FM 57-35 Airmobile Operations - Survival Books

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COM34. Timing the Operationa. The commander considers the following in selecting the hourfor the landing:(1) The enemy situation and capabilities (air and ground).(2) The influence of the predicted weather.(3) Visibility: day and night.(4) Availability of fire support: artillery, air, and nuclear.(5) Ground mobility.(6) Projected ground operations.b. A daylight landing permits more effective air and artillerysupport than a night landing and makes it easier to assembletroops and equipment.c. The principal advantages of landing at night are that darkness aids tactical surprise and reduces the effectiveness of enemyfire.d. Timing the operation with respect to ground operations isinfluenced by the(1) Depth of the operation.(2) Capabilities and limitations of fire support agencies.(3) Expected time for linkup.(4) Availability of logistical support.35. Defensea. Concurrently with planning for the seizure of the objective (s),the commander considers his defense. He applies the fundamentals of defense to the maximum extent possible. The defense ofthe objective area is basically a perimeter variation of the areadefense (FM 7-10, FM 7-40).b. Plans for defending objectives, once they have been seized,call for a minimum redisposition of subordinate units. When possible, troops, equipment, and vehicles should be delivered directlyto RSP locations.c. When vulnerability to nuclear attacks is a major factor toconsider in defense planning, the commander may achieve additional dispersion by movement of forces to the RSP. For example,he may move a majority of his force out to occupy positions on theRSP, and employ the R&S forces on missions beyond the RSP.(See par. 72.)36. Fire Supporta. General.(1) The airmobile force commander plans the fires to beAGO 2294B 21