Government Pilot Careers
Mission
Role/ Mission:
The U.S. Army Aviation plays a critical role in ground combat operations by providing rapid mobility, reconnaissance, close air support, medevac, and logistic support to ground forces. Army aviators are directly in contact with troops on the ground, often flying at low altitudes and challenging conditions to complete the mission objective. The Army aviation focuses mostly on rotary wing and specific fixed wing support, making the Army’s role tailored troop support and battle dominance
Primary Mission Sets:
Air Assault and Close Air Support
Air assault and close air support is the Army’s specialty, operating helicopters such as the UH-60 Black Hawk inserting troops deep into combat zones, providing direct fire support, and quickly extract units under fire. Additionally, the Army operates the AH-64 Apache delivering close air support, engaging enemies with high precise weapons, directly supporting infantry and armored units
Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC)
The Army provides rapid evacuation of wounded personnel from combat zones, ultimately saving lives. MEDEVAC helicopters such as the HH-60M are equipped with life saving equipment and flown by specially trained crews that operate under the “Golden Hour” - getting injured soldiers to surgical care within an hour of injury.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance
Scouting enemy positions, relaying intelligence, and marking targets are all part of the Army’s reconnaissance operations, operating aircrafts such as the RQ-7 Shadow and the legacy helicopter such as the OH-58 Kiowa to conduct recon missions to inform and protect ground troops.
Logistics and Air Movement
The CH-47 Chinook which is a heavy lift helicopter can carry over 20,000 pounds of cargo, making it an essential aircraft for resupply and troop support during combat and humanitarian operations. Allowing the Army to conduct high volume logistical missions, move supplies, troops, and equipment across the battlefield.
