Webreflinks - Air Assault Badge

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-The '''Air Assault Badge'''<ref>[http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/UniformedServices/Badges/assault.aspx TIOH page]</ref> is awarded by the [[U.S. Army]] for successful completion of the [[United States Army Air Assault School|Air Assault School]], a two-week (ten-day) course. The course includes three phases of instruction involving U.S. Army [[rotary wing aircraft]]: combat [[air assault]] operations; rigging and slingload operations; and rappelling from a helicopter.
+The '''Air Assault Badge'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/UniformedServices/Badges/assault.aspx |title=TIOH page |publisher=Tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil |date=1974-04-01 |accessdate=2013-06-20}}</ref> is awarded by the [[U.S. Army]] for successful completion of the [[United States Army Air Assault School|Air Assault School]], a two-week (ten-day) course. The course includes three phases of instruction involving U.S. Army [[rotary wing aircraft]]: combat [[air assault]] operations; rigging and slingload operations; and rappelling from a helicopter.
 ==Wear of the badge==
-The wear of the Air Assault Badge on Army uniforms is governed by AR 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms.<ref name="autogenerated1">[http://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/pdf/r670_1.pdf Army Regulation 670-1: Wear and Appearance of
+The wear of the Air Assault Badge on Army uniforms is governed by AR 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms.<ref name="autogenerated1">[http://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/pdf/r670_1.pdf Army Regulation 670-1: Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia]. Armypusb.army.mil.</ref>
-Army Uniforms and Insignia]. Armypusb.army.mil.</ref>

{{Infobox military award
|name=Air Assault Badge
|image=[[File:AirAssault.svg|250px]]
|awarded_by=[[United States Army]]
|type=Badge
|eligibility=
|for=Air Assault training course
|status=Currently awarded
|established=1974
|first_award=
|last_award=Ongoing
|total=
|posthumous=
|recipients=
|individual=
|higher=(Group 3 badges)<br />[[Astronaut Badge|Astronaut]], [[Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge|EOD]], [[United States Aviator Badge|Aviator]], [[Flight Surgeon Badge (United States)|Flight Surgeon]]
|same=(Group 4 badges)<br />[[Pathfinder Badge (United States)|Pathfinder]], [[Parachutist Badge (United States)|Parachutist]], [[Military Freefall Parachutist Badge|Military Freefall Parachutist]]
|lower=(Group 5 badges)<br />[[Diving Badge|Diving]], [[Driver and Mechanic Badge|Driver and Mechanic]], [[Parachute Rigger Badge|Rigger]]
|image2=
|caption2=
}}
The '''Air Assault Badge'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/UniformedServices/Badges/assault.aspx |title=TIOH page |publisher=Tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil |date=1974-04-01 |accessdate=2013-06-20}}</ref> is awarded by the [[U.S. Army]] for successful completion of the [[United States Army Air Assault School|Air Assault School]], a two-week (ten-day) course. The course includes three phases of instruction involving U.S. Army [[rotary wing aircraft]]: combat [[air assault]] operations; rigging and slingload operations; and rappelling from a helicopter.

According to the [[United States Army Institute of Heraldry|U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry]], "The Air Assault Badge was approved by the Chief of Staff, Army, on 18 January 1978, for Army-wide wear by individuals who successfully completed Air Assault training after 1 April 1974. The badge had previously been approved as the Airmobile Badge authorized for local wear by the Commander of the 101st Airborne Division, effective 1 April 1974."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://airassault.bizhosting.com/AIRMOBL.htm |title=Department Of The Army |publisher=Airassault.bizhosting.com |date=1974-02-01 |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref> The division had been reorganized from parachute to airmobile in mid-1968 in [[Vietnam]] and designated the [[101st Airborne Division]] (Airmobile). The parenthetical designation changed to Air Assault on 4 October 1974 and the name of the badge was likewise changed.<ref>{{cite web|author=John Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/101abn.htm |title=101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) |publisher=Globalsecurity.org |date= |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>

==Training locations==
Formal air assault training has been conducted at [[Fort Campbell]], [[Kentucky]] by the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) since the Air Assault School was formed in 1974. During the early stages of the occupation of [[Iraq]] in late 2003, the division conducted a course in-theater to maintain Air Assault proficiency.<ref>{{cite web|author=Kendra Helmer |url=http://www.stripes.com/news/air-assault-students-don-t-let-studies-slip-1.14241 |title=Air assault students don't let studies slip - News |publisher=Stripes |date= |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>

Air Assault training is also offered by the [[Army National Guard]] (ARNG) Warrior Training Center<ref name="autogeneratedmil">{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mil/article/49272/warrior-training-centers-air-assault-course-prepares-students-for-combat-operations/ |title=Warrior Training Center's Air Assault Course prepares students for combat operations &#124; Article &#124; The United States Army |publisher=Army.mil |date=2010-12-10 |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref> at [[Fort Benning]], which conducts training both at the post and at a variety of other locations throughout the United States<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.atrrs.army.mil/atrrscc/courseInfo.aspx?fy=2008&sch=964A&crs=071-ASI2B&crstitle=AIR%2BASSAULT&phase= |title=ATRRS Course Catalog |publisher=Atrrs.army.mil |date=2003-12-10 |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref> by means of Mobile Training Teams.

The ''Fort Hood Sentinel'' announced on May 24, 2012 the start of the new III Corps Air Assault School in June 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/story.php?id=9194 |title=Air Assault completes validation, set for opening in June - News |publisher=Fort Hood Sentinel |date=2012-05-24 |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>

Air assault training has also been offered over the years on either a continual or occasional basis at other locations, to include (but not limited to):

* [[Camp Blanding]], [[Florida|FL]] (FL ARNG; intermittent operations)
* Camp Carroll, [[Fort Richardson]], [[Alaska|AK]] ([[6th Infantry Division (United States)|6th Infantry Division (Light)]] and AK ARNG)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mil/article/4741/ |title=Army training, sir! &#124; Article &#124; The United States Army |publisher=Army.mil |date=2007-09-06 |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>
* Camp Crowder, MO (MO ARNG hosting MTT, Feb - Mar 2012)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalguard.mil/news/archives/2012/02/022912-Missouri.aspx?src=rss |title=National Guard News - Missouri Guard holds its first air assault course |publisher=Nationalguard.mil |date= |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>
* [[Camp Gruber|Camp Gruber Maneuver Training Center]], [[Oklahoma|OK]] ([[Oklahoma Army National Guard|OK ARNG]]) (1988-1994)<ref>{{cite web|last=Marks |first=Jay F. |url=http://newsok.com/obstacle-course-returns-to-camp-gruber/article/1809142 |title=Obstacle course returns to Camp Gruber |publisher=News OK |date=2006-04-07 |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>
* Camp Rilea, OR
* [[Camp Hovey]], [[Korea]] (2001, hosted by the 2d Brigade, [[2d Infantry Division]]); 25 February - 8 March 2013, 1st BCT, 2d Infantry Division hosting a MTT from the Warrior Training Center, Fort Benning, GA)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103142/air-assault-course-increase-2id-capabilities#.UVtAjTf7DYL |title=DVIDS - News - Air Assault Course increase 2ID capabilities |publisher=Dvidshub.net |date= |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>
* Camp Robertson, Schweinfurt, Germany (2005, hosted by the 2d Brigade, [[1st Infantry Division (United States)|1st Infantry Division]]; 2011, hosted by the 21st Theater Sustainment Command)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.military.com/forums/0,15240,80712,00.html |title=Air Assault in Germany |publisher=Military.com |date= |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mil/article/65014/ |title=Air Assault! Separating weak from strong &#124; Article &#124; The United States Army |publisher=Army.mil |date= |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mil/article/38700/ |title=Students attend first Air Assault School held in Europe in 5 years &#124; Article &#124; The United States Army |publisher=Army.mil |date=2010-05-07 |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>
* [[Fort Belvoir]], [[Virginia|VA]] ([[United States Army Military District of Washington|Military District of Washington]])
* [[Fort Benning]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|GA]] (ARNG Warrior Training Center) (Jan 2006–Present)<ref name="autogeneratedmil"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mil/article/54280/ |title=Warrior Training Center produces tough Guard Soldiers &#124; Article &#124; The United States Army |publisher=Army.mil |date=2011-04-01 |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>
* [[Fort Bliss]], [[Texas|TX]] (MTT, March 2011)<ref>{{cite web|author=Fort Bliss MONITOR |url=http://fbmonitor.com/2011/03/30/%E2%80%98air-assault%E2%80%99-191-servicemembers-earn-their-wings/ |title=‘Air assault!’: 191 servicemembers earn their wings &#124; Fort Bliss Monitor |publisher=Fbmonitor.com |date= |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>
* [[Fort Drum]], [[New York|NY]] ([[10th Mountain Division|10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry)]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mil/article/66361/ |title=Soldiers learn essential combat skills during Air Assault School &#124; Article &#124; The United States Army |publisher=Army.mil |date=2011-09-29 |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mil/article/60894/ |title=Fort Drum community recognizes Air Assault School graduates &#124; Article &#124; The United States Army |publisher=Army.mil |date=2011-06-30 |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>
* [[Fort Hood]], [[Texas|TX]] ([[2nd Armored Division (United States)|2nd Armored Division]]; MTT in October 2011; III Corps AAS started in June 2012)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/story.php?id=7829 |title=Air Assault Course comes to Fort Hood - News |publisher=Fort Hood Sentinel |date=2011-10-27 |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mil/article/68865/ |title=Soldiers complete first cycle of new Fort Hood Air Assault Course &#124; Article &#124; The United States Army |publisher=Army.mil |date= |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/story.php?id=9392 |title=Fort Hood air assault training starts Saturday - News |publisher=Fort Hood Sentinel |date= |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/story.php?id=9491 |title=Fort Hood Soldiers, Airmen earn their wings - News |publisher=Fort Hood Sentinel |date=2012-07-05 |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>
* [[Fort Knox]], [[Kentucky|KY]]<ref>[http://cadetcommand.armylive.dodlive.mil/2010/05/21/75-cadets-earn-air-assault-badge/ ]{{dead link|date=April 2013}}</ref>
* [[Fort McCoy, Wisconsin|Fort McCoy Total Force Training Center]], [[Wisconsin|WI]] (Light Fighter Academy)
* [[Fort Ord]], [[California|CA]] ([[7th Infantry Division (United States)|7th Infantry Division (Light)]])
* [[Fort Polk]], [[Louisiana|LA]] ([[near Warrior Brigade, 128th Combat Support Battalion]])
* [[Fort Riley]], [[Kansas|KS]] ([[1st Infantry Division (United States)|1st Infantry Division]]; MTT in September 2009)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mil/article/27769/ |title=Fort Riley hosts Air Assault training &#124; Article &#124; The United States Army |publisher=Army.mil |date=2009-09-23 |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>
* [[Fort Rucker]], [[Alabama|AL]] (1st Aviation Brigade) (Nov 1983 - Oct 1995)
* [[Fulda, Germany#Cold War importance|Fulda, Germany]] (11th Armored Cavalry Regiment)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forums.military.com/1/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=dl&s=78919038&f=672198221&x_id=80712&x_subject=Air%20Assault%20in%20Germany&x_dpp=Y&x_link=http://www.military.com/forums/0,15240,80712,00.html |title=Air Assault in Germany - Topic |publisher=Forums.military.com |date= |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>
* [[Schofield Barracks]], [[Hawaii|HI]] ([[25th Infantry Division (United States)|25th Infantry Division]])<ref>{{cite web|last=Kakesako |first=Gregg K. |url=http://archives.starbulletin.com/2005/12/18/news/story06.html |title=StarBulletin.com &#124; News &#124; /2005/12/18/ |publisher=Archives.starbulletin.com |date=2005-12-18 |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=haw | |url=http://www.hawaiiarmyweekly.com/2010/11/19/84th-eng-bn-helps-bring-air-assault-course-back-to-hawaii/ |title=84th Eng. Bn. helps bring Air Assault Course back to Hawaii |publisher=Hawaii Army Weekly |date=2010-11-19 |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mil/article/60675/ |title=CAB Soldiers assault through air assault course &#124; Article &#124; The United States Army |publisher=Army.mil |date= |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>

Most of these locations no longer run air assault courses.

==Wear of the badge==
The wear of the Air Assault Badge on Army uniforms is governed by AR 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms.<ref name="autogenerated1">[http://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/pdf/r670_1.pdf Army Regulation 670-1: Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia]. Armypusb.army.mil.</ref>

Vietnam veterans of the 101st Airborne Division and [[1st Air Cavalry Division]] have sought the retroactive award of the Air Assault Badge for their training and pioneering experience in combat, but the Army has yet to grant their request.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://airassault.bizhosting.com/articles2.html |title=History |publisher=Airassault.bizhosting.com |date=2006-03-16 |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>

==Origin==
An article in the Army Times dated 16 March 1981 featured a picture of an officer holding a set of Air Assault wings about a foot wide and included the paragraph below:

"Badge Designer: When he designed a badge for the 101st Abn Div in Vietnam in 1971, Maj. Jack R. Rickman thought that was the end of a project assigned by the division operations officer. Years later he recognized his design as the Air Assault Badge, which the Army adopted officially in January 1978. Rickman, who will retire from the Army in April, never earned the badge himself."

The design was influenced by the [[Parachutist Badge (United States)|Parachutist Badge]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/UniformedServices/Badges/parachutists.aspx |title=U.S. Army Badges > Parachutists Badges |publisher=Tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil |date= |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref> worn when the division was on jump status, as well as the [[Glider Badge]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/UniformedServices/Badges/glider.aspx |title=U.S. Army Badges > Glider Badge |publisher=Tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil |date=1944-06-02 |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref> worn by glider units during World War II.  Charles Bloodworth, a pathfinder officer in the 101st during the early 1970s, wrote, "Locally designed and fabricated, the badge was deliberately crafted to mimic the glider wings of WWII. The nose of the Huey took the place of the glider body, and the horizontal rotor blade was the spitting image of the glider wing."<ref name="bizhosting1972">{{cite web|url=http://airassault.bizhosting.com/PostRVN.htm |title=History of the 101st (Post-Vietnam) |publisher=Airassault.bizhosting.com |date=1972-04-26 |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref> {{citation needed|reason=Citation needed for the influence - as present, "references" just links to depiction of Parachutist and Glider badges.|date=June 2010}}

When the 101st returned from Vietnam to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the [[173rd Airborne Brigade]] was inactivated and its assets used to form the division's 3rd Brigade, which was on jump status. The remainder of the division was organized as Airmobile. In February 1974, Major General Sidney B. Berry, Commanding General, signed Division General Order 179 authorizing the wear of the Airmobile Badge. Concurrently it was announced that the 3rd Brigade would terminate its jump status effective 1 April 1974, the same date on which the Airmobile Badge would be authorized.<ref name="bizhosting1972"/>

Bloodworth describes the transition of the post-war division to fully Air Assault and the adoption of the Air Assault Badge at this link.[http://airassault.bizhosting.com/PostRVN.htm]

==Wing background trimmings==
When the 101st adopted Air Assault wings, it also adopted their wear with the cloth wing background trimmings (ovals) previously worn behind [[Parachute]] wings. 
According to AR 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia, "a background trimming is authorized for organizations designated (by structure, equipment and mission) 'Airborne' or 'Air Assault' by HQ DA. Qualified personnel are authorized to wear the background trimming with the Parachutist or Air Assault badges."<ref name="autogenerated1"/> The following are wing trimmings worn by air assault qualified members of air assault units. These trimmings below are only the ones currently featured on the U.S. Army's Institute of Heraldry (TIOH) website and do not represent all of the trimmings authorized.

===101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)===
[[File:101st ABN DIV-3rd BDE-187th INF REGT-3rd BN Oval with Air Assault Wings.jpg|right|235px|thumb|Air Assault Badge with background trimming (oval) for the 3d Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)]]
* 1st BCT
** 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Heraldry/ArmyBFBT/ArmyBFBTUnit.aspx?u=7872 |title=TIOH - Beret Flashes and Background Trimmings - 1 Squadron 32 Cavalry Regiment |publisher=Tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil |date=2008-01-08 |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>
** 426th Brigade Support Battalion (formerly 426th Forward Support Battalion)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Heraldry/ArmyBFBT/ArmyBFBTUnit.aspx?u=5000 |title=TIOH - Beret Flashes and Background Trimmings - 426 Forward Support Battalion |publisher=Tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil |date= |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>
* 2nd BCT
** 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Heraldry/ArmyBFBT/ArmyBFBTUnit.aspx?u=4891 |title=TIOH - Beret Flashes and Background Trimmings - 1 Squadron 75 Cavalry Regiment |publisher=Tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil |date=2009-06-05 |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>
** 526th Brigade Support Battalion<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Heraldry/ArmyBFBT/ArmyBFBTUnit.aspx?u=5006 |title=TIOH - Beret Flashes and Background Trimmings - 526 Support Battalion |publisher=Tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil |date= |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>
** Special Troops Battalion, 2nd BCT<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Heraldry/ArmyBFBT/ArmyBFBTUnit.aspx?u=4995 |title=TIOH - Beret Flashes and Background Trimmings - Special Troops Battalion, 2d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division |publisher=Tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil |date= |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>
* 3rd BCT
** 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Heraldry/ArmyBFBT/ArmyBFBTUnit.aspx?u=4883 |title=TIOH - Beret Flashes and Background Trimmings - 1 Squadron 33 Cavalry Regiment |publisher=Tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil |date=2007-03-01 |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>
** 626th Brigade Support Battalion<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Heraldry/ArmyBFBT/ArmyBFBTUnit.aspx?u=5001 |title=TIOH - Beret Flashes and Background Trimmings - 626th Forward Support Battalion |publisher=Tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil |date= |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>
** Special Troops Battalion, 3d BCT<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Heraldry/ArmyBFBT/ArmyBFBTUnit.aspx?u=5872 |title=TIOH - Beret Flashes and Background Trimmings - Special Troops Battalion, 3d Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division |publisher=Tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil |date=2010-04-02 |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>
* 4th BCT
** 506th Infantry Regiment
** 1st Battalion 506th, Infantry Regiment
** 2nd Battalion 506th, Infantry Regiment
** 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Heraldry/ArmyBFBT/ArmyBFBTUnit.aspx?u=7871 |title=TIOH - Beret Flashes and Background Trimmings - 1 Squadron 61 Cavalry Regiment |publisher=Tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil |date=2005-11-14 |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>
** 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Heraldry/ArmyBFBT/ArmyBFBTUnit.aspx?u=4916 |title=TIOH - Beret Flashes and Background Trimmings - 4 Battalion 320 Field Artillery Regiment |publisher=Tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil |date= |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>
** 801st Brigade Support Battalion<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Heraldry/ArmyBFBT/ArmyBFBTUnit.aspx?u=5009 |title=TIOH - Beret Flashes and Background Trimmings - 801st Main Support Battalion |publisher=Tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil |date= |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>
** Special Troops Battalion, 4th BCT<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Heraldry/ArmyBFBT/ArmyBFBTUnit.aspx?u=4994 |title=TIOH - Beret Flashes and Background Trimmings - Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division |publisher=Tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil |date= |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>

===Army National Guard air assault units===
Numerous units in the Army National Guard, such as the California ARNG's 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment<ref>{{cite web|author=John Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/1-184inf.htm |title=1-184th Infantry (Air Assault) |publisher=Globalsecurity.org |date= |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref> carry the parenthetical designation “Air Assault,” but the Institute of Heraldry has denied them the authorization to wear trimmings behind their Air Assault wings.

A letter dated 1 April 2004 from Colonel Paris M. Mack, Chief, R&R Task Force, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff G-1 to Lieutenant Colonel Steven Goff, Commander, 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry, states “current policy requires units to be designated as Airborne or Air Assault for Soldiers to be authorized the wear of the background trimming insignia on their service uniform. Force structure developers within Headquarters, Department of the Army, utilized the Air Assault Modified Table of Organization and Equipment (MTOE) when documenting your unit’s structure. Accordingly, the use of the Air Assault MTOE template for your organization was intended to provide Combatant Commanders a more ‘robust’ infantry structure, not to increase the number of air assault units in our Army today. Therefore, your MTOE narrative does not designate an air assault mission to your unit, nor does the current document provide the full resources normally authorized a designated Air Assault organization. Granting your request is not in keeping with the intent for which the organization was initially created; thus your request is denied.”

==Original badge==
[[File:OldAirmobileBadge.gif|right|200px]]
On 7 February 1963 the colors of the 11th Airborne Division were reactivated at Fort Benning, GA, as the 11th Air Assault Division (Test). The 11th was a small unit, never intended for deployable status, used to test the airmobile concept then under development. Units of the 2nd Infantry Division, also located at Fort Benning, were “borrowed” for large-scale airmobile tests and maneuvers.

An earlier Air Assault Badge, pictured on the right, was worn in the early 1960s by troops of 11th who qualified for it by making three helicopter rappels from {{convert|60|ft|m}} and three from {{convert|120|ft|m}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ranger25.com/original_air_assault_badge.htm |title=Original Air Assault Badge |publisher=Ranger25.com |date=1963-02-15 |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref> Soldiers were also required to be knowledgeable of aircraft safety procedures; familiar with aircraft orientation; proficient in hand and arm signals and combat assault operations; able to prepare, inspect and rig equipment for external sling loads; and able to lash down equipment inside helicopters. The badge was first awarded in early 1964 and was only authorized for wear by soldiers within the 11th, as it was a division award and not authorized for Army-wide wear by the Department of the Army.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jumpingmustangs.com/hq6571/hqcomdr.html |title=HQ's Captain's page |publisher=Jumpingmustangs.com |date=1963-02-15 |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vhpamuseum.org/airassault/airassault.shtml |title=Vietnam Helicopter insignia and artifacts - Air Assault |publisher=Vhpamuseum.org |date= |accessdate=2013-04-30}}</ref>
{{Citation needed|date=October 2011}}

On 30 June 1965 the colors of the 11th Air Assault Division were inactivated and its assets merged with the 2nd Infantry Division to become the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). The colors of the 2nd Infantry Division were sent to Korea, where the existing 1st Cavalry Division was reflagged as 2nd Infantry Division and the colors of the 1st Cavalry Division sent to Fort Benning. Shortly thereafter the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) was sent to Vietnam.

==Air Force Wear==
All of the military services can and do send personnel to the U.S. Army's Air Assault School.  Other than the Army, however, only the [[U.S. Air Force]] allows for the wear of the Air Assault Badge.  Although the Miscellaneous Badges section of the 2012 update to AFI36-2903 (USAF's uniform regulation) has been removed, the Air Force Uniform Board still authorizes the Air Assault Badge, along with some other [[Badges of the United States Army|U.S. Army Special Skill Badges]] (such as the [[Parachute Rigger Badge]]), for wear on [[Uniforms of the United States Air Force|Air Force uniforms]] as a "permanent" decoration, "regardless of duty assignment," "upon graduation from Air Assault School."<ref>[http://www.af.mil/shared/media/epubs/afi36-2903.pdf AFI36-2903: Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel], dated 18 July 2011, updated 1 June 2012, last accessed 13 April 2013</ref><ref>[http://www.mountainhome.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123154444 Air Force Officials Release Uniform Board Results], Mountain Home Air Force Badge Website, posted 16 June 2009, last accessed 13 April 2013</ref><ref>[http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123241622 Airmen Vie for Slots in Army Air Assault Course], U.S. Air Force Official Website, posted 7 February 2011, last accessed 13 April 2013</ref><ref>[http://www.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/120518-F-FC975-472.jpg Official USAF Photo of Maj. Creel at Distinguished Flying Cross award ceremony wearing an Air Assault Badge on his USAF Service Dress Uniform], U.S. Air Force Official Website, posted: 18 May 2012, last accessed 13 April 2013</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
* [http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/Airmobility/airmobility-fm.html VIETNAM STUDIES - AIRMOBILITY 1961-1971]
* [http://www.history.army.mil/books/vietnam/airmobility/airmobility-ch03.html Airmobile: The Early Years in the United States, 1963-1965]
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{{US Army badges}}

[[Category:United States military badges]]

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