Info

Details

• Unit structure is based on current U.S. Army CAB, task-organized.
• Leadership hierarchy is currently flat but will evolve as membership grows. We don’t intend to model military rank structure, but you have access to leadership positions as you complete training phases and gain combat experience.
• Real-world documents inform development of training programs and combat missions, and include the Operator’s Manual, Checklists, Aircrew Training Manual (ATM), Battle Book, FMs ATPs, TCs, and FAA Handbooks—we distill the essential information from these to create our group documents.
• Aircraft currently flown include UH-1H and OH-58 (both under active development).
• We will also field the AH-64 and CH-47. New members may train in the UH-1H or OH-58 and support development or take lead on the AH-64 or CH-47 training programs.
• Members may fly multiple aircraft if they can maintain currency requirements.
• Non-flying roles include ATC, TOC, SME, REDFOR/BLUFOR wargaming to develop campaign flow, and GFC to control ground force movements and coordinate with aircraft over radios.
• Members may join as a pilot and/or non-flying role(s).
• CombatFlite and map.army for flight planning.
• SRS radios with procedures that follow FCC and Army Aviation regulations (CTAF in the absence of ATC).
• Tacview for debriefing.
• Training base is located on the Mariana Islands, primarily Guam. 
• Combat deployments are primarily in Syria and Afghanistan and rooted in U.S. military doctrine spanning 1960-present. We will include other maps based on interest.
• Website is under development and will include flight planning, MDC, kneeboards, flight logs, training progression and ATM task currency board, performance planning, live campaign maps, and other ideas that arise.
• 24/7 dedicated server with member access to load missions.
• US/EU time zones.

Development
While we have done a lot of work to get this concept where it is, the 24th CAB is still in the development phase, so this is less of an official launch and more of a call for folks interested in “building the helicopter while we fly it,” and hopefully getting their hands dirty in the work required to realize our vision. We're lucky to have a current Blackhawk pilot (also former Apache pilot) for consultation and the development of realism. And we have the technical expertise to pull everything together, but we’d really appreciate more support and folks to fly with! 

Onboarding
All new members will complete a commander's evaluation and checkride to determine their placement in the training program. Pilots with basic skills will be placed in Initial Entry Rotary Wing Training (ERWT) and commence from the beginning of the Aircrew Training Manual (ATM) with 1000-series tasks. More advanced pilots will be placed at a stage in the training program that corresponds to their level of competency.

Training
Fly roughly once a week, working on 1000- and 2000-series ATM tasks relevant to skill level. Members will progress through readiness levels (RL3 → RL2 → R1) that unlock opportunities to become flight lead, PC, AMC, TOC, unit trainer, instructor pilot, GFC, etc.—these are optional. We’ll study material from various related Army docs to learn more about the fundamentals of flight, crew coordination, radio procedures, mission tasks, and tactics to prepare for deployment.

Support 
There are many ways to contribute and help the group grow, but these are not requirements for membership.

• Web development (Django, Bootstrap)
• Developing documents
• Developing DCS missions and/or mission assets (FARP, FOB, etc.)
• Mod management
• LUA/MOOSE scripting
• Graphics: patches, liveries, screenshot photography
• Video production
• Publicist, Social Media
• Testing (missions, scripts, website)
• Consultant (relevant domain knowledge, detailed reading)

Member Requirements

• Minimum age: 21
• Mature, level-headed
• Proficient in English
• Proficient in flying (or non-flying role) in VMC and ideally IMC, night aided (NVG) and unaided. You don’t have be an expert, we can get you up to speed.
• Regular participation (real-life takes priority)
• DCS maps: Marianas, Syria (others later)

Interested in Joining?
Join our discord: [----------]
We’ll discuss your interests and qualifications, then schedule a checkride.