USMA Cadets Experience Army Aviation During CTLT Aviation Day at Wheeler Army Airfield | Article

WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Hawaii — On May 28, 2025, 31 United States Military Academy (USMA) cadets temporarily assigned to the 25th Infantry Division for Cadet Troop Leader Training (CTLT) participated in CTLT Aviation Day, hosted by the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade. The event aimed to develop future Army leaders by providing a comprehensive introduction to the Aviation Branch, emphasizing leadership, flight operations, and the unique culture of aviation units.

Held at the 3-25 General Support Aviation Battalion’s ‘Hammerhead’ Hangar and nearby training areas, the day-long engagement exposed cadets to aviation operations, warrant officer relationships, and the critical role Army aviation plays in large-scale combat operations. Highlights included two roundtable discussions and a rare opportunity to fly aboard a CH-47F Chinook helicopter for a familiarization flight around Oahu’s training areas, an experience that left a lasting impression on many cadets.

Professional Development Through Roundtable Discussions

The event began with a formal welcome followed by interactive roundtable discussions led by experienced aviation platoon leaders, staff officers, and warrant officers. These sessions fostered candid conversations about aviation leadership, operations, and career development, offering mentorship on branching decisions.

Aviation Branch and Leadership

The first roundtable focused on the Army Aviation Branch and common challenges faced by junior officers. Discussions covered branching decisions, risk management, and Soldier counseling. Panelists shared leadership insights from high-tempo aviation environments, emphasizing the importance of maintenance operations and lessons learned from tactical operations in the Pacific Pathways environment and organizational leadership challenges.

Warrant Officer Relationships and Aviation Warfighting Readiness

The second roundtable explored the dynamic between commissioned officers and warrant officers. Two chief warrant officers 2 and one chief warrant officer 3 discussed trust, teamwork, and their complementary roles. They provided insights into planning and executing air assault operations and the synchronization required to support maneuver units. Cadets learned how aviation enhances large-scale combat operations by extending the reach, speed, and flexibility of ground forces, enabling them to sense, strike, and maneuver across the operational environment.