The U.S. Army plans to cut 6,500 aviation jobs from the active duty ranks, starting in the coming months, service officials confirmed Friday.

The move aims to realign the force toward the use of unmanned drones instead of manned aviation platforms and will occur over fiscal years 2026 and 2027, according to Army spokesman Maj. Montrell Russell.

“The Army is transforming aviation to meet future operational demands — faster, leaner, and more capable," Russell said in a statement to Military Times. “This initiative ensures Army aviation is integrated across components, modernized in capability, and optimized for global mission requirements.”

There are about 30,000 aviation branch soldiers in the ranks, including flight crews, maintainers and pilots, Russell said.

Talent panels will determ

See Full Page