Is a Change in the Tactical Training of Marine Corps Attack Helicopter Pilots Essential to Perform the Anti-Armor Mission?

This study attempts to determine the viability of current United States Marine Corps attack helicopter pilot tactical training. More specifically the researcher addresses only the anti-armor role of the attack helicopter. The investigation analyzes the threat of the Soviet Combined Arms Army. Current attack helicopter tactical training is analyzed in depth. U. S. Army, U. S. Marine Corps and Israeli Air Force tactical training are specifically addressed. The aviation doctrines and tactics are compared to the threat, with mission accomplishment and survivability the key. The investigation reveals a lack of adequate tactical training of U. S. Marine Corps attack helicopter pilots in the performance of the anti-armor mission. Proposed by the researcher are changes in the current tactical training program. These changes address involvement with a combined arms army and specifically the anti-armor mission of the attack helicopter. The training proposed will enable the attack helicopter pilot to survive the antiaircraft umbrella, the enemy fixed and rotary wing threat and accomplish his mission destruction of enemy armor. The tactical training specifically addressed are low level terrain flying which includes low level flights, contour flying and nap-of-the earth flight and air to air tactics. "Around-the-clock" operations are discussed. Training must be both day and night, foul weather and fair. Emphasis is on realistic training with mission accomplishment as the end result.