Overview

• The reductions will hit pilots, flight crews and maintenance personnel across the roughly 30,000-soldier aviation branch.
• Beginning in October, panels will review Apache and Black Hawk lieutenants, captains and junior warrant officers to determine whether they remain in aviation or rebranch, with the Army also weighing similar reviews for enlisted troops.
• According to a MILPER message, panels led by a brigadier general, a former brigade commander and senior warrant officers will weigh evaluations, input on potential and tactical aptitude toward pilot-in-command status.
• Soldiers moved out of aviation can use the Officer Rebranch Program and the Voluntary Transfer Incentive Program to transition to other specialties.
• The shift follows summer moves to shed older UH-60 and AH-64 airframes and reflects lessons from Ukraine as drones and AI assume more reconnaissance and strike missions while manned helicopters continue transport and support roles.