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The Brigade was not only continuously supporting combat operations throughout the length of Vietnam, but also expanded its operation of in-country schools for the training of Vietnam Air Force Huey pilots, Republic of Korea and Thai aviators, as well as U.S. and Australian personnel.^[1]

These training teams performed a vital function in smoothing the way for complex equipment that was introduced rapidly into combat. A small group of experts would arrive with every new aircraft system and armament sub-system and work with in-country personnel to build up experience and iron out maintenance problems that are inherent in any new system.

For example, back in September 1967 when the first Huey Cobra (AH-1G) arrived in Vietnam, a New Equipment Training Team was ready for the aircraft. This team used the first six Cobras to check out the pilots of the 334th Assault Helicopter Company. When the design problems and maintenance problems were solved, these Cobras were then assigned to that company. The New Equipment Training Team pilots traveled from unit to unit to standardize procedures and to record early problems which were immediately related to Continental U.S. Some of the problems were not technical but more operational in nature, such as experienced in the Cobra where pilots missed the telltale noises of enemy fire, which they could hear through the open door of the older armed Huey, and the additional eyes and ears of the door gunners. Some modifications of tactics and techniques were necessary.

The New Equipment Training Teams highlight another facet of the growth of airmobility in Vietnam. Never in any previous war had there been so much new and complex equipment introduced into actual combat in such a short period with a minimum amount of problems. The transition from the old fleet of worn out H-21's to a modern turbinized sophisticated fleet of thousands had been accomplished on the battlefield. The combination of the training base in the United States, an aerial line of communications, superb logistics, and the know-how of American industry had made this possible.