Evolution of the U.S. Army aviation during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan
Abstract
This study attempted to address "How did U.S. Army Aviation adapt itself to the harsh operational environment (OE) (terrain, weather and enemy) of Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)" The methodology consisted of a comparison of initial and current conditions of U.S. Army Aviation in terms of organization, doctrine, training and equipment. Interviews over the past ten years with OEF veteran pilots, the survey conducted by the author and archival documents were used to analyze the changes done by U.S. Army Aviation. The findings concluded that the OE in Afghanistan adversely effected the capabilities and effectiveness of both aircraft and aircrews. In response to these effects, U.S. Army Aviation shifted its focus from deep attack to close combat support and trained pilots in order to meet the needs of the war on terror. It also evolved into a smaller, modular, adaptable, agile, deployable and logistically sustainable structure. The threat in the future is expected to be similar to the current hybrid threat. Focusing on a singular threat, either conventional or irregular, cannot be an acceptable option for U.S. Army Aviation. To be successful in the future, it needs to maintain the capabilities it gained during OEF to address both threats. Additionally, U.S. Army Aviation should transform the current temporary form into permanent structure which would allow army aviation units to operate in different OEs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 12, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA623049
Entities
People
- Bayram Baran
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College