Fort Hood Aviation Battalions Conduct Relief in Place North of Baghdad

Photo By Rick Emert | Pilots from 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, (front) and 1st Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, (rear) complete a joint mission in an AH-64D Apache Oct. 27 at Camp Taji, Iraq, as part of the battalions' relief-in-place. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rick Emert, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade PAO)  

TAJI, IRAQ

11.06.2006

Courtesy Story

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

By Sgt. 1st Class Rick Emert
1st Air Cavalry Brigade PAO
1st Cavalry Division

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Soldiers and leaders from two Fort Hood-based, AH-64D Apache battalions are conducting relief-in-place operations as they gear up for their transfer of authority here later this year.

The relief-in-place process is an overlap period where the incoming 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, spends several weeks working side by side with the outgoing 1st Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, to learn about the area of operation and procedures for conducting missions.

"Based on 1-4's experiences over the past 12 months, we are going to use every [tactic, technique and procedure] they used to the fullest," said Lt. Col. Christopher Walach, commander of 1-227th, a native of Las Vegas.

"I can't elaborate [on operational tactics], but the tactical lessons learned on the way 1-4 does things will enhance our capabilities," said Fayetteville, Ga., native Capt. Patrick Baker, commander of Company C, 1-227th. "They tried new tactics, using outside-the-box thinking, and that's something we're going to try."

Thinking outside the box was critical, since enemy tactics continually evolve.

"The enemy continues to adapt," said Lt. Col. Michael Rapavi, commander of 1-4, who calls Copperas Cove, Texas, home. "We have to do the same thing. Their tactics have changed several times since we've been here, and they will no doubt continue to evolve."

Rapavi said the 1-227th leadership has been receptive to how 1-4 conducts business as they prepare for the transfer.

"They come in with a lot of experience, but they are very open to the new (tactics) we've used since we've been here," he said.

The attack helicopter battalion plays a vital role in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 1-4, and now 1-227th, conduct missions ranging from route and zone security to aerial security to responding to troops in contact with the enemy and other events, like improvised explosive devices, Rapavi said.

"Our biggest challenge over the past year has been (operational tempo)," Rapavi said. "We conduct 24-hour operations. We always have a team in the air."

While the 1-227th had ample training before deploying in September and October, the
year of experience on the ground that 1-4 has amassed is a valuable tool that will be passed on during the transition.

"We still need to work on the air crews, not all have flown," said 1-227th's executive officer, Maj. Scott Chiasson, in late October. "In accordance with the RIP procedures, we are not ready yet to take over. But, the battalion is trained to conduct the missions required."

However, the relief in place is a deliberate, paced process that ensures all lessons learned and effective procedures from the outgoing unit are passed on to the incoming unit, according to Chiasson, a native of New Orleans, La.

"This can be the most vulnerable time, so we try to make it as seamless as possible," Rapavi said. "I think the (1-227th) team understands the importance of continuing in stride. That's really what has assisted in the smooth transition. We are all working toward the same goal."

"This is one of the best transition plans I've seen between two combat units," Walach said. "The leaders (of 1-4) have quickly integrated us. There are specific tasks we have to show proficiency on before the transfer, and they have been with us every step of the way."

The relief in place for the brigades' 1st Battalions began around mid October and will continue until authority transfers later this year.

• Date Taken: 11.06.2006
• Date Posted: 11.17.2006 11:21
• Story ID: 8296
• Location: TAJI, IQ