An Interview with the First Branch Chief of Army Aviation Major General Carl H. McNair, Jr., USMA '55

This historical paper honors the myriad contributions of General Carl H. McNair to Army Aviation. Covering three major topics, the first focuses on the general's involvement with and observations regarding the creation and controversial approval of the Army Aviation Branch on April 13, 1983, and serves as the major subject matter of this interview. The second revisits the formative years of McNair's Army career, his many roles in Army helicopter units and procurement programs, and his interaction with the Founding Fathers of Army Aviation, Lieutenant General Robert R. Williams and General Hamilton H. Howze. The third focuses on General McNair's second career as a civilian, while highlighting his continuing efforts in strong support of Army Aviation. The interview format offers the general the opportunity for a candid critique of the dynamics supporting the growth of Army Aviation and the use of rotary-wing aircraft. His Army retirement in 1987 marked the end of thirty-two years of distinguished service, during which Army Aviation earned recognition as an indispensable element in the Combined Arms Team, becoming a full-fledged Combat Arms Branch.