Under-Armed, Overtorqued, Unafraid

The study begins with a general overview of the years following the Korean War through the Vietnam War. The overview examines the changing political landscapes, the events that helped to change doctrine, and the tactical changes that affected the development, employment, and integration of aeroscouts. The next chapter examines the political environment. The differing policies and the competing political agendas created an environment where the Army was forced to identify important changes necessary to remain relevant. The next chapter focused on the doctrinal changes, important milestones, and pioneers in Army Aviation. The chapter concludes with the idea that despite many individual and collective influences of key leaders, politicians, committees, and competing services, at the end of the day it was a collective effort that served as the catalyst for change. The final chapter examines the tactical changes by focusing first on the technological advancements, second on the weapons advancements, and finally on the changes in tactical employment. The study concludes that competition was the main force for change. Leaders searched for solutions but they really did not fully comprehend what the doctrinal development question was, which served as a poor example of how to integrate new technology and doctrine.