Author: Major Zach Mitchell
Greetings from HQDA G-3/5/7, DAMO-AV. I’m excited and honored to be part of this amazing community of DUSTOFF leaders whether past or present. This Office is dedicated in serving as the lead modernization integrator across the Aviation and Medical Enterprise to ensure we deliver the very best to our Soldiers.
Continuous Transformation is necessary to adapt to and overcome present and future challenges our adversaries present. Upon appointment as the 41st Chief of Staff of the ARMY (CSA), General Randy George established 4 focus areas, with #3 being Continuous Transformation. Over the last half decade, the Army has been transitioning from Counter Insurgency Operations to Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) within a Multi Domain Environment. When the word Transformation comes up, the first thing that usually comes to mind is changing force structure, which might not be entirely accurate at first glance. The Army is taking a holistic approach to continuous transformation that touches all domains within the doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, facilities, and policy (DOTMLPF-P) spectrum. MEDEVAC must continue to evolve and adapt to ensure we are properly trained, equipped, and structured to win the next fight. The next few paragraphs will identify where we will start which will set the conditions for additional domains in the future.
Modernizing the Legacy Fleet
The MEDEVAC Fleet consists of approximately 600 UH-60 Black Hawks across all COMPOs. The HH-60M is the latest model of the Black Hawk and will continue to be fielded to replace the legacy UH-60L models that are still utilized within the Army National Guard, Army Reserve, and TDA units across the Army. The UH60L has been the work horse for MEDEVAC units for nearly 40 years, but the aircraft is beginning to show its age. Operationally, the UH-60L continues to perform however, the UH-60L presents Sustainment challenges as the cost to sustain the aircraft have surpassed the HH-60M. Earlier this year, the Army announced the cancelation of the UH-60V program that was intended to replace the UH-60L. Due to budget constraints and the increasingly high cost to modernize legacy equipment, hard decisions must be made to ensure the success of future programs. The UH-60L has proven to be extremely reliable and continues to perform as designed 40 years ago. Over the next 10 plus years, the Army will begin divesting the UH-60L and replace the legacy aircraft with a combination of the HH-60M or FLRAA.
Investing in Future Vertical Lift (FVL)
The Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) will deliver greater speed, range, and enhanced modular patient handling system within the FLRAA cabin. The FLRAA program entered the Milestone B decision this past summer and will transition to operational testing, development, and prototype procurement and testing of the FLRAA base program. Unlike the HH-60M, FLRAA will not be a purpose-built aircraft. PD-MEDEVAC is working on provisions to the FLRAA base program for options for the modular patient handling system (PHS). The AMEDD and Aviation Senior leaders are continuing to shape the Medevac fielding plan. The FLRAA program is still very much in the works and DAMO-AV will continue to plan resourcing options to ensure Medevac is prioritized with a mixed fleet of HH60Ms and FLRAA.
Prioritizing People
Over the last serval years, the Army has been faced with many different challenges that have stretched Army Aviation and Medevac to its limits. Whether it be the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, budget constraints, retention short falls, logistical supply chain issues, or increasing deployment requirements. The Army keeps rolling while simultaneously filling the gaps where it can. The Enterprise is diligently working to solve some of these gaps but must put an emphasis on prioritizing People. There is an ongoing effort within HQDA to explore new ways to reduce the burden and retain talent without compromising readiness. During the annual Association of the United States Army (AUSA) conference last month, the Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, highlighted some of the issues we face regarding people. During the opening Ceremony, she mentioned providing more options for childcare, better family opportunities, increased station time, and providing better equipment to our Soldiers while cutting through the red tape to deliver equipment faster. These are just a few examples of how we can better take care of people with more options on the horizon. But how do we address Aviation specific challenges? Well, technically Medevac does not have a retention problem but rather an experience problem. The days of a deep bench of experienced Fully Qualified Crews (FMC) are unfortunately behind us. We must find ways to incentivize retaining talent and it starts here in this office. DAMO-AV recently rolled out the Aviation Bonus which targets Warrant Officers to retain tracked Officers within the mid-year groups. I would love to entertain the idea of another flight pay adjustment to keep pace with the Aviation civilian sector, but for now, it’s only conversation.
Continuous Transformation will be an ongoing process that will eventually cover all DOTMLPF-P Domains. I believe we as a MEDEVAC Enterprise are on the right path to success but there is more work to be done. I will continue to ensure our equities are represented and our voices are heard as we embark on this challenging transition.
