FM 57-35 Airmobile Operations - Survival Books

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COM8. Command Relationshipsa. Because of the great demand for air transport which willexist throughout the field army, it will be normal for transportaviation elements to be attached to or placed in support of an airmobile force for the shortest possible time consistent with themission. The lowest echeloja. capable of controlling and coordinating the airmobile operation exercises control of supportingaerial vehicles in accordance with the overall plan. This includescoordination of artillery, air defense, air support, army air trafficwith other users of the air space over the area of operations, andthe plan of maneuver with those of higher, lower, and adjacentunits. During the period of attachment or support, the transportaviation unit supports the airmobile force in the manner specifiedby the directing headquarters which has operational control overboth the airmobile force and the transport aviation unit.b. Once an airmobile force becomes airborne, the speed of movement, requirement for radio silence, and other factors introducemany variables that are not encountered in ground operations.Skillf ul execution of operations under these conditions necessitatesboth extensive reliance on standing operating procedures (app.VII) and clear delineation of authority and responsibility by thedirecting headquarters which has operational control over boththe ground and aviation elements.c. The command relationship established between the groundcombat unit and the transport aviation unit depends primarily onthe capability of the ground unit to plan, coordinate, control, andsupport the air movement phase of the operation. Normally, thetransport aviation unit is placed in support of the ground combatunit with operational control of both units retained by the headquarters that directs and supports the operation. For independentoperations, transport aviation elements and aircraft maintenanceand supply elements may be attached to the ground unit.d. The two following examples illustrate how the foregoingfactors influence command relationships:(1) (a) A transport Army aviation company from corps isattached to an infantry division to support a companysizeairmobile operation in one of the battle groups.The division commander may attach the aviation company to the battle group. The battle group commanderwill not normally further attach the aviation companyto the rifle company because after departure on theoperation, the rifle company does not have the meansA AGO 2294B