FM 57-35 Airmobile Operations - Survival Books

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMlimited to an exchange of information. As the linkup force nearsthe objective area, fires are coordinated by a system of recognitionsignals for direct fire weapons, or the exchange of location of nofire lines for indirect fire weapons. As the situation develops,objectives and axes or boundaries for the advancing friendlyforce are changed to facilitate the linkup. Avenues of approachclose to and through the objective area are held open by elementsof the airmobile force. When necessary, elements of the airmobileforce take offensive action to break roadblocks and to otherwisedisrupt enemy forces delaying the linkup force.c. During the approach of the linkup force, the airmobile forcemay be subjected to the most violent attacks of the operation.Enemy forces withdrawing before the linkup force may find keyroad junctions, defiles, and other critical areas along their withdrawal routes blocked by the force in the objective area. In thiscase, they will make desperate attempts to penetrate the objectivearea and escape. The airmobile force resists to the utmost by committing all available reserves, as well as units from portions ofthe FEBA not under attack.75. Nature of Subsequent OperationsAfter linkup, the airmobile force may be directed to continueground operations or it may be relieved to prepare for subsequentairmobile assaults.a. The airmobile force, with other forces, may conduct an exploitation from the objective area to capitalize on surprise andobtain a decisive tactical success. The combat forces and logisticalsupport needed for exploitation are air-landed or brought in bysurface means. The exploiting forces require mobility and firepower.Exploitation operations are conducted according to thesame principles and techniques as other ground operations, withemphasis on rapidity of action.6. The airmobile force may be employed in the exploitation toexecute additional airmobile assaults to seize and secure criticalobjectives in order to facilitate friendly maneuver and delay enemywithdrawal.50 AGO 2294B