Marcy - April 2003 - In Celebration of Army Aviation —  20 Years of History,  Transforming for the Future

By MG John M. Curran

 "Army aviation's role of providing the indispensable vertical dimension to the modern battlefield has come to be universally recognized. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our branch, let's not forget the human dimension that has made our success possible."

         For more than 227 years, soldiers have defended the freedom enjoyed by the American people and of our allies.

        Our heritage within the Army and as a branch runs deep and, today, our value as a member of the combined arms team on the battlefield is immeasurable.

        When Secretary of the Army John O. Marsh Jr. and Army Chief of Staff GEN John A. Wickham Jr. penned their signatures on Feb. 15, 1984, to General Order 6 — establishing the aviation branch effective April 12, 1983 — they created an Army aviation branch second to none. This simple act relit the torch of excellence carried by so many over the previous century.

        Army aviation, the second youngest of the branches (special forces is the newest), has matured to meet the demands of the 21st century. Our branch, although considered young, does have deep roots. 

        We trace our origins to the American Civil War. Both the Union and Confederate forces used hydrogen-filled balloons for reconnaissance and to direct artillery fire. After the Wright brothers' successful airplane flight in 1903, the Army took interest and obtained its first aircraft, Airplane #1, in 1909 for use in reconnaissance and communications. 

        By 1913, the Army Air Service was created to explore this rapidly evolving aerial capability, and to deal with the complexities of training and logistical support. 

        Within a few years, the AAS was put to the test in World War I, and those early aviation soldiers pioneered the initial concepts of aerial support of ground operations. Following the war, the AAS continued to evolve and in 1926, at the direction of Congress, became the Army Air Corps. This action was taken to help resolve the conflicts over the best ideas for use of the technology.

        After serving the nation heroically in World War II, our combat-seasoned and experienced Army Air Forces separated from the Army to form the U.S. Air Force in 1947. It was during the Vietnam War that Army aviation came to prominence again with its ability to shape and dominate a new form of warfare —air mobility.  What was conceived, demonstrated and achieved by so many, often paid for in blood, opened the door for a rebirth of a professional aviation corps within the Army.

        Today, our aviation branch soldiers are serving with distinction in the active and reserve components. And we see this in places like Korea; the Philippines; Central and South America; Germany; Italy; Bosnia-Herzegovina; Kosovo; Sinai; Kuwait and Afghanistan. All are aiding in the global war on terrorism on behalf of the American people. 

        Let us also take a moment to realize and reflect that we have not journeyed alone over the past two decades.  We have been backed and supported by a dedicated team of military members and civilians, by government and industry organizations, and by tens of thousands of professionals, all striving to see us succeed and be the world's finest combat force. 

        One organization that has been there with us has also seen its own transformation.  Known today as the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, we have witnessed this great organization and its dedicated employees evolve from the Aviation Systems Command, originally in St. Louis, to the Aviation and Troop Command, then into today's AMCOM at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala. 

        AMCOM provides us with the critical logistical and technical support for our aviation systems — from the cradle to the grave.

        The Program Executive Office-Aviation is another key partner.  Its work force of acquisition specialists, working closely with our defense and commercial industry partners, have ensured the development and procurement of the best aviation related systems and products for our aviation forces.

        Training is an essential element of aviation, and the U.S. Army Simulation, Training and Instrumentation Command, also a relatively young command, has been there to help upgrade and modernize our training capabilities. The use of simulation has dramatically decreased training costs, helped to save lives and resources, and enhanced the quality of instruction and learning.

        We have many others to thank as well. Organizations such as the Test and Evaluation Command; the Army's Aeromedical Research Laboratory and the School of Aviation Medicine; the Army Safety Center; the Army Aviation Technical Test Center; and the various Training and Doctrine Command and Army Materiel Command offices, just to mention a few. 

        And last, though not least, we also owe a round of thanks to AAAA, an organization that has been our biggest fan club and supporter for more than 45 years. AAAA's vision has always been to promote aviation knowledge, pursuing new technologies (and the legislation that ensures their development) and celebrating all things aviation. Without the concern, support and devotion to our branch, many of our successes in material, funding, legislation and quality-of-life issues would not have been achieved. This magazine you are reading, our de facto journal, is just one example of AAAA's support.

        As we celebrate our branch anniversary this year, try to reflect on our great institution and realize "there is no greater profession than the profession of arms, and no greater job than ours — serving on point for our nation."

        On behalf of your aviation branch senior warrant officer, CW5 Stephen Knowles, and branch CSM Walter Beckman, we wish all of you serving in aviation and supporting our branch a happy anniversary.  Thank you for the past 20 outstanding years and best wishes as we transform to the future Objective Force.  Keep up the great work and dedication to excellence. 

        "Above the Best!"

 MG John M. Curran is the commander of the U.S. Army Aviation Center and chief of the aviation branch.