Samuel J. Ford

Division Aviation Support Battalion Modularity for Split Base Operations in Support of Ootw Samuel J. Ford

The main subject of this paper is to discuss the need for modularity in Army Aviation maintenance with the focus on how to enhance the Division Aviation Support Battalion (DASB) to provide increased capability to support the Aviation Brigade (AB) during split base operations and Operations Other Than War (OOTW). My focus is strictly on the DASB Aviation Intermediate Level Maintenance (AVIM) company in regards to developing modular designs that can provide 24 hour split based operations in support of OOTW. The strategic environment has changed from a monolithic enemy (Cold War) to a more vast unpredictable threat. Because of this change to the strategic environment we have experienced an increased Operation Tempo (OPTEMPO) of mission support in the form of unconventional means. Most deployments involve smaller force structure. The deployment packages are Brigade size combined arms Task Forces that plug into a major Commander of Combatant Command (CINC) organization structure. The AB does not always deploy as an entire brigade in support of OOTW. The AB may task organize to meet the mission requirements in the form of an Aviation Task Force (ATF). The ATF could be made up of various unit mixes.