The Native American Legacy: Why Helicopters in the US Military are Named After Indigenous Tribes

Have you ever noticed the names of military helicopters and wondered why they often honor Native American tribes or figures? This naming convention is more than just a tradition; it represents a deep historical and cultural connection between the United States military and Indigenous peoples.

Why Army Helicopters Have Native American Names

Many helicopters in the U.S. Army are named after Native American tribes or figures. These crucial aircraft, such as the Apache, Black Hawk, and Chinook, all carry the names of Native American tribes.

img src'_' alt'Soldier performs maintenance on an AH-64 Apache helicopter'

This practice is particularly notable as it highlights the long history and ongoing relationship between the U.S. military and Native American peoples.

The Historical Context

The naming of military helicopters after Native American tribes and figures is rooted in a complex historical context. While armed conflicts between the U.S. and Native American peoples were rampant, often referred to as the American Indian Wars, the relationship was not one-sided. Many Native Americans served with distinction as part of the U.S. military, fighting against their own people and sometimes even leading troops into battle.

A Noble Tradition

The tradition of naming helicopters after Native Americans emerged during a pivotal period in the history of the U.S. military. According to an unnamed Army museum official, the practice can be traced back to before the Air Force split from the Army in 1947. At that time, Army General Hamilton Howze, a figure instrumental in developing doctrine and strategy for utilizing Army aircraft, was assigned to Army aviation.

General Howze was reportedly dissatisfied with the names of the first two helicopter models, leading him to establish a new naming convention based on the aircraft's abilities and characteristics. One of the first helicopters, the H-13, known for its association with the television show 'M.A.S.H.', was named the Sioux, in honor of the Native Americans who fought with Army soldiers during the Sioux Wars and famously defeated the 7th Cavalry Regiment at the Battle of Little Bighorn.

The Naming Criteria

Following the establishment of this new tradition, Army Regulation 70-28 was created in 1969, outlining specific criteria for naming military equipment. These criteria were designed to ensure that names would be meaningful and appropriate.

Names should appeal to the imagination without sacrificing dignity.

Names should suggest an aggressive spirit and confidence in the item's capabilities.

Names should reflect the item's characteristics, such as mobility, agility, flexibility, firepower, and endurance.

Names should be based on tactical application, not the source or method of manufacture.

Names should be associated with the preceding qualities and criteria if a person's name is proposed.

Under this regulation, Army aircraft were specifically categorized as requiring "Indian terms and names of American Indian tribes and chiefs." The Bureau of Indian Affairs provided a list of suitable names from which to choose.

Impact on Modern Military Operations

Today, the naming of helicopters with Native American names continues as a symbol of respect and recognition. For instance, the AH-64 Apache, known for its agility and firepower, is named after the Apache tribe, celebrated for their swift and resilient military tactics.

However, these names also carry heavy historical and cultural weight. The Apache, Black Hawk, and other names recalling battles and historical figures from both sides of the conflict serve as a constant reminder of the complex and often fraught history between Native Americans and the U.S. military.

img src'_live_' alt'Army AH-64 Apache helicopter fires a rocket during a combined arms live-fire exercise'

Conclusion

The naming of U.S. military helicopters after Native American tribes and figures is more than just a symbolic gesture. It reflects a deep-seated and often antagonistic relationship between Indigenous peoples and the U.S. military, a legacy that continues to shape modern military operations and policies.

Understanding the historical context of these names not only enriches our understanding of military history but also highlights the ongoing need for respect, recognition, and reconciliation between the U.S. military and Native American communities.