FM 57-35 Airmobile Operations - Survival Books

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMb. Subordinate commands, including companies, may be directedto conduct all or part of the more detailed planning once the mission, objective, and size of the force have been established.22. EchelonmentA unit that is directed to mount an airmobile operation isdivided, when necessary, into two echelons for movement to theobjective area.a. Assault (Airmobile) Echelon. This echelon consists of thosecombat and combat support forces and their equipment that areair-landed in the objective area to engage in ground combat. Itmay require one or more lifts, depending on its size and the number and type of aircraft available.b. Rear (Nonairmobile) Echelon. This echelon consists of theremaining portions of the unit: those not immediately needed inthe objective area, such as administrative personnel and equipment; and those that cannot be transported in available aircraft,such as the light tanks of the reconnaissance platoon and the heavyequipment of the engineer platoon. This echelon accompanies theground linkup force.23. Planning Technique, Airmobile Force Commandera. A unit that is directed to plan an airmobile operation beginsplanning immediately upon receipt of a warning order and continues until the operation is executed or canceled. The amount ofdetail varies with the scope of the operation, the size of the force,and the time available. The operation plan/order depends directlyon the mission, enemy, terrain and weather, and the compositionand capabilities of participating units, including logistical considerations.b. Generally the operation plan is developed by working backward from the objective, considering the following in the sequenceindicated:(1) Tactical planning for the objective area (scheme ofmaneuver), including a determination of the strengthand composition of the forces required and the development of a logistical plan to support the tactical plan.(2) Landing. The sequence, time, and place of arrival oftroops and material.(3) The air movement to facilitate the landing in the objective area.(4) Loading to complement and expedite the air movement.14AGO 2294B