Military

a. Situations in which an AATF might be called on to execute a hasty attack in support of a larger force are:

b. When a hasty attack is considered under any of these circumstances, tentative PZs, LZs, and flight routes throughout the higher unit's zone of action are identified. This permits rapid commitment of the AATF anywhere in the sector. Because the hasty attack is conducted on short notice, there is little time to plan and orders are brief. The AATFC must rely on previous training and SOPs to cover these situations.

c. When the AATF is committed, the AATFC initiates several actions simultaneously. He directs suppressive fires to neutralize the enemy's ability to counter the air assault operation, and he concentrates sufficient combat power to overwhelm the enemy at selected points. While the AATF is en route, support fires suppress or destroy known or suspected enemy positions with priority of fires to the suppression of enemy air defense.

d. As the attack starts, attack helicopter units overmatch and react as necessary while the AATFC and FSO direct FA, mortar, CAS, and other supporting fires. FA and mortars destroy, neutralize, or suppress enemy indirect fire weapons as soon as they are located. Smoke may be used to screen aircraft movement from observation. However, the AATFC is careful that smoke does not obscure the LZ and hinder the landing operation. Airspace coordination must be effected early.

a. The AATF, as part of a larger force operation, may conduct a deliberate attack. The AATF is provided sufficient time to develop a detailed, coordinated plan; receive additional assets; change task organization as necessary; and gather detailed intelligence. Detailed information about the terrain is collected so that best PZs, LZs, and flight routes can be selected. Air assault objectives are normally in the enemy's rear area, or the attack is from the flank or rear. This will normally preclude or limit the opportunity for leaders to see the terrain and force planners to rely on maps and aerial photographs.

b. When the larger force concentrates its combat power on a narrow front to break through enemy defenses, the AATF may bypass main defenses to destroy artillery positions, command posts, logistics and communications facilities, and/or to secure key terrain in the enemy's rear (Figure 4-1).

c. An attack against a heavier or well-prepared enemy force, particularly on the mechanized and/or armor battlefield, may subject the AATF to devastating firepower. For this reason, the AATFC may land the AATF away from the objective and conduct a dismounted attack in conjunction with friendly mechanized and/or armor forces. The AATFC must also consider that a highly mobile enemy force could encircle the AATF before it moves from an LZ. Consequently, he selects LZs in armor-restrictive terrain and employs antitank weapons and attack helicopter units against likely armor approaches. When used with accurate intelligence, these actions provide time to organize after landing and to attack the objectives.

a. Pursuitisanoffensiveactionagainstretreatingenemy.Itspurposeistoenvelop the retreating force and destroy it by coordinated fire and maneuver. An AATF, operating as part of the pursuit force, can expect to be ordered to bypass resistance of any kind and move relentlessly to deep objectives that serve as checkpoints for the retreating enemy. The helicopter provides the AATF with the high degree of mobility required to conduct pursuit operations.

b. Air Force tactical aircraft, attack helicopters, and air assault forces can repeatedly attack the flanks of the withdrawing enemy columns, slowing them and aiding in their destruction. Blocking positions can be established on withdrawal routes to trap enemy forces between the encircling force and the direct-pressure force. Field artillery and forward arming and refueling points should be lifted into the encircling force areas as soon as possible.

a. This type of air assault operation is two-phased and requires detailed planning like a deliberate attack. The secure-and-defend mission is conducted when an objective, such as a vital terrain feature, must be seized and retained. The limited staying power of the AATF dictates early linkup with ground units, reinforcement by other units, or extraction from the enemy area.

b. The first phase is an attack to secure terrain to be controlled by the AATF in the initial stages of the assault. This should be a single-lift insertion of sufficient combat power to defeat enemy forces on the objective.

c. The second phase of the operation is the defense of the objective. The AATF normally establishes an airhead. This is a perimeter defense that controls all terrain essential to the defense of the objective. The airhead is large enough to provide operating space for combat, CS, and CSS units. It should include adequate LZs for simultaneous combat assaults using all airlift assets and provide space for landing artillery, follow-on forces, and supplies. The airhead is small enough for a battalion to defend yet large enough to permit defense-in-depth and maneuver of reserves to counter enemy attacks. As a rule, the area an infantry battalion can defend is 3 to 5 kilometers in diameter. Size is dictated by mission, enemy strength and disposition, terrain, and AATF combat power.

d. Boundaries delineate responsibilities of AATF subordinate elements. The airhead is often divided into company-size objectives for the air assault. Each company clears, secures and defends an assigned area of the airhead (which seldom has a rear area). The size sector assigned each company should be within its capability to seize and defend, based on an analysis of METT-T. Boundaries minimize adjustments during the transition from assault to defense. They should also prevent one unit from defending in widely divergent directions. A company facing a dangerous avenue of approach, for example, is assigned a smaller sector than a company facing a less dangerous avenue. Defensive responsibility for an avenue of approach is not divided. The unit assigned the approach also covers any dominating terrain.

e. A terrain feature to be secured in the assault, and vital to AATF mission accomplishment, is designated an assault objective. The assault objective should include terrain that dominates all high-speed approaches into the airhead area. Assault objectives are assigned priorities. Those specified by higher headquarters are given first priority. Others are ranked according to the threat they would pose if controlled by the enemy. A company's sector should include at least one LZ for the assault and to aid in resupply and evacuation.

a. A reconnaissance in force is conducted to determine or test the enemy's disposition and strength or to develop intelligence. It is conducted when the enemy situation is vague. This type of operation is conducted by forces strong enough to accept engagements with the enemy in order to accomplish their mission. The information obtained (for example, major weaknesses in enemy positions), if promptly exploited, may provide a significant tactical advantage. The reconnaissance in force is planned and conducted with elements specifically prepared to find the enemy and develop the situation. Once the units are committed, they are on a "be prepared to fight" status.

b. The reconnaissance in force is an ideal mission for the AATF in an insurgent environment in order to keep constant pressure on a guerrilla force. The AATF is suited for reconnaissance-in-force operations against conventional light infantry forces. However, it is not suited for such operations in a strong armor threat area due to the likelihood of ground contact with an enemy force that has superior firepower, mobility, and protection.

c. The reconnaissance in force accepts risk to gain intelligence information rapidly and in more detail than other reconnaissance methods. The commander assigning an AATF this mission must determine the following:

d. The reconnaissance in force, however, differs from the normal attack that is conducted to destroy enemy forces or secure terrain. The reconnaissance in force locates the enemy and presses him into reacting. When the force discovers a weak point, the AATF exploits it quickly. The AATFC exercises caution, however, since the enemy response may be too strong for the AATF. Thus, the commander also plans withdrawal to avoid destruction of the AATF.

e. When the commander wants information about a particular area, the reconnaissance in force is planned and executed as an attack against a specific objective. The objective is of such importance that, when threatened, the enemy will react. For example: a successful reconnaissance in force may cause commitment of enemy reserves, redeployment of enemy fire support means, or adjustment of enemy second-echelon forces. Taking a terrain objective is not in itself the purpose of the operation. Rather, the operation seeks to obtain specific information about the enemy by seizing a terrain objective. The objective location depends on the information desired. The AATF's combat power must be sufficient to force enemy reaction. This should disclose positions, strength, planned fires, and planned use of reserves. It may also disrupt the enemy's planned operations and take the initiative from him. An AATFC can deploy all three companies against specific objectives; or the commander may commit one or two companies and retain the third to respond to tactical situations as they develop. When the enemy reacts to one unit, the units not in contact are shifted to exploit revealed enemy weaknesses or help extract a unit under pressure.

a. Air assault raid. This is a swift penetration of hostile territory that may be conducted to destroy installations, confuse the enemy, or gather information. It ends with a planned withdrawal. Because a raid is conducted behind enemy lines, it requires exact planning to ensure a high probability of success. The selection of LZs, PZs, and flight routes (as in the deliberate attack) is based on the results of detailed planning and ample intelligence. Since the raiding force attempts to achieve surprise, the decision to land on the objective takes on added significance (Figure 4-2).

b. Conduct a raid. The AATFC task organizes his force to accomplish four essential tasks:

c. Rehearsal. Rehearsals are critical to success. The operation should be rehearsed several times by all elements participating in the raid. If it is a night raid, rehearsals are conducted during daylight and darkness.

d. Withdrawal.

e. Unit sequence. The sequence of unit withdrawal varies according to the tactical situation and the subsequent mission of the AATF. Administrative, combat service support personnel, and heavy equipment are withdrawn first (before tactical units). The commander may withdraw them to a secured (intermediate) area and then move them to another (combat) area after it is secured. Unit redeployment is determined by combat and security requirements in the new area.

f. Pickup zone designation.

a. Air assault task force defending. The AATF defends against an infantry-heavy Threat by employing its airmobility to achieve a maneuver advantage over the enemy. This advantage allows it to perform operations in the covering force area (CFA), main battle area (MBA), and rear area.

b. Covering force area. The AATF can conduct covering force operations for a larger force. Normally, the covering force consists of air reconnaissance, infantry, artillery, engineer, and attack helicopter units. Infantry and artillery assigned to the covering force must be provided enough helicopters to move the entire unit. The covering force is generally organized based on the:

The covering force accomplishes its mission by placing the majority of its combat units on the most dangerous avenues of approach into the CFA. Air reconnaissance deploys to the front and provides early warning of the direction, speed, and composition of enemy forces. Enemy units are taken under fire as soon as they are within range of weapons. As the enemy attempts to close with ground units of the covering force, attack helicopters, artillery, and close air support provide firepower to enable ground units to displace by air to successive positions. Protection of air assault infantry and antitank systems is achieved by superior mobility. Covering force units attrite the enemy, deceive him as to the location of the MBA, slow his speed of advance, cause him to mass, and may cause him to divulge his intentions. Units are assigned subsequent missions in the MBA when the covering force mission has been accomplished.

c. Main battle area. The mobility advantage which the AATF has over enemy infantry-heavy units allows it to defend in greater depth. The AATF defends by orienting on the destruction of advancing enemy forces and fights a series of battles in depth, attacking the enemy from the front, flanks, and rear while using minimal forces to maintain surveillance over the remainder of the assigned sector. Battle positions are selected and prepared throughout the MBA along likely avenues of approach. Primary and alternate LZs and PZs are selected for each battle position. When enemy fires preclude extraction of the AATF from battle positions, covered and concealed routes are selected for foot movement to alternate PZs. Only when absolutely necessary should an AATF be directed to occupy or retain terrain. If there is a situation in which the retention of terrain is essential to the defense of the entire sector, its retention is specified.

a. Air assault task force defending. An AATF is not well-suited to perform a defensive operation against mounted forces on terrain favorable to mounted operations. However, the AATF can effectively operate in the restrictive terrain of built-up areas or mountains or defend chokepoints,

b. Types of operations. The AATF can conduct the following operations on the armored and mechanized battlefield in support of larger defensive operations:

c. Covering force area. Attack helicopter and air reconnaissance units are the elements best suited for employment in covering force operations when employed with armored and mechanized units.

d. Main battle area. The AATF is not well-suited to defend against armored and mechanized forces. If it is used to defend against such forces, it should be employed in restrictive terrain not favorable to employment of massed armor. The AATF can be employed in built-up areas, mountainous terrain, and heavily forested areas. Attack helicopters can be employed as a mobile, tank-killing reserve.

a. The key to success in the delay is the commander's ability to array forces in depth before the initiation of the delay. Decisive engagement is accepted only to the degree and extent necessary to accomplish the delay mission. Contingency plans for stay-behind operations should be developed. The AATFC should continually look for and seize the opportunity to launch small-scale offensive air assault and attack helicopter raids into the enemy flanks and rear areas. A delay may be conducted to:

b. The AATF is seldom given a "timed-delay" mission. This type of mission would require an AATF to delay the enemy for a specified time and would restrict its mobility and subject it to unacceptable losses.

c. The delay-in-sector mission is more appropriate. The TF disengages by helicopter before it is decisively engaged. Against armor forces, the AATF should displace at distances of no less than 1,500 meters and rely on attack helicopters to delay the armor while friendly infantry is extracted.

a. An AATF screening force provides early warning over an extended frontage. Screening missions are assigned to:

b. A screening mission employs a series of observation posts (OP) overlooking enemy avenues of approach and the areas between them. Patrols cover dead space between OPs and cover other areas during limited visibility. When contact is established, the screening force withdraws on order, maintaining visual and/or electronic contact, and reports enemy movements. As in the delay, timely displacement is critical to AATF survival.

a. Reinforced air reconnaissance elements under divisional control reconnoiter while the air assault task force remains in assembly areas or on order to be available for commitment. When contact is made with the enemy, and after the air reconnaissance has developed the situation, AATFs are committed to destroy the enemy.

b. Brigades, with air cavalry elements under their operational control, conduct covering force operations as the division minus moves by bounds behind the leading brigade.

a. An AATF can reinforce a committed unit in three ways:

b. Brigade commanders may direct the insertion of an AATF unit to reinforce threatened sectors or add depth to the battle area.

c. Antitank platoons may be taken from a reserve unit or a unit that is not protecting an armor approach. Depending on the number of sections employed, the AT platoon leader and/or the platoon sergeant accompanies them for command and control. Tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided (TOW) missile sections are used for their long-range fires and accuracy. Careful consideration is given to planning the extraction of AT platoons because they lack ground mobility. An infantry squad may accompany each section to provide security. The unit receiving an AT section assumes responsibility for effective positioning, integrating their fires with other elements, and providing necessary support.

d. Firing batteries can be rapidly shifted about the air assault battlefield to ensure fire support to committed units.

a. When withdrawal of an AATF from the objective area is not planned or feasible, a linkup operation is conducted to join two forces. The AATF may participate as part of a larger force, or it may conduct a linkup with its own resources. Close coordination and detailed planning between the commanders of both units are essential. Some of the things that must be coordinated are:

b. Once the airhead is established, the linkup points are occupied. When the maneuvering unit is within range and identified, communications are established between it and the stationary unit. Once linkup is effected, the two units follow the procedures for a passage of lines, and they continue their assigned missions.

a. Attacking enemy forces that interfere with the crossing by seizing objectives thatwould secure, or assist in securing, the bridgehead.

b. Providing flank security.

c. Securing crossing sites.

d. Screening the crossing sites with smoke.

a. Countering enemy airmobile, airborne, or guerrilla infiltration threats, the AATF monitors likely infiltration routes and probable target areas for airborne or airmobile attacks. Probable LZs and PZs are identified and monitored by observation posts or remote sensors. Potential infiltration routes in unoccupied terrain are monitored with sensors to detect the enemy as early as possible.

b. Air reconnaissance units provide wide-area surveillance and security, and are integrated into reaction force plans.

c. Rear operations are coordinated with designated military police, civil affairs groups, and other civil and military organizations. The AATF, as the initial reaction force, contains the enemy force if it does not have enough combat powers to destroy it, and relies on additional forces to destroy the enemy.

a. A commander may desire to take advantage of limited visibility conditions to gain maximum surprise or deception, maintain the momentum of successful operations, reinforce or withdraw committed units, and/or deploy maneuver support elements.

b. The following aircraft operational requirements must be considered:

c. Some advantages of limited visibility operations are:

d. Disadvantages of limited visibility operations also exist. The need for more elaborate control measures and caution on the part of the aviators and troops slow operations. However, with proper equipment, constant training, and a thorough knowledge of techniques, these disadvantages may be overcome. The following factors are considered:

a. In the event of a nuclear attack, AATFs can conduct a radiological survey and, when feasible, move into the target area after the explosion to stall enemy exploitation of its effect. AATFs can rapidly and safely bypass obstacles created by a nuclear strike, whether their objective is within or beyond the target area.

b. When planning air assault operations in conjunction with friendly nuclear munitions employment, the planner must consider:

c. Planning for air assault operations in a toxic environment includes consideration of the following:

d. The three principles of NBC operations (contamination avoidance, protection, and decontamination) are fundamentals that ensure survival (see FMs 3-3, 3-4, and 3-5).

e. If air assault operations must be conducted following contamination, the AATFC may direct that hasty (spot) decontamination of aircraft be accomplished. Spot decontamination is an effective means of decontaminating specific areas of an aircraft. This sustains flight operation since certain functional areas are treated before they are touched. Surfaces must be washed with decontaminants to flush agents off the aircraft skin. Small amounts of the NBC agent (absorbed into the fuselage paint) will probably remain after decontaminating. The evaporation of these residues can create a vapor hazard; therefore, personnel in and around the aircraft continue to wear the protective mask and gloves. Decontamination reduces the hazard of agent contact and transfer. Six functional areas applicable to spot decontamination are:

Aviation personnel are trained in spot-decontamination procedures but may require equipment to effect all required decontamination quickly.