Will U.S. Army Attack Aviation Be a Relative Combat Multiplier in Future Conflicts?

As the U.S. Army transforms, in terms of (1) a lighter, more rapidly deployable force and (2) its doctrine, significant criticism has been cast as to the effectiveness and relevance of attack helicopters. Critics of attack aviation have raised doubts based on the performance of attack aviation during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. While it would be foolish to argue that attack aviation is the answer to every situation and is a perfect force multiplier, it by no means is irrelevant and ineffective. Based on lessons learned from both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Army attack aviation will adjust its tactics, techniques and procedures and will continue to be an effective and relevant force on the future battlefield.