Command and Control of the Divisional Aircraft Maintenance Company: Was It Broken - Should We Have Fixed It

摘要

This monograph discusses and analyzes command and control relationships for the divisional aircraft maintenance company to determine which relationship provides the most responsive support. First, a historical review and analysis is provided of Army divisional aviation support maintenance organizations and their command and control leading up to the Army of Excellence structure. This analysis explains the evolutionary and cyclical nature of the division's aviation support maintenance command and control structure to provide a perspective for determining the best structure for today. Next, the doctrinal mission and responsibilities of the aviation maintenance company are investigated along with AirLand Battle sustainment requirements to show the critical importance of responsive aircraft support maintenance. Experiences of aviation commanders and operators are reviewed and analyzed. Opinion surveys taken in 1967 and 1973 demonstrate the continuing controversy of the aviation maintenance company command and control issue. Finally, advantages and disadvantages of the current and alternative command and control structure within the division are identified and analyzed to recommend a structure that provides the most responsive support from the aviation maintenance company.