FM 57-35 Airmobile Operations - Survival Books

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMFEBAFigure 15. Relief of frontline units.Consequently, mobile striking forces and mobile reservesemployed against enemy airborne forces include armorand heavy fire support in addition to airmobile forces.(2) Airmobile forces may be employed in all phases of theantiairborne defense. Initially, they conduct patrols andestablish observation posts to locate the enemy and setup roadblocks to delay his movement. As part of themobile reserves, they are committed when the enemymain landing is located. To prevent the loss of criticalterrain they may land directly on the enemy airhead.This type of counterattack achieves the greatest surpriseand most immediate disruption of enemy plans.b. Operations Against Infiltration and Guerrilla Action (Figs.7 and 12).(1) Airmobile forces are particularly suited to operationsagainst enemy infiltrators and guerrillas. In daytime, reconnaissance aircraft are employed to locate infiltratorsfrom the air and airmobile patrols follow up by investigating suspicious localities on the ground and destroyingor capturing any enemy infiltrators discovered. Airmobile forces can be used with economy in operationsagainst guerrillas. Small numbers of troops and aircraftcan patrol extensive areas, and centrally located reservescan surprise guerrilla bands in their hideouts or they canAGO 2294B61