Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
COM FM 100-26
PREFACE
1. This manual provides doctrinal guidance to commanders and staff offi
cers for requesting and coordinating the use of Air Force tactical air sup
port and army aviation support. The system through which this is accom
plished and is referred to as the air-ground operations system (AGOS).
In addition to discussing the details of the air-ground operations system,
this manual also discusses the planning, coordination, and various service
responsibilities required for the overall efficient execution of air support
operations.
2. The manual discusses the entire role of tactical air operations. To
appreciate the significance of tactical air support the reader must under
stand the effect of air interdiction, in relation to the Army’s role. The
function of counterair is discussed along with the roles, mission, and doc
trine of other services who provide tactical air support to the Army in
the field. This manual is structured around the joint or unified command
level; however, the field army, corps, division, brigade, and battalion are
readily visible throughout. The doctrine applies to all geographical areas
of the world and under varying levels of conflict, Because many of the
concepts covered are doctrinal tenets pertaining to other services, proce
dures established by International Standardization Agreements (STANAG,
SEASTAG) and Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) publications outlined herein
have added significance.
3. Throughout the manual, the term close air support is used to include
air attacks from all services against hostile targets which are in close
proximity to friendly forces and which require detailed integration of each
air mission with the first and movement of these forces. Other commonly
used terms relating to air support operations appear frequently. Inasmuch
as these terms are generally referred to in their abbreviated form by
personnel in the field, they also will be used as abbreviations herein. While
initially being cumbersome, use of the terms in their abbreviated form will
increase the reader’s overall familiarity, with the subject. An index of
abbreviated terms used in this manual is included at appendix B.
4. Chapter 2 outlines the missions and command and control responsibili
ties for tactical air operations. It discusses the inclusive air combat func
tions of air interdiction and counterair, their missions, characteristics, and
commonly accepted operations.
5. Chapter 3 discusses in detail the third function of tactical air opera
tions, namely air support operations. The major part of the chapter covers
the fundamentals of air support, procedures for apportionment arid allo
cation of air resources, the method of balancing the requirements for
tactical air resources in relation to the Army aviation resources, categories
of tactical air request, request channels and general request procedures,
command and control, and airspace coordination.
6. Chapter 4 discusses the functions of close air support (CAS), tactical
air reconnaissance, and tactical airlift that are included in tactical a i r
support operations. It discusses each function in terms of the types of
mission, procedures, and format used to request the air support and to
control aircraft for the particular function.
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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
(STANAG 2134)
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CHAPTER 2
Section 1. INTRODUCTION
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outset of hostilities, coupled with effective air de Cover, concealment, camouflage, dispersion,
fense, can result in early air superiority. and frequent movement of personnel and
c. The Air Force component commander, sub equipment.
ject to the approval of the joint/unified com Continuous indoctrination of personnel.
mander, determines the ratio of forces to be as
signed to offensive and defensive counterair opera 2-6. Types of Counterair Missions
tions based on the level of the enemy air threat, a. Counterair Strikes. These missions are de
vulnerability of friendly forces to air attack and signed to establish early air superiority by denying
the enemy’s air defense capability. Generally, the enemy full use of his bases, aircraft, air
offensive counterair operations are emphasized defense weapons, and control systems.
until air superiority is gained. b. Fighter Sweeps. These missions primarily
d. Offensive counterair operations are typified are designed to destroy or neutralize enemy air
by attacks against- craft on the ground, but also may be used to
Airfields, tactical missile complexes, and im challenge and destroy his air forces in the air.
mediate supporting facilities. c. Screens. These missions normally are used
Command, control, and guidance facilities. to restrict enemy air movements. They also may
be used to enhance air defense by placing a screen
Petroleum, oil, and lubricants, munitions, and
of tactical fighter aircraft between the friendly
missile storage sites.
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Restrict the enemy’s freedom of action and timing of interdiction operations to coincide with
increase vulnerability to friendly attack. continued pressure by the ground forces to cause
Prevent the enemy from countering an in the enemy to exhaust his resources,
crease unfriendly strength.
2-9. Types of Missions
Reduce the enemy’s battlefield reserves.
The two types of air interdiction missions are
2-8. Air Interdiction Mission Considerations immediate and preplanned. The preponderance of
a. Intelligence Consideration. Complete analy the air interdiction operations are preplanned and
sis of all intelligence information, including that they are classified as airstrikes or armed recon
derived from aerial surveillance and reconnais naissance missions.
sance, agent reports, sensors and other means a. Airstrikes. Airstrikes maybe carried outby
may reveal vulnerabilities in the enemy’s opera individual aircraft in a strike force conducting
tions. Since air interdiction operations are de an attack against a target with the aid of elec
signed to impede or restrict the movement of tronic equipment. These missions require detailed
enemy forces or material into, out of, or within target intelligence so that the planners can de
the area of operations, “primary consideration must termine the composition and size of the strike
be given to the enemy’s lines of communications force as well as the weapons and tactics required
(LOC). Air interdiction targets will include com to destroy the target.
munication centers, roads, bridges, defiles, rail b. Armed Reconnaissance. Armed reconnais
roads, marshalling yards and supply centers. sance missions are conducted to locate and attack
b. Operational Considerations. Certain opera targets of opportunity. The aircraft employed may
tional considerations must be weighed when be equipped with sensory equipment and generally
planning and executing an effective air interdic are directed against materiel, personnel, and facil
tion operation. An important consideration is the ities along surface communication routes.
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CHAPTER 3
Section I. INTRODUCTION
3-1. General air support (CAS), tactical air reconnaissance,
Air support operations assist in the attainment and tactical airlift. Tactical air support missions
of the immediate tactical objective. They are ex normally are executed by fighter, reconnaissance,
ecuted in direct coordination with ground combat and airlift aircraft of the Air Force; however, the
elements. Detailed coordination and integration Navy and the Marine Corps may provide tactical
with fire and movement of friendly forces are re air support to the Army under certain conditions.
quired. Section I of this chapter discusses the air a. Close air support is air attacks against
support operations performed by tactical air hostile targets that are in proximity to friendly
forces (TAF). Section II discusses the funda ground forces and that require detailed integra
mentals of apportionment and allocation of air tion of each air mission with the fire and move
resources and the procedures for adjusting capa ment of those forces. The fixed wing CAS strikes
bilities. Categories of tactical air requests, their normally are controlled by an element of the
relative priorities and request channels are also tactical air control system (TACS) operating
covered. Additionally, this chapter briefly dis with the supported maneuver unit. This element
cusses conditions of readiness and airspace co is responsive to the needs of the commander of
ordination. the ground forces that it is supporting.
b. Tactical air reconnaissance is the use of air
3-2. Air Support Operations craft of TAF to obtain information on terrain,
Air support operations are conducted by TAF, weather, and the disposition, composition, move
Navy, and Marine air arms and Army aviation ment, installations, lines of communications
elements organic to the field army. The funda (LOC), and electronic and communication emis
mental difference between the support provided sions of enemy forces. Tactical air reconnais
by the other services and that provided by the sance provides direct support to Army tactical
Army is that Army aviation support is an integral operations. It includes artillery and naval gunfire
part of the Army commander’s land combat forces ad justment, systematic and random observation
and as such, is immediately responsive to his of ground battle areas, targets, and airspace sec
needs. Other service support, while providing tors by visual, optical, electronic, or other sen
an essential capability, requires a relatively long sory devices.
lead time in planning and may be subject to c. Tactical airlift is the air movement of per
withdrawal or cancellation on short notice due to sonnel and cargo by TAF available to the joint
factors over which Army commanders have little force commander. It is part of the air delivery
or no control such as higher priority require link to the battlefield. Tactical airlift operations
ments, adverse weather, or enemy action. Air include air movement of personnel, supplies and
support operations provided by other services are equipment; aeromedical evacuation; parachute
generally referred to as tactical air support. operations; and special warfare support opera
These tactical air support operations include close tions.
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tions of counterair, air interdiction, and tactical mand. Subordinate field army commanders nor
air support. The commander’s decision is based, mally will retain a reserve and suballocate sorties
in part, on the recommendations of the component to each subordinate command. These suballocated
commanders. sorties generally correspond to and confirm the
b. The Army component commander bases his approved preplanned requests and also provide
apportionment recommendations for tactical air additional sorties to meet the unanticipated re
support on the requests of subordinate commands quirements of subordinate commands. The un
and his own analysis of the overall tactical situa anticipated requirements are designated as im
tion to include operations and anticipated enemy mediate requests.
initiatives. In practice, and over a period of time, b. Each subordinate Army commander may, in
a baseline or minimum normal level of CAS effort turn, suballocate the sorties. The corps commander
is established and, except during unusual circum normally will suballocate preplanned sorties down
stances, the daily or weekly apportionment proc to division and separate brigades. This suballoca
ess is essentially an adjustment to this norm. tion enables the division commander to see all
c. The Air Force component commander bases available assets and provides his staff with suffi
his apportionment recommendations on his mis cient air support information to develop a com
sion, the enemy air threat, availability of re plete fire support plan. The immediate sorties
sources, and the availability y of profitable interdic suballocated to the corps normally are retained
tion targets. at that level. Army commanders allocating or sub
allocating sorties so inform the TACS agency
d. On receipt of the component commanders’
at their echelon and also pass this information
recommendations, the joint force commander
through command channels to the next higher
makes his own estimate and apportions the avail
headquarters.
able tactical air effort among the air combat
functions. He expresses the apportionment in c. Allocations or suballocations do not alter re
terms of percentage by type of available air effort quest procedures. Only commanders allocating or
and apportionment. This apportionment decision suballocating sorties can change the allocation or
may apply for any period of time; however, it suballocation. These Army commanders inform
usually is confirmed daily. the direct air support center (DASC) or the tac
tical air control center (TACC) of this allocation
e. When notified of the joint force commander’s
or suballocation through the collocated air liaison
apportionment, the Air Force component com
officer (ALO) in addition to giving the normal
mander determines the number of sorties avail
notification through the chain of command.
able for tactical air support, interdiction, and
counterair missions. He notifies the Army com d. When the Army component commander has
ponent commander, subordinate tactical air com exhausted his apportioned sorties, he may request
mands, and the elements of the TACS regarding the joint force commander to provide additional
the number of sorties apportioned for tactical air sorties to the ground forces. The joint force com
support. The Air Force component commander mander may take these sorties from his own re
commits these sorties in response to Army re serve (if retained ) or he may reapportion his
quirements. Overall coordination is shared by the resources to provide the support.
Air Force and Army component commanders.
However, the Air Force component commander 3-5. Army Aviation Resources
is the ultimate authority on scheduling, weather Since attack helicopters are normally organic or
minimums, troop safety criteria, and other opera attached to divisions or smaller units, the Army
tional considerations. component commander is concerned with their
allocation and employment only on an excep
3-4 Allocation of Tactical Air Support tional basis. In addition, all other Army aviation
Resources available to the Army component commander (ex
a. The Army component commander allocates cept that required for command and control by
most of his apportioned tactical air support sorties the Army component headquarters) is normally
to subordinate commands. This allocation is ex either attached to, organic to, or placed in sup
pressed as a specified number of sorties. The port of subordinate commands. In general, these
Army component commander informs the Air assets will be under the operational control of the
Force component commander of the number of lowest command echelon capable of controlling
sorties allocated to each subordinate Army com and employing them efficiently.
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Disapprove the request. orders for execution. Orders for preplanned tac
b. Whenever possible, requests for air support tical air support missions are passed to subor
should be forwarded via a secure communications dinate commands of both the tactical air force
system such as the area communications system. and field army to insure complete understanding
This action can deny the enemy information which and full coordination of effort.
he could obtain from high frequency/single side b. Immediate Requests. Immediate requests in
band (HF/SSB) radios which are not currently itiated below battalion level are forwarded to the
provided with secure transmission equipment. battalion command post by the most rapid means
c. Just as air support requests may be satis available. At battalion, the commander or his
fied by substituting a different type of support, authorized representative considers each request
requests for artillery fires, ground reconnaissance, and passes approved requests to the tactical air
or surface movements may be converted to re control party (TACP). The TACP transmits the
quests for air support by any headquarters above request directly to the direct air support center
the requestor. The most effective and economical (DASC) collocated with the tactical air support
means available is used to satisfy the requirement. element ( TASE ) of the corps or separate division
tactical operations center (DTOC). The TACP
d. Air support requirements are accomplished
at each intermediate headquarters monitors the
by the lowest echelon possessing the capability to
request. Acknowledgement of the request by inter
fulfill the requestor’s need. Requirements may be
mediate TACP indicates approval by the asso
met by using allocated air sorties or by employing
ciated headquarters unless, within a specified
organic, attached, or supporting Army aviation
period, a disapproval is transmitted. Commanders
elements.
may desire and direct that each intermediate
e. In all cases, the requesting headquarters is TACP acknowledge and transmit approval of the
notified of the action taken by the headquarters request after proper coordination. The direct air
having final authority. support center coordinates the request with the
corps tactical air support element. Meanwhile,
3-9. Request Channels intermediate TACP pass the request to the asso
a. Preplanned Requests. Requests for pre- ciated headquarters for action and coordination.
planned tactical air support missions are sub All echelons coordinate simultaneously. If any
mitted to fire support coordination center (FSCC) Army echelon above the initiating level disap
or to tactical operations centers (TOC). The com proves a request or substitutes another support
mander at each echelon evaluates the report; co means (e.g., Army aviation or field artillery), the
ordinate such requirements as airspace, fires, and tactical air control party at that headquarters
intelligence; consolidates; and, if approved, as notifies the direct air support center at corps
signs a priority/precedence to the request. He and the originating tactical air control party,
then forwards approved requests by existing voice who notifies the requestor. If the corps head
circuits or radio teletypewriter nets to the next quarters where the direct air support center is
higher echelon; or routes the requirement to the located or a higher headquarters disapproves the
appropriate staff section or executing agency for request or substitutes another means, the direct
action. The tactical air support element (TASE) air support center notifies the originating tactical
of the field army tactical operations center air control party, who notifies the requestor. Pend
(FATOC) makes the final consolidation and ap ing approval of the request by the corps head
proves preplanned requests for combat support quarters, the direct air support center accom
airlift, CAS, and tactical air reconnaissance within plishes the planning and coordination necessary
the resources allocated to the Army. In the case to satisfy the request. When the corps commander
of requests for airlift attached to the Army, the or his representative approves the request, the
field army support command (FASCOM) move direct air support center initiates the necessary
ment control center (MCC) makes this consolida
tion and provides the approval. After field army action to satisfy the request. If all allocated sorties
approval, the requests become an Army require are committed, the corps commander can request
ment and are passed to the Air Force TACC for additional sorties from the next higher echelon.
execution. The requestor is notified of the ap If additional sorties are not available, the DASC
proval. The requestor also is notified if the re can request additional sorties from the TACC or,
quests are disapproved at any echelon. The TACC with the supported Army element’s approval, he
accomplishes the necessary planning and issues can divert lower priority sorties.
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ments for air support; however, this condition is other control measures such as the no-fire line
often wasteful in terms of manpower and equip and boundaries are used at lower levels. The
ment and offers little latitude in selection of air establishment of the fire support coordination
craft, armament, sensor, or delivery system. Air line is normally coordinated with the appropriate
alert normally is employed only when other con tactical air commander because it could limit air
ditions of readiness cannot meet the Army com interdiction operations.
mander’s requirements and there is a high degree c. Within the theater, the combined or joint
of assurance that the sortie will be used. force commander establishes the boundaries
c. As with preplanned requests, ground (deck) within which airspace control is to be exercised;
alert is the more efficient and economical use of provides the general priorities and restraints to
available air support resources; therefore, this be applied with regard for the requirements of
condition of readiness is preferred over air alert. all users of the airspace; and resolves differences
The disadvantage of greater response time can that cannot otherwise be resolved by the com
partially be overcome by operating aircraft from ponent commanders concerned. He establishes
forward airbases and by enhancing the state of the broad guidance necessary to insure coordina
readiness of the aircrews. When response time is tion of the airspace operations of participating
extremely critical, aircrews can remain in the services or national components. The combined
aircraft prepared to take off except for starting or joint force commander normally will designate
the engine. Ground (deck) alert— a single service or national component commander
Allows more time for planning, coordination, as airspace control authority for the supervision
briefing, and consolidation of requirements. of these functions throughout the theater. When
authority is so delegated, the combined or joint
Permits the selection of the most effective
force commander retains approval authority for
aircraft, sensor, ordnance, or delivery sys
control measures of airspace utilization and air
tem.
traffic control.
d. A condition of readiness is not restricted to d. The Air Force component commander nor
a type of air support requirement. Aircraft to mally is designated as the airspace control author
meet a preplanned requirement can be placed on ity for the theater with responsibility for coordi
either ground or air alert, as can aircraft de nating the establishment of an airspace control
signed to fulfill immediate requirements. Good system for use throughout the theater. In this
planning dictates that, when a requirement is effort he coordinates with the Army component
known or anticipated, a preplanned request be commander and other component commanders to
submitted and aircraft be positioned or placed establish procedures for air traffic control in and
in a condition of readiness that will allow the over the field army areas. He will insure that the
most rapid, effective response to the requirement. maneuver force has maximum possible freedom
3-13. Airspace C o n t r o l of action in airspace over the combat zone.
a. All airspace in the theater, particularly over e. The Army component commander is dele
the combat zone, is subject to use by all friendly gated the authority to control proper employment
forces. Theater policies for the coordinated use of his organic aircraft, air defense, and surface-
of this airspace are based on the necessity for to-surface fire support on an immediately respon
permitting each participating force to utilize and sive basis in the airspace over those land areas
exploit its combat capabilities with minimum under his control. This delegation of authority
interference with other friendly forces. normally is accomplished by the joint force com
mander through the airspace control authority.
b. Fire support coordination must be effected
It is accomplished in close coordination with the
before using fire support that is not under a unit’s
airspace control authority who will, when re
direct control against targets within the unit’s
quested, establish temporary designated airspace
boundaries and short of the fire support coordina
for Army use in accordance with the priorities of
tion line (FSCL). The FSCL is a line established
within a theater of operations to insure coordina the joint force commander. Only the combined
tion of conventional and nuclear fires, such as by or joint force commander is authorized to over
close air support, which are not under a com rule the Army component commander’s airspace
mander’s direct control but which may effect cur control procedures within this designated airspace.
rent tactical operations. The FSCL is not nor f. Airspace control affects all operations and,
mally required for units lower than corps, since therefore, is a command function. While all air
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space users have requirements for airspace use the agencies of the army ground operation sys
in support of the command mission, airspace re tem offer advice and assistance on the employ
quirements frequently conflict. The overall system ment of tactical air delivery means. On approval
established for airspace control must provide for to employ any special munitions, the agencies of
timely and effective means for minimizing and the AGOS insure that adequate warning is sent
resolving these conflicts in accordance with the to tactical air organizations and agencies.
joint force commander’s priorities. Ideally, the c. FM 61–100 contains a discussion of nuclear
airspace control rules and procedures must be and chemical fires and request channels; FM
developed and exercised before hostilities begin. 100–30 (Test) provides doctrine for tactical nu
Army airspace control doctrine and techniques clear operations and FM 101–31–1 provides doc
are provided in FM 44–10 (Test). trine for the employment of nuclear munitions;
FM 3–10 contains doctrine for the employment of
3-14. Special Munitions chemical agents.
a. Special munitions include both nuclear and
nonnuclear warhead sections; atomic demolition 3-15. Records and Reports
munitions; nuclear projectiles; chemical (lethal
and incapacitating) agents/munitions; and asso a. The number of records and reports varies
with the requirements imposed by the headquar
ciated spotting rounds, propelling charges, and
repair parts. Also included is the general category ters and the tactical situation; however, they are
kept to the minimum necessary for efficient opera
of missile bodies and related components. The
procedures and the functions of the air-ground tions.
operations system (AGOS) are generally the same b. Permanent records normally consist of SOP
in an environment where special munitions are and reference publications.
employed as in an environment where only con c. Temporary records normally consist of copies
ventional munitions are employed. The joint force of requests; a journal; applicable current opera
commander prescribes special procedures or modi tion orders (OPORD), operation plans (OPLAN),
fications of doctrine deemed necessary for the annexes, appendixes, or overlays; and a daily
employment of special munitions in tactical air status and results board. These records are re
operations. tained as long as required for current operations,
b. When authorized, requests for special muni usually 6 months. For historical purposes, the
tions fires are transmitted through fire command journal should be closed at the end of each 24
channels to the commander or his representative hour period and should be forwarded to the appro
authorized to act on the request. Concurrently, priate staff agency for inclusion with the other
notification of the request is sent through support records attached to the command journal.
channels to alert fire support units and to insure d. There are no permanent or recurring reports
prompt delivery of the munitions. The high degree prescribed for Army air-ground system (AAGS)
of reliance on radio communication in requesting agencies, Local commanders prescribe the tem
special munitions fires increases the possibility of porary reports required and whether they will
enemy intercept and subsequent exploitation of be of a recurring nature. AR 340–1 contains
those communications. It is imperative, therefore, information concerning records maintenance and
that adequate provisions are made for effective disposition.
communications security practices. If tactical air e. FM 101–5 contains suggested formats for the
resources are to be used to deliver the munitions above documents.
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Section I. INTRODUCTION
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(3) Requests for CAS can be initiated at any result of the ground commanders action, and in
level of command. They may either be preplanned operations where targets are not identified in
or immediate. time to permit detailed planning. When possible,
(4) Only ground force commanders or desig ordnance and aircraft are selected according to
nated representatives can cancel or disapprove a the target to be attacked. Frequently, however,
CAS request. The Air Force component command whatever ordnance and aircraft are most readily
er can cancel GAS missions based on operational available are used. If the desired effect on the
considerations such as the air defense threat, target is not achieved by diverted ordnance the
weather or similar factors. Members of the air originator must re-submit the request. Therefore,
element providing CAS act as advisers on re airstrikes conducted in response to immediate re
quests. quests may not be as effective as preplanned air-
strikes and should be kept to a minimum.
b. Request Form.
(2) Requests for immediate CAS are sub
(1) Figure 4–1 illustrates the form used for mitted through the Air Force air request net
an Air Force air request. The format complies operated by the TACP. Requests are forwarded
with NATO and CENTO Standardization Agree directly from the originating echelon to the direct
ment (STANAG) Number 2134, Offensive Air air support center (DASC) collocated with the
Support Operations. While standing operating
corps tactical operations center. The DASC im
procedures (SOP) may deviate from the specific mediately begins planning for the execution of
format and information to be entered, this form
the mission. When the request is approved by the
is applicable to both the US Armed Forces and corps tactical air support element (TASE), the
all member nations of NATO and CENTO. direct air support center requests the tactical air
(2) A request form is completed for each control center to scramble a portion of the sorties
Air Force air support mission requested. The allocated for this purpose or to fulfill the request
form serves as a guide to insure that all required from other than Army allocated resources.
information is transmitted to supporting agencies. (3) Figure 4-2 illustrates immediate CAS
The completed form should be retained as a rec request channels.
ord of the request.
c. Preplanned Close Air Support Requests. 4-5. Target Location and Aircraft Control
(1) Allocated CAS effort should be used for a. Normal Procedure.
preplanned strikes to the maximum extent possi (1) Once launched, preplanned and imme
ble. Ordnance and aircraft can be matched to the diate CAS missions are controlled in the same
target; mission planning can be more complete; manner. A control and reporting center (CRS),
and missions can be better integrated into tactical a control and reporting post (CRP), or a forward
operations. air control post (FACP) directs the fighter air
(2) Requests for preplanned CAS are sub craft to, a designated point where control is passed
mitted through the fire support coordination cen to the forward air controller (FAC). Methods
ters ( FSCC) at battalion and brigade and the fire used by the FAC to direct the fighter pilot may
support element of tactical operations centers include the use of marking by ordnance, the path
(TOC) at division, corps, and field army. Field of another aircraft, smoke or other ordnance fired
army makes final approval and forwards the re from surface weapons, ground-marking panels,
quests to the tactical air control center (TACC) terrain reference, or a combination of these
as CAS requirements. The TACC orders the mis means. When the FAC directs the Army to mark
sion flown by one of its tactical fighter units. a CAS target with field artillery, he requests this
support through the associated TOC or fire sup
(3) Preplanned close air support requests
are forwarded over existing communication sys port channels.
tems to the field army. Sole user communication (2) If necessary to control strike aircraft
circuits may be used when authorized. and assist the pilots in locating the target, the
FAC may operate from an aircraft. In situations
d. Immediate Close Air Support Requests. where the normal control means of the tactical air
(1) Immediate CAS missions are flown from control systems are too far removed from an
sorties set aside from the daily allocation for this operation to perform adequate planning and close
purpose or, if these are exhausted, by diverting control, as in the initial stages of airborne and
preplanned sorties. They are used against targets amphibious operations, an airborne battlefield
of opportunity, targets that rapidly develop as a command control center or a tactical air coordi
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NOTES
1 Purpose: This message is used when units/formations and tasking agencies respectively request
offensive air support in the form of close air support or air reconnaissance not requiring the
employment of specific sensors or submission of imagery interpretation reports for which the Air
Reconnaissance Request Message is provided.
2
Procedures: Requests for immediate support are passed over the Air Force Request Net to the
tasking agency. Requests for pre-planned support normally are passed over the command channels.
3
Mission Priorities: To assist the tasking agency, the senior unit/formation in the theater may
establish a system of priorities to be allotted to requests by initiating units/formations.
4
Precedence: Depending on the tactical urgency to the addressees in relation to other message
traffic.
5
Security: The lowest acceptable classification consistent with content should be used.
6
Request Numbers:
a. Request numbers are prefaced by 1 for close air support requests or 2 for tactical air
reconnaissance requests and 3 for airlift request.
b. The subsequent letter and number group identifies the requesting unit/formation and the
serial number of its request; identifying letters and blocks of numbers are allotted to
units/formations and coordinated by the appropriate headquarters in the region, e.g.,
l/A/501.
c. The request number is used to identify the mission throughout these procedures, and the
mission is tasked, flown, controlled, recovered and reported on as l/A/501.
a. Normally the Air Task/Mission No. is the same as the AIR REQUEST No. and is used to
identify the mission throughout these procedures. When used in the air l/A/501 may be
abbreviated to MISSION 501.
b. If, for any reason, the tasking agency decides that, for example, Air Request l/A/501 is to be
frown as Air Task l/A/550, they send the Accept/Refuse Message as “AR l/A/501 accepted
as l/A/ 550.” Thereafter, the mission is tasked, flown, controlled, recovered and reported on
as l/A/550. When calling forward control agencies, the mission leader would establish contact
as follows. “FORTUNE this is MISSION 550 for REQUEST 501 .“ Thereafter mission
number only would be used,
8Omission of Paragraph Prefix Letters: If not required, paragraph prefix letters are omitted,
except in the case of C which always requires a location references) or specific NIL.
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nator, airborne (TACA) or both may be used. team (ASRT) may be used. However, strike
These elements work in conjunction with FAC accuracy and battle damage assessment is de-
accompanying the forward units of the Army. graded and troop safety limitations are increased.
(3) While departing the target area, the pilot b. Emergency Procedures. When a FAC is not
reports damage assessment and intelligence infor- available to direct a CAS strike, Army personnel
mation of an immediate tactical value to the Air may direct the strike, using the following pro
cedures:
Force control agency. The same report, including
mission results, is passed by the FAC through the (1) A field artillery or mortar forward ob
server (FO) may mark or otherwise identify the
appropriate air liaison officer (ALO), or TACP
target for the attacking— aircraft. The FO requires
to the Army. notification in time to position himself for the
(4) During conditions of reduced visibility mission. If the FO has access to air-ground com
or in the absence of FAC, an air support radar munications, t h e d i r e c t a i r support center
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(DASC) or a tactical air control party (TACP) (2) When the FO has no air-ground com
briefs the fighter aircraft pilot on the target and munications, he establishes contact by ground
instructs him to contact the FO for further assist communications with the appropriate TACP or
ance. When contacted by the pilot, the FO gives DASC fighter duty officer. The TACP or the
the target description, grid coordinates, and nec DASC relays the FO’s information to the fighter
essary safety information about friendly forces aircraft.
and generally follows the same procedures as the (3) If an FO is not available, other qualified
FAC. The FO identifies the target by map or individuals may be used to assist in locating the
terrain references or marks the target with target for a CAS mission. In all cases, the ground
artillery or mortar smoke or white phosphorous commander assumes responsibility for troop
projectiles. safety.
delivery means, that could prevent, or are pre tion, and procedure and is established by
venting, the accomplishment of the force mission. local SOP.
b. Priority II requests include surveillance of (5) Only Army commanders or designated
enemy units or activities capable of immediate representatives may cancel or disapprove tactical
serious interference with the force mission and air reconnaissance requests. Members of the air
surveillance required in the conduct of current element providing air reconnaissance support act
tactical operations. only as advisers.
c. Priority III requests include surveillance of (6) Requests may express a requirement for
enemy units or activities capable of ultimate one-time continuous, or repetitive coverage.
serious interference with the force mission and (7) Requests that originate in the joint force
surveillance required to support planned future headquarters are submitted directly to the air
operations. component commander for action. These requests
d. Priority IV requests include surveillance of are consolidated with those of the service com
enemy units or activities capable of limited inter ponents that have been approved in accordance
ference with the force mission and surveillance with the guidance and priorities of the joint force
required for administrative and logistical pur commander.
poses. b. Request Form.
(1) Figure 4–3 illustrates the format used to
4-9. Tactical Air Reconnaissance Request request tactical air reconnaissance when the air
Procedures request message at figure 4–1 is inadequate. The
a. General. format complies w i t h N A T O a n d C E N T O
(1) Requests for tactical air reconnaissance Standardization Agreement ( STANAG) Number
may be initiated at any level of command and are 2134, Offensive Air Support Operations. While
handled the same as CAS, except G2 air instead SOP may deviate from the specific format and
of G3 air personnel process and coordinate the information to be entered, this format is appli
request. Requests may be for immediate missions cable to both the US Armed Forces and all mem
or preplanned missions in support of future ber nations of NATO and CENTO.
operations. (2) A request format is completed for each
(2) The Army commander at each echelon, tactical air reconnaissance target requested. The
with advice from his staff, determines which intel format serves as a guide to insure that all re
ligence requirements of his command will be quired information is transmitted to supporting
fulfilled by tactical air reconnaissance. Army com agencies. The completed format should be retained
mands above the requesting echelon may substi as a record of the request.
tute another collection means. c. Preplanned Tactical Air Reconnaissance Re
(3) The commander requesting tactical air quests.
reconnaissance states the location of the target or (1) A preplanned mission is the most effi
area; the results desired; the specific element of cient and economical type of mission because it
intelligence information required; and, when allows sufficient time for coordination, planning,
imagery is requested, whether prior coverage is briefing, and consolidation of requirements. It
acceptable. Results desired are expressed in terms also permits proper selection and allocation of
of reports, imagery, scale, and so on. Restrictions aircraft and sensors and eliminates the wasting
on acceptable imagery and scale should be mini of capabilities by insuring that all available
mized to allow the supporting tactical air recon resources are programed for specific mission ac
naissance organization to make substitutions complishment. The proper interpretation, inte
which may be necessary in order for them to meet gration, and dissemination of the information
the intelligence information requirement. If prior gathered can also be programed into the total
coverage is acceptable, the earliest usable prior work effort. Preplanned air reconnaissance re
coverage is indicated quests are forwarded over existing communica
(4) Care must be exercised to insure that tions systems to the field army. Sole user commu
requests are initiated sufficiently in advance of nication circuits may be used when authorized.
the time that the information is required to allow (2) Requests are examined by intelligence
for collection, processing, evaluation, and inter personnel at each echelon to verify that the infor
pretation. The advance time required varies be mation is not already available and to determine
tween commands according to organization, loca if requests comply with the objectives of the in
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NOTES
1
Procedure: This message is used to request air reconnaissance when
the Air Request Message is inadequate for, or not applicable to, the
requirements of the intelligence staff.
2
Precedence: Depending on the tactical urgency to the addressees relation
to other message traffic.
3Security: The lowest acceptable classification consistent with content
should be used.
Figure 4-3--Continued.
telligence collection plan established by the com (3) If all resources have been committed and
mander. Each echelon approves or disapproves additional requirements arise, these requirements
preplanned requests submitted by subordinate may be satisfied by assigning additional missions
units. The request originator is advised of a dis to airborne aircraft, diverting aircraft from other
approval and is given the reason. At field army missions, or by scrambling aircraft programmed for
the requests are consolidated and assigned a preplanned missions of lower priority. The appro
priority. The requests are submitted by G2 air to priate ground force commander or a designated
the Army liaison element (ALE) in the tactical representative on the advice of the Army liaison
air control center where they are combined with officer determines whether a previously planned
joint task force and Air Force requirements into or immediate mission will be diverted.
a fragmentary order to be flown by tactical recon
naissance aircraft. 4-10. Target Location and Aircraft Control
d. Immediate Tactical Air Reconnaissance Re Reconnaissance aircraft do not deliver ordnance
quests. and, therefore, require less control than CAS
(1) Immediate tactical reconnaissance re aircraft. However, the air control facilities used
quests are characterized by the urgency of time for CAS aircraft are useful in aiding the air
involved between the request for information and reconnaissance pilot to locate his target. Air re
its reception. These requests are generated by connaissance aircraft use photoflash cartridges to
unforseen intelligence requirements of immediate obtain tactical information during night opera
tactical value. A portion of each day’s tactical air tions. Since the debris resulting from the use of
reconnaissance sorties is set aside to meet these this equipment can cause injury to friendly troops,
contingencies. caution must be used in discharging the debris
(2) Requests for immediate tactical air re over friendly positions.
connaissance support are submitted using the
same procedure as explained for the submission 4 - 1 1 . Reporting and Dissemination
of immediate CAS missions. Figure 4-4 illustrates a. The value of information is increased by its
immediate tactical air reconnaissance request expeditious distribution in usable form to inter
channels. ested agencies. When realtime data link or inflight
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processing is not used, imagery or other collected each frame to the military intelligence battalion
data are processed immediately after the aircraft air-reconnaissance support (MIBARS) for de-
lands. Interpretation follows immediately, and re- tailed analysis and positive prints as required.
ports are made. When processing Army-requested Reproduction of selected frames and missions can
photography, the Air Force processing facility be accomplished by subsequent duplication from
will be tasked to provide a duplicate negative of the original negative or the duplicate positive.
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b. Inflight reports are normally made to desig to a ground station as soon as necessary informa
nated elements of the TACS for relay to request tion is collected. On completion of the mission this
ers and interested agencies. These reports con information is included in the mission report
sist of significant visual sightings and cockpit (MISREP).
display readouts observed during the flight. e. Weather reconnaissance reports are made by
c. Immediately after landing, the aircrew makes the aircrew and are relayed to the appropriate
a debriefing report including a complete summary
command element for use in updating weather
of the mission, The Army reconnaissance liaison
forecasts. At aircrew debriefings, a weather officer
officer normally participates in this debriefing.
assists in preparing a weather summary report,
He immediately forwards derived intelligence in
formation to the requesting unit and the G2 air which is forwarded to the TACC. The TACC
sections at corps and at field army. The report disseminates the weather summary report to
may be disseminated to other interested agencies higher, adjacent, and subordinate headquarters.
and staff sections, as directed. f. FM 30-35 and FM 30–20 contain detailed
d. Electronic reconnaissance reports are made information on air reconnaissance reporting and
either by the aircrew or by automatic equipment dissemination procedures.
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Figure 4-5. Preplanned request channel for combat support airlift of troops, cargo,
and supplies of Air Force airlift aircraft allocated to the Army.
4-15. Tactical Airlift Request Procedures planning, coordination, and tasking for tactical
a. General. airlift operations are accomplished through the
(1) Overall command of tactical airlift airlift control center (ALCC) subordinate to, but
forces is exercised by the Air Force component ideally collocated with, the TACC.
commander (AFCC) through the airlift control (2) Tactical airlift allocated to the Army is
center (ALCC). An airlift force commander nor- specified by a certain number of sorties by type of
really is designated to control all tactical airlift aircraft, by gross tonnage airlift capability, or a
resources assigned to the air component. Detailed combination of the two.
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Figure 4-6. Immediate request channel for combat support airlift o troop,
cargo, and supplies by Air Force airlift aircraft allocated to the Army.
(3) When time and operational considera- corps support brigade MCC at corps, and the
tions permit planning, airlift requests are con- transportation movements office of the division.
sidered by the Air Force to be “routine.” Routine In addition, field army and corps MCC position
requests, when approved, are supported by pre- transportation movement officers at critical tac
planned missions. Requests considered by the Air tical airlift points throughout the field army and
Force to be “emergency” in nature are supported corps areas to assist in regulating the movement
by immediate missions. of personnel and cargo through these points.
(4) Movements by combat service support Note. When patient evacuation means are required,
airlift attached to the Army are managed by the other than those discussed in paragraphs 4-16 through
field army support command (FASCOM) move- 4-22 and paragraph 6-16, the medical command medical
ment control center (MCC) at field army, the regulating officer ( MRO) submits patient evacuation re
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Figure 4-7. Request channel for combat service support airlift of troops, cargo, and
supplies by Air Force airlift aircraft attached to the Army.
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quests to the MCC. The MCC will provide coordination for retains operational control of airlift aircraft at
the use of nonmedical Army aircraft or locomotive power, tached to the Army. Under certain circumstances,
railway movement schedules, and maintenance personnel
for the Army Medical Department’s (AMEDD) ambulance and upon direction of the joint force commander,
trains. airlift aircraft may be attached to the Army in
b. Request Procedures for Allocated Air Force accordance with provisions of FM 100–27/AFM
Airlift Aircraft. 2–50. The order directing the attachment will set
forth the limitations of the attachments. All air
(1) Preplanned requests for combat support
lift, whether attached or allocated, is categorized
airlift allocated to the Army are processed
as combat support or combat service support ac
through Army operational channels to the echelon
cording to the mission of the ground force sup
having directive authority. The approved request
ported,
will be forwarded to the ALCC for execution of
the mission. Normally, the field army will have (2) Preplanned and immediate requests for
the airlift to fulfill the request. At each level, the combat service support airlift attached to the
request is coordinated with the transportation Army may originate at any level. At batalion
office (TO) or MCC, as appropriate. Figure 4–5 and brigade, they are processed through opera
illustrates the preplanned request channel for tional channels. From this point, the request for
combat support airlift missions by Air Force air transportation is processed in movement chan
craft allocated to the Army. nels through the TO at division and the MCC at
the corps support brigade and FASCOM. In the
(2) Immediate requests for combat support
case of airlift of cargo or supplies, the request
airlift are processed through the same channels
for supplies will be processed through materiel
and in the same manner as GAS request except
channels at each combat service support echelon
that the TO is included in the coordination at each
until the requested item is located. The materiel
echelon. Figure 4-6 illustrates the immediate re
management center (MMC) or, for medical items,
quest channel for combat support airlift missions
the inventory control center (ICC) places a re
by Air Force aircraft allocated to the Army.
quest for movement of the item from the stock
(3) Both preplanned and immediate requests point to the consumer. Both the request for trans
for combat service support airlift allocated to portation and the request for supplies are coordi
the Army may originate at any level and will be nated with the TOC at each echelon. The
processed through Army operational channels to FASCOM MCC, normally the approving author
the command exercising directive authority who ity, will forward the approved request to the
will task the airlift unit to execute the mission ALCC for execution of the mission. Figure 4-7
(fig 4-5). illustrates the request channel for combat service
c. Request Procedures for Attached Air Force support missions by Air Force aircraft attached
Airlift Aircraft. to the Army.
(1) Preplanned and immediate requests for d. Other Request Procedures. FM 100-27/AFM
combat support airlift attached to the Army may 2-50 contains additional information on tactical
originate at any level and will be processed airlift procedures including attachment of airlift
through operational channels. The command ex forces to Army organizations; movement of per
ercising operational control (OPCON) issues a sonnel, equipment, and supplies by theater army
directing order to the Air Force airlift unit to commands; and the logistic organization for the
execute the mission. Normally the Air Force conduct of tactical airlift operations.
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ation aircraft augmented by airlift aircraft re hours. These facilities perform their mission both
turning from flights into forward areas. at the forward as well as rear area airfields. The
functions of an ASF are to receive and process
4-17. Organization and Function of the patients for aeromedical evacuation, provide emer
Tactical Aeromedical Evacuation gency treatment, prepare patient manifests, load
System patients aboard aircraft, assist flight crews in
A tactical aeromedical evacuation system will configuration of aircraft, and maintain commu
vary in size and complexity, depending upon an nications with other elements of the system and
ticipated patient workloads, size and location of appropriate ground forces medical facilities.
ground force medical treatment facilities in ob
jective areas, location of airheads, airlift capa 4-20. Aeromedical Evacuation liaison
bility and other factors which must be evaluated Officers and Liaison Teams
to determine the resources required. Normally, a Aeromedical evacuation liaison officers (AELO)
tactical aeromedical evacuation system will in and liaison teams are attached to Army medical
clude the following elements: groups, the field army medical brigade, hospital
a. The commander who operates under the centers, and the COMMZ medical command. At
direct supervision of the airlift force commander these headquarters, they coordinate the processing
is normally designated the aeromedical evacua of an evacuation request with the medical regulat
tion control officer. ing officer. This coordination provides an inter
b. An aeromedical evacuation control center. face with the Army’s medical regulating system.
c. Forward and rear aeromedical staging facil
ities. 4 - 2 1 . Command and Control
d. Inflight aeromedical evacuation teams. Command and control is exercised through sepa
e. Aeromedical evacuation liaison officers and rate communications circuits established between
liaison teams. the aeromedical evacuation control center
(AECC) and all principal elements of a tactical
4-18. Aeromedical Evacuation Control aeromedical evacuation system. Single sideband
Center shortwave radios are used for direct communica
The aeromedical evacuation control officer and tions between the aeromedical evacuation control
aeromedical evacuation control center are nor center, forward ASF, and liaison teams. Radio
mally located in the airlift control center. The contact is also maintained between AECC, sup
number of assigned personnel is variable depend port teams at staging bases, and rear area aero
ing upon the size of the system and requirements medical evacuation liaison officers. These circuits
for 24-hour manning. The functions of this ele are essential to report and coordinate the variety
ment are to control and monitor patient move of aeromedical evacuation information.
ment, schedule movement of patients by classifica
tion (litter or ambulatory), select tactical aircraft 4-22. Request Procedures for Tactical Air
that are used for movement of personnel and Force Aeromedical Evacuation
equipment into assault landing zones, provide The flow of a patient evacuation request follows
information and guidance to all elements of the the Army’s medical chain of command from the
system, maintain statistical data, and provide initiating hospital back to the COMMZ medical
patient status information as necessary. command MRO. The request is made through
parallel channels (US Army and US Air Force)
4-19. Aeromedical Staging Facilities passing from medical regulating officers and aero
Aeromedical staging facilities (ASF) are air medical evacuation liaison officers at each com
mobile units equipped and staffed to receive, proc mand level to the next higher headquarters. This
ess and load patients. Normal capacity is 50 is necessary to insure that all requirements for
patients with the holding time not exceeding 3 patient preparation and movement are met.
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CHAPTER 5
Section 1. INTRODUCTION
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(d) Personnel of the MI company (aerial proval of preplanned CAS requests and develops
surveillance). This company normally is assigned priorities for approved requests.
to and employed in general support (GS) of corps (5) Receives, reviews, and coordinates ap
and is located at the corps instrumented airfield. proval or requests for immediate CAS; and co
Direct support (DS) of corps subordinate units is ordinates approval with ACE and FSE.
provided when required. This company does not (6) In conjunction with the FSCOORD, ini
have an inflight data transmission capability. tiates requests for immediate and preplanned
(e) The surveillance airplane company is CAS.
assigned to a corps, field army, or separate task (7) Maintains current status of GAS avail
force. While normally assigned in GS of a corps, able to the command.
it may be employed in DS of subordinate units. (8) Recommends to the FSCOORD when ap
The company performs surveillance, reconnais propriate the location or changes in the fire sup
sance, and target acquisition missions. This com port coordination line (FSCL).
pany has an inflight data transmission capability. (9) Advises the tactical air control party
It normally is located at an instrumented airfield. ( TACP) of the ground tactical situation, the loca
(4) Combat service support personnel and tion of friendly units, restrictive fire plans, the
facilities are location of FSCL, and other matters of impor
(a) The assistant chief of staff (ACofS), tance to the conduct of CAS missions.
movements, at field army and corps support com (10) Coordinates recommendations for air
mands ( FASCOM and CO SCOM) ; the transpor interdiction of targets with fire support agencies
tation staff officer at division; and the S4 at and TASE.
brigade and battalion. (11 ) Maintains close coordination with the
(b) Movement control centers (MCC) of GLO and informs them of Army mission data on
the FASCOM and COSCOM. The MCC are cen all GAS requests. Informs GLO of current tactical
trally located in the area of the organization situation and is the GLO net control station at
served. field army.
(5) Except in scope and magnitude, the re (12 ) Prepares the air fire support appendix
sponsibilities and functions of a component of to the fire support annex to operation plans and
the AAGS are the same at each echelon; e.g., the operation orders.
responsibilities of the S3 air at maneuver battal b. The fire support coordinator (FSCOORD),
ion and the field army G3 air are essentially the fire support element (FSE), fire support coordina
same. The duties of principal individuals in the tion center (FSCC)—
AGOS are described by combat air tasks in suc (1) Advises on capabilities, recommends emp
ceeding paragraphs. loyment of fire support resources; provides com
mand coordination of all fire support used against
5-5. Close Air Support surface targets; and insures that fire support
a. The G3 air (S3 air)— from aerial field artillery elements is integrated
(1) Advises on capabilities, recommends em into the fire support plan.
ployment of CAS resources, approves or disap (2) Provides planning information on fixed-
proves requests within delegated staff authority, wing CAS to G3 air for development of apportion
and insures integration of all CAS with the ment recommendations.
ground tactical plan, (3) Reviews allocation of fixed-wing resourc
(2) Develops planning requirements for CAS es and recommends suballocation.
including those of organic and attached subordi (4) Reviews all requests for fire support
nate elements. from subordinate units; evaluates requests in
(3) Receives allocations of GAS resources; light of other requirements; makes decisions
coordinates suballocation of fixed-wing resources within delegated authority to furnish requested
to meet preplanned and immediate mission re support, substitutes other types of support, or
quirements; requests additional support from recommends disapproval of request.
Army tactical air support sources, when required; (5) Obtains target information from G2 and
and coordinates adjustment of suballocations other intelligence sources and insures attack of
when required. targets by the most appropriate means.
(4) Receives, reviews, and coordinates ap (6) Receives, reviews, and coordinates ap
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proval of requests for aerial field artillery fires; (6) Provides planning information on G3 air
tasks aerial field artillery units to execute ap for preparation of air support plans and prepares
proved request. Army aviation annex to OPLAN and OPORD.
(7) Maintains current status information on (7) Coordinates with the airspace control
fire support available to the command. element, the fire support coordinator, and the G3
(8) Monitors execution of all fire support air on the overall use of airspace.
missions to determine adequacy of mission ac d. The airspace controI element (ACE )—
complishment and coordinates post-strike damage (1) Coordinates the use of airspace in ac
assessment with the TACP and the G2 air. cordance with directives from higher headquar
(9) Recommends, and after maneuver com ters and the commander’s concept for use of air
mander’s approval, implements fire support coor space by organic forces; in conjunction with the
dination measures at his echelon; and maintains FSE and TASE, determines how airspace require
status of coordination and control measures or ments can best be met, submits recommendations
other restrictive fire measures established by to the G3, and issues necessary instructions.
adjacent and higher commands.
(2) Coordinates Army air defense with other
(10) Coordinates with the airspace control
combat and combat support operations, makes
element, the tactical air control party, and the
continuous estimate of the air defense situation,
G3 air on field artillery requirements for use of
and recommends allocation and employment of air
airspace and keeps all elements informed on status
defense means. Provides information on the air
of planned special ammunition fires.
defense situation, including coverage, to other
(11 ) Recommends targets for attack by air-
elements; and disseminates rules of engagement,
delivered special ammunition fires and recom
minimum normal burst altitude, critical ammu
mends air interdiction targets.
nition shortages, and capability for attack of sur
(12) Operates in the appropriate field artil
face targets. When air defense nuclear weapons
lery command and fire direction nets.
are used, the ACE notifies the other elements
(13) Prepares fire support annex to OPLAN
including the air defense element in the Air Force
and OPORD and insures that all fire support re control and reporting center, and obtains and dis
sources are integrated by reviewing and approv
seminates post-strike data, including time, loca
ing component plans (e.g., field artillery, air,
tion, and height of burst.
naval gunfire, and special weapon ).
c. The aviation officer— (3) Coordinates Army air traffic operations;
(1) Advises on capabilities and recommends determines prohibited or restricted areas or other
employment of attack helicopter resources (less restrictions imposed on air traffic by the com
aerial field artillery). mander, higher headquarters, or theater com
(2) Provides information to C3 air and the mander or through agreement with other services;
FSCOORD for development of attack helicopter disseminates aviation control guidance (e.g., cor
resources; coordinates with G3 and FSCOORD ridors, altitudes, areas in which all flights must be
on priorities of commitment and allocations to cleared); provides information for the prepara
subordinate units; and insures that aviation units tion of the air traffic regulation plan to be in
placed in support of subordinate units are posi cluded in the airspace utilization annex; and co
tioned as requested by supported commanders or ordinates the plan. On G3’s approval, the ACE
as the situation requires. disseminates the plan to the Air Force and the
(3) Maintains current status information on Army aviation and air defense units as required.
availability of close air support assets and condi Through liaison with other tactical operation cen
tion and availability of firing systems and ammu ter elements, determines those combat and combat
nition (less aerial field artillery). support activities that will influence air traffic and
(4) Advises Army aviation commanders of disseminates changes to the air traffic control
ground tactical situation, location of friendly plan as required.
units, restrictive fire plans, location of the FSCL, (4) Operates station in the aviation, air de
and other matters of importance to the conduct fense and operations nets.
of attack helicopter missions; and coordinates the (5) Provides planning information to G3 air
use of the airspace with the air defense elements, for preparation of air fire support plans and pre
the TACP, and the FSCOORD. pares airspace utilization annex to OPLAN and
(5) Operates station in the aviation opera OPORD when a staff element outside the TOC
tions nets. has not prepared it.
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e. The Army liaison element (ALE) normally quirements; requests additional support from
located at the tactical air control center— Army or Air Force sources, when required; and
(1) Represents field army and corps com coordinates adjustment of suballocation with the
manders on tactical air support matters and keeps Army aviation officer, the TACP, and subordinate
them informed of Air Force matters affecting the elements, when required.
tactical air support mission. (5) Receives, reviews, and, within delegated
(2) Advises and assists the TAF unit com authority, approves requests for preplanned air
mander and staff on matters pertaining to Army reconnaissance; and develops priorities for ap
operations. proved requests.
(6) Receives, reviews, and coordinates ap
(3) Assists in processing Army requests for proval of requests for immediate air reconnais
CAS.
sance with ACE and FSE.
(4) Coordinates nuclear targeting. (7) Initiates requests for immediate and pre-
(5) Coordinates Army plans for CAS with planned air reconnaissance.
the Air Force component. (8) Maintains current status of air recon
(6) Coordinates Army air defense and air naissance support available to the command.
traffic regulation matters with the Air Force (9) Provides staff supervision of organic,
component. attached, or supporting air reconnaissance units
(7) Keeps the tactical air unit staff informed or personnel and coordinates and supervises the
of the ground tactical situation. execution of air reconnaissance missions flown by
f. The ground liaison officer (GLO)— these units.
(1) Advises and assists tactical fighter unit (10) Provides staff supervision o f t h e
commanders on matters pertaining to Army MIBARS, its detachments and air reconnaissance
operations. liaison officer, and informs them of the current
(2) Maintains current ground tactical situa tactical situation.
tion maps and keeps the tactical air unit staff (11) Provides briefing and debriefing of Army
and aircrews informed of the ground tactical aviation pilots and aircrews on completion of air
situation, such as location of friendly positions, reconnaissance mission.
location of FSCL, friendly identification proce (12) Provides intelligence information on
dures, and current restrictive measures. enemy activities affecting the air mission to sup
(3) Assists in briefing and debriefing of porting Army aviation and the TACP.
fighter aircrews and reports information obtained (13) Disseminates intelligence information
to field army G3 air. gained through air reconnaissance and pilot re
(4) Coordinates delivery of Air Force spe ports and supervises imagery interpretation with
cial ammunition fires allocated to the Army. in the command. Information on targets warrant
ing immediate stack is forwarded to the fire
(5) Coordinates Army plans for CAS with
support element as rapidly as possible.
the tactical fighter unit.
(14) Prepares air reconnaissance appendix
5-6. Air Reconnaissance to the intelligence annex to OPLAN and OPORD.
b. The aviation officer—
a. The G2 air (S2 air)—
(1) Advises on capabilities and recommends
(1) Advises the G2 air/S2 air on capabili employment of Army aviation air reconnaissance
ties; recommends reconnaissance resources; and resources.
insures that air reconnaissance operations are
(2) Coordinates allocation of organic, at
integrated into intelligence collection and ground
tached, and Army air reconnaissance resources
tactical plans.
and insures that aviation resources placed in
(2) Prepares the air surveillance and recon direct support or general support are positioned
naissance standing operating procedure. as requested by supported commander or as the
(3) Develops fixed-wing apportionment plan situation requires.
ning requirements for air reconnaissance includ (3) Maintains current status information on
ing requirements of subordinate elements. Army aviation availability and availability of
(4) Receives allocation of air reconnaissance ancillary equipment, such as, communications
resources; coordinates suballocation of resources navigation, sensor systems, and related aviation
to meet preplanned and immediate mission re equipment.
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(4) Provides planning information for devel f. The Army reconnaissance liaison officer
opment of air reconnaissance plans and insures (ARLO) of the MIBARS—
that Army air reconnaissance requirements are (1) Maintains current air reconnaissance
included in Army aviation annexes to OPLAN and ground tactical situation maps.
and OPORD. (2) Advises and assists tactical air recon
c. The fire support coordinator (FSCOORD), naissance squadron commanders on Army matters
fire support element (FSE), fire support coordina concerning air reconnaissance such as detailed
tion center (FSCC)— explanation of mission results desired, EEI,
(1) Provides planning information to the friendly troop disposition, location of fire support
G2 air on target acquisition requirements for coordination line, friendly identification mark
development of apportionment recommendations. ings, and information on friendly restrictive
(2) Provides for suppressive fires when re measures.
quired. (3) Assists in briefing and debriefing air
(3) Maintains current status information on reconnaissance pilots and aircrews and provides
conventional and special weapon fires and coordi reports of information obtained by the MIBARS.
nates post-strike damage assessment with the G2
air and the aviation officer or the TACP. 5-7. Airlift
(4) Insures that target acquisition require a. The ACofS, movements ( G4, movement con
ments, conventional fire plans, special weapon fire trol center)—
plans and suppressive fire requirements are con (1) Advises on capabilities and recommends
sidered in air reconnaissance plans. employment of organic, attached, and supporting
(5) Receives target information from G2 air airlift resources.
and requests fire from appropriate artillery units (2) Develops planning requirements for air
on targets that require immediate attack. lift, including requirements of subordinate ele
d. The airspace control element (ACE)— ments.
(1) Provides intelligence information ob (3) Receives allocation of airlift resources;
tained through air defense and Army aviation coordinates suballocation of resources to meet pre-
channels to the G2. planned and immediate requirements; requests
(2) Disseminates intelligence information on additional support from Army aviation and Air
local enemy activities to Army air defense and Force sources, when required; and coordinates
aviation units. adjustment of suballocation with Army aviation
(3) Provides planning information for de officer, the TACP, and subordinate elements, when
velopment of air reconnaissance plans and insures required.
that Army air reconnaissance requirements are (4) Receives, reviews, and coordinates ap
included in the airspace utilization annexes to proval of preplanned airlift support requests and
OPLAN and OPORD. develops priorities for approved requests.
e. The army liaison element (ALE) located at (5) Receives, reviews, and coordinates ap
the tactical air control center— proval with the airspace control element and fire
(1) Represents the field army and corps com support element and approves requests for imme
manders on tactical air reconnaissance matters diate airlift support.
and keeps them informed of Air Force matters (6) Initiates requests for immediate and pre-
affecting the tactical air reconnaissance mission. planned airlift support.
(2) Advises and assists the tactical air force (7) Maintains current status of airlift sup
unit commander and staff on Army matters affect port available to the command.
ing the tactical air reconnaissance mission. (8) Coordinates and supervises the execution
(3) Provides assistance in processing tactical of airlift support missions flown by organic, at
air reconnaissance requests. tached, or supporting Army aviation units.
(4) Provides detailed information and coordi (9) Plans and coordinates supply and man
nation on tactical air reconnaissance missions. agement services incident to airlift operations.
(5) Keeps the TACC informed on the essen (10) Informs supporting Army aviation and
tial elements of information (EEI), mission re Air Force organization on the location of logistic
sults desired, reports and imagery desired, and installations and provides other combat service
other information required. support information, as required.
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(11) Provides staff supervision of airlift movement plans and insures that airlift require
liaison officers and transportation movements ments are included in Army aviation annexes to
officers. OPLAN and OPORD.
(12) Prepares airlift portion of movement c. The fire support coordinator (FSCOORD),
annex to OPLAN and OPORD. fire support element (FSE), fire support coordina
b. The aviation officer— tion center (FSCC)—
(1) Advises on capabilities and recommends (1) Coordinates with the airspace control
employment of Army airlift resources. element (ACE) and tactical air control party
(2) Provides information to the transporta (TACP) to insure that use is made of available
tion officer for development of movement recom artillery fires in support of airmobile operations
mendations. in conjunction with tactical air control and Army
(3) Coordinates mission tasking of organic, aviation support units.
attached, and supporting Army airlift resources (2) Monitors pilot debriefings to obtain tar
and insures that aviation resources placed in DS get intelligence information.
or GS are positioned as requested by supported (3) Provides information on fire plans, sup
commanders or as the situation requires. pressive fire requirements, and residual special
(4) Receives, reviews, and coordinates re weapon hazards for consideration in air move
quests for Army airlift; tasks subordinate avia ment plans.
tion units to execute requirements approved for d. The ACE provides airspace control informa
Army aviation; and requests assistance from next tion relevant to development of air movement
higher echelon when requirements exceed capabil plans and insures that airlift requirements for
ities. use of airspace are included in airspace utilization
(5) Maintains current status information on annexes to operation plans and operation orders.
Army aviation capability, configuration, and e. The transportation movements officer—
availability. (1) Maintains current airlift situation infor
(6) Monitors performance of Army airlift mation and advises MCC of Air Force matters
operations to insure adequate mission perform affecting airlift situation.
ance and coordinates airspace utilization with the (2) Advises Air Force airlift commander
FSCOORD, ACE, the TACP, and other staff ele and staff on Army requirements, priorities, and
ments concerned. other matters affecting the airlift situation.
(7) Coordinates briefing and debriefing of (3) Serves as principal point of contact be
pilots before and after missions. tween Air Force and Army for coordinating
(8) Disseminates information on logistic in movement of Army personnel and cargo.
stallations and other combat service support to (4) Provides on site movement management
Army aviation units. of Army personnel and cargo at Air Force air
(9) Provides information for development of terminals and transfer points.
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Figure 5–1. Components of the Air Force tactical air control system
5-9. Command and Control ter is a specially equipped transport aircraft used
a. Air Force Component Command Post. T h e by the Air Force component commander (AFCC)
Air Force component command post (AFCCP) is during deployments for en route and interim
the senior Air Force headquarters in the theater. terminal control of his forces. After the AFCCP
The AFCCP plans, directs, controls, and coordi- is established and operational, the airborne facil
nates the full range of tactical air operations and ity remains available to the commander for use
support. as the situation requires. It may also be used as
b. Airborne Battlefield Command Control Cen- an airborne direct air support center, as described
ter. The airborne battlefield command control cen- in paragraph 5-10C.
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5-10. Tactical Air Operations Agencies air control center may be referred to as the joint
a. Tactical Air Control Center (TACC). operations center (JOC).
(1) The TACC is the operations center of b. Direct Air Support Center (DASC).
the Air Force component and is equivalent to the (1) The DASC is a mobile, air-transportable
senior Army tactical operations center. Communi facility designed to operate with a corps tactical
cations are provided with higher and adjacent operations center or an independent division tacti
headquarters, subordinate units, and agencies of cal operations center. It functions as a forward
the tactical air control system collocated with element of the tactical air control center ( TACC)
Army units. Army liaison elements are located at in the operational command channels of the tacti
the tactical air control center to facilitate coordi cal air control system (TACS). The primary task
nation of air-ground operations. of the direct air support center (DASC) is to
(2) The TACC prepares the daily air opera provide a fast-reaction capability to satisfy imme
tions combat plan and directs current weapon diate requests from Army forces for tactical air
employment. Specifically, the TACC— support. Since the DASC is collocated with the
(a) Provides centralized control and direc supported unit tactical operations center, Army
tion of tactical air operations. liaison normally is not required.
(b) Plans and monitors current tactical air (2) A tactical air control party may be des
operations. ignated to perform the DASC functions for in
dependent field army manuever units of brigade
(c) Provides tactical air support sorties to
or smaller size. A provisional DASC or augmented
Army forces based on the apportionment decision
division tactical air control party is provided for
of the joint force commander and the recommen
separate or independent division operations.
dations made by the field army commander.
(d) Allocates and directs Air Force effort (3) The direct air support center—
for air defense operations, but normally decentral (a) Receives, plans, and coordinates Army
izes execution of the air defense task to the CRC. requests for immediate tactical air support.
(e) Plans and directs counterair opera (b) Acts as an advisory agency to the
tions. corps TASE.
(f) Plans and directs air interdiction (c) Keeps the TACC advised of the effort
operations. needed to satisfy Army tactical air support re
(g) Commits preplanned tactical air sup quirements.
port sorties to meet Army requirements. (d) Operates and provides net control for
(h) Provides advance echelon or alternate the Air Force air request nets.
air force component command posts, when re (e) Coordinates with the associated corps
quired. TASE on the detailed integration of fixed-wing
(i) Maintains communications with the tactical air support with the fire and maneuver
joint force headquarters; Army component head of the land forces.
quarters; direct air support center; airlift con (f) Requests additional tactical air sup
trol center (ALCC); tactical air units; control port from the TACC when requirements exceed
and reporting center; and, when applicable, com the sorties allocation,
bined operation facilities. (g) Informs the tactical air control par
(j) Implements policies and procedures ties of current and planned air operations.
for traffic control. (h) Provides overall supervision of tacti
(k) Through the tactical air control center cal air control party activities.
weather team, provides direct support to the Air (i) Exchanges weather information with
Force component command post and weather in the TACC and the associated corps TASE.
formation over tactical communications circuits (4) When the level of tactical air operations
to support the control and reporting center/air is such that the full command and control capabil
traffic regulation center (ATRC ), control and re ities of a TACC are not required, a DASC may be
porting post ( CRP), direct air support center, substituted as the senior Air Force operations
airlift control center, tactical air units, and Army center (para 5-10a (1) ). In this case, liaison
forces. from the supported Army force similar to that
(3) When operating with North Atlantic provided the TACC, but appropriate to meet the
Treaty Organization (NATO) forces, the tactical demand, is required.
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(5) When operating with NATO forces, the (senior ALO, fighter operations officer, air recon
DASC may be referred to as the air support op naissance operations officer, and airlift operations
erations center (ASOC). officer) and communications personnel and equip
c. Airborne Battlefield Commnd Control Cen ment collocated with the TASE of the DTOC. The
ter (ABCCC). The ABCCC can also be employed functions of the division and brigade TACP are
as an airborne DASC to provide an interim capa essentially the same as those at battalion, except
bility for processing Army immediate requests that division TACP personnel are seldom respon
for tactical air support under special circum sible for the control of airstrikes. Their primary
stances, such as an airborne assault. It accom responsibilities are to provide advice and assist
plishes the normal DASC functions from an ance. Corps and field army TACP may be larger
airborne station until the DASC becomes opera than the TACP at division, but the functions and
tional. Liaison from the supported unit is pro duties are the same. Their duties for each air sup
vided in the ABCCC. port task are described in (4) through (6) below.
d. Tactical Air Control Party (TACP). (4) Close air support. The tactical air con
(1) General The TACP is the forward op trol party—
erations element of the TACS collocated at bat (a) Advises on capabilities, provides plan
talion, brigade, separate brigade, regiment, divi ning information and assistance to the ground
sion, and corps. A TACP may be located at field force commander and staff on all aspects of fixed-
army based on the tactical situation. While the wing CAS, and further provides liaison between
DASC is the TACS element depicted at corps Army and Air Force to insure integration of
level, a TACP is provided and manned to reflect plans.
the planning required for overall support of corps (b) Assists G3 air in developing appor
tactical air operations. The TACP comes under tionment recommendations for fixed-wing CAS.
the supervision of the director of the DASC, but (c) Advises higher and lower echelon
may function independently or be assimilated by TACP and the DASC of suballocations made by
the DASC. The TACP advises the associated G3 air.
ground commander on all aspects of tactical air (d) Reviews and advises on approval of
support operations, forwards immediate requests, preplanned CAS requests.
and coordinates and controls tactical air support
(e) Receives and forwards requests for
furnished Army forces. The TACP can control
immediate CAS to the DASC and advises on their
and coordinate the fixed-wing tactical air support
approval.
provided by other services when control elements
of the other services are not available. (f) Maintains current status information
on availability of CAS resources.
(2) Location. The division and corps TACP
normally are located with the TASE of the sup (g) Coordinates airspace utilization with
ported headquarters. The TACP below division the FSCOORD and the ACE; controls execution
normally are collocated with the respective FSCC. of fixed-wing CAS missions flown in support of
The TACP are equipped and manned by the Air ground forces; receives visual observations and
Force, except for special-purpose vehicles such as post-strike damage reports from attack pilots and
armored personnel carriers that enable them to FAC; and passes information obtained to G3 air,
move and function with all maneuver elements. G2 air, and the FSCOORD.
(3) Composition and function. Composition (h) Disseminates, through Air Force chan
of the TACP is varied to meet the requirements nels, information concerning ground tactical situ
of the command echelon served, At battalion, it ation, location of friendly units, restrictive fire
normally will include an air liaison officer (ALO), plans, location of FSCL, and enemy ground activi
FAC, and communications personnel and equip ties affecting the air support mission.
ment. At brigade, it normally will include three (i) Advises and assists G3 air and the
officers, (the ALO, operations officer, and FAC) FSCOORD in preparing recommendations for tar
and communications personnel and equipment. gets to be attacked by air-delivered special weap
The TACP officers are knowledgeable in all tacti ons and for air interdiction targets.
cal air support operations and provide advice and (j) Operates stations in Air Force air re
assistance on these functions. When necessary, quest net (HF–SSB/AM–voice), tactical air direc
however, specialist officers in these fields are pro tion net (UHF/AM–voice), and the local ground
vided. The division TACP consists of four officers operations net (FM–voice).
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evacuation, and continuous liaison with supported forward combat area as designated by the CRC.
services. The ALCE has operational control of all The FACP primarily is responsible for radar con
tactical airlift resources participating in an oper trol of tactical air support missions to and from
ation while they are on the ground at the opera designated control points for handoff to FAC
tion site. Each service component being supported directing CAS strikes. The FACP may function
is represented in the ALCE. as CRP when necessary.
d. Air Support Radar Team. The air support
5-11. Air Traffic Control and Direction
radar team (ASRT) is a mobile unit equipped
Agencies with precision radar to provide guidance for tac
a. Control and Reporting Center (CRS)/Air tical fighter aircraft during attacks against
Traffic Regulation Center (ATRC). The CRC pro ground targets in marginal weather. This team
vides radar control and surveillance within its also may be used to position tactical air recon
assigned area of responsibility. It collects, evalu naissance and tactical airlift aircraft over pre
ates, and disseminates information on air activity. determined coordinates.
The CRC provides early warning and identifica
e. Combat Control Team. A combat control
tion to air defense elements and provides radar
team (CCT) consists of Air Force personnel or
control of tactical air support missions. Army air
ganized, trained, and equipped to identify and
defense and aviation liaison officers are exchanged
mark drop, landing, or extraction zones. The
with the CRC. The ATRC is an integral part of
CCT also provides limited weather observations;
the CRC and regulates the flow of air operations
installs and operates navigational aids and com
under the operational control of the TACC. The
munications; and, in the absence of an established
ATRC coordinates closely with Army and other
air traffic control facility, controls air traffic in
air traffic control agencies.
an airhead area.
b. Control and Reporting Post (CRP). T h e
CRP is subordinate to the CRC and provides 5-12. Air Weather Service
radar control and surveillance in an assigned area Weather detachments are an integral element of
of responsibility. The CRP can assume CRC func the TACS at all levels. They observe, analyze,
tions in an emergency. forecast, report, and advise on weather condi
c. Forward Air Control Post. The forward air tions and their influence on tactical air support
control post (FACP) is a lightweight, highly missions. Their services are provided to Army
mobile, radar surveillance and control facility. It forces, when required. Additional information is
provides radar surveillance and control in the contained in FM 31–3.
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FM 100-26
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on friendly forces. Therefore, adequate provisions means to receive and process requests for air
must be made for effective communications secur support and to disseminate information resulting
ity (COMSEC) practices and electronic counter- from air support operations.
countermeasures (ECCM) as described in FM c. That part of the air-ground communications
32-5 and FM 24-18, respectively. system provided by the Army is used for request
b. Army and Air Force components both pro ing preplanned air support and for coordinating
vide communications support for the AGOS. This air operations with ground operations. The Air
support, consisting of single-sideband (SSB) Force system is used for requesting immediate
radio, both voice and radio teletypewriter air support and for controlling CAS, air recon
(RATT), and sole-user telephone and teletype naissance, and airlift missions.
writer circuits using the Army command and d. Figure 5-3 is a summary of the principal
Army area communications systems, provides the communications nets of the AGOS.
5-16. Tactical Air Force Air-Ground Nets support requests and to disseminate information
a. The AFCC is responsible for establishing and intelligence obtained through air support
organic communications systems and any joint means. He uses wire, messenger, radio, or any
communications facilities directed by the joint combination of these means to insure rapid, ac
force commander. The TAF command post is the curate transmission of these messages; however,
focal point of the tactical air control communica radio is the primary means,
tions system. This system provides the AFCC b. The radio nets utilized in the field army are—
with the communications necessary to command (1) The Ml BARS-field army operations net,
and control tactical air operations and to coordi which provides communications between the
nate these operations with those of Army forces. MIBARS headquarters, and the field army and
In addition to the primary facilities, which pro corps G2 air at the TOC. This net is used to relay
vide point-to-point, air-to-air, and air-to-ground imagery interpretation reports, pilot debrief re
communications, alternate facilities are available. ports, and other information from the MIBARS
Compatible radio equipment terminates radio net to the field army and corps G2 air. The MIBARS
works between Army forces and TAF units at any radio net permits the MIBARS and the field army
echelon required. and corps G2 air to pass directly to the MIDARS
b. Separate nets for command, control, and di detachments information on immediate and pre-
rection of tactical air support efforts are included. planned requests. As organized under H-series
Of interest to Army commanders are— TOE, this net may be entered by the division G2
air when required and authorized. The possibility
(1) The Air Force air request net, which is
an element of the Air Force command and control of this communication link is noted in FM 30–20.
network. It is a means of forwarding immediate (2) A GLO operations net, which provides
requests for tactical air support to the DASC. communications between the GLO located with
This net also provides backup to Army communi the TAF fighter units and the field army G3 air
cations for preplanned requests. in the TOC. This net is used to transmit debrief
reports and other information from the liaison
(2) The inflight report net, which is used by
tactical air support pilots for airborne transmiss officers to the G3 air and allows the G3 air to pass
ion of visual observations of immediate interest, information on immediate and preplanned re
such as airstrike results and intelligence informa quests directly to the liaison officers. The net is
tion. also used to pass ground situation information to
the GLO for his use in keeping the tactical wing
(3) The tactical air direction net, which is commander informed and in briefing air crews.
used by the TACP, CCT, DASC, CRC, CRP, and
(3) A corps G2 air MI company (aerial sur
the FACP to direct and control tactical air sup
veillance) operations net which provides commu
port aircraft. Each TACP and CCT acts as net
nications between the corps G2 air at the CTOC
control for a tactical air direction net. The DASC
and the corps MI company (aerial surveillance).
can enter any of these nets as required. The CRC,
This net is used to transmit imagery interpreta
CRP, and FACP also are provided air-ground
tion reports and debriefing reports from the MI
radios that can enter any net for direction pur
poses. company (aerial surveillance) to the G2 air. The
net allows the G2 air to pass information on im
mediate and preplanned requests directly to the
5-17. Army Air-Ground Communications
MI company (aerial surveillance). The ARLO at
Nets the Air Force reconnaissance squadron head
a. The field army or independent corps com quarters and the senior ARLO at the Air Force
mander is responsible for establishing the com reconnaissance wing headquarters may use
munication facilities to submit preplanned air this net.
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CHAPTER 6
Section 1. INTRODUCTION
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commander with a capability to dominate terrain enemy’s ability to maneuver during the engage
or enemy forces through application of terrain ment. The maneuvering force is the element that
free combat power against key portions of the attacks and destroys the enemy by fire. Attack
battlefield or ill-defined targets. This role includes helicopters may perform either of these roles. Tar
the missions of— get characteristics and standoff distance necessary
(a) Traditional cavalry, complemented by to avoid effective counterfire determine the type
the added mobility of helicopters. Support is of armament needed by attack helicopter elements
characterized by lightly armed, highly mobile for a given engagement. Their roles may be inter
teams of attack helicopters, scout helicopters and changed when the maneuvering force completes
airmobile infantry designed for optimum per its task and then becomes the new base of fire,
formance of reconnaissance, security, surveil while the old fire element becomes the new man
lance, and economy of force missions without euver force. Attack helicopters may perform only
becoming decisively engaged with the enemy, in the maneuver role when other weapons such as
(b) Airmobile force operations, which pro mortars, antitank weapons, artillery or naval gun
vide aerial fire support of utility and cargo heli fire perform the base of fire role. This method of
copters en route as well as support of airmobile employment takes maximum advantage of the
forces in and around the landing zone during characteristics of the attack helicopter, For de
assault and extraction. tails of attack helicopter operations, see FM 140.
(2) Fire support. Fire support encompasses b. Requests. When attack helicopters are re
the role of aerial field artillery in augmenting and quired in a fire and maneuver role and are not
extending the capability of field artillery to pro assigned or attached to a ground unit, they will
vide immediately responsive fire support to the be requested through command channels. Requests
maneuver commander. The primary objective of may originate at any command level and may be
the aerial field artillery helicopter is to destroy preplanned or immediate. Since most Army avia
or suppress the enemy through the concentrated tion resources are controlled at battalion or higher
delivery of aerial firepower against enemy armor, levels, the small-unit commander normally must
machinegun emplacements, bunkers, personnel, request aviation support through operational
and other targets to assist the ground commander channels. Approval or denial of a request normally
in accomplishing his mission. is based on the availability of attack helicopters
c. Command and Control. Attack helicopter fire and the priorities established by higher command.
and maneuver units are requested, controlled, and Approved requests are forwarded through opera
coordinated through command channels over oper tional channels to the echelon capable of filling the
ational, administrative, or command communica requirement. If the request is beyond the capabil
tions nets. Aerial field artillery helicopter fire sup ity of the available attack helicopter unit, the
port units are requested, controlled, and coordi request may be forwarded to the next higher com
nated through fire support channels in the same mand for execution by Army aviation or assets of
manner as other fire support means. Figure 6--1 another service.
illustrates the channels for requesting attack heli c. Preplanned. Preplanned requests are not used
copters. for organic or attached attack helicopters. The
6-4 Attack Helicopter Fire and Maneuver assets of organic or attached units are included
Operations in the ground commander’s task organization for
combat, thus insuring that the attack helicopter
a. General. Attack helicopter units are either
unit commander is available to participate in the
categorically assigned as organic units, attached
planning phase of the operation. If during the
in a temporary status, or placed under operational
task organization, additional attack helicopter
control of the supported unit commander. Attack
helicopters are integrated with the plan of man assets are needed, the requests are forwarded
euver of land combat forces and deliver responsive through command channels, When preplanned re
fires to support the ground maneuver elements. quests are approved, the attack helicopter assets
Attack helicopters, using a continuous harassing are placed under the operational control of the
and exploiting technique, can have a damaging requesting unit commander. The Army command
psychological effect on the enemy. Attack heli er of the task force establishes the degree of
copters normally employ two common features of responsiveness required of his attack helicopters
warfare-a base of fire and a maneuvering force. based on this assigned mission and the tactical
The base of fire is the element that restricts the situation.
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(1) Command. If the request for attack heli mander and recommends the employment of the
copters goes to division for approval, the tasking aviation unit. Based on the ground commander’s
is made through the airspace coordination element decision, the aviation commander employs his unit
(ACE) in the division tactical operations center to assist in accomplishing the ground commande
(DTOC) and passed to the tasked unit. If the r’s mission.
tasking is for the duration of the operation or (2) Control. The division commander is the
over a long time, the unit normally will place a primary control authority for the division. He
liaison team with the supported battalion. In other exercises control by promulgating standing oper
cases where single tasks are prescribed, the nor ating procedures (SOP) and rules for the use of
mal method for assignment is to provide heli airspace over the divsion required for conduct of
copter fire teams, platoons, or companies with the ground combat operations. The maneuver unit
frequency, call sign, location of the supported commander determines priorities for the use of
unit, and an arrival time. The aviation unit com airspace by the systems supporting the ground
mander serves as adviser to the ground com operations in his area of responsibility. He directs
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FM 100-26
the use of artillery and attack helicopters, and he b. Requests. Aerial field artillery fire support is
requests tactical air support. For multiple aircraft provided, when appropriate, in response to re
fights, airmobile operations, or large resupply quests submitted through the usual fire support
operations, the ACE, in conformance with com agencies; i.e., FO, LO, or the fire support coordi
mand guidance and policies established by the nator (FSCOORD). The appropriate fire direction
appropriate airspace control authority, will coor center (FDC) will determine if AFA is to be pro
dinate routes and altitudes. Necessary corridors vided. Requests will follow normal field artillery
may be established to preclude conflict among fire support request channels. The processing of
field artillery, air defense, and air support opera fire requests for the various tactical missions that
tions. The ground commander and local SOP can be assigned to aerial field artillery units is
determine the actual control of the aircraft in the explained in detail in FM 6–102.
target area. c. Preplanned Fire Support. Preplanned aerial
d. Immediate. Requests for immediate attack field artillery fire support follows normal field
helicopter support occur when a threat develops artillery planning channels. Forward observers
or a target is acquired and time is insufficient for (FO) submit the supported unit commander’s pro
detailed planning and coordination. The imme posed target list to the field artillery liaison officer
diate procedure does not differ significantly from at the maneuver battalion. The liaison officer re
the preplanned procedure except that delivery solves duplication and integrates the target list
time, planning, and coordination are abbreviated. into the battalion commander’s target list. The list
The request usually results from an enemy con is then submitted to the DS field artillery batta
tact or acquisition of a target. The company com lion. At the DS battalion, aerial field artillery
mander calls the battalion commander and gives requirements are identified, forwarded to division
a situation and target description in his request artillery, and, if approved, are incorporated into
for immediate attack helicopter support. If the the artillery fire support appendix to the brigade
battalion commander has the requested support fire support plan. Similar planning is accom
available and approves the request, he directs the plished at each higher echelon until the requested
mission from his own helicopter assets. If the fire is either allocated or denied.
battalion does not have the assets available, the d. Immediate Fire Support. Requests for imme
request must be forwarded to brigade or division. diate field artillery fire support may be originated
(1) Command. Command is handled in the by a company commander through his FO or by
same manner as in preplanned missions, except for the maneuver battalion or brigade commander
the use of voice circuits for tasking the support through his artillery liaison officer. The request
ing unit. The attack helicopters may make an may state that AFA fires are preferred. The fire
inflight diversion if the urgency dictates. If not, request is transmitted directly from the originat
aircraft on ground alert are committed in re ing agency to the FDC at the field artillery batta
sponse to the immediate request. lion in DS of the brigade. At the FDC, the fire
(2) Control. Once a mission is assigned, the request is evaluated to determine whether the
control procedure is the same as for preplanned target can be more effectively attacked by AFA
missions. or other weapons systems. If the FDC determines
6-5. Aerial Field Artillery Fire Support that aerial field artillery is most appropriate, and
Operations if an aerial field artillery unit is reinforcing the
a. General. Aerial field artillery (AFA) units DS artillery, the request is forwarded to that unit.
can assume any tactical artillery mission. If as If the DS battalion has no reinforcing aerial field
signed a direct support mission, the AFA unit artillery, the request is forwarded to the division
must be augmented with additional personnel to FDC. If the decision is to provide aerial field
provide the forward observers and liaison officers artillery, the fire order is sent to the supporting
required by this mission. The forward observers aerial field artillery battalion. If suitable aerial
(FO) and liaison officers (LO) of the tube artil field artillery means are not available at division,
lery direct support battalion may perform these the F-DC transmits the fire request to corps where
functions for the AFA unit. Aerial field artillery it is approved and ordered executed, or is dis
units are ideally structured for the reinforcing, approved.
general support (GS), and general support rein e. Command and Control. Command and control
forcing (GSR) artillery missions. Aerial field of aerial field artillery normally parallels that of
artillery units can be employed against the entire other field artillery, but is subject to airspace
spectrum of artillery targets. coordination rules and SOP applicable to Army
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aircraft. Control and coordination of supporting trol and coordinate all fires on surface targets
fires are the responsibility of the ground com within that area. However, when these units enter
mander and may be accomplished by the com an area for which a ground commander has re
mander personally, by elements of his staff, by sponsibility, or when a ground commander as
his artillery or aviation representatives, or by a sumes responsibility for an area in which they
combination of representatives under his or his are operating, the aerial fires from these elements
staff’s supervision. Additionally, he may direct a come under the control and coordination of that
subordinate commander who is in a better posi ground commander or his designated representa
tion, such as the aviation mission commander of tive. Aerial field artillery operations are coordi
an airmobile operation, to coordinate these fires. nated by the FSCOORD at each echelon of com
mand from maneuver battalion through division.
6-6. Coordination of Attack and Aerial The FSCOORD has the specific responsibility to
Field Artillery Helicopter Operations coordinate all supporting fires on surface targets
Attack helicopter units of air cavalry units as (whether preplanned or targets of opportunity)
sign responsibility for an area of operations con- as directed by the maneuver unit commander.
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FM 100-26
are area search, specific search, and route recon by Air Force weather reconnaissance units; how
naissance. ever, Army aircraft can perform limited visual
b. Permanent Record Imagery. Permanent rec weather observation.
ord imagery is essential for the planning and exe e. Army Air Surveillance and Reconnaissance
cution of all phases of operations by providing Planning, Missions, and Collection Means. F M
recorded images that can be studied, analyzed, 30–20 contains a detailed discussion of these
and interpreted. These analyses provide a higher items.
degree of detail and accuracy than can be obtained
from visual observation. Permanent record 6-10. Army Air Surveillance and
imagery may be obtained through the use of Reconnaissance Request Procedures
photographic devices, infrared sensory devices, a. Preplanned Requests.
and radar sensory devices. (1) The initiation, processing, and imple
(1) Airphotography is classified according to mentation of preplanned requests are basically
camera position and the area coverage. Depending the same at all levels. Collection plans are devel
on camera position, airphotography is either ver oped through careful planning and consideration
tical, oblique, or panoramic. Area of coverage at each echelon before being submitted to the next
determines pinpoint, strip, or area airphotog higher headquarters. Collection plans represent
raphy. the total known needs of the command as of the
(2) Infrared (IR) imagery is the detection time of their submission.
of thermal radiation from the terrain and objects (2) Preplanned Army air surveillance and
on the terrain. An infrared system most effec reconnaissance requests are submitted through
tively operates at low altitudes and is limited to S2/G2 air channels. At any echelon, the request
the area directly below the flight path of the may be approved or disapproved or another
aircraft. It normally is used for point, linear, or method of obtaining the required information may
small area targets. Immediate inflight returns for be substituted. The requesting unit is notified of
IR imagery can be provided to requesting units disapproval or substitution with the reasons
through ground sensor terminals and by inflight theref or.
reading of the display on the observer’s console. (3) At each level, when a request for air sur
(3) Side-looking airborne radar (SLAR) is veillance or reconnaissance is approved, it is inte
an active electronic device that emits energy and grated into the overall collection plan of that
senses that portion of the emitted energy that is echelon. Army aircraft, including aircraft from
returned by reflection off the terrain and objects supporting artillery and combat support elements
on the terrain. The energy is directed to each when available, are considered for all missions
flank of the aircraft flight path. The SLAR de that fall within their capabilities. The lowest
vice produces two images on strips of film simul echelon possessing the organic Army aviation cap
taneously. It depicts fixed target information, ability orders the mission flown. Below field army,
such as terrain features and buildings, and mov approved requests that cannot be accomplished by
ing target information. The SLAR device also organic Army aviation means are submitted to
can provide immediate inflight returns through the next higher echelon for consideration and
ground sensor terminals and from inflight reading inclusion in the plan at that level.
of the display on the observer’s console. (4) At field army, plans from lower echelons
c. Airborne Personnel Detector. The airborne are integrated by the G2 air into the overall field
personnel detector (APD) is an air reconnais army collection plan. Requests within the field
sance device employed to provide a tactical com army capability that are approved are assigned to
mander with information indicating whether an organic Army aviation units for execution. All
area is occupied or recently has been occupied. other approved requests are coordinated with the
The APD cannot detect humans, but it can detect tactical air control center ( TACC) for accomplish
certain human-related emissions that indicate the ment as a tactical air reconnaissance request
presence or recent presence of personnel in the (fig 4-4).
area. b. Immediate Requests. Immediate requirements
d. Weather Reconnaissance. Weather reconnais for visual air reconnaissance, aerial photography,
sance is conducted to obtain weather data over or other imagery may be met by either tactical
areas where weather reports are not available. air reconnaissance or Army air reconnaissance.
Normally, weather reconnaissance is performed Requests are submitted as a tactical air recon
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naissance request through the tactical air control tion and dissemination of MISREP are accom
party (TACP) directly to the direct air support plished within 30 minutes after completion of the
center (DASC). All intermediate TACP monitor mission. If the sensory readout is not available in
the request and notify the G2/S2 air at their level. time for the MISREP, or if further interpretation
Any intermediate echelon capable of executing the of the images reveals significant new information,
mission with Army aviation resources cancels the it should be reported by a HOTPHOTOREP.
tactical air reconnaissance request and orders the d. A HOTPHOTOREP is rendered at the
mission flown by Army aircraft (fig 4-4). While earliest possible time after the mission aircraft
most requirements for air surveillance or recon has landed and the imagery has been received for
naissance will originate below corps level, situa processing (usually within 1 hour). It is a concise
tions may necessitate an immediate request at report of significant information of immediate
either corps or field army. In these instances, the tactical value and frequently it is used to supple
requests are processed similarly to a preplanned ment the mission report.
request. The exception would be that requests
e. An immediate imagery interpretation report
approved but not within the Army aviation capa
is provided when requested or when full interpre
bility are submitted directly to the DASC.
tation reveals additional intelligence information
6-11. Reporting and Dissemination not previously reported on the HOTPHOTOREP
or MISREP, usually within 4 hours after mission
a. Information of intelligence value that is im
aircraft has landed.
mediately exploitable is passed through the quick
est means available. Usually, this is accomplished f. A general imagery interpretation report pro
in the form of an inflight report or a hot photo vides detailed information in response to a specific
report (HOTPHOTOREP). request.
b. The inflight report is transmitted by the g. Summary reports are a consolidation of in
aircraft crew during a mission as soon as mission formation on selected enemy activity and are sub
results are available or in sufficient time to report mitted to the S2/G2 air according to his schedule.
tactical information of such importance that delay He uses these reports to analyze the enemy situa
in reporting the information would render it use tion and the effectiveness of the air reconnais
less. The report is passed by radio, in the clear, sance and surveillance efforts and to assist in
unless prearranged codes have been established. further operations.
c. A mission report (MISREP) is submitted at h. Detailed information on Army air surveil
the conclusion of each mission. The report is based lance and reconnaissance reporting formats and
on the notes and observations made during the dissemination procedures is contained in FM
debriefing and includes inflight reports. Prepara- 30–20.
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c. An Army airlift unit may be employed as an Requirements that cannot be met by Army aviation
organic part of a force, as an attachment, as a units may be disapproved or converted to requests
unit under OPCON, or in the missions of DS or for Air Force tactical airlift, if appropriate. The
GS. The preferred method for employment of non- originating unit is notified of disapprovals or con
organic Army airlift units is assignment of a versions to tactical airlift and of the reasons
DS or GS mission down to the lowest echelon cap therefor.
able of coordinating the airlift activity. In all b. Preplanned Airmobile Operations.
cases, aviation unit integrity is maintained as (1) The unit requesting airlift support sub
nearly intact as possible. Additional information mits tentative planning data such as airlift mis
on airborne operations is contained in FM 57–35. sion, estimated aircraft requirements, time re
6-13. Command Relationships quired for aircraft, and other information that
will assist the approving commander in arriving
The commander of a supporting Army aviation at a sound decision. The aviation staff officer
unit becomes a subordinate commander and an
assists the requesting unit in preparing these
adviser to the supported US Army land force tentative planning data.
commander. Although the aviator in command of
an aircraft is the authority on the technical opera (2) Close coordination among the operations,
tion of that aircraft, the Army commander to logistic, and aviation staff elements is maintained
whose command the Army aviation unit is as throughout the processing of the request to insure
signed or attached exercise the same command economical employment of airlift resources and
function over the aviator, organization, and equip adherence to the commander’s policies and priori
ment as he does over his other Army units. ties. When the decision is made to provide the
requested support, the approving commander nor
6-14. Planning Channels for Airmobile mally will place the required number of aircraft
Operations in DS of the requesting unit for a specified time
a. Airmobile operations are classified as combat or for the duration of the mission. Airlift unit
support or combat service support depending on integrity is maintained as much as possible.
the purpose of the operation and the type of cargo (3) The unit requesting the airlift support
airlifted. Army airlift units may be employed in is responsible for all planning and coordination
either type of operation. incident to the lift except that which relates di
b. Combat support operations are those in rectly to control and operation of aircraft in
which the aircraft insert, extract, or resupply flight and combat service support for the airlift
ground combat elements, with an immediate in unit. The airlift unit plan is based on the plans
fluence on a tactical engagement or operation. of the supported unit. The supported unit is pro
Combat support airlift is planned and coordinated vided planning assistance by the airlift unit com
through tactical operations channels. mander.
c. Combat service support operations are those c. Requests fod Immediate Airmobile Support.
in which the airlift unit is employed to provide Requests for immediate airmobile support are
supply, transportation, patient evacuation, or transmitted to the appropriate operations center
other services to ground combat elements. Combat by the most rapid communications means avail
service support airlift, except aeromedical evacu able. Each echelon reviews and approves the re
ation, is planned and coordinated through logistic quest before passing it to the next higher echelon.
channels. Aeromedical evacuation is planned and The lowest echelon approving the request and
coordinated through medical channels. possessing the required airlift capability orders
the mission flown. Planning and coordination
6-15. Request Procedures for Airmobile
responsibilities are the same as for preplanned
support
operations and are as thorough as the situation
a. General. Requests for airmobile support may
originate at any echelon of command. Requests permits.
may be for planned future operations or for im d. Special Equipment. Cargo helicopter units
mediate airlift to satisfy an unforeseen require furnish tiedown straps and devices for restraint
ment. Requests are forwarded through the ap of items to be loaded inside the cargo compart
propriate channel, i.e., operations or logistic, ment of the aircraft. The supported unit must
to the command echelon having the authority and arrange for any special equipment needed to
posessing the capability to approve the request. palletize or unitize load items, and for slings, nets,
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or other devices used to prepare loads for external mander provides advice and assistance on the
lift or air drop. When supported by assault heli- quantity and the type of special equipment re-
copter assets, the supported unit must also furnish quired, allowable loads, and loading and rigging
tiedown equipment. The required equipment is procedure. Reinsures the return of special equip-
obtained in advance to allow loading or rigging ment left aboard aircraft to the supported unit
before the aircraft arrive. The airlift unit com- on completion of the operation.
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FM 100-26
c. See FM 55-40 for a detailed discussion of covered. On the other hand, search and rescue
Army combat service support air transport oper operations conducted in enemy held areas require
ations. extensive coordination to provide for responsive
fire support, flack suppression, and medical assist
6-20. Radiological Survey ance. A detailed discussion of search and rescue
Aerial radiological surveys are conducted to deter procedures is contained in FM 1–105.
mine the location, extent, and intensity of nuclear
radiation on the ground, Since aerial surveys are 6-22. Illumination
conducted rapidly and at a distance from the a. Flares. Aircraft flares may be employed to
radiation source, the aerial survey party would provide illumination for the conduct of all types of
be exposed to considerably less nuclear radiation night operations. These flares have a very high
than a ground survey party covering an equiva illumination intensity, a slow rate of descent, and
lent area. Thus, aerial surveys can be employed a relatively long burning time. The use of air-
over areas that have dose rates unacceptably dan delivered flares frees ground weapons to fire con
gerous to ground survey parties. Because of the ventional supporting fires rather than illumina
aircraft speed and flexibility, aerial surveys can tion missions. Close coordination among the sup
be employed to advantage over large areas, over ported combat unit, its supporting artillery, and
unoccupied areas of operational concern, over the air crews providing the flare illumination is
enemy occupied areas, and over areas of difficult required to insure that the correct area is illu
accessibility to ground troops. For a detailed dis minated and that the aircraft avoid the artillery
cussion of radiological survey operations, see trajectories, Additionally, the air crews must be
FM 3–12 and FM 1–105. alert for the canisters and parachutes of burned-
out flares.
4-21. Search and Rescue Operations b. Searchlights. Several types of searchlights
Army aviation effectively participates in search are available for mounting in Army helicopters.
and rescue missions. These missions may range Some lights are capable of providing either white
from situations involving missing aircraft or per or infrared illumination. The airborne searchlight
sons in friendly areas to extracting downed crews is employed similarly to flares. Detailed instruc
from hostile territory. Aviation search missions tions regarding the area to be illuminated should
usually employ single aircraft within assigned be given the flight crews so that they can select
search areas or along designated courses. Search appropriate beam widths, flight altitudes, and
and rescue missions conducted in friendly areas flight paths. FM 20–60 and FM 1–105 contain
do not require extensive coordination, except to detailed information for planning and executing
insure that the entire search area is adequately illumination missions.
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