Joint Doctrine for Amphibious Operations - Historic Naval Ships ...

Approach to Planning and Primary DecisionsThe commander, landing force selects landing and drop zones.Beach, Red Beach 1, and Red Beach 2).The selection of landing beaches is amutual decision. Commanders and theirstaffs must also begin developing their“commander’s guidance for fires.” Theyshould also ensure that the JFC targetingprocess is responding to their need for‘shaping’ fires and incorporating theminto an integrated joint fire support plan.• Determine Sea Echelon Plan. The seaechelon plan is the distribution plan foramphibious shipping in the transport areato minimize losses due to threat attacksand to reduce the area swept by mines.The CATF determines the sea echelonplan. The design of the amphibiousairspace must take into account, as ageneral rule, the lateral limits of theamphibious area above the sea echelonareas.• Select LF Objectives. LF objectivesfacilitate the attainment of amphibiousforce objectives and/or ensure thecontinuous landing of forces andmaterial. LF objectives are normallydesignated by LF and a number (e.g., LFObjective 1). LF objectives are selectedby the CLF.• Select Landing Zones (LZs) and DropZones (DZs). An LZ is a specified zoneused for the landing of aircraft. An LZmay contain one or more landing sites.A DZ is a specific area upon whichairborne troops, equipment, or suppliesare air dropped. Fixed-wing LZs andDZs are designated when airborne or airtransportedforces are employed. TheCLF selects LZs and DZs.• Select Date and Hour of Landing. Thedate and hour of the landing are selectedunless they are specified in the orderinitiating the amphibious operation. H-hour is the time the first assault elementsare scheduled to touchdown on the beachor an LZ and, in some cases, thecommencement of counterminebreaching operations. L-hour is definedin amphibious operations as the time atwhich the first helicopter of thehelicopter-borne assault wave touchesdown in the LZ. H- and L-hour areconfirmed prior to commencement of thelanding based on the weather, enemysituation, and other pertinent factors. Ifnot specified in the order initiating theamphibious operation, this is a mutualdecision.IV-7