristics, both complex and
expensive, all Aviation equities in the headquarters are
addressed by a former combat aviation brigade commander(CAB) within the FORSCOM headquarters. The G37
Aviation Directorate represents the interests of theoperational Aviation force to the Department of the Army
Staff (DAMO-AV), the National Guard Bureau (NGB),
the United States Army Reserve Command (USARC),
and the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence(USAACE). The Aviation Director oversees the ARMS
Branch, a Programs Branch, and an Operations Branch.
These branches work in unison to effectively manage theoperational demands combatant commanders have forconventional Aviation capabilities.
As the Army’s conventional Force Provider, FORSCOM
synchronizes high Aviation unit demands, having supported
prolonged combat operations in multiple theaters, for almost
two decades. We also provide Aviation support for Defense
Support to Civilian Agencies (DCSA) in CONUS. The
current operational tempo for our rotary wing units andunmanned aircraft systems, particularly in CH-47, AH64, MEDEVAC, and MQ-1C Gray Eagle units, cannot
adequately meet combatant command (CCMD) demands.
To mitigate the potential impacts of these shortfalls, theproduction of sound staff work and expert advice on theemployment of our formations remains critical.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

Our primary mission in FORSCOM Aviation is to provide
the commanding general with sound expertise and staff workon all aspects of Army Aviation, as it pertains to wartime readiness. Most noticeably we do this through our ARMS visits;
however, the bulk of our work lies in staff officer analysis in theG3 and G4, as well as in program management. Our staff work
typically consists of research, analysis and foundational work
providing recommendations for our Army’s senior leaders. This
enables them to make doctrinally sound, informed decisions
with operational and strategic-level impacts. These decisions
often guide, shape, and posture our Aviation force for the current generation and beyond. Due to the high-level decisions on
subjects we have equities in, we always look for sound, criticalthinkers to serve on the staff. Individuals with the ability andthe fortitude to work above the tactical level, who possess thedesire to have a voice in the employment and shaping of theAviation enterprise, are always welcome.
The composition of the staff highlights one unique aspect of
FORSCOM Aviation. Naturally, at a higher-level headquarters you will tend to find more senior individuals (officer, warrant officer and enlisted), along with civilians and contractors
critical to our operations. The significant number of COMPO
2/3 Soldiers on staff here is also unique to FORSCOM. They
are crucial to providing the command with the holistic staff
work required above the tactical level. They are also vital to effectively resolving any issues or questions that arise when attending the numerous and almost-daily working groups andoperational planning teams (OPT). We do not directly resolve
problems, but rather provide the expertise to bring together
the various staffs, both internal and external, to address any issues that arise. During a typical week, our staff engages in force
structure planning, decisions concerning operational deployment of the force, combat training center (CTC) rotational
60

June 30, 2019

News Spotlight u
Despite Age and Rank,
Three 166th Aviation Brigade Warrant
Officers Graduate Air Assault School
By SSG(P) Monica F. Mims

A

U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY SSG(P) MONICA F. MIMS

ge is just a number! That’s the indirect message CW4 Jerry
Spears (38), CW4 Ryan Mahany (39) and CW4 Steve Frazee (36),
gave by completing three weeks of rigorous air assault training.
The course consists of three phases -- air assault, slingload andrappel. In the first phase, students learn air assault and pathfinder
operations as well as aircraft familiarization and safety considerations.
The second phase, slingload phase, requires students to prepare
loads for aerial delivery using slings and cargo bags. This phase is Left to right: CW4 Frazee, CW4 Spears and CW4 Mahary
considered mentally demanding, as everything must be committed tomemory, such as the tensile strength of equipment used in slingload operations, lift capabilities of supporting aircraft,
and rigging and inspecting prepared loads. The third phase includes applying basic rappelling knowledge to drop froma 50-foot rappel tower and later an Army helicopter hovering 80 feet above ground. “I definitely recommend training
hard beforehand,” Spears said.
Although not considered a phase, graduation day provides perhaps the most intimidating challenge to the prospective
Air Assault Soldiers, the silent beast, the 12-mile road march.
Training hard for several months before the course, these three CW4s set the standard for all members of the brigade. It was a major accomplishment for not only the Soldiers and their families, but for 166th Aviation Brigade as well.
“Show me another Aviation brigade whose Master Gunner, SIP, and Safety Officer all successfully completed Air
Assault School as CW4s, and I will show you a commander as proud as I am,” said COL Ron Ells, 166th Aviation Brigade
Commander. “I’m proud of all three of you for tackling this grueling course and am honored to be able to call myself
your commander. Air Assault! Archangels! Army Strong!”
SSG(P) Monica F. Mims is the public affairs NCOIC for the 166th Aviation Brigade at Fort Hood, TX.

planning, personnel recovery (PR) issues, Reserve Component
mobilizations, and modernization initiatives. Our directorate
provides the subject matter expertise that allows our leadershipto effectively engage senior leaders on decisions important to
the Aviation operational force.

challenges facing CABs, CTC Aviation elements, and brigade
combat teams’ (BCT) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) platoons. The goal: continually identify where FORSCOM andmembers of the Aviation Enterprise can assist in helping subordinate commands build and maintain Aviation readiness.

MAAR

With generating ready forces at the forefront of all we do,
FORSCOM Aviation applies the harsh wire-brush of reality to the emerging “good” ideas coming from in and aroundthe Aviation Enterprise. We maintain the obligation of providing the Combatant Commanders with a trained, relevant,and ready force. For this reason, FORSCOM Aviation always
fights to preserve the readiness of our Aviation brigades, so thatwhen our units are allocated to an operation, the combatantcommander has confidence in our Aviation formations to fight,
and win, on the battlefield.

With the significant majority of our Aviation force committed to the ongoing theater requirements mentioned earlier, restrictions on dwell-time and ever-increasing home station tasks,
we must remain efficient and engage non-Aviation leadershipto meet our readiness objectives. One method of engagement
to achieve this is the Monthly Aviation Readiness Review(MAAR), chaired by the FORSCOM Deputy Commanding
General. This was instituted to effectively involve senior leadership at the Corps and Division levels. Each month, seniorleadership of corps, divisions, DRUs, and CTCs participate in
the MARR in order to update FORSCOM senior leadershipon Aviation readiness. This enables focused discussion among
non-Aviation commanders and staffs concerning issues and
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

LTC Michael Charnley recently served as the Operations Branch
Deputy in the G37 Aviation Directorate in FORSCOM at Fort
Bragg, North Carolina.
61

June 30, 2019

Historical Perspective u

Call for Assistance
By Mark Albertson

W

WIKEPEDIA COMMONS PHOTO

e need the assistance of those in the Army Aviation family … the stories
and experiences of those who have served and those who still do … from theend of the Korean War to the present.

ARMY AVIATION HALL OF FAME PHOTO

Jean Marie Coutelle, led the French Company of
Aeronauts during the French Revolutionary Wars.

William Wallace Ford, first Director of Air Training for the
Army Ground Forces’ Air Observation Post.
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

Whether a pilot, mechanic or infantryman, officer or enlisted, manor woman is irrelevant; we want whatever you are willing to shareand provide.
I am creating Volume 2, Sky Soldiers: The Saga of Army Aviation,
1954 to the Present. Volume 1 is written and covers the timeframe
1794-1953, including the advent of aerial observation, beginningwith the Compagnie d’Aerostiers or Company of Aeronauts1 during
the French Revolutionary Wars to Army Aviation during the
Korean conflict. Of course, the availability of participants here tointerview was limited; not so from 1953 till now.
What I require for Volume 2 are stories from the immediate
post-Korean War period, Vietnam conflict, post-Vietnam era,branch-hood, Grenada, Desert Shield/Storm, the Balkans,
Afghanistan, Iraq, and beyond.
Such stories and information those participants are willing toshare will help to chart the maturation of Army Aviation for thetime frame in question; which spans the end of the Industrial
Revolution, from which the Air Observation Post concept led
by William Wallace Ford actually emerged, to the Technology
Revolution which Army Aviation is in.
Obviously, I will not be able to use all that is provided. But that
does not mean that such data cannot be used in other stories in themagazine or in future projects. For in the end, whether you flew
in combat, turned wrenches or peeled potatoes, you served . . . andthat is what matters.
Please feel free to contact me at:Mark Albertson
37 Russell Street,
Norwalk, CT 06855
203-505-4751
albrts24@aol.com
mark@markwriter.com
or
ARMY AVIATION Magazine
593 Main Street,
Monroe, CT 06468
203-268-2450
Endnote: 1 – The Compagnie d’Aerostiers was a forerunner of the Union
Army Balloon Corps; and, is considered the world’s first air force. It had
the world’s first academy for aviation, at Chalais-Meudon, in 1794.
62

June 30, 2019

A G I L E•

M O D U L A R•

S M A L L / L I G H T W E I G H T•

P L AT F O R M

A G N O ST I C

ADVANCED
DIGITAL STORESMANAGEMENT SYSTEM
The Moog Weapon Stores Management System(SMS) is a modular COTS weapons control systemthat seamlessly integrates with aircraft sensors
and mission management systems to provide thecrew with a superior fire-control solution.

Lightweight
Dual Rail Launcher
(DRL)

moog
L E A R N

M O R EAT

StoresControl Panel (SCP)

Gun Rocket Unit
(GRU)

Enhanced StoresManagement Computer(E-SMC)

Enhanced Stores
Interface Unit (E-SIU)

SMS Third Party Interface
with Avalex Smart
Multi-Function Display

M O O G . C O M / S M S

Successful military operations ___________________ .
a. keep service members and materials safeb. stay productive and efficientc. use resources wisely
d. maintain unit readinesse. use Big Ass Fans for all of the above

WE’VE GOT THE MIND AND MUSCLE
FOR “MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.”BIGASSFANS.COM | 877.276.4219

AAAAu NETWORK I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORTAAAA Chapter Affairs By LTC (Ret.) Jan DrabczukOver the TopA

At the summit, the association rose over $70K for scholarships,
recognized 11 outstanding individuals and units through the
National Awards Program and inducted three people into the
AAAA Hall of Fame at the AAAA Hall of Fame Induction
Banquet. Seventy-five of our chapters had chapter membersthat attended the Summit, we also signed up 74 new members.
One third of our chapters also sponsored a Soldier to attend
the event at no cost! What a great success!
Top Chapters Recognized
Four of our Chapters were recognized at the Soldier Appreciation Concert. Chapters achieving Top Chapter of the Yearstatus for 2018 were the Air Assault chapter as the Top Super Chapter (over 500 members), the Central Florida Chapter as the Top Master Chapter (200-499 members), the Aloha
Chapter as the Top Senior Chapter (75-199 members) and
the Grizzly Chapter as the Top AAAA Chapter (75 members
and below). Competition was even tighter this year with more
Chapter metrics evaluated. Chapters are more alive now thanever. Glad to recognize our above the best Chapters. Get out
there and make yours a 2019 Top Chapter Winner!
Attendance at Our Chapter Workshop
Our Chapter workshop continues to attract Chapter
officers. All AAAA Chapters were invited to attend the
Chapter workshop, with AAAA National providing financial
assistance for Chapters to attend. We had 30 Chapters
represented and 45 Chapter officers in attendance. Individual
Chapter discussions were quite robust and informative. The
half day workshop focused on how to improve the quality of
programs and national support that our Chapters bring toour membership. The sessions included highlights on chapter
metrics, national office support, Chapter fiscal operations, local
and national award procedures, scholarship procedures andmembership engagements. Workshop read ahead and briefing
slides can be found under the Chapter Tab on the AAAA
website. Reminder, AAAA funds travel and housing for one
Chapter officer to attend. Start planning now, it would be great
to see more Chapters attending in 2020!
Chapter Highlights
We presently have 79 Active Chapters in 4 categories. 325
Chapter events were submitted to AAAA National in 2018.
On top of quarterly refunds, the NEG directly funded an additional $154,000 to support 85 events for 43 Chapters. Events
have been grouped into six categories: Quarterly, Sporting, So-

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

Incoming AAAA National President, MG (Ret.) Jeff Schloesser, answers
questions at the Chapter Officers Workshop during the 2019 AAAA Army
Aviation Mission Solution Summit.

cial, Fundraising, Organization Days and Community Action.
For this year through the end of April, the NEG has alreadyfunded $53,475 to support 19 events for 18 Chapters. Events
have been the driving force to grow Chapters with over 65
percent maintaining or growing membership. We continue torecognize our members. Last year 49 Chapters submitted 630
OSM/Knight/OLL awards. Scholarships still are a big pushat the Chapter level, 39 Chapters helped keep our scholarshipprogram alive and well. Their support helped AAAA achievea record year awarding $503,500 to a total of 310 scholarshipparticipants.
Looking Forward to Next Year
The Nashville Gaylord Opryland seems like Fort AAAA.
There was a great professional agenda coupled with fun eventson the social agenda. Next year we are back in Nashville, 22-24
April, starting on a Wednesday. Check out the AAAA website
to see new benefits available to our membership. Our Chapters are growing in numbers, improving in quality and member programs continue to improve. Our Association is strong,none of this happens without great National and Local Chapter leadership. We should all be proud that we all support Army
Aviation, the Soldier, military families and the local community.
Chapter Support
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 clarification of National procedures. Also, I would like to hear from any members that feelthey need their Chapter revitalized or who would like to starta new Chapter. I can be reached at jan.drabczuk@quad-a.org. I
am looking forward to working with you and supporting our
great association.
LTC (Ret.) Jan S. Drabczuk
AAAA VP for Chapter Affairs
jan.drabczuk@quad-a.org

64

June 30, 2019

AAPI PHOTO BY RENÉ BIDEZ

AAA broke its record again thisyear with the largest ever AAAA
Summit. Over 8,000 people and morethan 330 industry exhibitor firms attend
this great networking event!

AAAA

NETWORK I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT u

AAAA Chapter NewsCHAPTER COURTESY PHOTOS

Air Assault Chapter Golf
Tourney
Air Assault Chapter hosted a chapter
social and membership meeting on Friday
evening, April 12th at the Gaylord Springs
Golf Links Club House in Nashville, TN.
Three individuals were inducted into theSilver Honorable Order of St. Michael: LTC
Michael J. Mannion, CW5 Douglas A.
DeBoer and CSM James D. Wilson.

UPCOMING EVENTSJULY 2019
1 Submission Deadline – ASE, AMSO,
Avionics, and Donald F. Luce Depot
Maintenance Artisan Awards
19 Blue Book Updates Submission Deadline
22-28 EAA AirVenture, Oshkosh, WI
AUGUST 2019
1 Award Submission Deadline – Logistics
Support Unit of the Year; Materiel ReadinessAwards; Fixed Wing Unit of the Year; UAS
Soldier and Unit of the Year
20-21 AAAA Luther G. Jones Army Aviation
Depot Forum, Corpus Christi, TX
24-27 NGAUS 140th General Conference &Exhibition, New Orleans, LA

The following morning, the chapter launcheda full flight of 144 golfers to support thechapter Scholarship Fund and AAAA
Scholarship Foundation.
Aloha Chapter

CHAPTER COURTESY PHOTO

LTC Mannion

Members and guests of the Aloha Chapter gather for a group photo during the Thirsty Third
Thursday general membership meeting at Wheeler Army Airfield, HI on April 18, 2019.
Approximately 40 individuals participated in the event during which 5 new members wererecruited. This was the fifth event of its kind with many more to come!

Order of St. Michaeland Our Lady of Loreto
Inductees
CSM Wilson

PEO IEW&S Inducted

CWOB Inducted Into GOSM

U.S. ARMY PEO IEW&S PHOTO

At the same event, Chapter President, COL(Ret.) Hawk Ruth (center) also recognized
the chapter team for orchestrating themeeting and the tournament: (l to r) CW5(Ret.) Robert L. Huffman, Treasurer; CW5(Ret.) George C. Arzente, Treasurer; COL(Ret.) Stephen C. Smith, Sr. VP; and SFC(Ret.) Andrew J. McClure, VP Enlisted Affairs.

AAAA President, MG (Ret.) Jeff Schloesser(left) and AAAA immediate past president,
BG (Ret.) Steve Mundt induct MG Kirk F.
Vollmecke as a Knight of the Honorable
Order of St. Michael on May 2, 2019 atAberdeen Proving Ground, MD. Vollmecke
was recognized in conjunction with hischange of charter for his continuous and

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

significant contributions to Army Aviation
throughout his acquisition career, andmost notably during his tenure as Program
Executive Officer, Intelligence, Electronic
Warfare and Sensors (PEO IEW&S). He has
retired and remains in the local area.

U.S. ARMY AVIATION CENTER OF EXCELLENCE COURTESY PHOTO

CW5 DeBoer

65

CW5 Joseph Roland, outgoing chief
warrant officer of the Aviation Branch, is
inducted into the Gold Honorable Order of St.
Michael by AAAA National Vice President for
Membership, CW4 Becki Chambers, during
an awards ceremony on May 3, 2019 at theContinued on page 67

June 30, 2019

AAAA

u NETWORK I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORTAAAA Membership Update By CW4 Becki Chambers

The Membership
CornerS

Great news from the Summit! With the help of someamazing volunteers, we were able to process 74 new members, setting an all-time record for new memberships during
Summit! So many people helped to make this happen. Students from The McGavock Raiders Chapter headed by Derek
Rowe worked all three days at both the exhibit hall boothand in the Soldier Café. Brian Fields, Lisa Wilson, TJ Webb,
Dylan Chambers, Shannon Kirkpatrick, Brian Sabourin, andDave Cooper helped out at the exhibit hall booth, together
with Latny & Jon Salt, Jackie Gordon, and John Maez fromthe Old Tucson Chapter. Lisa Rotte spent several hours eachmorning at the booth in the Soldier Café, signing up several
new members.
Last, but certainly not least, I need to give a special shoutout to CSM (Ret.) Leon Hite. Leon has volunteered at
Summit year after year, with both Membership and as thepoint-of-contact for the Sponsored Soldiers. Leon’s assistance
was invaluable, and I cannot thank him enough. Thank you,
Leon, for all your help at Summit, and for everything you
have done and continue to do for this organization.
Summit also gave us the chance to recognize our top
recruiters for the year. In 5th place, with 31 new members,
is CW2 Brian Gage of the Thunderbird Chapter. Our 4thplace winner who enrolled 79 new members is SSG Stephen
Gifford, Jr. from the Voodoo Chapter. In 3rd place with89 new members enrolled is CSM Mark Baker from the
Washington-Potomac Chapter. In 2nd place, with 98 newmembers, is Ingrid Strange from the Aviation Center Chapter.
And in 1st place, with 107 new members, the winner of the
MSG John Bae Top Gun award, is CW5 John McConnell
with the Volunteer Chapter. Congratulations to all of you andthank you for your hard work.
A new face this year with AAAA is Laura Arena. Her
official title is Director of Member Engagement, which has
her working on both chapter and membership issues. LauraARMY AVIATION Magazine

AAPI PHOTO BY RENÉ BIDEZ

ummertime is upon us, which alsomeans that PCS season is ramping
up. PLEASE – do not forget to update
AAAA with your new contact information,
both mail and email. We want to makesure your ARMY AVIATION magazine
moves with you, and that your new local
Chapter can contact you.

AAAA VP Membership, CW4 Becki Chambers (2nd from right) with someof the many volunteers who assisted at the 2019 Summit. Pictured are(left to right): from the McGavock Raiders Chapter, Derek Rowe, R.J. Hill,and Brianna Mason; Becki; and CSM (Ret.) Leon Hite.

brings a wealth of knowledge from her previous job and she
has quickly become indispensable to both Jan Drabczukand myself. This year was Laura’s first Summit and I’m notsure if she was aware of what she had gotten herself into!
Laura was instrumental in the implementation of our new
member benefits package, is working to expand our member
engagement, and is actively helping Jan establish new
chapters. Thank you, Laura, for all your hard work!
Sarah Beyer is another new person up at AAAA
headquarters. Sarah is tasked with working on awards andcan help you find out if a member has ever received an Orderof St. Michael or Our Lady of Loreto. Sarah was anotherfirst time Summit attendee this year and worked very hard
helping Jenn Chittem, our Marking Communications andSponsorships director. Both Jenn and Sarah did a fabulous
job with logos, banners, branding, and articles.
Laura and Sarah were both so impressed with Summit,
thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and are looking forward to
next year!
By the time you read this, we will be at the end of ourSpring Fever campaign. I look forward to seeing whichchapters end up being the winners. All your efforts will be
helping us reach our goal of 20K by 20 Summit. We are so
close! We have been over 20,000 before and I know we cando it again. Remember, we just need each member to bring in
one new member and we can well exceed our goal.
CW4 Becki Chambers
AAAA Vice President for Membership

66

June 30, 2019

AAAA

NETWORK I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT u
New AAAA Life
Members

CW3 Michael S. Harris
LTC Clinton Underwood
CW5 Jimmie D. Brooks
Gary Spooner
John Esposito
MG Troy D. Kok
MAJ Brian Haas
CW4 Jonathan Hulse
CW3 Robert Smith
CSM Bradford Lee Smith
LTC Michael T. Girvin
LtCol William Krouse, Ret.
CW2 Zachary Koehn
SFC Brandon Casey
David Park
CPT Michael D. Kromenacker
John B. Bequette
Douglas Thrush
Richard Wright

New AAAA
Members

Air Assault Chapter
SGT Bradley C. Galloway
1LT Lila GarnerJohn R. Lunnemann
CPT Kyle Millard
Jack B. Roberts
SFC Brandon B. Vilt
Aloha Chapter
SGT Donald Grey
Arizona Chapter
MAJ Michael A. Mignano
Aviation Center Chapter
Thomas L Carr III
Badger Chapter
PV2 Kalem G. Stapelmann
Bluegrass Chapter
PFC Andrew W. Poole
Central Florida Chapter
PV2 Thomas B. Childress
Colonial Virginia Chapter
CW3 Charles Barrier Sr.
PFC Antonio L. Pina
Connecticut Chapter
PV2 Jonathan Alvarez-Rivera
PFC Joshua T. Cardinal
PV2 Brandon T. Pulford
PV2 Ian L. Tourtelotte
Corpus Christi Chapter
PV2 Noe I. Deleon
PV2 Joseph A. Muzquiz
Delaware Valley Chapter
PV2 Nicholas C. Sammartino
Follow Me Chapter
SPC Marvin C. Coleman
CW3 Leslie E. Digman, Ret.
PV2 Ryan Entrekin
Great Lakes Chapter
PV2 Wyatt T. Alleshouse
PFC Steely S. Carter
PFC Kameron J. Peterson
PFC Maximillian Richardson
Griffin Chapter
MSG Daniel m. Evans
CW3 Shane M. Palmer
1LT Emily C. Renzi
CPT Nicholas J. Schaefer
CW3 Chris Thorn

Grizzly Chapter
PFC Bryonn N. Anderson
SGT Michael M. Bobbitt
PV2 Zachary T. Brishaber
SPC Brandon j. Johnson
SPC Manuel H. Romero
SGT Lena l. Zagaris
Idaho Snake River
Chapter
PV2 Matthew T. Arndt
PV2 Gayle A. Philip
Keystone Chapter
PV2 Wendell J. Woods
Lonestar Chapter
PV2 Natalie Jasso
PV2 Noah A. Young
MacArthur Chapter
SPC Oludotun O. Odunmbaku
PV2 Josue N. Remy
Magnolia Chapter
PFC Justin T. Gates
Mid-Atlantic Chapter
SGT Kevin A. Fields
SGT Gordon D. George
SGT Melissa L. GreenSPC Shaun E. Haines
PV2 Harrison M. Kluge
Minuteman Chapter
PFC Ryan J. Fitzpatrick
PV2 Jonathan T. Murray
Mohawk Chapter
PFC Mattea L. Taylor
Morning Calm Chapter
CPT Edmund Lee
1LT Ronald Palma
Mount Rainier Chapter
PV2 Matthew E. Kline
PV2 Sloan T. Kraus
CW4 Curtis Manning Long
SFC William D. McCumbers
SSG Ryan Kris McLellan
North Star Chapter
SFC Joseph Conlin
PFC Eric Hatfull
North Texas Chapter
SPC Damian A. Alvarez
PFC Jeremy W. Lance
Northern Lights Chapter
PV2 John Woyak
Old Tuscan Chapter
PV2 Amado Alvarez-Carrillo
Oregon Trail Chapter
Don Anderson
SPC Justin C. Lambert
PVT Walker J. Paullus
CPT David Sous
Pikes Peak Chapter
PFC Levi C. Mair
CPT Ethan Muhs
PV2 Sean N. Tam
CPT Justin Volk
Ragin’ Cajun Chapter
SPC Ronald A. DuranRio Grande Chapter
SPC Ricardo R. Aguirre
CW2 Eric D. AllenCW2 Lauren Anderson
CW2 James L. Andreasen
1LT Guillermo Balderaz
SFC Jared E. Barnard
SPC Bradley C. Barr
2LT Jennifer T. Barrantes
CPT Thomas Barth
1LT Patrick M. Brito

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

CPT Chris M. Broderick
PFC Tobias A. Calerna
SPC Nicholas A. Carriere
SPC Giovany Ceballos
SPC Adam S. Channels
CW2 Ralph E. Collins
PFC Alton K. Conerly
SPC Mitchell H. Coulter
1LT Guillermo J. Diaz-Carrion
SPC Marcel C. Dixon
SSG Salvador A. Esposito
SPC Eli T. Farmer
MAJ Robbie L. Flouess
SPC Alexis N. Foster
SPC Patrick J. Franklin
SSG Christopher E. Frost
SPC JasenAdrian R. Garcia
CW2 Michael Gelsamino
SGT Dave A. Glover
SPC Roberto Gomez
1SG James B. Graves
CPL Traci J. Guinyard
SSG Aledander Guterrez
MAJ Dave W. Hanson
SPC Sammy C. Hayek
SGT Vincent T. Henchcliffe
SGT Adam S. Hill
SGT Aaron N. Hutchins
SGT Oluwatsin O. Jamiu
PFC Travis J. Kerr
SPC KC R. KingPV2 Brandon M. Kleinfelder
CW4 Davis J. Kushel
LTC Michael Lanzafama
CSM David E. Lee
SSG Kayla L. Lee
SGT Gustavo A. Lopez
SFC Teddy J. Lopez
SGT Aramis E. Lugo
SPC Drew M. Magill
CPT Ryan C. Martin
1LT Daniel L. McNeese
SPC Krista S. Mendez
PFC Nicholas J. Mendez
SPC Luis J. Miranda
SSG Johnny L. Moorer
PFC Roberto Morfin
CPT Andrew C. Muilenburg
SSG Henry C. Nanez
SGT Steven Nelson
SGT Job O. Ojo
SPC Mcraylee N. Omelau
SPC Jeremian N. Osborn
SPC John A. Otero
1LT Ralph R. Padilla
SGT Jerylee J. Papatsoris
PFC Dina M. Poole
SSG Samantha M. Recker
CSM Michael J. Resmondo
1LT Jonathan Rivera-Mann
1LT Jonathan Rivera-Marin
PFC Michael D. Roberts
CPT Matthew P. Robertson
SGT Richard G. Robinson
SPC Abel I. Rodriguez
SSG Alexis Santos
CW2 Andrew J. Sines
SPC Joshua Smith
CPT Jacqueline R. Solis
SSG Allan L. Styers
CPT Dillon M. Svoboda
1SG Adam S. Trammell
SGT Ryan L. Travers
SGT Ryan A. Ulving

67

1LT Dylan B. Varrato
SGT Roberto L. Vazquez
CPL Samuel C. Walker
PFC Dennis A. Wilson
SGT Tyler F. Wilson
SPC Brevin J. Yelllowhair
PFC Austin C. Zahara
1LT Christopher R. Zeigler
Rising Sun Chapter
SGM Kyle Patrick Clutter
MAJ Brian Smith
Savannah Chapter
PV2 Josiah Wagner
Sinai Chapter
SPC Ellen Hickman
SGT Raul Preciado
SSG JohnPaul P. Rodriguez
Southern California
Chapter
PFC Steve G. Beniga
Tarheel Chapter
SFC Carlos A. Campos
Tennessee Valley Chapter
Anthony Dupree
Bonnie Octavia Flores
Thunderbird Chapter
Judy M. Rau
Utah Chapter
PFC Zachery T. Buck
PFC Benjamin C. Curtis
PFC Quentel M. Moore
PFC Jordan M. Powell
Voodoo Chapter
SPC Drew Romero
Washington-Potomac
Chapter
Jacob G. Adams
SPC ZKyle E. Voeltz
Winged Warriors Chapter
SPC Aneesa Ali
SPC Christopher Carlos
SGT Cody Commons
SGT Asia Dickerson
SGT Stephanie Nakamoto
Wright Brothers Chapter
PV2 Owen C. Bame
PV2 Hunter J. DossPV2 Philippe M. GrandPV2 Jaleel Q. Ranson
PV2 Jordon M. Smyers
Zia Chapter
PV2 Noah K. Lucero
No Chapter Affiliation
PFC Jeremy A. Arthur
PV2 William A. Bennnett
SPC Luis A. Cervantes
PV2 Nathan S. Chavez
PV2 David A. Cox
SPC Ge Dai
PFC Cory J. Dean
PV2 Ryan A. Donoghue
SPC Bradley J. Dougherty
PV2 Gaven M. DoylePV2 Richard L. Everett Jr.
PV2 Felix Flores
SSG Erich Fouke
PV2 Devon S. FrankPV2 Jordan T. Franklin
PV2 Hakeem O. Harris
SPC Sung Chan Kang
Ms. Jan Knowles
PV2 Gabrielle A. Kornish
PV2 Noah G. Kruse
PV2 Dylan R. Manzanares

PV2 Austin C. Maroney
PV2 Asa G. Matthews
PV2 Angel G. Moreno
PV2 Felix J. Ortega
SPC Haley M. Porter
PV2 Christyan M. Prince
SPC Ricardo J. Rivera-Rios
PV2 Kingsley Rodriguez-Tuttle
PFC Alex Santaliz-Gonzalez
SPC Kyle R. Shoults
PV2 Chrystien J. Southwick
PFC Dylan S. St. John
PV2 Cody A. Stokes
PV2 Kavonn D. Thomas
PV2 Robert L. Trytten

Lost Members

Help AAAA locate a member
on this list and receive a
FREE one month extension to
your membership!
PFC Anthony Aleman
CPT Robert Boham
Harold Bowie
MAJ James Bruckart
E. Cavanaugh
LTC Richard Cercone
LTC Tzu-Shan Chang
Mr. Kenneth Clark
MAJ Harry Connors
Cynthia Crutchfield
Bruno Cussigh
SGT Travis Darnell
CW3 Matthew Decker
2LT Arthur Galloway
Michael Glass
MAJ Gregory Glover
LTC William Goforth
COL Gerhard Granz
Tashia Harris Smith
COL Jose Hinojosa
CW4 Delbert Jackson
MAJ Gregory Jenkins
MAJ David Jobe
LTC Peter Kowal
Beth Kramer
CW3 Vladimir Kultschizky
CW3 Timothy Larz
MSG David Little
SPC Poblo Lopez
CPL Williams Marquez
SFC Jim Moore
Fred Newcomb
SFC Henry Rathbone
SPC Cameron Rumbo
LTC Martin Scheld
Thomas Schiltz
LTC Jerry Scott
SPC Jeremy Sharkey
SPC Shelton Shia
SGT Nishi Shogo
Mr. Brian Skiltow
Mr. Jeremy Smith
MAJ James Speelman
LTC Friedrich Stern
WO1 Armando Torres
Mr. Kevin Tucker
SPC Mark Villaluazo
MAJ L.D. Walker
Rose Weast
SSG Johan Zarae

June 30, 2019

AAAA

u NETWORK I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORTAAAA Family Forum By Judy Konitzer

Celebrating the Month of the Military ChildT he Department of Defense has designated April as the Month of The MilitaryChild (MOMC) continuing the initiative established by Defense Secretary Casper
Weinberger in 1986 to recognize and honor our military youth.
The entire family serves when a military member serves, but
military youth make unique contributions and sacrifices onbehalf of our country. They deal with separations, deployments, frequent moves, and even parent’s injuries as part ofa life they were born into or entered into with their families.
During MOMC, units and installations around the globe
honor them with a variety of events geared especially forthem. I am pleased to share some photos of activities which
took place before and during Month of the Military Child’s
33rd Anniversary.

Top middle: Colonel Steven Pierce - USAG Ansbach Garrison Commanderwith his two daughters Mary Catherine and Elise. PHOTO: CHRISTIE DANIELSTop Right: Everyone who has been to Fort Rucker, Alabama recognizes theinfamous SGT.Ted E. Bear who received a new paint job on April 1, 2019

to initiate Month of the Military Child. Fort Rucker children added theirhandprints to also observe National Child Abuse Prevention Month withconnected activities. PHOTO: JIM HUGHES
Middle Left: Children play with bubbles before a homecoming ceremony for the
4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, at the William “Bill” Reed
Special Event Center, Fort Carson, CO, Feb. 24, 2019. PHOTO: SGT. ELIZABETH HARRIS
Middle: Children enjoying the activities while Spouses from the 82nd
Combat Aviation Brigade and 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne
Division earned their spurs during the Annual Spouse Spur Ride on April
18,2019 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. PHOTO: SGT STEVEN GALIMORE
Lower Left: Raul Santiago holds up a sign greeting his father, Spc. Raul
Santiago, during a homecoming ceremony at the William “Bill” Reed Special
Event Center, Fort Carson, Colo., Feb. 24, 2019. PHOTO: SGT. ELIZABETH HARRIS
Lower Middle: Fort Campbell-MOMC Kids Fest-27Apr19. PHOTO: AIMEE CLACK
Lower Right: StoryBook Sprint held on April 6, 2019 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky
was one of many events that took place during the Month of the Military Child. It
was a free 5K (untimed) and 1 mile fun run in which families were encouraged towear costumes and participate together. PHOTO: DONALD GROVESARMY AVIATION Magazine

68

Judy Konitzer is the family forum editor for ARMY AVIATION;
questions and suggestions can be directed to her at judy@quad-a.org.

June 30, 2019

AAAA

NETWORK I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT u
Aviation Center Chapter

Former command sergeant major of the
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), CSM
Todd Sims, is inducted as a Knight of the
Honorable Order of St. Michael by Air Assault
Chapter president, COL (Ret.) Hawk Ruth
during a ceremony on March 20, 2019 atthe Division headquarters, Ft. Campbell, KY.
Sims was recognized on the occasion of hischange of responsibility for his dedicatedsupport of Army Aviation Soldiers and Families
throughout his career. He moved on to be thesenior enlisted leader for First Army, at Rock
Island Arsenal, Illinois.

Want to change your
AAAA Chapter Affiliation?
No Problem —Call 203-268-2450

SFC Christopher A. Grant, NCOIC Hanchey
Army Heliport, Ft. Rucker, AL, is inducted Intothe Bronze Honorable Order of St. Michael,by Aviation Center Logistics Command commander, COL Richard A. Martin on April 9,2019 at the Army Aviation Museum, Ft. Rucker. Grant was recognized on the occasion of
his change of duty for his long-standing support of Army Aviation. He has been reassigned
to Fort Wainwright, AK where he will be a platoon sergeant.
Black Knight Chapter

CHAPTER PHOTO BY MATTHEW MOELLER

CHAPTER COURTESY PHOTO

Air Assault Chapter

LTC Erik Kober, chief of simulations, is
inducted into the Bronze Honorable Order ofSaint Michael by the Black Knights Chapter
President COL Rich Melnyk on March 5th,2019. He was recognized for a career
dedicated to Army Aviation and the induction
ceremony took place in the Memorial roomof Cullum Hall at West Point, NY.

CHAPTER PHOTO BY DANIEL CUNNINGHAM

CHAPTER PHOTO BY NIKKI MCCAY

U.S. Army Aviation Museum, Ft. Rucker, AL.
Roland was recognized on the occasion of
his change of responsibility for his dedicatedcareer-long support of Army Aviation. He willtake command of the U.S. Military Academy
flight detachment at West Point, NY.

Tennessee Valley Chapter

Mr. Gary Nenninger, Tennessee Valley Chapter president, and BG Thomas Todd, Program
Executive Officer Aviation, induct COL Randy
Murray, military deputy/G-3 for the PEO
Aviation, into the Silver Honorable Order of St.
Michael on March 8, 2019 at the Bob Jones
Auditorium, Redstone Arsenal, AL. Murray wasrecognized for ensuring the effective integration and coordination across PEO Aviation’s
primary staff and nine project management
offices consisting of over 3,000 personnel.

CHAPTER COURTESY PHOTO

Order of St. Michaeland Our Lady of Loreto
Inductees continued from page 65 \CW4 (Ret.) Ernest J. “Nick” Nickles,
Black Hawk Crew Station Working Group
Lead, CCDC Aviation and Missile Center,
was inducted into the Silver Honorable Orderof St. Michael by COL Billy Jackson, ProjectManager Utility Helicopter on Feb. 28, 2019 in
Huntsville, AL. He was recognized for leading
the integration of many successful changes
to the Black Hawk cockpit systems since thebeginning of the development of the UH-60M.

AAAA Functional Awards - Open for Nominations!
Deadline: August 1
n Logistics Unit of the Year Awardn Materiel Readiness Award for a Contribution by a
Small Business or Organizationn Materiel Readiness Award for a Contribution by an
Individual Member of Industryn Materiel Readiness Award for a Contribution by a
Major Contractor
n Materiel Readiness Award for a Contribution by an
Industry Team, Group, or Special Unitn UAS Soldier of the Yearn UAS Unit of the Yearn Fixed Wing Unit of the Year

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

69

Deadline September 1
n Air/Sea Rescue
n ATC Facility of the Yearn ATC Unit of the Yearn ATC Technician of the Yearn ATC Controller of the Yearn ATC Manager of the Yearn DUSTOFF Medic of the Yearn Medicine Awardn Trainer of the Year
Please email all completed
nomination packets to:awards@quad-a.org

June 30, 2019

AAAA

u NETWORK I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORTIn Memoriam
AAAA Bids Farewell to Joan

We at AAAA headquarters are saddened to announce the sudden passing of one of ourteam, Joan Zinsky, who was 80 years young. Many outside the headquarters only knew her
by her voice when calling in; but, those of us who worked side by side with her over morethan 30 years truly have lost a dear friend and co-worker. She was a wonderful lady who
had an infectious laugh… she will be missed by all. She was at the office as usual only a few
days before she passed away unexpectedly at home.
Rest in peace Joan. We miss you already.

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 ifrom January
2019 through May 2019. 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!

AAAA Badger Chapter
AAAA-Speaker Donation 2019 Summit
Airbus Helicopters, Inc.
Alyssa Perry
Amazon Smile
Ameripack
Amy Anderson
Army Aviation Center Federal Credit UnionBAE System
BoeingBooz Allen Hamilton
Bradley S Boyer Alexandria H Boyer
Brig Gen Harry H. Bendorf
Canebrake Club, LLC
Cari KreiselCharleen Kennedy
Charles David Bayless
Charles E. Wright Jessica L. Wright
Christie Reyenga
Colonel (RET) Harry Townsend, Diana L
Townsend
Community Health Charities
Concept Components
D.R. Haag, D.E. Haag
Dan Brown
Daniel T Madish, Elisabeth Madish
David BlackburnDavid John Stock II Jennifer Lynn Stock
Davis Aircraft Products Co., Inc.
Debra Harlow-Aldecoa
Donald Munsch
Edward Lewis Landry, Kimberly A Jamison
EJ. Sinclair Susan Sinclair
Ellen Luz Ramil, Manuel B Ramil
Emily M Miller
Evelyn A. Soucek Trust

Gail Vergez
Greater Giving
Ingrid K Bruce
Ironmountain Solutions, Inc
JACS Aircraft Certification Specialist
James E. Rogers Reba A. Rogers
James Emerson
Jason Benedict
Jeff Becker
Jerry P. Mellick
Jodi Lynch
John Maez
John S. Bolton, Linda S. Bolton
Johnson& Johnson
Jolanda Masters
Jon C Eidem
Judith H. Janowiak
Judy French
Karissa Poe
K-Con, Inc.
Kelly F Carberry
Khalifa Almeghairi
Laura Arena
Laura Steele
Leslie H Gilbert
LTG William Phillips, Ret Marilyn H. Phillips
Marc Rassler
Marlene Raczkowski
Masaki Sudo
Matthew J. Sheedy
Michael YounceMichele Lynn Broshear
Mimi F. Boulden
Munsch & Co. Aeromechanics
N. L. Amato
Network for Good

Pamet W. Brown
Patriot Taxiway Industries, IncPaul McCarthy
Peduzzi Associates LTD
Phantom Products Inc.
Piasecki Foundation
QuantiTech, Inc.
Robert Seigle
Robertson Fuel Systems
Roy Sullivan
S D Mundt, B J Mundt
Safran El. & Def., Avionics USA
Safran Helicopter Engines
Safran USA Virginia
Scott Kubica
Sharon Kleiber
Shashy Family Charitable Fund
Shelley YarboroughSidney W Achee
Steven M Soucek Chandra L Soucek
Strata-G Solutions, Inc.
System Studies & Simulation, Inc.
T Konitzer, TJK Konsulting Inc.
Tactical & Survival Specialties, Inc.
Tee It Up for the Troops, Inc.
The Luminescence Foundation, Inc.
The OV-1 Mohawk Association
Tier 4 LLC
Timothy Wooldridge
Veteran Guardian
VHPA Scholarship Fund
Victoria Bendure
Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association
William Newby
William Phillips*Families of the Fallen Scholarship FundFor 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 06468-2806.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

70

June 30, 2019

AAAA

NETWORK I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT u

AAAA Awards

Order ofSt. Michael
Inductees
Silver
CSM Rodney W. Harris
COL Thomas E. Burke
Jill Davis
CW5 Ronald J. FrielCW5 Douglas A. DeBoer
CSM James D. Wilson
LTC Michael J. Mannion
CW5 Douglas E. Finstad
Robert Bean
CW5 Patrick Francis
COL Shawn P. Manke
CSM Billy D. Webb
LTC Rodney A. Turner
CW5 Jerry Blackwell
CW5 Michael C. FialaCW4 Jason L. Pike
CW5 Brian M. McGloneLTC Ryan I. Moore
LTC Jacob W. Miller
CW5 Robert A. Korecky
CW5 Lynwood T. Saville
BronzeCSM Rodney W. Harris
SSG Todd A. Barker
CW4 Paul Getner
CW3 Elvin R. Carr
CW5 Leslie M. McNellie
CW3 Marc Johnson
LTC Thomas M. Jones
SFC Matthew A. Kipp
CW4 Scott D. NewMyer
CW5 Shawn R. Longwell
CW5 Elijah E. Mayers
MAJ Jeremy Thorton
MAJ Kyle Reeves
MAJ Robert Wells
CW4 Stephen W. Ryznic
CW4 Ryker B. HallCW4 David Weston
SFC Matthew J. Brickley
SFC Joshau C. Miles
SFC Brian N. Robinson
SFC Daniel Gonzalez
SFC Nikolaos S. Kapodistrias
CW3(P) Salem St. JamesCW3 Christoforo Kimoto
MAJ Joy F. Nickel
LTC Walker W. Scott III
CW4 Robert M. Ware

CW4 William J. McClain
MAJ Jerome A. Reitano
CW4 Thomas Johnson
LTC Andrew J. Duus
LTC Roger P. Waleski
MAJ Anthony Colgary
LTC Clifton T. Causey
CW4 Cody W. Grow
CPT Justin Gill
SFC Douglas E. Wilson Jr.
CPT Michael Arcangelo
CPT Joseph B. Wiley
CW4 Jason L. Burke
CW4 Francois Collard
CPT Justin R. Rapp
1SG Nathanial R. Kittredge
1SG Michael R. Marshall
1SG Allen King
1SG Jesse L. Wandling
CPT Robert E. Turns
1SG Ralph T. Woods
CW3 Brian J. Riesberg
CW3 Daniel B. Hodge
CW2 Roger J. Schilling
Michael T. Cowperthwait
CSM Carl E. Goss
CW5 Marques A. Martins
LTC Christopher A. Spencer
CW4 Eric B. McPherson
CW3 Jesse D. Coslow
CW3 John C. ColeCW4 Andrew J. Sorenson
CPT Ryan Maynard
CPT Ryan Kirkeby
CPT Robert Caraccilo
CPT Reed J. Alexander
MAJ Christopher D. Zotter
CW4 Mitchell K. Villafania
MAJ Ryan Travis
MAJ Jon Ryder
1SG Preston E. Ring
CW2 Brian C. Reddington
SSG Aaron Powers
CPT Shawn P. Plumb
MAJ Kent B. Monas
CW3 James L. McCormick
SFC John Koones
1SG Lonnie Gilstrap
1SG Christopher J. Frye
SFC Michael S. Franklin
MAJ David Crigger
MAJ Christopher Colbert
1SG Christian R. Barrios
CW3 Rene Carrillo
SFC Eric M. Scott
1SG William Wilson

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

CW3 Alan R. Crawford
SFC Timothy A. Shoopman
CPT Megan Reading
CPT Stephen T. Sexton
LTC Mark Jacques
MSG Craig R. Covington
1SG Darrell Williams
SSG Kevin E. Jones
MAJ David T. Powell
MAJ Michael J. Vanleeck
CW3 Michael Beck
LTC Jeong Sik Kim
COL Yong Dae Kim
COL Yong Sung Kim
LTC Jeong Yoon ParkCW3 Anthony J. Culley
MSG Tom Migliozzi, Ret.
MSG Robert Wood
COL Mark Vandyke
SGM Jeronimo Valdez
MSG William W. Smith
CW5 Bruce Pulgencio
SGM Robert Pruitt
CSM Marcus L. Kellam
CW4 Glyne Johnson
COl David HallMSG Janet Graves
CW5 Jeffrey Crandall
COL Louis E. Carmona
COl William T. Breeze
1SG Kenneth N. Welshans
1SG Cody A. Fordemwalt
CW5 Jerry F. Irick
CW5 John Bilton
CW4 Thomas H. Parker
Richard M. O’Connell
William J. Papich
LTC Nick J. Morgus Jr.
LTC Lourie N. Formby III
CW4 Joval F. Eblen III
MSG Alexis Bastidas
CPT Clifford D. Crofford
CW3 Bernard A. Higdon
CPT (P) James C. Keaton
CPT (P) Steven E. Mohr
CPT (P) Sharil K. Richards
MAJ Kevin Loughnane
CW4 David A. Stettenbenz
MAJ Gregory J. Gobel
1SG Frank W. Palfrey Jr.
CW4 William Nedostup
CW4 Timothy Seesholtz
Edward Killilea
CW4 Daniel Muthler
CW3 Richard Hill
MAJ Robert S. Dunlap
CSM Shane M. Couchene
LTC Stephen L. Clower
CW3 Justin H. Blizzard
CPT Zachary D. Daker
CW3 Dustin Harkness
MAJ Michael Gabrhel
CPT Richard Ortmann
Alexander Gorshenin
MAJ Bryan Whittier
CW4 Jonathan Hulse
71

SGT Kevin Fields
Mid-Atlantic Chapter
December 2018
SGT Melissa Green
Mid-Atlantic Chapter
February 2019
Honorable Order
KnightKristie Lynn Scheuer
Michelle F. Staggs
LTC Christopher M. Hill
Dr. Carlos Correia
Jennifer Beck
1LT James D. DiCarlo
SFC Alvin E. Ortiz-O’Niell
Dr. Angus H. Rupert
CPT Andrew M. Krumm
CPT Joshua R. Smith
CPT (P) Jason C. Lovallo
CPT Joseph S. Douthitt
MSG Brian L. Beers
Peter J. Mock

Sgt Gordon D. George
Mid-Atlantic Chapter
January 2019
SPC Justin C. Lambert
Oregon Trail Chapter
March 2019
MAJ Michael A. Mignano
Arizona Chapter
April 2019
SPC Damian A. Alvarez
North Texas Chapter
January 2019
SPC Manuel Hureta Romero
Grizzly Chapter
April 2019
SPC Brandon J. Johnson
Grizzly Chapter
May 2019

Our Lady of
Loreto Recipients

Paula Turner
Jasmine Ortmann
Crystal Diehl
Melinda “Mindy” Scott
Emily Finney
Adrianne Fuscellaro
Jennifer Smith
Tara Webb
Rebecca L. Pinckney
Sharon McKinney
Bre Ayers
Melissa von Eschenbach
Angela R. McHugh
Victoria Mariani
Mary E. Rouse
Summer L. MacGregor
Lynne M. Bordeleau-Bennett
Patti King
Melissa Willett
Stephanie Balmforth
Amanda L. Greenford
Margaret Elizabeth Caraccilo

Chapter
Recognition
AwardsSoldier of theMonth
SFC Carlos A. Campos
Ragin' Cajun Chapter
January 2019
SPC Shaun E. Haines
Mid-Atlantic Chapter
February 2019

SPC Walter J. Tygret
Oregon Trail Chapter
April 2019
Soldier of theQuarter
PFC Bryonna N. Anderson
Grizzly Chapter
3rd Quarter 2019
Soldier of theYear
SGT Thomas R. Woolford
Mid Atlantic Chapter
December 2018
NCO of theMOnth
SGT Lena L. Zagaris
Grizzly Chapter
April 2019
NCO of theQuarter
SGT Michael M. Bobbitt
Grizzly Chapter
3rd Quarter 2019
In Memoriam
COL William M. Gavora, Ret.
LTC Charles S. Kettles, Ret.
Mary Letts
CW5 Earl Peay, Ret.

June 30, 2019

AAAA

u NETWORK I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT

Industry News Announcements Related to Army Aviation Matters
Editor’s note: Companies can send their Army Aviation related news
releases and information to editor@quad-a.org.

COURTESY PHOTO MARTIN UAV

Competition to
Replace Shadow

The U.S. Army has selected Martin
UAV and AAI Corporation, a unitof Textron, to provide unmanned
aircraft systems for platoons to
try out as candidates to replace
the Shadow tactical UAS. The
indefinite
delivery, indefinite
quantity contracts are worth up to$99.5 million each over a threeyear period. The plan is to deliver
several systems to six platoonsin Army Forces Command thatwill evaluate them during combat
training center rotations. The designated platoons have not yet been
identified. The unmanned aircraft were selected after a fly-off during
December 2018 and January 2019 at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah.

Honeywell International Inc., Phoenix, AZ, was awarded a$70,486,623 modification to contract W56HZV-12-C-0344 fortotal integrated engine revitalization hardware services; work will be
performed in Phoenix, with an estimated completion date of June 30,
2021.
Lockheed Martin, Orlando, FL, was awarded a $723,550,174
modification to domestic and Foreign Military Sales (Lebanon,
Netherlands and France) contract W31P4Q-18-C-0130 to procurea variety of HELLFIRE II missile variants; work will be performed in
Orlando, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2022.
System Studies & Simulation Inc., Huntsville, AL, was awarded
a $12,364,338 modification to contract W31P4Q-09-A-0019 fortechnical support services; work will be performed in Huntsville, withan estimated completion date of March 31, 2020.
The Boeing Co., Mesa, AZ, was awarded a $171,887,544
hybrid (cost, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and firm-fixed-price) contract
for performance-based logistics service in support of the AH-64E
Apache attack helicopter fleet; work will be performed in Mesa, withan estimated completion date of April 30, 2020.

DoD Launches New Chief Technologist
WebsiteAdvertisers Index

On April 24, 2019, the office of the Under Secretary of Defense
for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) launched a new public
website, https://www.cto.mil. The new website will help members
from the different services, industry, academia, allied partners andthe American public to stay informed on happenings in the DoD
research, development, engineering and technology enterprise.

ALKAN............................................................... 12
BAE Systems....................................................... 5
Bell Helicopter - Military......................................... 1
Big Ass Fans...................................................... 59
Chief Commercial Claims Branch........................ 13
Coastal Seat Cushions, Inc................................. 29
Collins.................................................................. 7
Collins Aerospace Mission Systems.................... 23
Columiba Helicopters, Inc................................... 16David Clark Company......................................... 33
DynCorp............................................................ 80
Eclypse International Corp................................... 31
FLIR Systems, Inc............................................... 21
Garmin International Inc....................................... 19
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems................ 35
Gulfstream......................................................... 17
MD Helicopter.................................................... 11
MOOG............................................................... 59
PCX Aerostructures............................................ 37
Phantom Products, Inc....................................... 25
Science and Engineering Services, SES, Inc......... 2
SKEDCO, Inc..................................................... 43
Streamlight Inc................................................... 29
Tyoneck............................................................. 15
ViaSat Inc........................................................... 27
Vinnell Arabia...................................................... 32
Yulista Holdings, LLC............................................ 9

Davenport FSI President/CEO

FlightSafety International announced on May 14,
2019 that David Davenport will now lead thecompany as President & CEO. He most recently
served as Co-CEO and President, Commercial. Ray
Johns, who previously served as Co-CEO, will continue as President,
Government and Manufacturing. He oversees the services andproducts FlightSafety offers to government and military agencies, aswell as the design and manufacture of flight simulation products andvisual systems.

Contracts – (From various sources. An “*” by a company
name indicates a small business contract)
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, CA,
was awarded a $99,020,937 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for
performance-based logistics support services for the MQ-1C Gray
Eagle Unmanned Aircraft System; work will be performed in Poway,with an estimated completion date of April 23, 2024.
Gentex Corp., Simpson, PA, was awarded a $27,860,817 firmfixed-price contract for the Head Gear Unit 56/P Rotary Wing Helmet;
work locations and funding will be determined with each order, withan estimated completion date of April 25, 2024.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

72

June 30, 2019

AAAA

NETWORK I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT u			

AAAA Legislative Report

By LTC Kevin Cochie, Retired
AAAA Representative to the Military Coalition (TMC)
kevin.cochie@quad-a.org
The Unpredictable Budget
Cycle on Capitol Hill
For so many years the new norm was
for Congress to receive the budget requestfrom DoD via the White House and thenmonths of hearings, meetings, cuts, andadds only to arrive at 1 October with
impasses between the House and Senatethat lead to a Continuing Resolution thatsnow balls into uncertainty within DoD andthe Defense industry.
After years of Congress failing on theirtimeline to provide timely legislation on
policy and funding, last year we jumped forjoy when Congress did their job and turned
out the authorization and appropriations
bills on time. For once our certainty ofuncertainty was replaced with gratitude to
our lawmakers coming through for us.
Now, here we are in the midst of the FY20
Congressional markup cycle that began latethis year (March) and, by process, should
turn out the two defense bills on time by theend of September. So, are we on track? The
short answer is that no one really knows,
and many are confused that the 4 defense
committees are not following the normal
sequence of finishing the “mark-up” of thebudget request. For decades, the House
Armed Services Committee (HASC) has
been the first to complete their version of
the National Defense Appropriations Act(NDAA) and to coin a term from a former
senior HASC staffer, “the HASC always
sets the windsock” for all committees tocomplete their mark-ups. Normally then,the SASC completes their mark-up of the
NDAA followed by the House Appropriations
Committee-Defense
completingtheirversion of the appropriations bill, and thenlast, Senate Appropriations CommitteeDefense completing their version of defense
appropriations.
So, not only can we not count on theold norm of uncertainty of Congress evencompleting the legislation on time, we now
are further confused at the sequence ofcompletion in this year’s process. This pastmonth, one of the mark-ups was completed,but it was not the HASC as normal. The
HAC-D completed their adjustments on theappropriations bill which we will remind

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

our readers is the legislation that actually
issues funding. The White House requested$750B for Defense and the HAC-D is only
authorizing $690B.
What is interesting here is the mix
between base budget request (limited by
Sequestration) and Overseas Contingency
Funding (OCO)(Sequestration does not
apply). The President’s budget overtly tries
to accomplish a Sequestration end-aroundby requesting base dollars at $576B whichis the limit with Sequestration, but also
requests $164B in OCO funding. With nobi-partisan deal on defense spending, thiswas a good try, but law makers know thisis the loophole that DoD pursues, and they
do not like it. Now, take a look at what the
HAC-D presented. Sure, we would expect
the total at $690B to come in lower than the$750B request, but the mix between baseand OCO is interesting. They are allowing
for $622B and $68B in OCO. Why is thisinteresting? Well, it's Congress that passed
the Budget Control Act of 2012 that gave
us Sequestration and it's Congress thatcan repeal it. That is not happening anytime
soon, yet the HAC-D is basically saying out
loud that they think DoD deserves more basedollars than what Sequestration will allow.
We will do our best to continue to explain
this process and status in the months tocome, but some of it is really hard to explain(except for you closet political nerds).
What’s to Come This
Summer?
It’s very important that the 3 othercommittees pass their mark ups and thetwo defense bills get into the “conference”
period. This needs to happen by end ofJune if there is any possibility the legislative
differences will be resolved in time for final
passage and signature by the President.
As we stated last month, it is remote atbest this is going to happen. There is plenty
of dysfunction that indirectly contributes tothe lack of progress and compromise on
defense spending. One is the border wall thatstill stings quite a few on Capitol Hill. Then
there is immigration reform that seems to be
growing as a priority with the White House.
Oh, wait, what about the debt limit? Without

73

action here by September, sequestration willcertainly kick in for the entire federal budget
and the Treasury will be at risk for defaulting
on the national debt.
So, there is a lot to watch and we
encourage our readers to consider nondefense issues that have direct impact tothe ability to get on-time policy and funding
legislation.
Acquisition Policy
A notable piece of legislation in workby the Armed Services committee is morereform on defense acquisition and is said toresult in changes that “make a big difference
across the department.” These include rapid
prototyping and fielding and establishing “amodular open system approach for major
defense acquisition systems.” I’m a former
acquisition officer and actually thought wealready had policy on this, so we’ll lookforward to reading the details! I think ourstrong bench of Army Aviation Industry
partners will welcome further reform thatstreamlines the process too!

Upcoming Special Focus
2017 Blue Book Issue

1942-2017 pg. 50

NETWORK l RECOGNITION l VOICE l SUPPORTNETWORKlRECOGNITION

l

VOICE

l

SUPPORT

August/September 2017

July 31, 2017

CAE
DothanTraining
CenterYour worldwide
training partnerof choice

JULY 2019

AUG/SEPT 2019

Simulation andTraining
MEDEVAC
Proponency

Army Aviation Blue Book
AAAASFI Scholarship
Winners
Corpus Christi
Army Depot

CONTACT:

Bob Lachowski or Erika Burgess
aaaaindustry@quad-a.org
203. 268.2450

June 30, 2019

AAAA

u NETWORK I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT

People On The Move
Aviation General Officer
Promotions/Assignments

Promotions

USAREUR Best Warrior
Competition

Flight School
Graduates

U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY CPT KRISTOFFER SIBBALUCA, 101ST CAB

MG Leon N. Thurgood,United States Army, forappointment to the rankof lieutenant general andassignment as Directorof Hypersonics, Directed
Energy, Space and Rapid
Acquisition, Office of theAssistant Secretary of
the Army (Acquisition,
Logistics and Technology), Redstone Arsenal,
AL. He most recently served as Director for Test,
Missile Defense Agency, also at Redstone Arsenal.

From left to right, U.S. Army CSM Robert
Abernethy, command sergeant major of U.S.
Army Europe, WO1 Rhett Mason, assigned to the12th Combat Aviation Brigade, and MG Andrew
Rohling, deputy commanding general of U.S. Army
Europe, pose for a photo during the U.S. Army
Europe Best Warrior Competition award ceremony
at Tower Barracks, Grafenwoehr, Germany, May
10, 2019. Mason, a native of Pensacola, Florida,received an Army Achievement Medal for being
the runner-up for U.S. Army Europe Best Warrior
in the warrant officer category.

BG Lonnie G. Hibbard,
for promotion to therank of major general;
he is currently serving
as the commanding
general, United States
Army Center for Initial
Military Training, UnitedStates Army Training andDoctrine Command, Joint
Base Langley-Eustis, VA.

CCAD Completes 10,000th
EngineChanges of Command/
Responsibility

U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY ERVEY MARTINEZ

Wings of Lightning Brigade
Welcomes Garcia

U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY SGT RYAN JENKINS

U.S. ARMY PHOTO

U.S. ARMY PHOTO

The Senate confirmed the following general
officer aviators for promotion:AwardsMG Ronald P. Clark, commanding general,
25th Infantry Division, passes the 25th Combat
Aviation Brigade colors to incoming commander,
COL R.J. Garcia, while outgoing commander,
COL Thomas Burke, looks on during a change ofcommand ceremony on Weyand Field, Schofield
Barracks, Hawaii, May 14, 2019.
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

From left to right, COL Gail Atkins, commander,
Corpus Christi Army Depot, Texas; Cristina SedaHoelle, general manager, military customer
services, General Electric Aviation; and Tim
Hillenburg, director of engine production, CCAD,
cut a ceremonial cake during a ceremony at
CCAD, March 14, 2019. CCAD celebrated
completing 10,000 T700 engines in partnershipwith GE. Over 20 thousand engines and otherhelicopter parts have been processed through
CCAD during the lifetime of the partnership,
which began in 2000.

74

AAAA provides standard
aviator wings to all graduatesand sterling silver aviatorwings to the distiguishedgraduates of each flight class... another example of AAAA’s
SUPPORT for the U.S. Army
Aviation Soldier and Family.

AAAA congratulates the following
officers graduating from Flight School
XXI at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of
Excellence, Fort Rucker, AL.
58 Officers, March 28, 2019
Commissioned Officers
2LT Glauser, Lucas W. – DG
1LT Bickham, Caleb B. – HG
1LT Bugaj, Mitchel L. – HG
1LT Fazzari, Lucas D. – HG
2LT Gray, Joseph W. – HG
2LT Albqowr, Nawras
2LT Alhashem, Rashed
2LT Alna’amneh, Abdallah
2LT Alsharafat, Baker
2LT Bailey, Timothy S.
1LT Burkhardt, Clayton A.
1LT Buyse, Erin M.
1LT Carbol, Jordan D.
1LT Dahm, Brianna E.
1LT Deckard, Joshua L.
1LT Giggey, Derrick D.
2LT Guerrera, Meghan E.
1LT Manion, Ryan M.
1LT McClure, Erik W.
1LT McKay, Jacob A.
CPT Offret, Dustin R.
2LT Pernelli, Stephen F. *2LT Phillips, James A.
1LT Sandalo, Marisol D.
2LT Sim, Lauren V.
2LT Smith, Ethan M.
1LT Thies, William S.
1LT Watkins, Kyle J.
Warrant Officers
WO1 Roth, Gregory F.* – DG
WO1 Johnson, Carl H.*– HG
WO1 Lung, Joel J. * – HG
WO1 Morris, Kyle B. * – HG
WO1 Terry, Kyle D. * – HG
WO1 Anderson, Cody D.
WO1 Freeman, Matthew M.*
WO1 Gordy, Eric D.
WO1 Hawron, John M.
WO1 Helton, Torrey A.
WO1 Jones, Abby E.
WO1 Knight, Arlin D.
WO1 Ledlow, Joseph M.
WO1 McCall, Matthew J.
WO1 McCullough, Shayne D.
WO1 McLean, Frederick D.
WO1 Ostavitz, Christopher J.
WO1 Redmond, Taylor M.
WO1 Ruiz, Allan I.
WO1 Seaman, Trevor S.

June 30, 2019

AAAA

NETWORK I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT u

People On The Move
Warrant Officers
WO1 Albright, Christopher A. – DG
WO1 Emling, Samuel G. * – HG
CW2 Haka, Stewart M. – HG
WO1 Whitney, Matthew B. – HG
WO1 Adkins, James M.
WO1 Alldridge, Karen J.
WO1 Cook, Chase A.
WO1 Diaz-Colon, Alberto
WO1 Elliott, Eric A.
WO1 Hoover, Corey B.
WO1 Isley, Jarrod M.
WO1 Mackoviak, Diana C.
WO1 MacLee, Christopher D. *WO1 Martinez, Arqui
WO1 McFarland, Kienan R.
FSXXI-28 MAR
WO1 McFarlane, Jesse S.
WO1 Mehltretter, Andrew J.
WO1 Murphy, Brendan L.
WO1 Perales, David J. *WO1 Rall, Brendan J.
WO1 Thayer, Michael S.
48 Officers, May 9, 2019
Commissioned Officers
1LT Laboe, Gregory D. – DG
2LT Duffy, Mark A. * – HG
1LT Seegmiller, Trevor J. – HG
2LT Young, Cory N. – HG
1LT Bravo, Robert M. *1LT Camacho, Francisco J.
1LT Deardorff, Daniel P.
2LT Fattman, Anthony J.
1LT Hart, Michael K.
1LT Kenny, Kit C.
1LT Landry, Nathaniel J.
FSXXI-11 APR.
1LT McGhee, Hayden G. *2LT Russell, Kelly M.
2LT Salix, Valerie G. *2LT Schorr, Natalie M.
1LT Toner, Zachery C.
2LT Trumble, Alex D.
1LT Watson, Jacob M.
2LT Wolfe, Austin O.
Warrant Officers
WO1 Valovich, Ryan S. – DG
WO1 Nelson, Kyle F. – HG
WO1 Petree, Thomas O. * – HG
CW2 Shealey, Jacob E. – HG
WO1 Swift, Nathan D. – HG
WO1 Aguirre, Aaron B.
WO1 Battle, Alek J. *WO1 Brewer, Adrian S. *WO1 Butenschoen, Adam C.
WO1 Cannoot, Michael K.
WO1 Carlomusto, Alyssa A.
FSXXI-25 APR.
WO1 Daniels, Germaine S.
WO1 Durgin, Mia A.
WO1 Eaves, Andrew L.
WO1 Garrigues, Brandon T.
WO1 Gird, Steven A.
WO1 Greening, Brandon M.
WO1 Henke, Stephen C.
WO1 Holdaway, Joseph A.
WO1 Mesta, Adam D.
WO1 Osborne, Payton S.
WO1 Richards, Zachary J.
WO1 Saenz, David L. *WO1 Schnupp, Phillip C.
WO1 Thielen, Taylor D.
WO1 Thompson, Charles L.
WO1 White, Hannah M.
WO1 Wilhelm, Justin A.
WO1 Zarlenga, Robert J.
DG: Distinguished Graduate
HG: Honor Graduate* = AAAA Member

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

ALL PHOTOS U.S. ARMY PHOTO, FORT RUCKER PUBLIC AFFAIRSWO1 Sheninger, Kaci L.
WO1 Starr, Joseph L.
WO1 Stidham, Cory M.
WO1 Streaker, Joseph W.
WO1 Taylor, Erik T.
WO1 Thon, Vandy
WO1 Vernor, Joshua L.
WO1 Walborn, Drew N.
WO1 Warren, Andrew P. *WO1 Yager, Brandon W.
45 Officers, April 11, 2019
Commissioned Officers
2LT Hunter, Jacob D. – DG
1LT Demeuse, Austin R. – HG
1LT Lachance, Austin T.*– HG
2LT Mason, Troy J. – HG
1LT Uyehara, Stephen B. – HG
2LT Alshoubaki, Laith
1LT Blank, Stephen M.
2LT Brittain, Pete M.
1LT Butts, Kenneth G. *2LT Carlisle, Patrick S.
2LT Davila-Caro, Helen M.
2LT Gerdes, Graham M.
2LT Gibson, Samuel J.
1LT Glover, Larry K. III
2LT Huber, Cole J.
2LT Hyler, Justin K.
1LT Jumper, Brenton M.
2LT Mendoza-deJesus, Jeremy
1LT Mittlestaedt, James M.
2LT Notti, David O.
1LT Otto, Daniel R.
1LT Penley, Laura C.
2LT Puckett, Kelli L.
2LT Quinn, Stephen R.
1LT Sullivan, Andersson J.
2LT Tarascio, Joseph A.
1LT Yaglowski, Scott L.
Warrant Officers
WO1 Morrill, Skylar C.*– DG
WO1 Geyer, Benjamin E. *– HG
WO1 Welch, Colby J.* – HG
WO1 Womer, Travis G.*– HG
WO1 Bisnett, Cody C.
WO1 Bradford, Patrick R.
WO1 Broome, Shane M.
WO1 Calleja, Joseph A.
WO1 Denesowicz, Matthew A.
WO1 Donaldson, Daniel R.
WO1 Geipel, Andrew T.
WO1 Gray, Richard A.
WO1 Johnson, David A.
WO1 Jonus, Charles L. *WO1 Malpass, Alton M.
WO1 Prestianni, Nicholas D.
WO1 Rocha, David M.
WO1 Skupin, Alexander *38 Officers, April 25, 2019
Commissioned Officers
2LT DeFreece, Dakota R. – DG
2LT Strobel, Oliver R. – HG
1LT White, Aidan M. – HG
2LT Bissinger, Jacob A.
2LT Chapman, Hayden R.
1LT Condez, Christian A.
2LT Cornell, Matthew C.
1LT Fisher, Glen M.
2LT Gentry, Seth-Austin R.
2LT Goodpaster, Alexander J.
1LT Hakimi, Sayed
2LT Hamidi, Qudratullah
2LT Krol, Timothy P.
2LT Kubik, Benjamin C.
2LT Paktiwal, Mohammad
2LT Roberts, Mark L.
1LT Smith, Michael G.

FSXXI-09 MAY

75

June 30, 2019

AAAA
People On The Move
FY 2019
Lieutenant
Colonel Army
Competitive
Category
Selection Board
Results

PV2 Aaron Randell Lucas
0419 Miller, Trent D
PV2 Maxwell Lyle Dayton
Class 509-19
Class 005-19
PV2 Arturo Melanoocampo
0234 Mueller, Christopher PV2 Damion Antoine Isum PFC Steely S. Carter * - DG SPC Kyle E. Voeltz * - DG
0332 Muller, Jeremy A
PV2 Joseph P. Lymore Jr.
PFC Jeremiah Mikal Davis SPC Taylor James Miller
PFC Michael Bryson Allen
PV2 Michael Thomas Novak
0165 Mullins, Justin V
PV2 Ethan W. Marsingill
PV2 Michael Joseph Cuellar PFC Dillon Bruce Fox
PV2 Ademir Pavao Filho0343 Nadler, Jonathan C PV2 Bong Jun Moon
PV2 Tyler Gene Gaddis
PFC Jake Patrick Everdell
0302 Norland, Jeramy R SPC Delmar D. Operania
PV2 Peter Thomas Gilroy * PV2 Eduardo Rojas
PV2 Zachary P.Haldeman
PV2 Ryan Matthew Smith
0003 Norris, Dana
PV2 Itzchak Joseph Parizat PV2 Randy Thomas Hall
PV2 Weston Chege Gitau
PV2 William A. Smith
0300 Omodt, Michael S
PV2 Ryan D. Petersen
PV2 Christian J. Graham
SPC Okoye Letrey Harris
Class 023-19
0230 Orzech, David J
PV2 Shannon Lee Pinkston PV2 Ty Harding Jones
PV2 Tyler Andrew Gresso
PFC Justin T. Gates * - DG
PV2 Justin Lokepa Pires II PV1 Samuel Adam Mercer PV2 Evan Robert MarkThe fiscal year 2019 lieuten- 0181 Polk, James B
Class 007-19
PV2 Jordan Matthew Smith PV1 Toua Chang
PV2 Nathaniel A. Smithant colonel army competitive 0060 Rabb, George T
category selection board re- 0267 Robbins, Cristian A PFC Steve G.Beniga * - DG SPC Christopher J.Zocher PV2 Clay Treasure Schilling SPC Joshua Lee Crites
PV1 Lynsee J. Dempsey
PV2 Eric Phillip Borunda Jr. Class 006-19
PV2 Michael T. Walldez
sults were released May 9, 0237 Rodriguez, Elpidio
SPC Adam M. Henderson
PV2 Kristopher E.Christensen PV2 Traevon D. Batiste
Class 019-19
2019. AAAA congratulates 0185 Roman, David F
PV2 Samuel E. Garcia
PFC Lawrence Bengough, Jr SPC Haley M.Porter * - DG PV2 Joel Eskild Korsholm
the following 86 Aviation ma- 0054 Roper, Jacob E
SGT Andrew Michael Luther0147 Rouzer, Charles O
PV2 Bryson Taylor Johnson SPC Luis M.Casablanca
PV2 Levi Tyler Daffron
jors on their selection.
PV2 Amber Lee Mcgarvie
0031 Sartori, Timothy E
PV2 Austin Lee Jordan
PFC Jefferson S.Cavanaugh SGT Sheila Apriil Hatala
PV2 Bryson R. T. Mills0094 Schapker, Brian T
PV2 William Ortega
PV2 Andrew S.Jeanes
PV2 Clayton M.Cessna
Seq #SPC Samantha L. Pacheco0463 Slingerland, Kather PV2 Marco Antonio Tollinichi PV2 Dalton Taze Goins
SPC Benjamin J. Martell
0169 Adams, Edward C
PV1 Francheska M.V.Camacho
SGT Daniel Steven Walker PV2 Joseph Nathan Miller PV2 Matthew T. Myers*0485 Anderson, Lucas R 0305 Stahl, Nathan A
Class 024-19
0457 Swanson, Justin J PV2 David R.l Washburn Jr. PV2 Caleb Austin Smith
PV2 Alexis Lynn Norris
0105 Angus, Grayson F
0307 Taylor, Patrick J
PV2 Tyler Allan Wilt
PFC Edgardo L.Ortizrodriguez PV2 Zachary T. Brishaber * - DG
PV2 Landen Trett Smith
0460 Attaway, James A
0020 Underwood, Clinton Class 008-19
PV2 Landon Timothy Smith PFC Jairo Lenin Rodriguez PV2 James C.Canada, III
0156 Battle, James A
PV2 Zachary Alex Moore
0092 Walker, Charles R
PV2 Felix J. Ortega * - DG PV2 Samue Jacob Smith
SPC Jason Omar Roman
0409 Beck, Herbert F
PV2 Trey Lee Barrett
SPC Jordan Lee Warbington PV2 Trystan Jacob PeaceClass 007-19
0442 Belobrajdic, Bonnie 0367 Watts, James F
0373 White, Kevin C
PV2 Nathan Cory BlackPV2 Harrison M.Kluge - DG Class 020-19
PV2 Steven L. Poindexter
0441 Betz, Travis
0184 Wientjes, Gage L
PV2 Daniel R. Castillo III
PV2 Noah G. Kruse * - DG PV2 Colton Jacob Proctor
PV2 Deshay Dean Berry
0406 Bottrell, Jeffrey P
SGT Ssu-Hua Chin
PV2 Stefan James Caswell PV2 Jayson Mitchell Davis SPC Eric Rathnayake
0040 Bowman, Matthew J 0270 Yang, Andrew K
PV2 Corey Anthony Davis * PFC Coletin Allan Defabio
PFC Cole R. Greathouse
PV2 Phillip A. Rodriguez
0407 Bozovich, Stephen R
PV2 Wazeer Hashiem Ferrell PFC Tanner Lee Guidry
PFC Martinez Edwin Roman
0304 Brownell, Mackland * Below the zone selection PV2 Jacob James Frost
SPC Anthony Youki Lambert PV2 Samuel Ray Hathaway SPC Nicholas C. Howland
PFC Dorian B. Zermeno
0331 Buck, Mark A
PV2 Christian Dean Roberts SPC Kevin T.Hayworth
PV2 Cameron Michael Littell
0310 Burke, Megan T
ADVANCED
PV2 Thomas Cetin Shearer PV2 Marquis Jamal Mottley PV2 Esteban Maldonado
Aircraft Powerplant
0107 Button, Paul Steven
INDIVIDUAL
PV2 Zacharian Tarik Spigner PV2 Patrick Lane Poynor
PV2 Daniel C. Monton
Repairer (15B)
0466 Casiday, Billy B
PV2 Justin Addison Wilson PV2 Blake Allen Riedle
PV2 Luis Manuel Pizarro
Class 003-19
0096 Channels, Benjamin TRAINING (AIT)Class 508-19
PV2 Chriostopher D. T. Slagle PV2 Michael James Ray
SPC Ge Dai * - DG
0265 Chivers, Luke T
GRADUATIONS
0160 Christensen, Pearl AAAA congratulates the PFC Jordan M. Powell * - DG PV2 Joshua Michael Snyder PV2 Kyle Andrew Thompson PV2 Christopher T. Brightman
Class 510-19
PV2 Darwin Alexis Buezo
0375 Christy, Joshua T
following Army graduates PV2 Mercedes S. D. Arrington Class 505-19
PFC Jeremy W. Lance * - DG PFC Sloan T. Kraus * - DG
PV2 Jacob Nicholas Carlson
0176 Clark, Joseph Aof the indicated Advanced PV2 Braedyn Layne Beal
SGT Brian E.Burrell-Felton PV2 Justin Dewayne Alley SPC Dong Ryool Choi0283 Comeaux, Aris J
Individual Training (AIT) PFC Elijah Carlton Braddy
PFC Zachery Allen Felbab
PV2 Zachary J. Funston
0259 Cookey, Michael D courses at the 128th Avia- PV2 Makayla Mae Burrous PV2 Jacob Taylor Busby
PV2 Zavery Joseph Galba
PV2 Spencer B.Callahan
PV2 Deshay Dean Berry
0104 Dana, Todd A
tion Brigade, Joint Base PV2 Celeste C.Gutierrez
PV2 Stefan James Caswell0374 Decker, Timothy J
Langley-Eustis, VA and the PV2 Aubreonne L.Niemann PV2 Levi Franklin Clements PFC Tanner Lee Guidry
PV2 Lawrence G.Dierlam Jr. PV2 Nicholas Taylor Holland PFC Coletin Allan Defabio
0207 Delafuente, Rene M U.S. Army Aviation Center of PV2 Richard Steadman
PV2 Jonathon Taylor Filzen PV2 Mekhdi K. Makkhella
PV2 Wazeer Hashiem Ferrell0036 Duvall, Adam G
Excellence, Ft. Rucker, AL. PV2 Belinda R.Thompson
PV2 Joshua Devon Wright PV2 Andrew E. C.HeinsPFC Brian Franklin Varner
PV2 Samuel Ray Hathaway
0417 Evans, Andrew S
Class 509-19
PV2 Patrick Francis Weigel SPC Kevin T. Hayworth
SPC Isaac C. Martinez
0164 Ewell, Phillip J
AH-64 Attack
SPC Sung Chang Kang-DG SPC Jordan Samuel Miller PV2 Justus N. Wilkinson
PV2 Harrison Mitchell Kluge
0028 Ewing, Jonathan P
Helicopter Repairer
SPC Amadou H.Goudiaby
SGT Nicholas David Shupe PV2 James Michael Wolfe PV2 Marquis Jamal Mottley
0039 Feathers, Scott T
PFC Chris Hartono HalimClass 021-19
PV2 Patrick Lane Poynor
0090 Freude, Anthony E (15R)
PV2 Dylan Thomas Kage
A1C Jacob T. Baer - DG
PV2 Blake Allen Riedle
UH-60 Helicopter*0497 Fuscellaro, Anthony Class 006-19
A1C Hunter Garcia
PV2 Chriostopher D.T. Slagle
Repairer (15T)
0372 Gardiner, Ashley R PV2 Gabrielle A. Kornish * - DG PFC Ba Ul Kweon
PV2 Kevin Matthew Aragon PFC Varas L.Montesdeoca Class 017-19
Amn Zachary Ryan Hain
PV2 Joshua Michael Snyder*0481 Gates, Bradley C
PV2 Elizabeth Lucille Auer PV2 Ramses Andres Nunez PFC Matthea L. Taylor * - DG A1C Tyler Joseph Jass
SPC Amber Noel Hulen
0206 Gillett, Kristopher
PV2 Samantha Marie Costa PV2 Nicholas Michael Olup PFC Austin Tyler Edgar
A1C Devin Michael Newton PV2 Nicholas Joseph Lucio
0174 Gosney, Chad M
PV2 Mckynzie Rae Dragoo PV2 Mark Anthony Osorio
PV2 William Dean Mclean
PFC Henry Michael Garcia Sra Craig Joseph Rose
0273 Hall, Charles W
0161 Hodges, Matthew A PV2 Morgan J. Meisenheimer PFC Christopher P. Vazquez PV2 Lizeth C. Garcia Torres A1C Travis J. Schweighart PV2 Colton Lynn Northrup
PV2 Brenna Shae Parker
PV2 Jayce A.Quattlebaum SPC Zachary Dean Hoy
A1C Tyler Scott Simmons
PV2 Vignesh Mohan
0337 Hogan, Timothy D
PV2 Kelsey Jean Robinson PV2 Bryce Dwane Quinn
A1C Casey Marshall Sims SPC Shyam Mutha
PFC Derick Q. Mcneal0244 Holt, Douglas N
PV2 Britanny Lynn Robison Class 510-19
SPC Kihwang Nam
PV2 Evan Michael Mitchell Amn Simon Dean Toney*0478 Hudson, Rhian A
PV2 Tess Ke Aloha Sandoval PFC Alex O.S.Gonzalez - DG PV2 Oliver Alexander Rice Class 022-19
Class 501-19
0346 Hultquist, MichaelClass 506-19
SPC Stephen A. Agharese
PFC Kavonn D.Thomas * - DG PV2 Josue Remy * - DG
PV2 Dalton M.Robinson
0303 Isenberg, Trevis C
PFC Zachery T. Buck * - DG PFC Jephte Cadet
PV2 Keith A. S. Nicolas Santos PFC Ethan Thomas Bulford SPC Lei Qin
0242 Jones, David R
PV2 Jaden Brye Bolton
PV2 Anthony W.i Carbajal
PFC Tiffany Heather Stafford PV2 Kristopher A. Fletcher PV2 Tyler John Reidy0055 Kane, Daniel M
PV2 Eduardo Delgado
PV2 Lance Russell Gow
SPC Biplop Gauli
PV2 Carson A.Rippentrop
SPC Harrison Kiwhang Yi
0277 Kane, Kevin P
PV2 Chase Avery Rabon
PV2 Mark Lorenzo Graves PV2 Otaber Ruzimamatov
Class 018-190087 Katzenberger, Keith CPT Mostafa S. R. Elafifi
PV2 Justin Bryan SmithPFC John Patrick Tietz
SPC Luis A. Cervantes * - DG PFC Christian Cole Henry
0171 Knowlden, Jarrod K PV2 Tristen M.Fourtunia
SPC Anthony Michael Kalm PV2 Abraham Villalobos
PV2 Austin Dakota Johnson PV2 Tyler Ryan Williams
PV1 Nathan D. Bigelow
0348 Koch, Richard P
PV2 Zachary J. R.Korbel
SGT Drew Elliott Way
PV2 Jeremy S.Klimowicz, Jr PV2 Andrew Jacob Wilson
PV2 Evan Tyler Brown
0151 Landers, John J
PV2 William Harold Marlowe PV2 Lawrence P. Welsh
PV2 Corey Lee Sommers
PV2 Luke Giovanni Cozza
0180 Loeffert, Ethan
PV2 Cody Warren Schaefer PV2 Tim David Thompson
Aircraft Powertrain
0235 Malcomb, Dylan W PV2 Noah James Marquis PV2 Leng YangPFC Gabriel Antonio Perez PV2 Marcus F. Young III
SPC Reinaldo Cruz VallePV2 Mitchell Cutis Shea
Repairer (15D)
0314 Mardis, Brett A
PFC Matthew Rey Sanchez
PV2 Chase Franklin Staggs Class 511-19
Class 002-19
0190 McCoy, Adam S
SPC Daniel James Teixeira CH-47 Medium
PV2 Zachariah Scott Taylor PFC Dylan S. St John * – DG PV2 Thomas B. Childress * - DG
0025 McKinney, Paul L
Class 507-19
PV2 Jordan Tyler Lee
PV2 Maxwell T.Wilson
PV2 Idris Joel Bailey
Helicopter Repairer
0220 Merkl, Brian M
PV2 Dillon J.Henschen - DG (15U)PFC Colin Ronald Wingfield PV2 Adam Daniel Lewis
PV2 Matthew Clark Bowen
0187 Miller, Joseph J

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

76

June 30,2019

AAAA

NETWORK I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT u

People On The Move
PV2 Brian S.Smart-Mckerlie PV2 Dominque Millett
PV2 Max A. Provine
PV2 Logan Garrett Bruce
PV2 Douglas A. Schoenling
SPC Chad Mcgaha
PV2 Joseph Hunter Brunner PV2 Austin Wayne Smith
PV2 David A. Perez
PV2 Alexandria Futrell
PV2 Raine Yi Mei Brysostom Class 503-19
PV2 Jonluke Torres
PV2 Nathan Correa Villafan PV2 Wendell J. Woods * - DG
PV2 Lance D. VannPV2 Leyton M. Analla
PV2 Orlando L.Figueroa
UNMANNEDPVT Brent C. GrayPV2 Brian Robert PowerPV2 Zayk E. Forrester
AIRCRAFTPVT Kai M. Key
PV2 David H. Summers
PV2 Miguel A. Garcia
SYSTEMS (UAS)PFC Randy Tejada Tejada
PV2 Travis Allen Hopkins
PFC ZacharyHuber-Tomlinson PV2 Richard Ryan Tilbanie
UAS OPERATORGRADUATIONSPV2 Andrew Paul Van Horn
PV2 Sean Luke Johnston
AAAA congratulates the folPV2 John Glennon Werner
PFC Byeong Hyeon Kim
lowing Army graduates of the
WARRANT OFFICER
PV2 Kody Anthony Willard
PV2 Wesley Daniel Lones
AAAA congratulates the Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Class 502-19
following Army graduates Operator Course, MOS 15W,
PV2 Cody A. Stokes * - DG Avionic Repairer (15N) of the Tactical Unmanned at Fort Huachuca, AZ.
PV2 Zane Madison Kimel
PV2 William A. Bennett * - DG Aircraft Systems Operations
PV2 Zackery Scott Lanier
PV2 Abel Ccipriano Anaya
Warrant Officer Technician Shadow UAS Operator
PV2 Jordan W. Lowrimore
SPC Jesus Darren Deleon
Course, MOS 150U, at Fort
CoursePV2 Patrick Collins Malcolm SGT Williamspencer K. Ellis Huachuca, AZ.
40 Graduates, 19 Apr
PV2 Nicolas G. Matthews
SPC Aidan E. Murphy
2019
PFC Adam Lee Morton
PV2 James Damen Sebree Tactical Unmanned
PV2 Tyler E. Simpson – DHG
Aircraft Systems
PV2 Jorge Alfredo Padilla
Class 023-18
PVT Jonathan K. Freese – HG
PV2 Robert C. Ramos
PV2 Hakeem O. Harris * - DG Operations Warrant
SGT David J. Bittell
Officer Technician
PV2 Nathan Paul Smith
PV2 Abigail Rose Flores
SPC Patrick M. Egan
CoursePV2 Ana Cecilia Flores
6 Graduates, 05 Apr 2019 SPC Kenneth D. Sierra
PFC Emily Rose Hoffman
Aircraft Electrician
WO1 Dustin M. Rice– DHG PFC Brett A. Beard
PFC Brandon Terez Knight(15F)
PFC Marcus E. Dodson
WO1 Travis J. Bernas
PV2 Kaitlyn Nicole LongClass 003-19
PFC Austin P. Fandey
WO1
Oscar
O.
Diaz
PV2 Rosanna C. Young
PV2 Owen C.Bame * - DG
PFC Vincent A. Holbrook
WO1
Francisco
C.
Hernandez
Class 504-18
PV2 Anthony Tyler Bilyeu
PFC Christopher H. Kon
WO1
David
E.
Mills
PFC Ryan J. Fitzpatrick * - DG
PV2 Kenneth J. Cassidy
PFC Michael D. Matta
WO1
Mark
L.
YinBaker
PV2 Cody Michael Brashear
PV2 Travis Lee Crawford
PFC Andrew G. Pendleton
SPC Mathura Prasad Dahal PV2 Carson Colliton DeanPFC Aidan G. Quinn
UAS
REPAIRERPFC Matthew N. Gaeta
PV2 Tyler Ky Dahlke
PFC Jacob W. Smith
AAAA
congratulates
thefolPV2 Dericl Milo GrossPFC Aaron John Daniels
PFC Garrett M. Wilson
lowingArmy
graduatesofthe
PFC Zachary Ryan Harper
SPC Era Maskey
Unmanned Aircraft Systems PV2 Benjamin P. Aretha
PV2 Maverick Wayne Jarrell Repairer Course, MOS 15E, at PV2 Nicholas J. Barrett
Class 004-19
PV2 William A. BatesSkelly
PV2 Richard L. Everett Jr. * - DG PV2 Ousmane M.Samake
Fort Huachuca, AZ.
PV2 Connor P. Brockman
SSG Stephen E. Brett Jr.
Samuel A. Cassis
PV2 Soto Eliud Delgado
Air Traffic Control
Shadow UAS Repairer PV2
PV2 Christian W. Harris
PV2 Curtis William Haby
Operator (15Q)
CoursePV2 Christopher P. Harrop
PV2 Dustin E. Haggans
Class 19-005
14 Graduates, 02 Apr
PV2 Noah T. HeathSPC Patrick Cody Kidson
PV1 Kaihem A. S. Louis2019
PV2 Kevin D. Janish
Class 502-19
PV2 Kemonei C.Butler
PVT Brady R. Hanson
PV2 Nathan C. Kurz
PV2 Nicholas Lynn Manor
PV2 Jefferson R. Perez
SGT David P. Knaak
PV2 Christian A. Labar
PV2 Tyler James Meadows PV2 Marquez R. Lemon
SPC Daniel J. Schlack
PV2 Dillan B. Ledford
PV2 Christopher J. Melendy PFC Geoffery R.Whittington PFC Deonson T. Leatimua
PV2 Bobby Lopez
PV2 Luis Enrique Palma
PV2 Kevin Anibal Perez
PFC Killian Y. Pignault
PV2 Jesus Luna-Hernandez
PV2 Rodolso Pena Jr.
PV2 Maxwell D. Meloche
PV2 Preston J. Behrmann
PV2 Jose D. M. Sanchez
PV2 Christopher G. Quiroga PV2 Sidney Michelle Slay
PV2 Charles E. Lewis
PV2 Austin S. McDonald
PV2 Quinton Michael Void
PV2 Juan F. Sanchez
PV2 Adam D. Worful
PV2 Jordan P. Oliver
PV2 Tyler Ernest Adorno
PVT Brendan T. Busby
PV2 Eduardo D. Pacheco
PVT Angel A. Macias
PV2 Angel Unique Chavez
Aircraft Pnedraulics
PV2 Aaron J. Temples
PVT Michael B. Mesngon
Class 19-006
Repairer (15H)
PVT Jimmy L. Edwards
PVT James W. Sanford
PV1 Weitzel Alli MarieClass 004-19
PVT Colby J. Harris
PVT Devon R. Terrell
PV1 Cook Justin Reese
PV2 Gayle A Philp - DG
PVT Joshua G. Herbert
PV2 Jose M. Barajasramirez PFC Bissen Sarah Elizabeth PVT Matthew E. Watts
9 Graduates, 15 Apr 2019 PVT Michael V. Millard
PFC Andrew Harrison Exum PV1 Baumann T. Michael
PVT Daniel C. Provost
SPC Brandon C. Baker
PV2 Nathaniel Cage Hardy PVT Ewing H. Constance
PVT Chase M. Williams
PFC
DaltonT.
Hollowell
PV2 Jackson Mehki Hessein
PV2 Xavier Jose Sena
PV2
VictorH.
Castillo
PFC Remer Kevin Andrew
PV2 Joseph Kevin Tan
Gray Eagle UAS
PV2 Braxton A. Dowell
PV1 Valencia Victor Jose
Operator Course
PV2
AdrianA.
HerreraPV1 Le Hung Vy
Aircraft Structural
9 Graduates, 29 Feb 2019
PV2
Ethan
G.
Olive
PV1 King Isreal Elizabeth
Repairer (15G)SPC Nicolaus Trivelpiece–DHG
PV2
Luke
W.
Rassett
Class 003-19
SGT Phillip E. Dunegan – HG
PV2DhylanK.
Spano
PFC Katherine N.Rodriguez - DG Aviation Operations
SGT Austin R. Gardner
PVT
Sarah
J.
Adams
PV2 Maverick J. Aivaliotis
Specialist (15P)
SGT Alejandro Garrido
SPC Justin Robert Barros
Class 19-016
SGT Christopher L. Reeves
Gray
Eagle
UAS
SPC Christian Diligencia
PV2 Robert Donald Brown
PVT Brett Stewart
Repairer
CourseSPC Javier M. Perez
PV2 Jessica Maria Galleges SPC Mitchell Fowler
13 Graduates, 15 Apr
PV2 Jadon D. BellPV2 Abraxas K. Haole
PFC Shawn Fluhr
2019
SPC Akorede A. Ibirogba
SPC Dahlia Large
PFC Garrett T. Gilkison – DHG PV2 Randall H. Hammarsten
PFC Tristan M. Mcgarry
PFC Mary Rigatuso
PV2 Donald K. Ernestburg – HG
DHG = Distinguished Honor
PV2 Chandler L. Melcher
PV2 Carolyn George
PV2 Ernest V. Abis
Graduate
PFC Michael Murry
PFC Katlin Burnett
PV2 Andrew R Bales
HG = Honor Graduate
PV2 Quintin Patrick Obrien PV2 Asjah Jenkins
PV2 Daniel T. Jones* = AAAA Member
PFC Carl Mendel Shoup
SPC Richard Montgomery
PV2 Clyde D. Ladd

ARMY AVIATIONAVIATION Magazine
Magazine
ARMY

77
77

Save theDates

Luther Jones
Luther G. Jones Army
Aviation Depot Forum
August 20-21, 2019
Corpus Christi, TX

ASE
Aircraft Survivability
Equipment Symposium
November 18-19, 2019
Huntsville, AL

Cribbins
Joseph P. Cribbins
Aviation ProductSustainment Symposium
November 20-21, 2019
Huntsville, AL

Sponsored by AAAA

June30,30,2019
June
2019

Art’s

Attic

By Mark Albertson

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

25 Years Ago

50 Years Ago

June 30, 1994

June 30, 1969

Briefings
May 23, The White House:
Posthumous Medals of Honor
were accorded to a pair of valorous
American soldiers killed in action
in Mogadishu, Somalia. The
October 3, 1993 action in question
saw to the tragic deaths of MSG Gary I. Gordon, 33, and SCF
Randall D. Shughart, 35, members of the U.S. Army Special
Operations Command (USASOC), Fort Bragg, NC. MSG
Gordon’s medal was presented to his widow, Mrs. Carmen
R. Gordon; while SFC Shughart’s medal was accepted by his
widow, Mrs. Stephanie A. Shughart. The above are the first
Medals of Honor accorded
since the Vietnam War.
Briefings
Moving rapidly from designphase to prototype is the
Boeing-Sikorsky RAH-66
Comanche. At the Stratford,
Connecticut Sikorsky plant, the prototype’s forward fuselage
structure is already fifty percent complete; and, has been moved
to the second assembly stage towards completion. Meanwhile
the Boeing MEP Systems Integration Laboratory has
successfully amalgamated the mission computer cluster racks,
power supplies, backplanes and data processing modules. The
first flight of a completed prototype is scheduled for 1995.
Fort Campbell, Kentucky, November 5, 1993
Guest speaker, Colonel
Robert Dees (left), Commander, 3rd Brigade, 101st
Airborne Division, waspresented with an Order of
St. Michael Bronze Award.
Presenter (right), Commander, 7th Battalion, 101st
Aviation Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Rodger
Matthews.
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

78

In Memoriam: General
William B. Bunker
General William B. Bunker
passed away on June 5, 1969,
in the Rader Clinic, Fort Myer,
Maryland, as a result of a heart
attack. He is survived by his
wife, Crystal, and a son, Paul D. Bunker, III, an employee ofthe U.S. Army Aviation Systems Command,
St. Louis, Missouri, plus three grandchildren.
General Bunker was the son of a Regular Army
officer, and was born September 30, 1910, Fort
Slocum, New York. He was commissioned
into the Cavalry, upon graduation from the
U.S. Military Academy in 1934. Two years
later he transferred to the Engineer Corps andattended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned a degree in Master of
Science Engineering. General Bunker received an array of
military awards: The Distinguished Service Medal, Legionof Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal, American Defense Service Medal, American
Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army
Occupation Medal (Germany), National Defense Medal,
Berlin Airlift Device, Foreign Service Medal and the United Nations Service
Medal. General
Bunker was a Past
President of theAmerican Helicopter Society, Associate Fellow of
the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, member of the American Society of Civil Engineers,
President of the Armed Forces Management Association
and a member of the American Management Association
and AUSA. Lastly . . . General Bunker was a charter member of AAAA and proved instrumental in the formation of
AAAA’s Lindbergh Chapter in St. Louis.
June 30. 2019

Army Aviation

Hall of Fame
Chief Warrant
Officer Four
Raymond A. FrankThe Army Aviation Hallof Fame, sponsored by
the Army Aviation
Association of America,
Inc., recognizes thoseindividuals who have madean outstanding c­ ontribution
to Army ­Aviation.

The actual Hall of Fame
is located in the
Army Aviation Museum,
Fort Rucker, Ala.

The deadline fornominations for the2021 induction isJune 1, 2020

Contact the AAAA
National Office for details
and nomination forms at(203) 268-2450 or visit
www.quad-a.org

Army Aviation Hall of Fame 1995 InductionC

W4 Raymond A. Frank epitomized thespirit of the Army Aviation Warrant Officer.
Enlisting in the Army at the age of 17, he served
three tours in RVN both as a ground combatantand helicopter door gunner. Attending flightschool in 1974, he served in a wide variety ofassignments including pilot, instructor pilot,
standardization instructor, maintenance officer, and operations officer. His special
place in the annals of Army Aviation, however, was earned as a result of his skill
and enthusiasm as a pilot and his indomitable spirit as a patriot, one for whomduty, honor and country were a way of life and not merely a slogan.

He was one of the first to become an instructor in air-to-air tactics andhis contributions in the development for future Comanche ACM capabilities
continue to shape both hardware and doctrine.
In 1990, he received a Broken Wing Award as a result of his superb handlingof a night mission mechanical failure in an MH-60. His skill and composure
saved the lives of eight soldiers; however, he was left with severely fractured
vertebrae and a shattered knee. Overcoming the medical odds that he would
never fly again he was assigned as a Night Stalker in TF 160 in 1990. During
this period, he achieved full mission qualification, Standardization Instructor
Pilot and Joint Mission Planner status. In August 1993, he deployed to Somalia
with Joint Task Force Ranger.
CW4 Frank deployed as a member of a flight lead crew whose responsibility
it was to plan and lead special operations combat assaults. He conducted sevenhighly successful assaults; many during daylight, deep in enemy-territory. He
provided great leadership to the aviators and was particularly respected for
his advice on the employment of armed and assault helicopters in an urban
environment. When his teammate was shot down, he was called for assistance.

While providing protective fires, his aircraft was hit by a rocket propelled
grenade (RPG). Realizing that the tail rotor had separated, he autorotated to asafe landing in the city. Surviving the crash with tremendous injury to his backhe egressed from the helicopter and assumed a fighting position in the urban
downtown sprawl of Mogadishu known as the Black Sea. He was killed inaction on October 3, 1993 while defending his fellow Night Stalkers and groundforce members of TF Ranger in the vicinity of his crashed MH-60 SOF assault
helicopter. One member, CW3 Michael Durant, was taken POW and eventually
released. CW4 Frank received the Silver Star for his gallantry at the crash site.
The most deserving recognition for Ray Frank is to be memorialized as amember of the AAAA Hall of Fame; for truly in death, he will continue to serveas an inspiration to all Army aviators into the 21st century and beyond.

ARMY AVIATION Magazine

79

June 30, 2019

DELIVERINGREADINESS

Providing innovative and cost-effective
solutions for the Army’s number one priority.
ARMY AVIATION READINESS TOOLS■ Aviation Field Maintenance –East (AFM II – East)■ Aviation Field Maintenance – West (AFM II – West)■ Army C-12 Transport Contractor Logistics Support■ Worldwide Logistics Support Services Contractor
Logistics Support (WLSS-C)■ Responsive Strategic Sourcing for Services (RS3)@DynCorpIntl
ARMY AVIATION Magazine

80

dyn-intl.com

June 30, 2019