We urge Congress to delay and reassess the rapid disbandment of Army Reserve aviation units under the Army Transformation Initiative. While we support modernization for efficiency, lethality, and innovation, eliminating critical aviation assets, to include active MEDEVAC units, without proper review puts lives and readiness at risk.

On May 1, 2025, the Army’s Transformation Initiative (ATI) was announced and calls for the immediate elimination of all Army Reserve Aviation Command (ARAC). This decision was made quickly, with little thought, by those who do not understand the support that the ARAC provides to active duty and local communities. This sudden move threatens not only combat effectiveness but also domestic emergency response and life-saving medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) operations.

We understand and support the need to modernize and streamline our forces. However, the Reserve aviation community plays a vital role that cannot be quickly or easily replaced.

These units:

1. Provide essential MEDEVAC coverage the Active and Guard components cannot fully support alone.
2. Respond to domestic crises, including wildfires, natural disasters, and medical emergencies.
3. Fill crucial gaps in training and operational readiness across all US Army operation areas.

The elimination of these units would immediately:

1. Create an immediate and unacceptable gap in MEDEVAC capabilities, severely affecting soldier survivability in both training and combat environments.
2. Overburden the already reduced Active Duty and National Guard aviation assets, rendering the Army unable to meet current mission demands.
3. Jeopardize domestic emergency response, including wildfire suppression, disaster relief, and medical support in rural and underserved areas. 

The current plan for rapid dissolution is premature and dangerously shortsighted.

We respectfully ask Congress to:

1. Pause the elimination of Army Reserve aviation units.
2. Conduct a full review with Reserve leadership input.
3. Ensure transformation efforts do not undermine critical capabilities or national and international response readiness.
    

This is not about resisting change, it’s about doing it wisely, with forethought, and without sacrificing the tools that support our soldiers and our country. 

Sign and share to protect our Reserve aviation forces and the safety they provide to our formations and national security.