Air Traffic Services Command
The Air Traffic Services Command provides airspace and air traffic services support and expertise to Army warfighters, Major Commands and installations worldwide. ATSCOM ensures safety of operations, standardization, and controller/unit certification of Army air traffic control. It develops and provides functional area support and expertise to meet Army airspace and ATS requirements in joint combined environments, and national and international airspace.
ATSCOM tasks include:
- Provide ATS assistance to support major combat operations.
- Deploy ATS subject matter experts to support warfighters, MACOMs and installations worldwide.
- Deploy ATS Maintenance Response Teams to major combat operations.
- Execute ATS Quality Assurance Program for warfighters, MACOMs and installations worldwide.
- Execute training and readiness oversight of ATS Reserve component units.
- Execute support and sustainment operations of all Air Traffic systems and subsystems worldwide.
The genesis of ATSCOM can be traced back to a 1956 Continental Army Command concept to develop, equip, field and train an Air Traffic Control organization. As a result, the Army Aviation Operation Detachment was created to assist Army Aviation elements in combat and communications zones to enable Aviation units to operate at night and adverse weather conditions. During the Vietnam War, air traffic controllers proved their effectiveness by assisting the heretofore-small Aviation force, as war fighting techniques in Aviation evolved.
In 1986, ATS was reassigned to the newly established Aviation Branch and the USAATCA was moved from Fort Huachuca, AZ, to Fort Rucker, Ala. In 1995, the Aviation Branch Functional Area Analysis identified operational, training and maintenance challenges across the ATS mission area. As a result, Gen. Eric Shinseki, then the Army Vice Chief of Staff, approved the concept of a separate command for ATS.
Aug. 28, 2003, the ATSCOM was formally activated under Col. Don M. Adkins and Command Sgt. Maj. Johnny D. Hatten and officially relocated to Fort Rucker.
Air Traffic Services has a long and proud history. Always at the forefront ready to answer the nation’s call. Proclaiming a clear voice of freedom, wherever Army Aviators are called to serve…Calm, Expert, Professionals… Freedom’s Voice!
For more information, call (334) 255-3007, or visit the ATSCOM Web page.
