Air Ground Cavalry School
Introduction
The Aviation Center of Excellence (ACE) is a 1st Battalion (Arma 3) School operated as part of S7 - Training. Aviation Center of Excellence transforms qualified Cavalry Troopers to become qualified Army Aviators and Aircrew, in both rotary and fixed wing operations. The School conducts basic and advanced level rotary and fixed wing instruction, and evaluation. The School also provides qualified UH-60 and CH-47 Helicopter aircrew, and Forward Air Controllers in support of the Combined Arms Battalion. All instructors of the School are qualified Army Aviators in their respective field.
Mission and Vision
The Mission of the Arma 3 Aviation Center of Excellence is listed as: The Aviation Center of Excellence will train and develop Army Aviators, and Aviation Crew with a strong emphasis on flight excellence, safety through a multi-disciplined approach to air and aviation operations. The Aviation Center of Excellence will train Army Aviators under demanding and realistic conditions, producing Army Aviators capable of supporting the Ground-Air Battle and integrating with Combat, Combat Support, and Combat Service Support echelons.
The Vision of the School is listed as: The Aviation Center of Exellence remains the Functional Center of Excellence (FCoE) for all Army Aviation operations, including air-to-ground operations. The Aviation Center of Excellence will maintain and develop the Army's knowledge of all applicable aircraft and aircraft systems. The School's instructors are senior Aviators in their own right, capable of imparting the precise information required to safely operate Army air assets throughout the spectrum of conflict. The School conducts regular assessments of Army air and aviation capabilities, and provides SA to applicable combat commanders in war and peace. The School also contributes to the lethality of the Combined Arms Brigade through direct support attack air and attack rotary operations, acting as the "Air Cavalry" of the Battalion.
Order of Battle
The Arma Aviation Center of Excellence has five distinct sections.
| Section | Description | Courses Offered |
| Headquarters Section | The Arma 3 ACE Headquarters Section consists of the School Commander, who is responsible for command of the School, and to ensure training is delivered to a high standard. This section also delivers the common course, ground school. |
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| Rotary Training Section | A (Rotary Training) Section delivers basic and advanced rotary aviator training, qualifying Army Aviators on the UH-60M Medium Lift Helicopter, CH-47F Heavy Lift Helicopter, and AH-64 Attack Helicopter. |
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| Fixed-Wing Training Section | B (Fixed Wing Training) Section qualified Army Aviators on all applicable fixed wing aircraft, including the C-130J Cargo aircraft, and fixed-wing attack platforms. |
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| Aircrew Training Section | C (Aircrew Training) Section qualifies Army Aircrew to support rotary operations as Crew Chiefs, and Door Gunners. |
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| Air-to-Ground Training Section | D (Air-to-Ground Training) Section qualifies Army soldiers on controlling combat aircraft for close-air-support (CAS). |
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Common Courses
The Aviation Center of Excellence conducts one common course, known as Ground School.
Ground School (GS)
Ground School is a common courses that covers all theoretical aspects of aviation prior to a student embarking on practical flight training. The course introduces students to the basic science of aviation, including forces acting on an aircraft, such as lift. Students also learn principles of navigation, communications, and emergency procedures. The course takes 2 hours, and is delivered in one day.
| Pre-Requisites |
| Basic Radio Communication Course |
| Basic Individual Training |
Rotary Training
The Rotary Training Section trains Soldiers to become qualified Army Rotary Aviators.
Basic Rotary Course (BRC)
The Basic Rotary Course instructs students the basics of operating Rotary aircraft as UH-60, CH-47, or AH-64 pilots. The Basic course focuses on the theory of rotary operations. Students learn pre-flight and startup procedures. Students also learn how to taxi, stop, take-off, and land. Once in flight students learn maneuvers, formations, and how to handle emergencies. Once students have the theoretical knowledge. The course takes 2 hours, delivered in one day.
| Pre-Requisites |
| Basic Land Navigation |
| Basic Radio Communication Course |
| Ground School |
Advanced Rotary Course (ARC)
The Advanced Rotary Course instructs students to on the required skills to certify as a qualified Army Rotary Aviator. The course teaches students how to plan and execute flights, including METT-TC factors, and rules and policies about flight plans. Students also learn about sling loads, air assault, aerial reconnaissance and close air support. Students learn formations, as well as tactics used during close air support and attack rotary operations. The course is theoretical, and is delivered in 2 hours. Once students have completed the theoretical portion, they may challenge the Advanced Rotary Exam, to become a qualified Army Aviator.
| Pre-Requisites |
| Basic Land Navigation |
| Basic Radio Communication Course |
| Ground School |
| Basic Rotary Course |
Fixed Wing Training
The Fixed Wing Training Section trains qualified Soldiers to become Army Fixed-Wing Aviators.
Basic Fixed Wing Course (BFWC)
The Basic Fixed Wing Course teaches students the fundamental knowledge to operate one of the Army's many fixed wing aircraft. This theoretical course teaches students pre-flight and startup procedures, taxi and parking, and take-off. Once students are airborne, they learn maneuvers, formations, and how to approach and land. Students also learn the principles of Survival, Escape, Resistance, and Evasion (SERE). The course is conducted only in theory. The course is 2 hours long, delivered in one day.
| Pre-Requisites |
| Basic Land Navigation |
| Basic Radio Communication Course |
| Ground School |
Advanced Fixed Wing Course (AFWC)
The Advanced Fixed Wing Course is the final step before a Student Aviator can challenge the Advanced Fixed-Wing test to become a qualified Army Fixed-Wing Aviator. Students learn the theory of flight plans, and the policies and procedures of them. They also learn how to pilot unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including Medium Unmanned Aerial Systems (MUAS). Students also focus heavily on air-to-ground combat operations, including the procedures to receive close-air-support (CAS) requests. This course is 2 hours long, delivered in one day.
| Pre-Requisites |
| Basic Land Navigation |
| Basic Radio Communication Course |
| Ground School |
| Basic Fixed Wing Course |
Aircrew Training
The role of the Aircrew Training Section is to train qualified, competent Army Aircrew to support Rotary operations in war.
Door Gunner Course (DGC)
The Door Gunner Course trains Soldiers to act as Aircrew on the UH-60M or CH-47 Helicopter. Students learn how to safely board and disembark an aircraft. Students also learn the weapon systems of each aircraft, and their operation, including loading and unloading. The students also learn about the role of the Door Gunner, and their responsibilities as part of an aircraft's crew. Students then participate in a live-fire air weapons range to practice engaging different types of targets, static and moving. The course is 2 hours long, delivered in one day.
| Pre-Requisites |
| Basic Land Navigation |
| Basic Radio Communication Course |
| Ground School |
Crew Chief Course (CCC)
The Crew Chief Course trains qualified Door Gunners in the role of a UH-60M or CH-47F Crew Chief. Students learn about loading and unloading cargo, and passengers safely and quickly. They also learn how to assist in aerial navigation, and to communicate with ground elements as part of the Helicopter's crew. Students also conduct an in-game Field Training Exercise where they practice as a Crew Chief. The course takes 2 hours, and is delivered in one day.
| Pre-Requisites |
| Basic Land Navigation |
| Basic Radio Communication Course |
| Ground School |
| Door Gunner Course |
Air-to-Ground Training
The role of the Air-to-Ground Training Section is to provide ground elements capable of delivering aerial effects as part of the combined and joint battle.
Forward Air Controller Course (FACC)
The Forward Air Controller Course teaches Soldiers to act as a Forward Air Controller, a specialized ground element capable of controlling aerial weapon effects at the tactical level. This intensive course teaches students the capabilities of a variety of Attack Rotary aircraft, including the AH-64D Apache, and AH-6M Mission Enhanced Littlebird (MELB). Students also learn about a variety of attack fixed wing aircraft, such as the A-10C, F-22A, A-10D, and F-15E. Students learn the procedures to deliver a "9 Line" to an aircraft to direct it to a target. Students also learn about airspace deconfliction. Once all theoretical aspects are covered, students execute a live-fire Field Training Exercise to practice their new skills. The course is 3 hours long, delivered in one day.
| Pre-Requisites |
| Army Aviator bade, OR |
| Army Aircrew Badge, OR |
| Cavalry Spurs, OR |
| Ranger Tab |
Testing and Certification
Because Aviation requires more practice than can be afforded in one class, completion of the Basic and Advanced class does not qualify a soldier as an Army Aviator. Instead, Students must challenge both the basic and advanced exam in their respective field to become fully qualified. Once a student has completed the Basic and Advanced Exam (Fixed Wing or Rotary), they are only then considered to be a qualified Army Aviator.
Awards and Decorations
The Arma 3 Aviation Center of Excellence awards a number of unique badges and devices.
| Badge/Award | Name | Description |
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Army Aviator Badge | The Army Aviator Badge is awarded for successfully completing the Advanced Rotary or Fixed Wing evaluation. |
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Senior Army Aviator Badge | The Senior Army Aviator Badge is awarded for completing 10 operational sorties and having 6 months as a qualified Army Aviator. |
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Master Army Aviator Badge | The Master Army Aviator Badge is awarded to Senior Army Aviators who instruct the Aviation Center of Excellence Courses. |
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Army Aircrew Badge | The Army Aircrew Badge is awarded to Aircrew who successfully complete the Door Gunner Course. |
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Senior Army Aircrew Badge | The Senior Army Aircrew Badge is awarded to Aircrew who have flown on 10 operational sorties and have been a qualified Crew Chief for 6 months. |
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Master Army Aircrew Badge | The Master Army Aircrew Badge is awarded to Instructors of the Crew Chief Course in the Aviation Center of Excellence. |
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Aeroweapons Bar | The Aeroweapons Bar is awarded to Army Aircrew who complete the Door Gunner Course. |
School Standard Operating Procedures
Instructor Qualification Policy
All new instructors to the school will start as assistant instructors - that is to assist others in the running of their courses. To become qualified as a full instructor and run their own courses the instructor must do the following:
- Be qualified in the class prior as a student.
- Attend one course as an assistant instructor.
- Teach the course as a lead instructor under the supervision of a fully qualified instructor
- Be added to the Aviation Center of Excellence School qualification tracker
Guidance to Instructors
Instructors already qualified must remain current with the material and assist other instructors as required. They must remain proficient with the tools of administrating a course, namely posting and scheduling classes, posting the graduation work and recommending medals for courses that award any badge or award. Instructors should take the time to develop instructors in training, allowing them to conduct the necessary administration as training as part of the qualification process. Instructors should refer to this document for any future queries.
Guidance to Aviation Center of Excellence Commander
The ACE Commander must audit classes whenever possible to ensure the School standard is maintained.
Assigning a new Fully Qualified Instructor to a course
The ACE Commander is responsible for evaluating and passing Instructors in Training. Once the Instructor in Training has displayed the ability to lead that course effectively, the Commander will:
- Ensuring that the Instructor in Training is familiar with the correct graduation post and forum post formats and locations.
- Verify the Instructor in Training shows effective leadership
- Inform the Instructor in Training that they are now a fully qualified instructor.
New Instructor In-Clearance Routines
The ACE Commander will:
- Have the Instructor bookmark the S7 Forums
- Have the Instructor bookmark the 7CAV Operations and Training Google Calendar
- Explain the course scheduling policies
- Add the Instructor to the ACE S7 Tracker
- Add the Instructor to the ACE Google Drive
- Conduct an in-person Initial Counselling Statement, and discuss:
- Minimum requirement of attending one course per month
- Discuss instructor interests to assign the correct section
- Explain the process to becoming fully qualified
- Create a new position assignment in the Position Announcements