a. General. Army operations require worldwide strategic mobility. Given this requirement, utility and cargo helicopter units must be able to conduct operations in multiple environments. These operations range from war to stability and support operations. Army aviation doctrine focuses on the integration and synchronization of helicopters as a member of the combined arms team. The ability to successfully conduct operations depends on the correct application of the five basic tenets of Army doctrine. These tenets include initiative, agility, depth, synchronization, and versatility.

(1) Initiative. Initiative allows the commander to set the terms of the battle. Initiative retains friendly force options while limiting the enemy's options. During the defense, operations must be offensive in nature. Utility and cargo helicopters can rapidly move assault forces and supplies to the decisive point on the battlefield. Aviation's capabilities, such as speed, agility, and long range allow the commander to set the terms of the battle. In combat operations, aviation commanders set the tempo by seizing the initiative.

(2) Agility. Agility is the ability of friendly forces to act faster than the enemy and is a prerequisite for seizing and holding the initiative. In combat operations, aviation commanders exploit the agility of their units through speed, mobility, and reaction time. Technological developments in intelligence gathering, aviation mission planning, and communications have improved situational awareness throughout the duration of the mission. Situational awareness provides an edge to aviation commanders. Aviation assets can now be directed to critical places on the battlefield at critical times.

(3) Depth. Depth is an extension of operations in time, space, resources, and purpose. In combat operations aviation commanders understand depth as the ability to conduct simultaneous close, deep, and rear operations. Commanders sustain the momentum by taking advantage of all available resources. With access to joint and combined arms capabilities, aviation commanders can plan for and control numerous utility and cargo operations simultaneously.

(4) Synchronization. Synchronization is the application of military forces in time, space, and purpose to produce maximum combat power at the decisive place and time. Synchronization requires intensive planning to ensure that all elements of combat power are delivered at the decisive time and place. It requires exact coordination among the various combat, combat support, and combat service support units involved in an operation. Joint and multinational capabilities must be considered when applicable. Effective liaison is imperative for the utility and cargo helicopter unit to be fully synchronized with the supported unit.

(5) Versatility. Versatility is the ability of units to meet diverse mission requirements. It is the essence of utility and cargo helicopter operations. Aviation commanders demonstrate versatility by their ability to shift focus, tailor forces, and conduct simultaneous operations rapidly and efficiently. Aviation forces must be prepared to deploy from one geographical region to another and from one type of operation to another.

b. Framework of the Battlefield. The Army's warfighting doctrine specifies that deep, close, and rear operations occur simultaneously. A utility and cargo helicopter unit can conduct operations throughout the entire framework during offensive and defensive operations. Deep operations allow corps and division commanders to influence the close operations before the enemy closes with friendly forces. During the conduct of close operations, utility helicopters allow the corps and division commander to exploit success by rapidly shifting forces on the battlefield. Utility and cargo helicopters can influence the commander's rear area fight by rapidly moving and assaulting forces to stop penetrations and enemy assaults into the rear area.

c. Utility and Cargo Helicopters in Combat Operations. The force commander's assessment of the factors of METT-T influences the missions that are assigned to utility and cargo helicopter units. Utility and cargo helicopter units will conduct combat, combat support, and combat service support operations day and night throughout the battlefield framework. With the aviation commander's assistance, the force commander determines how to best employ the utility and cargo helicopters. From the force commander's mission and intent, the aviation unit commander determines how best to employ his unit. Some of the common missions the utility and cargo helicopter unit conducts are--

· Air assault operations.

· Air movement operations.

· C².

· Aerial mine delivery operations (Volcano).

· CSAR.

· CASEVAC.

a. Forms of the Offense.

(1) Movement to contact. A movement to contact is used to gain or reestablish contact with the enemy. It may be used when contact with the enemy has been temporarily lost, or it may be used to initiate an attack. Utility and cargo helicopters may be called upon to conduct the full range of missions during this operation. The search and attack is a limited purpose application of the movement to contact. Search and attack operations are conducted by small, light maneuver units, air cavalry, and air assault forces. The purpose of this operation is to destroy enemy forces, protect the force, deny areas to the enemy, and collect information. Utility helicopters may be called upon to conduct air assault, air movement, C², and CASEVAC missions in support of a search and attack. During a movement to contact, air assaults, air movements, and CASEVAC are missions to be expected. Considering the fluidity of the battlefield during a movement to contact, the aviation unit can expect to conduct C² operations. This allows commanders to move quickly about the battlefield to make critical decisions.

(2) Attack. There are two types of attacks--hasty and deliberate.

(a) Hasty attack. A hasty attack is an operation for which a unit has not made extensive preparations. It is conducted with the resources immediately available to maintain momentum or take advantage of the enemy situation. Since planning time for a hasty attack is limited, the utility helicopter unit must be prepared to support the force commander with quick, responsive combat, combat support and combat service support operations. Since this type of attack occurs without extensive time to prepare, the utility and cargo helicopter units could expect to concentrate their efforts during the hasty attack to air assaults, air movement of ammunition, CASEVAC, C², and aerial mine operations. The aviation unit staff should focus on being prepared to conduct these missions with little planning and preparation time. To minimize the risk to utility and cargo aircraft, aviation commanders should maximize the use of battle drills. Hasty attacks supported by habitual supporting aviation units increase the likelihood for success.

(b) Deliberate attack. A deliberate attack is conducted against an enemy that is well organized and cannot be turned or bypassed. It is planned and carefully coordinated with all elements involved in the attack. The deliberate attack is based on a thorough reconnaissance, an evaluation of all available intelligence and relative combat strength, an analysis of various courses of action, and other factors affecting the situation. With a more deliberate decision making process, air assault operations could be expected for this operation. In the CS and CSS role, utility and cargo helicopters will air move large amounts of ammunition and supplies, primarily repair parts, as the maneuver force prepares for the attack. CASEVAC, C², CSAR, and Volcano are also expected missions to conduct during the deliberate attack.

(3) Exploitation. An exploitation usually follows a successful attack and is designed to take advantage of weakened or collapsed enemy defenses. It prevents the enemy from reorganizing a defensive system or conducting an orderly withdrawal. Maneuver forces can be air moved or air assaulted to critical locations on the battlefield to keep the enemy from reorganizing the defense. Since this offensive operation follows an attack, air movement of critical supplies, primarily ammunition, will be critical to allowing the maneuver forces to continue the momentum. Volcano operations, CSAR, CASEVAC, and C² continue to be important roles for utility helicopters in the exploitation.

(4) Pursuit. A pursuit is an offensive operation taken after a successful attack or developed during an exploitation. The pursuit takes advantage of enemy weaknesses and its inability to establish an organized defense. As the enemy forces disengage, friendly forces maintain relentless pressure in an attempt to destroy enemy forces completely. A pursuit requires unrelenting speed and mobility to complete the destruction of the enemy. Utility and cargo helicopters contribute to this operation through air assaults, air movements, C² operations, CASEVAC, and Volcano operations.

b. Forms of the Defense.

(1) Area defense. An area defense is conducted when the maneuver force is directed to defend specified terrain, when the enemy enjoys a mobility advantage over the defending force, when well-defined avenues of approach exist, and the defending force has sufficient combat power to cover the likely enemy avenues of approach in sector. The orientation of the area defense is to deny the enemy designated terrain. Air movement operations are critical for utility and cargo helicopters during an area defense. Utility and cargo units can expect to reposition large amounts of class IV barrier material, class V, and class IX repair parts forward. Volcano may be employed to emplace obstacles at critical places during the battle. C² and CASEVAC operations will also be a vital mission for the utility helicopter unit to perform during the area defense.

(2) Mobile defense. A mobile defense allows the enemy force to advance to a point where it is exposed to a decisive attack by a striking force. The end state of a mobile defense is destruction of the enemy force. In addition to the missions stated in the area defense, the utility and cargo unit can expect to conduct air assault operations. The force commander may choose to conduct an air assault as part of the striking force to complete the destruction of the enemy.

1-3. UTILITY AND CARGO HELICOPTER UNIT ORGANIZATIONS

a. Assault Helicopter Battalion. The AHB provides division and corps commanders with a highly mobile, flexible, and responsive combat force. This force can plan and execute combat, combat support and combat service support operations. The AHB's speed and mobility enable the commander to adjust force ratios across the entire battlefield, carrying the fight to the enemy.

(1) Corps aviation brigades are authorized one AHB (see Figure 1-1). It consists of a HHC, 2 companies of 15 UH-60s each, and an AVUM. Presently, all corps AHBs are Army National Guard organizations.

Legend: See the glossary for acronyms and abbreviations.

(a) The HHC provides C², logistics support, and ground maintenance support for the battalion. The headquarters section consists of the battalion commander, his staff, and staff sections. The headquarters company consists of a company headquarters, a supply section, an automotive maintenance section, a food service section, a communications section, a medical treatment team, and a class III platoon.

(b) The AVUM company provides unit level maintenance for battalion aircraft. The company consists of a company headquarters, a quality assurance section, an aircraft maintenance section, and an aircraft component repair section.

(c) The two assault helicopter companies provide the corps commander with air assault capabilities. Each company consists of a headquarters section and three platoons of five UH-60s each.

(2) Light infantry divisions and airborne divisions are authorized one AHB (see Figure 1-2). It consists of an HHC, 2 companies of 15 UH-60s each, one command aviation company of eight UH-60s and four EH-60s, and an AVUM company. This battalion provides the air assault capability for the division commander, as well as supporting C² operations and providing aircraft to the attack battalion of the division for C² and CSAR operations. The organization of the companies is the same as the corps AHB with the following changes:

(a) Class III support is provided by the aviation brigade HHC; the battalion has no class III platoon.

(b) The CAC consists of a headquarters section, one platoon of eight UH-60s, and one platoon of four EH-60s. This company provides the C² capability for the division, aerial mine warfare, and the division's aerial electronic warfare capability. Additionally, the CAC is equipped to conduct missions using the FRIES, paradrop, and HELOCAST systems.

Legend: See the glossary for acronyms and abbreviations.

(3) The air assault division is authorized three AHBs (see Figure 1-3). Each battalion consists of an HHC, 2 companies of 15 UH-60s each, and an AVUM company. The AHB of the air assault division provides the division commander with a flexible, highly mobile force capable of conducting air assaults throughout the battlefield framework. The organization of the AHB is identical to the corps AHB.

Legend: See the glossary for acronyms and abbreviations.

b. Heavy Helicopter Battalions. All heavy helicopter units provide the force commander a highly mobile and rapid means of moving priority combat systems, personnel, and supplies throughout his AO. Additionally, the heavy helicopter battalion, coupled with AHBs, provides the force commander with a robust air assault force capable of moving large numbers of combat soldiers great distances. The use of the heavy helicopter battalion enables the force commander to rapidly concentrate combat power at the decisive time and place on the battlefield. EAC, corps aviation brigades, and air assault divisions are authorized one heavy helicopter battalion. The EAC heavy lift battalion consists of an HHC, and 2 companies of 16 CH-47Ds (see Figure 1-4). The corps heavy helicopter battalion consists of an HHC and 4 companies of 16 CH-47Ds (see Figure 1-5). The air assault division heavy helicopter battalion consists of an HHC and 3 companies of 16 CH-47Ds (see Figure 1-6).

(1) The HHC performs the same functions as those listed for the corps air assault battalion.

(2) All heavy helicopter companies are designed to operate independently from the parent battalion HHC. Each company consists of a company headquarters, flight operations section, supply section, automotive maintenance section, food service section, communications section, class III platoon, two platoons of eight CH-47s each, and an AVUM platoon.

Legend: See the glossary for acronyms and abbreviations.

Legend: See the glossary for acronyms and abbreviations.

Legend: See the glossary for acronyms and abbreviations.

c. General Support Aviation Battalions. The GSAB provides the armored and mechanized division commanders with a highly mobile, flexible, and responsive combat force. The GSAB's unique makeup provides the commander with a wide variety of capabilities, including air movement operations, CASEVAC, C², and electronic warfare operations. Although it is not designed for it, this battalion has the capability to conduct limited air assault operations. Armored and mechanized divisions are authorized one GSAB (see Figure 1-7). It consists of an HHC; two SACs of eight UH-60s each; one CAC of eight UH-60s, four EH-60s, and six OH-58Cs; and an AVUM company. The organization of the HHC and AVUM is the same as the corps assault battalion.

Legend: See the glossary for acronyms and abbreviations.

(1) Each SAC consists of a company headquarters and two platoons of four UH-60s each.

(2) The CAC consists of a company headquarters, one platoon of eight UH-60s, one platoon of four EH-60s, and one platoon of six OH-58Cs. The OH-58s may be used in the general support aviation role (C², air movement) or may conduct a target acquisition and reconnaissance role.

d. Combat Support Aviation Battalions. Corps aviation brigades are authorized one CSAB (see Figure 1-8). This battalion's primary mission is to support the logistics effort of the corps. However, companies within the CSAB can augment the corps AHB to provide a large scale air assault force. They may also augment assault and general support battalions of divisions within the corps. The CSAB consists of an HHC, four SACs of eight UH-60s each, and an AVUM company. The internal structure of the HHC, SACs, and AVUM is the same as the divisional GSAB.

Legend: See the glossary for acronyms and abbreviations.

e. Command Aviation Battalions. CABs provide enhancement of C³. They accomplish this mission by providing the means by which air and ground commanders can rapidly traverse and see the battlefield. The battalion moves liaison teams, messages, and provides an aerial retransmission capability.

(1) Echelons above corps are authorized one CAB (see Figure 1-9). It consists of an HHC, two SACs of eight UH-60s each, one CAC of eight UH-60s, and an AVUM company. his battalion provides C² support to the theater commander and accomplishes special missions in support of theater operations, such as LRSD insertions.

Legend: See the glossary for acronyms and abbreviations.

(2) The corps aviation brigade is authorized one CAB (see Figure 1-10). Its mission is to provide C² support to the corps commander and staff and conduct reconnaissance and target acquisition. It consists of an HHC, three CACs of eight UH-60s each, 1 TARC of 15 OH-58Cs or OH-58Ds (I), and an AVUM company.

Legend: See the glossary for acronyms and abbreviations.

(3) The air assault division is authorized one CAB (see Figure 1-11). Its mission is to provide C³ enhancement, electronic warfare, aerial mine warfare, and general support aviation to the air assault division. Additionally, the CAB is equipped to conduct missions using the FRIES, paradrop, and HELOCAST systems. This battalion accomplishes much of the air movement operations of the division, freeing up the AHBs and heavy helicopter battalion to focus on the primary mission of air assault. It consists of an HHC, one CAC of eight UH-60s and four EH-60s, one CAC of eight UH-60s, one SAC of eight UH-60s, one pathfinder company, and an AVUM company.

Legend: See the glossary for acronyms and abbreviations.

f. Light Utility Aviation Battalion. The light utility aviation battalion provides the corps aviation brigade with the ability to transport staff, personnel, and equipment in support of corps and division operations (see Figure 1-12). All light utility aviation battalions are presently in the Army National Guard. This battalion consists of an HHC and four companies of eight UH-1s each. Like the heavy helicopter company, the light utility aviation companies are designed to operate independently from the parent battalion HHC. Each light utility aviation company has an organic operations and full unit level logistics.

Legend: See the glossary for acronyms and abbreviations.

g. Regimental Aviation Squadron, Assault Helicopter Troop. The assault troop of the ACR provides the regimental commander with a highly mobile, flexible, and responsive force. This unit can conduct a wide variety of combat, CS, and CSS missions. This troop provides the regiment with the ability to conduct limited air assaults, air movement operations, CASEVAC, and C² operations. The assault troop of the RAS consists of a troop headquarters and three platoons of five UH-60s.

a. Capabilities. While conducting combat, CS and CSS operations, the utility and cargo helicopter unit significantly influences the commander's fight by--

(1) Conducting day, night, and limited visibility combat, CS, and CSS operations across the entire length and width of the battlefield and in SASO.

(2) Conducting operations against an enemy force from multiple directions.

(3) Influencing the tempo of friendly operations.

(4) Rapidly moving tactical units over great distances during close, deep, and rear operations.

(5) Bypassing enemy positions, barriers, and obstacles to achieve surprise.

(6) Enhancing the C³ process.

(7) Moving large amounts of supplies and equipment to sustain combat operations.

(8) Moving critical repair parts quickly to increase the combat power of the force.

(9) Emplacing Volcano minefields to disrupt, delay, turn, or block enemy forces.

(10) Conducting operations beyond the FLOT.

(11) Providing CSAR coverage in the AO.

(12) Conducting CASEVAC and personnel replacement operations (transporting replacements forward).

(13) Providing refuel capability using Fat Hawk/Fat Cow.

(14) Performing DART.

b. Limitations. Utility and cargo helicopter units are subject to operating limitations that the commander must consider when planning the employment of the utility unit. These limitations are as follows:

(1) The extreme environmental effects (temperature, altitude) may reduce the capabilities of the aircraft to perform the full range of missions.

(2) The unit has limited capability to secure unit AAs with organic assets.

(3) Missions require adequate planning and coordination time to fully capitalize on utility helicopter assets.

(4) The unit may be subjected to inadequate CS/CSS because of its extended range of operations and limited organic logistics support.

(5) Terrain may limit the availability of adequate PZs and LZs.

(6) Helicopters require large amounts of fuel (class III) and repair parts (class IX).

(7) Some units can provide a limited number of aircraft to support a large combat force.

(8) Battlefield obscuration (smoke, dust) can have a detrimental effect on utility helicopter operations.

(9) Crew endurance and crew sustainment cycle affects continuous operations. Based on risk reduction measures taken by the commander, there are planning methods that allow for 24-hour support without affecting crew endurance cycles.

(10) Cargo helicopters have a large, unsupressed IR signature that makes them vulnerable to IR missiles.

(11) Helicopters require extensive maintenance support for extended operations.