FM 57-35 Airmobile Operations - Survival Books

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMFigure 6. Meeting engagement.based on aircraft availability and the fire support thatcan be provided.(2) As soon as the commander obtains information on theenemy and suitable landing zones, he can launch airmobilemaneuvering forces against the enemy. He can do thismore promptly if his reserve consists of airmobile forces.It is important to launch the operation before the enemycan deploy for an attack.6. Attack Against Delaying Positions (Fig. 7). Airmobile reconnaissance and security forces can determine the depth of enemydelaying positions and note the obstacles prepared or improved bythe enemy. With this information, airmobile forces can bypassinitial delaying positions and obstacles and strike succeeding onesor seize and secure critical terrain in the enemy area. This mayimpel the enemy to withdraw from his initial positions before theground force has to deploy to attack or may force the enemy intodecisive engagement.c. Attack Against Organized Positions (Fig. 8). An attack byvertical envelopment may overcome the defensive strength of anorganized position that a ground force might find difficult to penetrate or outflank. In addition, airmobile forces can attack withgreater speed than other ground forces. They should be largeenough to take advantage of the surprise gained. They can usemultiple routes to reduce the time they are exposed during the airmovement, if this does not restrict supporting fires too much.Every effort is made to neutralize enemy fires while airmobileforces are flying over an organized position. The aviation units54 AGO 2294B