Military

(1) During the defense, operations are offensive in nature. Aviation's capabilities-such as speed, agility, and long-range direct fires-also allow the friendly force commander to set the terms of battle. Flexibility allows aviation commanders to attack from unexpected directions and locations.

(2) In combat operations, aviation commanders set the tempo by seizing the initiative. Commanders fight tenaciously and aggressively. They never allow the enemy to recover from the initial shock of an attack. They push soldiers and systems to the limits of their endurance for as long as necessary.

(3) In other operations, aviation commanders take the initiative by anticipating near- and long-term personnel, equipment, and logistical support requirements relative to the operation.

(1) In combat operations, aviation commanders exploit the agility of their units through speed, mobility, and reaction time capabilities. Technological developments in intelligence gathering, aviation mission planning, and communications have improved situational awareness during both the pre- and post-aircraft launch phases of an operation.

(2) This situational awareness provides an edge to aviation commanders. Aviation assets can now be directed to critical places at critical times on the battlefield. Furthermore, agility allows the aviation commander to rapidly rearm and refuel, get back into the fight, and continue to attack the enemy across the entire battlespace.

(3) In stability and support operations (SASO), aviation commanders use their assets to reach locations unreachable by other means of transportation. Aviation assets can move personnel, equipment, and supplies in large quantities and in a timely manner.

(1) In combat operations, aviation commanders understand depth-the ability to conduct simultaneous close, deep, and rear operations. They sustain the momentum by taking advantage of all available resources. They attack the enemy simultaneously in all battlefield dimensions. They have access to joint and combined arms capabilities. They can plan for, and control, numerous means of simultaneous or near-simultaneous ordnance delivery on multiple targets.

(2) In SASO, depth is the capability to conduct simultaneous, yet different type operations. For example, attack helicopters may be required to conduct reconnaissance throughout certain regions of an area of operations (AO). At the same time, medium-lift assets are transporting life support supplies in another part of the same AO; medical relief operations are being conducted in still another part of the same AO.

(1) In combat operations, aviation commanders understand synchronization-the planned integration and execution of combat power. Synchronization requires exact coordination among the various combat, CS, and CSS units in any operation as far as time. Joint and multinational asset capabilities must be considered where and when applicable.

(2) In SASO, aviation commanders must synchronize-both vertically and horizontally-planning phases, alert phases, deployment, early entry operations, mission execution, and redeployment.

(1) In combat operations, aviation commanders demonstrate versatility by their ability to shift focus, tailor aviation forces, and move from one role or mission to another rapidly and efficiently. Aviation forces must be prepared to deploy from one geographical region to another, and from one type of operation to another.

(2) In SASO, the aviation commander recognizes that mission requirements may not mirror the mission essential task list (METL) to which the aviation unit has trained. Non-METL based tasks require change in focus, rapid trainup, and execution under conditions outside the normal operating environment.

(1) Theater aviation brigades support EAC, corps, and division operations. Based on organizational structure, EAC brigades conduct combat, CS, and CSS according to theater operational requirements. Theater aviation brigades conduct joint, combined, and combined arms maneuver operations, and support theater special operations forces (SOF).

(2) Theater aviation units primarily support subordinate tactical units in the corps and divisions, although theater units may be required to conduct theater rear area security. These units may also serve as a tactical reserve.

(1) The corps aviation brigade primarily conducts attack, reconnaissance, security, air assault, command and control (C²), air movement operations, and ATS throughout the corps AO. The corps aviation brigade plans, coordinates, and executes aviation operations to support the corps scheme of maneuver; it can be expected to operate anywhere in the corps area. Attack helicopter units destroy enemy forces by fire and maneuver. Assault and CH-47 Chinook helicopter units transport combat personnel, supplies, and equipment for corps operations. Helicopters are provided to corps units requiring heliborne C² assets. ATS are provided for Army airspace command and control (A²C²) integration, airspace information, and terminal and forward area support services.

(2) Elements of the corps aviation brigade may operate directly for the corps commander or be placed under operational control (OPCON) of a subordinate division. The corps commander can task-organize other corps assets under the command of the corps aviation brigade or task the corps aviation brigade to support an armored cavalry regiment (ACR). In corps without ACRs, the aviation brigade may be tasked to be the covering force headquarters.

(1) The aviation group consists of an aviation group HHC; an assault helicopter battalion (AHB); a command aviation battalion (CAB); a combat support aviation battalion (CSAB); a CH-47 helicopter battalion; a light utility helicopter (LUH) battalion; and an assigned ATS battalion.

(2) The attack regiment consists of a regimental HHC and three AH-64 Apache attack helicopter battalions (ATKHBs). Corps attack regiments receive C² support from the corps CAB, while CS/CSS is provided from the corps CSAB.

(3) Corps support command (COSCOM) provides an AVIM battalion to support the corps aviation brigade.

(1) The division aviation brigade conducts all aviation combat, CS, and CSS missions (except ATS and fixed-wing operations) to support the division scheme of maneuver. The primary missions of the division aviation brigade are to find, fix, and destroy enemy forces within the division area. The division aviation brigade can accomplish this mission as an aviation-pure or task-organized force.

(2) The division aviation brigade may be supported by higher echelon aviation assets. It must be prepared to support these assets throughout the duration of any given operation.

(1) Heavy division aviation brigade. The primary mission of the heavy division aviation brigade is to engage and destroy threat armored and mechanized forces. It is composed of a brigade HHC; one divisional cavalry squadron; one general support aviation battalion (GSAB); and two ATKHBs.

(2) Light division aviation brigade. The primary mission of the light division aviation brigade is to deploy worldwide-prepared to find, fix, and destroy enemy forces through fire and maneuver-and provide CS and CSS as an integrated member of a combined arms team. The light division aviation brigade is composed of a brigade HHC; one divisional cavalry squadron; one AHB; and one ATKHB.

(3) Airborne division aviation brigade. The primary mission of the airborne division aviation brigade is to deploy to any worldwide contingency to find, fix, report, and destroy enemy forces using aerial firepower and maneuver. The brigade also provides CS and CSS in coordinated operations as an integrated member of the combined arms team. These operations usually will include link up with follow-on forces at a later time. The airborne division aviation brigade is composed of a brigade HHC, one divisional cavalry squadron, one AHB, and one ATKHB.

(4) Air assault division aviation brigade. The primary mission of the air assault division aviation brigade is to deploy worldwide on short notice; plan, coordinate, and execute aviation operations as an integrated element of an air assault combined arms team; and find, fix, and destroy enemy forces in joint, combined, or unilateral operations. The air assault division aviation brigade is composed of a brigade HHC; one divisional cavalry squadron; one CH-47 helicopter battalion; three AHBs; one command aviation battalion (CAB); and three ATKHBs.