The U.S. Army has already transformed the use of its leading attack
helicopter, the AH-64D Apache Longbow. The Apache has halted attack missions
and was conducting reconnaissance missions in support of Iraqi Army and
police patrols.
"As we're withdrawing from Iraq and putting more responsibility on the
security forces of Iraq, the Apaches are performing less of an attack role
and more of a recon role," Lt. Chris Miller, a company commander in the
army's 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 130th Aviation Regiment, said.
"Again, we're the attack recon battalion, but as of now most of our missions
are recon."
Officials said army aviation units have used their cameras to scan roads
and remote areas for insurgents. They said Apache pilots communicated with
Iraqi ground forces to counter threats during parliamentary elections on
March 7.
"Violence will be increasing, so the Apaches will be in the air more,
covering larger areas for longer periods of time," Miller said.
Since July 2009, the Baghdad government has taken responsibility for all
security missions in Iraq. U.S. troops have been used for support, training
and mentoring Iraqi military and police units.
Still, the U.S. Army continues to use the Apache. The 1st Attack
Reconnaissance Battalion conducts about three helicopter missions per day,
including reconnaissance and response to insurgency bombings.
"Flexibility is the most important thing we can use in mission
planning," Miller said.
