78th Aviation Troop Command

🚨 NEW ARMY BODY COMPOSITION POLICY IS HERE

Effective 1 July 2026, the Army has implemented Army Directive 2026-13, introducing a new Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) standard for assessing body composition.

Key changes every Soldier should know:

✅ Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) is now the ONLY authorized body composition standard.
Height/Weight screening tables have been eliminated.

✅️ The tape test and other body fat assessments are no longer authorized.

✅ The new standard is a WHtR of LESS THAN 0.55. Soldiers with a WHtR of 0.55 or greater will be enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP).

✅ Every Soldier will be assessed at least twice each calendar year.

✅ A confirmation measurement is required if a Soldier initially exceeds the standard before any administrative action is taken.

✅ No Army Fitness Test (AFT) score exempts a Soldier from meeting the body composition standard.

✅ WHtR assessments should be conducted at least 7 days before or after an AFT/CFT whenever possible.

✅ Commanders may direct a WHtR assessment at any time if there is concern that a Soldier does not meet the standard.

✅ Soldiers currently enrolled in the ABCP will no longer have mandatory monthly assessments. Commanders will determine assessment frequency and remove Soldiers from the program as soon as they meet the standard.

📅 Implementation Timeline All Soldiers must have an initial WHtR assessment completed and recorded in ATIS within 90 days of the directive's publication.

The U.S. Army is replacing its legacy height and weight measurement system with the Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) as the Army’s official body composition screening method.

This new directive supports the Army’s goal of maintaining a healthy and ready force. Visit the Army's Tell Your Formation website for more.

➡️ https://www.army.mil/tellyourformation/

🇺🇸 Celebrating Independence Day from the Air and on the Ground! 🚁🏃‍♂️🎆

This morning, the Soldiers of the 78th Aviation Troop Command had the distinct honor of helping kick off one of our nation's most iconic Independence Day traditions by providing the flyover for the Peachtree Road Race in downtown Atlanta. 🇺🇲

Our crews proudly represented the Georgia Army National Guard while honoring the thousands of runners, volunteers, spectators, and Americans celebrating the freedoms we enjoy every day.

Flight Lead
🚁 PC: CW2 Michael Hall
🚁 PI: CW2 Michael McNerney
🚁 Crew Chief: SGT Evan Mahkoul

Air Mission Commander
🚁 PC: MAJ Paul Strella
🚁 PI: CW2 Tommy Vollmar
🚁 Crew Chief: SSG Daniel Wilkinson

The pride of the 78th ATC didn't stop in the skies. Several of our own Soldiers also took to the streets of Atlanta, demonstrating the discipline, endurance, and warrior spirit that define our formation:

🏃 1SG Matt Couch (along with his wife and son)
🏃 SFC Anna Dietrich
🏃 SFC Jacob Eyer
🏃 SSG Katrina Ejike
🏃 CW3 Craig Emmett (and his wife)
🏃 SSG Rachel Sullivan
🏃 CPT Coral Montalvo (along with her fiancé)
🏃‍♂️ SGT David Boudreaux
🏃‍♂️ CPT Dustin Allard

Whether flying above the city or running through its streets, these Soldiers exemplify the dedication, professionalism, and commitment to service that make our Brigade proud.🫡

From all of us at the 78th Aviation Troop Command, we wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July!! 🇺🇲 As we celebrate our nation's independence, we remain grateful for the opportunity to serve our communities, our state, and our country.

HAPPY 250th BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!!!! 🇺🇲

WINGS OF WARRIORS!!! 🪽

🇺🇸 Join Us for a Time-Honored Army Tradition!

The Soldiers of the 1-171st General Support Aviation Battalion invite our Aviation Family, retirees, Veterans, friends, and supporters to join us as we witness the Change of Command Ceremony between LTC Austin D. Allen and LTC Stephen D. Boda.

A Change of Command is one of the Army's oldest and most significant traditions, symbolizing the formal transfer of authority, responsibility, and accountability from one Commander to the next. It is an opportunity to honor the leadership and accomplishments of the outgoing Commander while welcoming the incoming Commander who will lead the battalion into its next chapter.

Please join us as we thank LTC Allen for his dedicated leadership and welcome LTC Boda to the 1-171st GSAB team.

📅 Date: Sunday, 16 August 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 a.m.
📍 Location: Hangar 1, 1000 Halsey Avenue, Marietta, GA

A reception will immediately follow the ceremony.

We hope to see you there as we celebrate this important milestone in the history of the 1-171st GSAB and the 78th Aviation Troop Command.

WINGS OF WARRIORS!!!! 🪽

Congratulations to our Medic Warfighter, Specialist David Stratton, on successfully graduating from the Mountain Warfare Course in the Country of Georgia! 🇬🇪

Over the course of three demanding weeks, SPC Stratton mastered advanced mountaineering skills, including knot systems, climbing, rappelling, river crossings, rope ascension, and mountain movement through challenging terrain. The course culminated with a series of rigorous practical evaluations, testing both technical proficiency and physical endurance in one of the world's most demanding environments.

Beyond the training, the experience also highlighted the incredible partnership between the Georgia Army National Guard and the Country of Georgia. Through shared challenges, cultural exchanges, and unmatched hospitality, this training strengthened not only individual warfighting skills but also the enduring bonds between our two nations.

Congratulations on this outstanding accomplishment and for representing 1st Battalion 171st Aviation Regiment GSAB, 78th Aviation Troop Command, and the Georgia Army National Guard with professionalism, resilience, and determination. Well done! 👏🏻

WINGS OF WARRIORS!!! 🪽



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Adjutant General of Georgia
Commanding General Georgia Army National Guard
State Command Sergeant Major, Georgia
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