The A-10 Thunderbolt as an Organic Army Asset
Abstract
This study conclude that the Air Attack Team Regiment, as a part of the corps aviation brigade, is the option that provides the Army with the best utilization of the A-10. The AATR combines the two main elements of a highly successful combat team- attack helicopters (AH-64's) and A-10's- into one organization. The study investigates three options for the implementation of H. R. 4739 that directed the transfer of the A-10 into the Army. The three options are: (1) Status quo with the Air Force continuing to provide close air support (CAS) to the Army, and the A-10 would replace the OV-1 as a surveillance platform. (2) The formation of a U.S. Army Close Air Support Brigade (CASB) as proposed by the 1989 TRADOC study for assuming the entire CAS mission. (3) The formation of a U.S. Army Air Attack Regiment (AATR) that combines AH-64's and A- 10's into one unit under the corps aviation brigade (CAB). This paper evaluates the three options against four criteria for conducting advanced joint air attack team (AJAAT) operations: planning for preplanned AJAAT's; planning for immediate AJAAT's; command and control; and execution.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 07, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA242404
Entities
People
- Michael N. Riley
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College