The Army Aviation Branch was created on April 12, 1983 and is responsible for providing smaller planes and rotary-wing aircrafts for Army operations. Every year, April 12 serves as a birthday and a day of recognition for this essential branch in our Army.
This article will tell you fascinating details about the history of this branch and provide you with a better understanding of why it deserves acknowledgment.
Aircraft in the Army
Our military has used aircraft since the 1800s when both Confederate and Union Soldiers used hot air balloons for heightened visibility in enemy territory. As time has progressed, our technology advanced and our reliance on aircraft increased in kind.
The modern use of military aviation began in 1909 when the Army obtained an aircraft from the very well-known Wright brothers after establishing the Signal Corps Aeronautical Division. The usefulness of aircraft was realized, causing their place in the Army to expand, eventually to the point of becoming equal to the infantry. By the 1940s, aircraft had become so valuable an individual federal uniform service was created — called the United States Air Force.
The Creation of the Army Aviation Branch
The Army continued to use smaller aircrafts and helicopters for transportation purposes, but the majority of assets were assumed by the newly formed Air Force. Although, as the capabilities of helicopters advanced during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, it became apparent how vital these aircraft were in transporting, aiding, and conducting surveillance in the Army — leading to the creation of the Army Aviation branch in 1983.
A Mighty Mission
According to Army.mil, the Army Aviation’s mission is “to find, fix and destroy any enemy through fire and maneuver and to provide combat support and combat service support in coordinated operations as an integral member of the combined arms team fully integrated within joint operational framework.” Our team at US Patriot Tactical is very grateful for the courageous service members that make up the Army Aviation Branch and proudly recognize their sacrifices today and every day – including the wife of one of US Patriot’s owners who served as a scout Kiowa pilot on the Korean DMZ.
