Army's Aviation Head Moves to Marketing Role Amid Tragedy Probe

Strategic Insights -

The U.S. Army's chief of aviation, Brig. Gen. Matthew Braman, has left his position to become the head of the Army's enterprise marketing office, a move that comes as the National Transportation Safety Board prepares to hold hearings next week on the January midair collision between an Army helicopter and a commercial jet that killed 67 people. The crash near Reagan Washington National Airport was the nation's deadliest plane crash since November 2001. Braman had faced criticism from some in Congress over the incident, particularly after acknowledging that military helicopters were still flying over the nation's capital with a key system broadcasting their locations turned off during most missions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Brig. Gen. Matthew Braman, formerly the U.S. Army's chief of aviation, has taken on the role of chief of the Army Enterprise Marketing Office, according to his new bio on an Army website.
  • The move was in place last fall and not related to the January midair collision, according to an Army spokesperson.
  • Braman was criticized for his handling of the incident, including not providing a memo detailing the Army's flight rules and refusing to turn over the document to Congress.
  • The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will hold three days of hearings starting next Wednesday to investigate the crash.
  • The fact that the location system was turned off in the Black Hawk that collided with the passenger jet is a key concern, with investigators highlighting the risk of relying on radar for updates on the helicopter's position.
  • Sen. Ted Cruz, the Republican chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, expressed frustration with the Army's refusal to turn over the memo and threatened to subpoena the document if it was not provided.

Statistics:

  • 67 people were killed in the January midair collision between an Army helicopter and a commercial jet.
  • The collision was the nation's deadliest plane crash since November 2001.
  • The U.S. Army is still flying military helicopters over the nation's capital with a key system broadcasting their locations turned off during most missions.
  • The NTSB investigation is ongoing, with three days of hearings scheduled to begin next Wednesday.

Sources:

  • AP news wire
  • The Army's website
  • The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
  • Sen. Ted Cruz's office
  • The Senate Commerce Committee