Adaptation Through Flexibility: 656 Army Air Corps During Operation Corporate.

摘要

On the morning of 22 April 1982, the first elements of 656 Army Air Corps (AAC) departed Southampton dock heading south to a small set of islands off the coast of Argentina. With the failed attempts of peace talks between the Argentine and British governments, Operation Corporate went into full effect to liberate the Falkland Islands. The 656 AAC played a major role during the fight from the landings at San Carlos to the capture of Port Stanley. Aviation crews experienced extreme challenges ranging from the Argentine military threat to bad weather conditions. Despite these trials, 656 AAC excelled and proved their worth in the high intensity conflict. This thesis will examine the successful actions of the light helicopter squadron through its preparations and actions in combat. In order to determine why they were so successful in their mission, the thesis will examine what, if any, adaptations were made prior to and during Operation Corporate. It will show that lessons gleamed from their support of Operation Agila in Rhodesia and multiple other smaller missions adjusted the squadron's operations. Adaptations after notification of Observation Post (OP) Corporate and during the conflict will also be examined.