Flying Apache helicopters was not the first job Rob VanArsdall had in mind when he joined the US Army in 2004. VanArsdall was a special electronic device repairer and worked at his battalion level S6 shop. He maintained computer networking and automation throughout the battalion and supported the companies below it. His responsibilities included establishing radio communications, setting up mobile phones and maintaining the tactical operations center. However, during his deployment in Iraq, VanArsdall watched the Apache helicopters flying overhead and inquired about helicopter flight training.
