The U.S. Army’s aviation force structure is changing, moving away from modular Combat Aviation Brigade designs needed during Iraq and Afghanistan rotations. The Army will return to tailoring units for specific divisions, according to Maj. Gen. Mac McCurry. The change will result in division-based formations that do not look the same, with examples like more UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters going to light infantry divisions. The 101st Airborne Division is building an extra battalion of CH-47F Chinook cargo helicopters for air assault.
As part of a recent rebalancing of aviation capability, the Army will buy Boeing-made CH-47F Block II helicopters and complete its 12th CAB in Europe. This move involves adjustments to the aircraft and design, helping to address gaps identified in reconnaissance and security capacity. The force structure changes also include planning eight heavy CABs and four light brigades. The 1st Cavalry Division, 1st Infantry Division, 2ID, and others will be dedicated to heavy and theater-enabling capability.
Conversion of units is expected to begin this year and will continue until the fall of 2029, according to unclassified documents obtained by Defense News. This shift in aviation structure is part of a wider overhaul announced by Army leaders earlier this year. The changes are focused on transitioning the Army from counterinsurgency missions to large-scale combat operations against technologically advanced adversaries.
