Airborne Glossary
ADMINISTRATIVE PARACHUTE OPERATION
(Routine Proficiency Jump). Airborne operations conducted without
combat equipment or tactical assembly immediately following the jump.
Administrative jumps will be limited to Special and Saturday type programs
as a reward for unit and individual outstanding duty performance.
ADVANCED AIRBORNE SCHOOL (AAS).
A Division 'School that conducts the Jumpmaster, Air Movement Operations,
Drop Zone Support Team, and Refresher training Courses.
ADVERSE WEATHER AERIAL DELIVERY
SYSTEM (AWADS). A system designed to place an airborne assault
force on a predetermined drop area under condition of low ceiling and/or
limited visibility.
AIRBORNE ASSAULT. The
parachute assault or airland of elements of an airborne force on unsecured
drop or landing zones to attack and seize selected objectives.
AIRBORNE COMMANDER. The
senior commander of all Army airborne elements engaged in a specific
airborne operation.
AIRBORNE OPERATION. An
operation involving the movement and delivery by air of combat forces
and their logistical support into an objective area for execution of
a tactical or strategical mission. The means of delivery may be
any combination of parachute assault or airland or airborne unit, air
transportable units, and types of transport aircraft depending on the
mission and overall situation.
AIRCRAFT COMMANDER (AC).
A pilot designated pilot-in-command of a given aircraft that is responsible
for its safe operation and is in command of all personnel on board during
flight.
AIR FORCE SPECIAL TACTICS
SQUADRON (STS). A team of Air Force personnel organized, equipped,
and trained to establish and operate navigational or terminal guidance
aids, communications, and aircraft control facilities within the objective
area of an airborne operation.
AIRLAND ASSAULT OPERATIONS
(AL). An airland operation conducted by C130 aircraft onto a dirt
landing strip.
AIRLAND OPERATION. An
operation involving air movement in which personnel and supplies are
airlanded at a designated destination for further deployment of units
and personnel and further distribution of supplies.
AIR LIASION OFFICER (ALO).
A highly qualified Air Combat Command aircrew personnel assigned to
brigade or higher units as the commander's special staff assistant
for joint tactical close air support operations.
AIRLIFT CONTROL ELEMENT (ALCE).
A functional tactical airlift organization established to support air
elements at an air facility. Normally, it includes an operations
function such as movement control and communication; a support function,
which relates to the air facility itself; and a liaison function with
appropriate airborne or other air units.
AIR MISSION COMMANDER (AMC).
The senior commander of all Air Force elements (AMC) engaged in a specific
airborne operation or specified individual who may be designated as
the air mission commander.
AIRMOBILE OPERATION.
Operations in which combat forces and their equipment move about the
battlefield in helicopters under the control of a ground force commander
to engage in ground combat.
AIR MOVEMENT CONTROL OFFICER
(AMCO). Assigned at company/battery/detachment level. Duties
are delineated in FM 55-9, Appendix B, FM 55-12, FORSCOM Reg. 55-12
paragraph 2-8, and Chapter 3 of this SOP. The AMCO must be an
officer or NCO, E-6 or above, must have a secret clearance, and be retainable
for one year.
AIR MOVEMENT PLAN. Used
in detailed planning for an airlift when the airlift of troops are involved.
The respective ground force and Air Force commanders prepare it jointly.
AIR MOVEMENT TABLE. A
table prepared by a ground force commander in coordination with Air
Force commander. This table, issued as an annex to the operation
order, provides the following:
A.
Indicates the allocation of aircraft space to elements of the ground
units to be airlifted.
B.
Designates the number and type of aircraft in each serial.
Specifies
the departure area and time of loading and take-off.
ALLOWABLE CARGO/CABIN LOAD
(ACL). The amount of cargo, determined by weight, cubic displacement,
and distance to be flown, which may be transported by specific aircraft.
ALTERNATING DOOR EXIT PROCEDURES
FOR TRAINING (ADEPT). Training exit procedures to be used by all
82d Airborne Division units when using MC1-1C parachutes. Its
distinguishing characteristic is that only one jumper door on an Air
Force aircraft is used at any one time. That is, a stick of jumpers
exit one door, and when the last jumper in that stick has exited his
door, jumpers may begin exiting from the other door. ADEPT is
a safety measure designed to prevent simultaneous exits and high altitude
entanglements.
ANEMOMETER. A device
used to measure wind speed and direction.
ARMY ASSAULT TEAM (AAT).
A small airborne infantry unit (normally LRSD) assigned on a mission
basis during airborne assault operations to accomplish and provide security
to an Air Force Special Tactics Squadron (STS) in the execution of the
USAF STS mission.
AARRIVAL AIRFIELD CONTROL GROUP
(AACG). When the airborne operation involves arrival airfields,
an AACG will be established to discharge duties and responsibilities
associated with off-loading personnel, supplies and equipment at the
arrival airfield. Duties are similar to the DACG.
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE AIRFIELD
CONTROL GROUP (A/DACG). The primary function of the A/DACG is
to ensure the uninterrupted flow of personnel and equipment scheduled
for movement to waiting aircraft for loading. A subordinate unit
of the 7th Transportation Battalion, 1st COSCOM,
it is located in the Green Ramp marshaling area.
BLOCK TIME. In common
Division usage, their term refers to the available time for parachute
operations on a given drop zone, normally 20 minutes for C130 and 30
minutes for C141 drops.
CHALK NUMBER. A number assigned
to an aircraft used to identify and designate its position primarily
to facilitate loading and unloading. Corresponding chalk numbers
are given to personnel, vehicles, and supplies for matching designated
loads with the aircraft.
COMBAT LIGHT. Is a term
used to describe the type of airborne operation being conducted. Normally
Combat Light operations consist of the soldier's individual weapon,
ammunition, and the minimum essential equipment required to execute
a mission that should not exceed 24 hours without resupply.
COMPUTED AIR RELEASE POINT
(CARP). A computed air position at which parachutists, equipment,
or supplies are released to land on a specified point of impact.
CONTAINER DELIVERY SYSTEM (CDS).
A system for aerial delivery of supplies and small items of equipment
from low or high altitudes into a small area. The system incorporates
a rapid release of 16 bundles (C130) or 40 bundles (C141B).
CROSS LOADING. A system
of loading troops so that they may be embarked or dropped at one or
more landing zones, thereby allowing better unit integrity upon delivery
and facilitating rapid assembly.
DANGEROUS CARGO (Hazardous
Materials) Any material that is explosive, flammable (liquid or solid),
an oxidizer, a corrosive, compressed gas, radioactive, or other regulated
material (ORM). A DD Form 1387-2 (Special Handling Data/Certification)
is required on all shipments containing hazardous materials. See
TM 38-250 for proper packaging, marking, and handling of hazardous materials
for air shipment on military aircraft.
DEPARTURE AIRFIELD CONTROL
GROUP (DACG). The mission of the DACG is to coordinate and control
the out-loading of any units for deployment or employment operations.
The DACG is normally organized from resources that are not required
to accompany the task force. A DACG is required for each departure
airfield used. The main function of the DACG is to ensure that
Army units and their equipment and supplies are moved form the alert
holding area to the aircraft and are loaded in accordance with the established
air movement plan.
DEPARTURE AREA. The general
area encompasses all base camps, bivouacs, departure airfields, and
air landing facilities (see Marshalling Area).
DIVISION PARACHUTE OFFICER
(DPO). The field grade officer in the 782d MSB who is responsible
for the availability and readiness of all air items and their use in
aerial delivery operations within the Division.
DOOR BUNDLES. Normally
limited to A-7A and A-21 containers with a weight limitation of 300
pounds not including the cargo parachute. No more than two door
bundles per door may be exited from the first three aircraft on the
first pass only for standard trail formations. Separation between
lines will be 30 minutes for day and 1 hour for night drops.
DRAGON MISSILE JUMP PACK (DMJP).
A container used to permit paratroopers to jump the DRAGON missile during
airborne operations.
DROP ZONE CONTROL OFFICER (DZCO).
The drop zone control officer, or drop zone officer (DZO) as he is referred
to locally by the Air Force, ensures that all safety criteria are met
and approval is obtained prior to authorizing air Force aircraft into
a restricted area and subsequent release of personnel and/or equipment
onto a drop zone. He maintains constant communications with the
drop aircraft beginning six minutes prior to drop and relays all pertinent
weather data before the drop (see USAF STS).
DROP ZONE SAFETY OFFICER (DZSO).
The DZSO is responsible for complete safety on the drop zone and air
space immediately in and around the drop area. He ensures the
drop zone is safe to drop on, wind speeds are within proper limits and
medical coverage is available. He will make the final Army decision
on the ground for the jump or no jump conditions.
DUAL RAIL SYSTEM. A cargo
handling system found in the C130 and C141 aircraft consisting of rails
which are mounted on the floor of the aircraft and extended the length
of the cargo compartment.
80-PAX. A closed tractor/trailer
vehicle used to transport personnel.
ENGINE RUNNING ON/OFF-LOAD
(ERO). The engine running on-load of aircraft is an expedient
method of loading paratroopers for immediate take-off and subsequent
drop on a nearby drop zone. ERO is normally scheduled 30 minutes
prior to take-off during continuous airborne operations utilizing the
same aircraft. Engine running off-load is used during airland
operations incorporating personnel and rolling stock. Aircraft
airlands, off-loads, and immediately departs.
EXTRACTION ZONE (EZ).
A specified ground area upon which equipment or supplies are delivered
by means of a jointly approved extraction technique from an aircraft
in flight in close proximity (5 to 10 feet) to the ground.
GROUND LIAISION OFFICER (GLO).
An officer assigned to XVIII ABN CORPS and attached to the 43rd
Air Lift Wing at Pope AFB Command Post and assists with Army/Air Force
coordination during joint airborne and airland movement operations.
GROUND TIME. That period
of time the aircraft is on the ground from arrival at the blocks to
removal of blocks for departure.
HEAVY DROP (HD). Equipment
airdropped from Air Force aircraft using platforms and cargo parachutes.
HEAVY EQUIIPMENT POINT OF IMPACT
(HEPI). The point of intended impact of heavy drop loads, normally
500 yards in from the leading edge of the drop zone. Refer to
the drop zone charts for exact distances as they vary with actual size
of each drop zone.
IN-FLIGHT RIGGING. Used
only on long flights normally 3 hours or more in length. The purpose
is to conserve the energy of the paratrooper and keep him as comfortable
as possible.
IN-PLACE TIME (IPT).
The time at which an aircraft is at a designated location.
INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULES (IFR).
Those rules that are in effect when weather prevents flying using only
visual methods.
INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS
(IMC). Weather worse than 1500 feet ceiling or 3 NM visibility.
IMC requires use of IFR.
JOINT AIRBORNE/AIR TRANSPORTABILITY
TRAINING (JA/ATT). Joint training between the Army and Air Force
encompassing airdrop, airland assault, and static aircraft load training.
See AR 350-27.
JUMPMASTER (current).
An individual who has completed a recognized jumpmaster course of instruction
and has:
A.
Within the last 180 calendar days, served as the Jumpmaster or Assistant
Jumpmaster on an airborne operation from USAF high performance troop
carrier aircraft on which a minimum of one jumper exited the aircraft,
OR.
B.
Within the last 180 calendar days, if senior or master parachutist rated,
served as a safety on an airborne operation from USAF troop carrier
aircraft on which a minimum of one jumper exited the aircraft and he
controlled the static line, OR..
C.
Within the last 180 calendar days, attended the Jumpmaster Refresher
Course given by the Advanced Airborne School.
Jumpmaster qualified personnel
newly assigned to the Division MUST ATTEND Jumpmaster Refresher prior
to serving as a Jumpmaster, Assistant Jumpmaster, or DZSO, regardless
of their qualifications, unless he is current and transferring from
18th Airborne CORPS and already assigned to Ft. Bragg..
JUMP REFUSAL. A jump
refusal is defined as a parachutist manifested on board an Air Force
or Army aircraft who, for some reason other than airsickness, physical
impairment, aircraft equipment malfunction, or air item malfunction,
voluntarily or willfully refuses to exit the aircraft.
LANDING ZONE (LZ). A
specific area for landing of assault aircraft.
LOAD TIME (LT). A time
coordinated between the Army and the Air Force. It is when aircraft
will be ready to load jumpers.
LOADMASTER (LM). An Air
Force technician qualified to plan loads, operate materials handling
and auxiliary equipment, and supervise loading of aircraft.
MALFUNCTION OFFICER.
A qualified parachute maintenance officer, warrant officer or noncommissioned
officer who investigates malfunctions of parachutes and/or any serious
parachute accident of airdrop personnel or equipment.
MARSHALLING AREA. The
general area in which units camp and from which an air movements initiated,
where aircraft are positioned, concentrated, or parked for on or off-loading
(also staging area).
MARSHALLING AREA CONTROL OFFICER
(MACO). The MACO is the responsible unit commander's representative
for helicopter operations and will control all participating support
elements and activities.
MASS TACTICAL AIRBORNE OPERATIONS.
Airborne operation from USAF troop carrier aircraft conducted by units
equivalent to battalion or larger, separate company/battery, or organic
staff of brigade size or larger; culminating in a ground tactical exercise
in which the individuals serve in their assigned duty positions.
MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT
(MHE). Special mechanical devices for handling/loading supplies
and equipment on or off Air Force aircraft.
MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT (TAKE-OFF).
The total weight of the aircraft when it is completely loaded for the
mission. This is operating weight plus fuel, cargo, and passengers.
This total weight must not exceed the maximum gross weight indicated
in the technical manual for the aircraft.
NON-JUMPER. A non-jumper
is any paratrooper who fails to jump due to circumstances over which
he had no control. Examples of a "NON-JUMPER" would include
troopers too air sick to safely jump; exit doors in aircraft that malfunction,
thus stopping some or all of a stick; a red light before the entire
stick has exited; malfunction of parachute/equipment inside aircraft,
or any other legitimate reason as determined by the Jumpmaster.
P-HOUR. The Planned
time that an airborne assault starts (the first jumper exits the aircraft
over the objective DZ).
PARTIAL RIG. A modified
in-flight rig where only the ALICE pack an M1950 Weapons Case are rigged
to the jumper while in flight.
PLANE SIDE ISSUE (PSI).
Parachutes issued to paratroopers from the planeside or off the ramp
on an aircraft for the purpose of chuting up and boarding the aircraft
to participate in a subsequent airborne operation.
PERSONNEL PARACHUTE (PP).
A retardation device worn on the back of a paratrooper to reduce the
rate of descent from terminal velocity to 18 to 22 feet per second after
exiting an aircraft while in flight.
PERSONNEL POINT OF IMPACT (PPI).
The point intended landing on a drop zone for the first parachutist.
Normally the PPI is 350 yards in from the leading edge of the DZ.
PRE-PLANNED LOADS. Loads
set up as to weight, cube, manifested, balanced for center of gravity
(CG), and ready to load upon arrival of aircraft (synonymous with "Type
loads").
PRIORITY VEHCLE LISTS (PVL).
A list of equipment from deploying unit arranged in priority of movement
for specific or type operation.
RACETRACK. An additional
flight route (pass) over a drop zone.
RECONNAISSANCE AND SECURITY
TEAMS (R&S TEAMS). Special teams that will be dropped away
from the initial drop zone on critical terrain targets for the purpose
of denying, confusing, delaying, and reporting enemy elements attempting
to penetrate the drop area during the initial phases of an airborne
assault.
SERIAL. Any number of
aircraft under one commander, usually conveying one air-transportable
unit or sub-unit to the same objective.
SLING LOADS/EXTERNAL TRANSPORT.
The carrying of cargo as sling loads outside the cargo compartment of
an aircraft. When a helicopter is employed, its cargo hook is
the suspension point for the load; with a fixed-wing aircraft, the suspension
points are the bomb racks mounted on the wings.
SORTIE. One mission by
one aircraft.
SPECIAL ASSIGNEMENT AIRLIFT
MISSION (SAAM). Division -funded (paid for) airlift that is
normally point-to-point airland and normally does not include tactical
missions for the aircraft supporting the airlift.
STATION KEEPING EQUIPMENT (SKE).
Electronic equipment aboard USAF C130 and C141 aircraft that enables
the aircraft to maintain its proper position in formation during IFR
conditions.
STATION TIME (Air Force).
A specified time at which aircrew, passengers, and materials are to
be in the aircraft and prepared for flight. Passengers will be
seated and loads tied down. Aircrews will have completed briefing
and aircraft preflight inspection prior to station time. Normally,
station time will be 35 minutes prior to take-off time.
STICK. That group of
parachutists jumping at one or two second intervals from the same exit
door of an aircraft on the same drop zone.
TACTICAL AIRLIFT LIAISON OFFICER
(TALO). Highly qualified Air Combat Command aircrew personnel
assigned to brigade or higher units as the commander's special assistant
for joint strategic, or tactical airlift and airdrop operations.
TIME ON TARGET (TOT).
That designated time when the first jumper or piece of equipment is
released from an aircraft over a predetermined drop zone.
VISUAL FLIGHT RULES (VFR).
Those rules that are in effect when weather permits flying using visual
visibility.
WEATHER DECISION TIME.
A predetermined time agreed upon by the USAF air mission commander and
the airborne commander to decide on a GO or NO-GO for parachute operations.
This time is usually 3 ½ hours prior to take-off for normal parachute
operations conducted on Fort Bragg. The specific time is published
in the Division Air Letter.
WIND DRIFT INDICATOR (WDI).
A wind drift indicator is used to determine the proper release point
for jumpers on light aircraft operations. A WDI incorporates the
exact drift and rate of descent characteristics of a paratrooper with
a fully inflated parachute.
ZONE MARKER (ZM). An
Air Force beacon that emits a signal utilized by C141 aircraft to locate
a drop zone in IMC weather. The zone marker must be placed on
or near the desired impact point. The combination of SKE/ZM gives
C141 aircraft an IFR drop capability similar to AWADS for fC130 aircraft.