Several posters on this page would appear to have missed the point in answering, or not as the case may be, the query - 'why do we need 9A and Wildcat?'
Point One Wildcat and 9A will have the urge and increased lift to contribute 365 days of the year in AFG or anywhere else in the world 'subsequent ops' take us.
Pint Two Wildcat and 9A will have .50 cal door guns, as I understand it and can provide good top cover for convoys. Plus in Wilcat a great EO sight, no need to expand here on the benefits that will bring.
Point Three, this will save scarce Apache hours for when they are needed
Point Four for air commanders and planners to have another type of club in the bag gives greater flexibility in planning and execution instead of providing over capacity
LB