Background:
In the context of Army aviation readiness, the existing management systems are insufficient for synchronizing flight schedules with maintenance availability and aircrew status. This gap extends to the management of Additional Flight Training Period (AFTP) execution and budget management within both the Army National Guard (ARNG) and Army Reserves. The absence of a unified system that consolidates this critical information into a single centralized repository leaves commanders at risk of basing decisions on inaccurate data, thus compromising the execution of complex missions and the achievement of a unified operational perspective. It is perplexing that, despite technological advancements, a comprehensive solution to flight management remains elusive. Unlike their active-duty counterparts, who have sufficient staffing levels to manually manage all aspects of flight management (including flight scheduling, maintenance readiness and scheduling, and aircrew status requirements), the ARNG has had to rely on commercial products to fill this void.

Justification:
Notably, the ARNG has successfully field-tested several commercial systems, such as FlyArmy.com, Aviation Status Dashboard, and JKeeley. These systems have consistently surpassed regulatory requirements, as highlighted in numerous Aviation Resource Management Survey (ARMS) inspections, through more effective execution of flight hour funding and enhanced flight hour performance. However, the stringent network security requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) have led to the exclusion of these commercial systems due to potential vulnerabilities, reverting many flight facilities to rudimentary methods such as spreadsheets and dry erase boards for managing their flight hour programs. This regression has resulted in increased manpower requirements for processing readiness data and the use of non-standard methods for tracking the status of aircraft, aircrew, and flight hour programs at any given time.
The Idaho Army National Guard (IDARNG) provides a compelling case study, having field-tested one of these systems for over six years with significant benefits. The adoption of an effective aviation readiness management system resulted in annual savings of over $30,000 in AFTP execution through improved budget accuracy, reduced flight schedule cancellations via a more dynamic and accessible scheduling system, and enhanced maintenance scheduling. Additionally, an AFTP audit by the United States Property and Fiscal Officer (USPFO) highlighted that such a system ensures proper fund execution, manages aircrew status and incentives, and significantly lowers management efforts to maintain regulatory compliance.
The National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) advocates for the procurement of an aviation readiness management system that would standardize flight hour management across the 54 states and territories. This system would integrate aircrew and aircraft readiness data and offer improved risk mitigation strategies. Such an initiative promises to save government resources through efficient management of the flight hour program, facilitate traditional aircrews in planning and scheduling flights, and significantly reduce the hours required by full-time staff. Moreover, it would enable senior commanders to accurately assess the status of all forces based on real-time information, a crucial step toward enhancing readiness.

Recommendation: In light of the substantial benefits outlined, it is recommended that the National Guard fervently support and expedite the procurement and implementation of an Army Aviation enterprise automation as the standard aviation readiness management system for the Army National Guard (ARNG) across all 54 states and territories. This recommendation is based on the proven cost savings, workflow efficiencies, and the critical need for a standardized operational management too. By adopting a vetted and approved automation program, the ARNG will ensure a synchronized, cost-effective, and operationally proficient aviation enterprise, capable of meeting modern challenges with the agility and foresight that our national security and defense responsibilities necessitate.