FM 57-35 Airmobile Operations - Survival Books

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COM66. Landing and Reorganizationa. General. The period between the start of the landing and theend of the reorganization of the assault elements is the mostcritical one as far as vulnerability to enemy attack is concerned.When assault units land on or immediately adjacent to theirinitial objectives, they may have to delay reorganization untilthe objectives have been seized. All units reorganize at the earliestpracticable moment.b. Landing.(1) Troops land on assigned landing zones with subordinateunits disposed on landing sites according to the plannedtactical employment. Battle group separate units and thereserve land on the company landing zones or a separatelanding zone centrally located within the objective area.(2) The rapidity with which units land varies greatly withthe type and quantity of aircraft and the capacity of thelanding zones. When the assault echelon can be transported in one lift, a unit may land in a few minutes. Ifthe assault echelon has to be shuttled, a longer time isrequired.(3) When necessary, the initial flights bring in the assaultelements necessary to seize and secure the landing zone.Reconnaissance units land early and proceed immediatelyon their ground reconnaissance missions. Commandgroups land early so that they can establish controlpromptly, permitting commanders to gain timely information of the progress of the ground action. Forwardobservers and air control teams land early so that theycan quickly employ all supporting fires both from withinand without the objective area. Supporting weapons landas close as possible to their planned initial firing positions.(4) All individuals and units land with essential weapons,equipment, and ammunition to insure their combat readiness and to reduce the time required for assembly. Additional equipment and supplies are delivered in laterserials. If the aircraft can lift light command and reconnaissance vehicles and weapons, they are landed withthe units.(5) Troops and equipment are unloaded from aircraft quicklyand cleared from the landing sites (strips). This facilitates control of incoming aircraft, reduces danger ofaccidents, and reduces casualties from enemy fires.(6) When enemy fire interferes with the landing, prompt44 AGO 2294B