Fort Rucker recently took one step back and two steps forward, all three being significantly positive events.

             The step back was of course the chance to remember and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the designation from Camp Rucker to Fort Rucker. It was a brilliant event and wonderful celebration.

            The two steps forward occurred when the Army Aviation Association of America hosted its first Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Symposium, and Fort Rucker conducted its first field training exercise for permanent party Soldiers.

             Both initiatives were phenomenal steps forward that will produce great results as we move forward in Army transformation and warfighting readiness.

 50th Anniversary Celebration

             Fort Rucker celebrated its Golden Anniversary of the designation from Camp Rucker to Fort Rucker with a bang.

             Starting with the dedication of Warrior Hall, our new 136,000 square foot simulator training facility, to the final fireworks demonstration, the entire Fort Rucker community shared in a weekend full of activities and tributes.

            I want to especially thank the local communities for their long-time support, as well as event sponsors, organizers and distinguished performers.

             It was an amazing sight to see former aviation Soldiers and families joining current Soldiers and approximately 30,000 community members enjoying the festivities.

            We were honored to host two distinguished panels at the Aviation Museum, one comprise of former branch chiefs, and the other of former first ladies of Fort Rucker.

            Each panel gave interesting insights into critical periods in the development of Fort Rucker, from the activation of Aviation branch, to the development of the first Aviation Modernization Plan, to the current transformation and warfighting efforts.

            Additionally, the ladies recounted many changes in the role and preparation for the role of the Army Spouse.

            We also had windshield bus tours around the post, incredible static displays and flight demonstrations, local high school drill teams, the U.S. Army Drill Team and Mounted Color Guard, and the 14th Annual AAAA Chili-5K Race and Cook off.

            The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation's live flying show was a great re-enactment, along with their UH-1 helicopter rides proved to be a popular attraction.

            The highlight of the weekend was a free concert by country stars Tori Baxley, Tracy Lawrence and Darryl Worley, with a stunning fireworks finale.

            The entire weekend was a great tribute to our Aviation Soldiers and their families, as well as the people of the Wiregrass who have helped make Fort Rucker such a remarkable success and great place to live. And it was also a unique way to extend a special thanks to our Soldiers and their families for the sacrifices they continue to make for America every day.

 AAAA Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Symposium

             Special thanks to AAAA for hosting its first UAV Symposium, Oct. 25-26, in Arlington, Va.

             U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) gave the luncheon address where he shared his perspective on how UAVs are of national importance, not just to the military, but to civil assistance as well.

            Briefings throughout the symposium covered topics from Army Aviation Warfighting Center efforts; a product manager update; an Army Aviation and Missile Life Cycle Management Command (AMCOM) update; UAVs in the fires brigade; infantry requirements and issues; Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps organizations, employment and visions; joint initiatives; manned and unmanned teaming (MUM); and the UAV Training Center at Fort Huachuca, Ariz.

            BG Walt Davis, commander of the Joint Unmanned Aerial Systems Center of Excellence, gave a detailed briefing describing how the JUAS COE was established, its organization and key milestones, and on the inner workings of the joint 0-6 advisory council. Davis also led a joint discussion panel comprised of members from each service. The JUAS COE is located at Creech AFB, Nev.

             Please note the Department of Defense has adopted the term unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to replace unmanned aerial vehicle. UAS refers to the entire weapon system: unmanned aircraft, surface support components and architecture elements.

Fort Rucker Field Training Exercise

            CSM Buford Thomas, Jr. and his cadre led more than 430 permanent party Soldiers here at Fort Rucker on an extensive five-day field training exercise (FTX), Oct. 31 to Nov. 4.

             The primary purpose was to train and refresh Fort Rucker’s non-commissioned officers and Soldiers on warrior tasks and drills.

             The FTX began with an air assault by CH-47 Chinook and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, ground convoy and foot march. Each element met resistance from opposing forces and was required to take appropriate action.

             Once the Soldiers arrived at the forward operating base, they continued to train at multiple individual and collective stations, including: reacting to an ambush, marksmanship qualification, land navigation, hand-to-hand combat, urban operations, tactical movement, improvised explosive devices, and threat identification.

             The FTX was a great initiative and opportunity to learn and refine very perishable warrior skills. Additionally, it was a chance to provide Soldiers insight into the contemporary operating environment.

             CSM Thomas and his core cadre, who worked very hard to implement this training with minimal additional resources, deserve our hearty thanks.

Until We Meet Again

            As at tribute to a great Soldier, instead of "farewell," I prefer to emphasize, “until we meet again,” as Chaplain (COL) Alvin “Sonny” Moore departs Fort Rucker to serve as the U.S. Army Forces Command Staff Chaplain at Fort McPherson, Ga.

            Words simply cannot describe the incredible impact Sonny and his wife Martha had on this installation, the community and our branch. It was clearly evidenced by the capacity crowd in the Post Theater, not the chapel, during his final service as the installation Chaplain.

             Chaplain (COL) Barry Bowden, the installation Chaplain at Fort McNair, Va., is scheduled to arrive this month to serve as our Aviation Warfighting Center Chaplain. We bid him welcome.

             In closing, our top priority remains to ensure our Aviation Soldiers have the best possible training and equipment to fight the Global War on Terrorism.

             The U.S. Army Aviation Warfighting Center works continually and stands ready to meet the unique challenges ahead. I have complete confidence that our Army Aviation team will continue to successfully meet those challenges for our nation.

ABOVE  THE BEST!!! 

BG E. J. Sinclair is the commander of the U.S. Army Aviation Warfighting Center and chief of the aviation branch.