FM 57-35 Airmobile Operations - Survival Books

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMby independent action. Communication must be established beforesuccessive, higher commanders can resume effective centralizedcontrol over their forces.60. GeneralSection II. LOADING AREAa. Loading is conducted according to the operations order. Loading SOP's (app. VII) facilitate a rapid and orderly launching of anoperation under maximum security.b. Aircraft are loaded in the minimum possible time. Becauseof the requirement for security and the threat of nuclear weapons,as well as nonnuclear types, all elements of the force must bedispersed and maximum preparations completed before the aircraft arrive at the loading sites.61. Aircraft LoadsThe assault echelon is loaded according to these basic considerations :a. Enough troops must ride in each aircraft to unlash and unload equipment and supplies upon arrival in the objective area.b. Unit commanders strive for tactical loading. All men carrytheir complete combat equipment, and ammunition must accompanyeach weapon.c. Key personnel and equipment are distributed throughout eachof the aircraft formations.Section III. AIR MOVEMENT62. Generala. The commander of an airmobile force is responsible for theconduct of its movement. He may use the personnel and facilitiesof the supporting transport aviation unit to the extent required.The commander of the supporting transport aviation unit advisesand assists him by maintaining communication with the aircraftand by transmitting movement instructions as required.b. Communication facilities as shown in figure 4 should beprovided to insure adequate control of the air movement.63. Approach Flighta. Serials take off from the loading area, by flights, at the timeprescribed in the order unless otherwise directed by the force com-AGO 2294B 39