Day II
Posted: Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Attendees of the 2011 Aviation Senior Leaders Conference received a briefing from Gen. James D. Thurman, commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command, Feb. 2. The general spoke about top FORSCOM issues and Army Aviation.
“There are almost 43,000 Army National Guard and Reserve Soldiers supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn, and the U.S. Army Forces Command cannot work without the reserve component,” said Thurman, adding that the main issue is how to best use the RC in an era of conflict.
During his brief, Thurman also spoke on Army Aviation expenditures and projection, saying that it’s imperative that funds for Army Aviation continue to be protected and programs sustained.
“Our Soldiers in the sky are what you have to have to win this fight,” said Thurman. “The main question for today is where are we as an Army and where are we as a nation? What is the future of Army Aviation?”
He also spoke about Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
“UAS is going to be important for FORSCOM and our challenge is how we plan to integrate it,” Thurman said. “I’m open and welcome to hear input from all the leaders on this.”
Closing his brief Thurman reiterated the importance of better management of technologies and countering the hybrid threat, among other points, regarding the future of Army Aviation.
“Remember to never look back. Looking forward is what we need to do as an Aviation branch.”
