Is a Change in the Tactical Training of Marine Corps Attack Helicopter Pilots Essential to Perform the Anti-Armor Mission.

Abstract

This study attempts to determine the viability of current United States Marine Corps attack helicopter pilot tactical training. More specifically the researcher addresses only the anti-armor role of the attack helicopter. The investigation analyzes the threat of the Soviet Combined Arms Army. Current attack helicopter tactical training is analyzed in depth. U.S. Army, U. S. Marine Corps and Israeli Air Force tactical training are compared to the threat, with mission accomplishment and survivability the key. The investigation reveals a lack of adequate tactical training of U.S. Marine Corps attack helicopter pilots in the performance of the anti-armor mission. Proposed by the researcher are changes in the current tactical training program. These changes address involvement with a combined arms army and specifically the anti-armor mission of the attack helicopter. The training proposed will enable the attack helicopter pilot to survive the antiaircraft umbrella, the enemy fixed and rotary wing threat and accomplish his mission ... destruction of enemy armor. The tactical training specifically addressed are low level terrain flying which includes low level flights, contour flying and nap-of-the-earth flight and air to air tactics. 'Around-the-clock' operations are discussed. Training must be both day and night, foul weather and fair. Emphasis is on realistic training with mission accomplishment as the end result. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 10, 1977
Accession Number
ADA043697

Entities

People

  • George A. Ross

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerial Warfare
  • Air Defense
  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Anti-Tank Missiles
  • Artillery
  • Attack Aircraft
  • Attack Helicopters
  • Doctrine
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Flight Training
  • Helicopters
  • Pilots
  • Tactical Air Support
  • Tactical Training
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Military Training and Readiness Simulation