United States Army Aviation and Missile Command

United States Army Aviation and Missile Command
Unit name	United States Army Aviation and Missile Command
Caption	Shoulder sleeve insignia
Dates	1997–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Major Command
Role	Aviation and missile lifecycle management
Garrison	Redstone Arsenal, Alabama
Garrison label	Headquarters
Current commander	Major General Tommy D. Mize
Notable commanders	James H. Dickinson, Douglas M. Gabram

United States Army Aviation and Missile Command. It is a major subordinate command of the United States Army Materiel Command, responsible for the full lifecycle management of army aviation and missile systems. Headquartered at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama, the command provides critical support to soldiers from research and development through sustainment and eventual disposal. Its work ensures the operational readiness of key weapon systems for the United States Army and allied forces worldwide.

History

The command was established in 1997 through the merger of the United States Army Aviation and Troop Command and the United States Army Missile Command. This consolidation aimed to improve efficiency and synergy between aviation and missile logistics, research, and acquisition functions. Its lineage traces back to earlier organizations like the Army Rocket and Guided Missile Agency and the Redstone Arsenal complex, which played pivotal roles during the Cold War and the Space Race. Key historical figures involved with its predecessor commands include rocket pioneer Wernher von Braun and generals like John B. Medaris.

Organization

The command is led by a commanding general, currently Tommy D. Mize, and is structured into several directorates and subordinate commands focused on specific functional areas. These include offices for logistics, contracting, engineering, and security assistance, all operating under the oversight of United States Army Materiel Command. The organization collaborates closely with other Army entities such as the United States Army Futures Command, Program Executive Office Aviation, and Program Executive Office Missiles and Space. It also maintains vital partnerships with the Defense Logistics Agency and various industry contractors.

Mission and responsibilities

Its core mission is to deliver responsive aviation and missile logistics, research and development, and acquisition to support unified land operations. Primary responsibilities include managing the global supply chain for parts, executing depot-level maintenance and overhaul, and providing integrated logistics support for fielded systems. The command also handles foreign military sales through the Security Assistance Command and ensures the readiness of systems through testing at locations like the White Sands Missile Range. This comprehensive support extends to all phases of the weapon system lifecycle.

Major subordinate commands and centers

Key subordinate elements include the Corpus Christi Army Depot in Texas, the Army's premier facility for helicopter overhaul and repair. The Aviation and Missile Life Cycle Management Command functions as the program executive office-integrated lifecycle management component. The Security Assistance Command manages international partnerships and foreign military sales. Other critical centers are the Aviation and Missile Center under the Combat Capabilities Development Command, and the Redstone Arsenal-based Army Contracting Command-Redstone, which handles major procurement activities.

Key installations

The primary headquarters and central hub is Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, a cornerstone of the nation's missile and aviation technology base. Corpus Christi Army Depot is the western hemisphere's largest helicopter repair facility. The command also relies on the Letterkenny Army Depot in Pennsylvania for missile maintenance and the Tobyhanna Army Depot for electronics. Testing and evaluation are conducted at vast ranges like the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico and the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona.

Notable systems and programs

The command sustains a vast portfolio of critical systems, including the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopter, and CH-47 Chinook cargo helicopter. In the missile domain, it manages the PATRIOT Missile System, Javelin anti-tank weapon, Stinger air-defense system, and the Army Tactical Missile System. It also supports development programs for future vertical lift platforms like the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft and next-generation missile defense technologies in collaboration with the Missile Defense Agency.

Category:United States Army commands