The 31 Initiatives

The 31 Initiatives

Author: Richard G. Davis

Publisher:

Published: 1987

Total Pages: 190

ISBN-13:

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This monograph analyzes US military air power - US Army relations form 1907 to the present. It emphasizes one aspect of those relations-how air forces intended for the tactical support of ground forces can best be controlled and integrated into the overall ground battle. After a review of changing air- ground relationships from 1907 to 1982, this work examines the 31 Initiatives, the most recent US Army - US Air Force agreement on developing joint combat forces and battlefield cooperation. It also discusses the process behind the formulation of the 31 Initiatives and discusses how that process provides one example of the introduction of innovation or change into a military organization. In addition, this work details the immediate and longer term response of the two services to the Initiatives. The importance of this monograph is twofold. It supplies a case study of innovation and, more significantly, it places the 31 Initiatives in their place as the far-reaching and comprehensive end product of a decade of Air Force - Army cooperation.


A History of Army Aviation 1950-1962

A History of Army Aviation 1950-1962

Author: Richard P. Weinert

Publisher: www.Militarybookshop.CompanyUK

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781780391311

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U.S. Army aviation expanded dramatically in both size and breadth of activities after its inception in 1942, but much of its post-World War II history, particularly after the establishment of the Air Force as an independent service by the national Security Act of 1947, has been relatively neglected. Despite a certain amount of jockeying for position by both services, particularly in the early years after their separation, the Army was able to carve out a clear transport and operational combat role for its own air arm. "A History of Army Aviation - 1950-1962" examines the development of the Army's air wing, especially for air support of ground troops, both in terms of organization and in relation to the ongoing friction with the Air Force. After describing the rapid expansion of purely Army air power after 1950 and the accompanying expansion of aviation training, the book delves into the reorganization of aviation activities within a Directorate of Army Aviation. It also provides a valuable account of the successful development of aircraft armament, perhaps the most significant advance of this period. In particular, intensive experimentation at the Army Aviation School led to several practical weapons systems and helped to prove that weapons could be fired from rotary aircraft. This arming of the helicopter was to have a profound effect on both Army organization and combat doctrine, culminating in official approval of the armed helicopter by the Department of the Army in 1960. "A History of Army Aviation - 1950-1962" also explores the development of new aircraft between 1955 and 1962, including the UH-1 medical evacuation, transport, and gunship helicopter and the HC-1 cargo copter. In addition, the book discusses the Berlin Crisis of 1961 as an impetus for immediate and unexpected expansion of army aviation, quickly followed by the beginnings of intervention in Vietnam by the end of 1962.