Army Aviation Logistics in the Gulf War: A Corps-Level Perspective (Or, the Good,the Bad and the Ugly)

摘要

Army Aviation, with its high technology weapons systems,, mobility, and nightfighting capability, proved to be a capable and lethal force during Operations Desert Shield/Storm (ODS). However, there were significant shortfalls and problems constraining the corps aviation intermediate maintenance (AVTM) battalion supporting the XVIII Airborne Corps, aviation units. The most serious problems were inadequate mobility and communications assets throughout the Corps AVIM battalion, inadequate manning/equipment levels in some corps AVIM companies, and C2 issues. These and other corps-level AVIM shortfalls are addressed and examined through the operations of the Corps' AVIM battalion, 8th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment (AVIM), during ODS. Recommendations addressing some the problems noted are offered. Current Aviation branch initiatives and concepts related to the issues are also noted, but are not discussed or analyzed in the paper.