Army operations require worldwide strategic mobility. Given this requirement, Army forces must have the capability to conduct operations in any environment, under any conditions. These conditions include war, peace, and conflict. Army aviation doctrine focuses on the integration and synchronization of aviation forces within the framework of the land component commander's operational concepts.
a. Aviation is not a substitute for any other member of the combined arms team. Rather, it brings a degree of versatility not replicated by other members of the combined arms team and a range of unique capabilities that complement those of the other combat arms.
b. Aviation maneuvers rapidly and simultaneously in the ground commander's battlespace to bring decisive combat power to bear at the decisive points and times in the area of operations (AO). There is an inextricable linkage between maneuver and fires. Army aviation maneuvers while leveraging organic firepower to shape the battlespace or conduct decisive operations as directed by the force commander.
c. Aviation compresses battlespace by shortening and/or mitigating the effects of time/distance factors and terrain on maneuver. Aviation forces also reduce time requirements through speed and mobility once thorough planning is complete. Aviation's ability to operate in all dimensions of battlespace provides a degree of flexibility and agility that is unique.
d. Synchronizing aviation maneuver with ground maneuver--by enhancing reconnaissance, providing security, and conducting attacks and counterattacks--allows the friendly force commander to shape the battlespace to set the conditions for the close fight and achieve a positional advantage in both time and space by altering the enemy's tempo. Linked with deep fires, aviation maneuver offers the ground commander the capability to influence events simultaneously throughout his AO.
The ability to successfully fight and/or conduct war, peace, and conflict operations depends on the correct application of the five basic tenets of Army aviation doctrine. These tenets include--
(2) Retaining the initiative requires planning beyond the initial operation and anticipating key events well into the future. In stability and support operations (SASO), aviation commanders take the initiative by anticipating near-and long-term personnel, equipment, and logistical support requirements relative to the operation.
(2) Technological developments in intelligence gathering, aviation mission planning, and communications have improved situational awareness during both the pre- and post-aircraft launch phases of an operation. This situational awareness provides an edge to aviation commanders in that aviation assets can now be directed to critical places at critical times on the battlefield.
(3) Furthermore, agility allows the aviation commander to rapidly rearm and refuel, get back into the fight, and continue to attack the enemy. In SASO, aviation commanders use their assets to reach locations unreachable by other means of transportation. Aviation assets can move personnel, equipment, and supplies in large quantities and in a timely manner.
(2) With access to joint and combined arms capabilities, aviation commanders can plan for and control numerous means of simultaneous or near-simultaneous ordnance delivery on multiple targets. In SASO, depth is the capability to conduct simultaneous yet different type operations.
(3) For example, attack helicopters may be required to conduct reconnaissance throughout certain areas of an AO, while CH-47 Chinook assets are transporting life support supplies in another part of the same AO, while medical relief operations are being conducted in still another part of the same AO.
(2) Synchronization requires exact coordination among the various combat, combat support (CS), and combat service support (CSS) units in any operation. Joint and multinational asset capabilities must be considered where and when applicable. In SASO, aviation commanders must synchronize both vertically and horizontally, planning phases, alert phases, deployment, early entry operations, mission execution, and redeployment.
(2) In SASO, the aviation commander recognizes mission requirements may not mirror the mission essential task list (METL), to which the aviation unit has been trained. Non-METL-based tasks require a change in focus, rapid trainup, and execution under conditions outside the normal operating environment.
Aviation units operate in the ground regime. As a fully integrated member of the combined arms team, aviation units conduct combat, CS, and CSS operations. Aviation units operate across the entire length and breadth of the AO (close, deep, and rear), and can be expected to conduct simultaneous operations, 24 hours a day.
The key to success in planning aviation maneuver in conjunction with the ground scheme of maneuver is including the aviation commander early in the planning process. Aviation missions are received by the commander and, with his guidance, the aviation headquarters will task organize forces and plan the execution of aviation operations. It is important to note that the aviation commander's AO can be as large as the division or corps AO.
Aviation combat missions (Figure 2-1) are performed by maneuver forces engaged in shaping the battlespace and conducting decisive combat operations by employing direct fire and standoff precision weapons in combined arms operations.
(2) Air reconnaissance complements and extends the zone covered by ground reconnaissance. Successful aerial reconnaissance obtains information useful in effectively directing ground reconnaissance units. Under favorable conditions, aviation furnishes early information concerning the enemy's general disposition and movements to considerable depth beyond the forward edge of the battle area (FEBA).
(3) Army aviation not only participates in the traditional missions of route, area, and zone reconnaissance, it also significantly contributes to reconnaissance-in-force. Reconnaissance-in-force is always conducted by a large enough force to place the enemy at some risk while providing self-protection. It can be conducted by an aviation-pure force or in conjunction with ground forces. Its primary purpose is to gain information and test the enemy's strength, disposition, and reaction. It is used when the enemy is known to be operating in some strength in a given area but sufficient intelligence cannot be developed by other means.
(2) Counterreconnaissance is an inherent task in all security operations. It is the sum of actions taken at all echelons to counter enemy reconnaissance and surveillance efforts through the depths of the AO. It is active and passive and includes combat action to destroy or defeat enemy reconnaissance elements. In the execution of counterreconnaissance, air and ground cavalry units operate either offensively or defensively using whichever tactics best accomplish the task.
(3) Surveillance is also continuous during security operations. Even during security missions that involve fighting the enemy, the aeroscouts' primary task remains gathering information. Air and ground scouts are coordinated to synchronize their complimentary capabilities.
(4) Army aviation's special electronic mission aircraft (SEMA) perform surveillance at both the operational and tactical levels of war.
(2) Attack units normally are most effective when used in mass in continuous operations on the enemy's flanks and rear. Night operations are the preference. Corps attack battalions can be used independently by the corps commander or placed under OPCON of divisions to execute massed attacks on the enemy in depth.
(2) Air assault operations are inherently complex, fully synchronized combat operations particularly important for light forces as they are the primary means of rapid deployment. In some cases, they are the only means of employment directly into combat. Air assault should always be considered by heavy forces to assist in overcoming obstacles in the seizure of critical terrain, and in follow and support missions to preserve the momentum of attack.
(3) The level of precision required to successfully conduct air assault operations requires deliberate planning and the detailed synchronization of all battlefield operating systems (BOSs).
(4) Air assault security is provided by air cavalry and attack units in coordination with conventional fire support to set conditions before the air assault and to continue to provide supporting fires once the air assault force is established on the ground.
(2) Theater missile defense (TMD) is a joint mission. It is accomplished by establishing an effective, interoperable battle management/command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (BM/C4I) system that permits the joint force commander to integrate and enhance the joint force's capabilities to--
(4) This mission could be conducted as a deliberate attack against known systems or as a search and attack operation when exact locations are not confirmed.
(5) Army aviation faces several challenges in the future execution of TMD to include airspace management, obtaining and processing real-time target information, and range of aircraft, while balancing payoff with mission risk. Although the challenges are many, Army aviation--with the AH-64 Longbow Apache--brings significant range, lethality, connectivity, and survivability to the TMD mission. Army attack helicopters offer unique and complementary potential to the ground commander when properly planned for and employed in TMD operations.
(6) Enhanced situational awareness through digitization also will provide important in-flight, divert capability to high-priority targets.
NOTE: As of the writing of this manual, tactics, techniques, and procedures for TMD are being developed, defined, and refined at all levels.
(2) Army SOA assets are dedicated to conducting special operations missions across the full range of military operations. They provide a mix of short-, medium-, and long-range lift, and limited light-attack capabilities. They support all principal, collateral, and emerging mission areas; they can conduct autonomous special reconnaissance and direct action missions.
(3) FM 1-108 contains detailed information on SOA.
Support by fire (SBF) is a mission given to attack helicopters, directing them to establish a base of fire or an overwatch position. It can be used to engage a target while ground or air maneuver assets move to or bypass the same target area. It may range from suppression to destruction of the target; however, the primary mission is to fix the target so another force may maneuver. SBF positions are less restrictive than battle positions.
Aviation combat support (CS) is the operational support and sustainment provided to forces in combat by aviation units.
a. Command, Control, and Communications.
(2) Aviation assets may conduct liaison between separate units, transmit intelligence, and verify unit situations and locations. Other intelligence functions include target acquisition, reconnaissance, and employment of intelligence-gathering systems. The speed, flexibility, and communication assets inherent to aviation units contribute to the synchronization and deconfliction of Army combat forces.
Air movement operations are conducted to reposition units, personnel, supplies, equipment, and other critical combat elements in support of current and/or future operations. These operations include both airdrops and air landings. As these operations are usually aviation-pure missions, the aviation unit commander is usually the most qualified to produce the greatest efficiency of movement.
(2) SEMA use the electromagnetic spectrum to locate, and target, enemy units and facilities; intercept enemy communications; disrupt enemy C4I; and target acquisition capabilities. SEMA are organic to corps and divisions. They receive their mission taskings from the G2, not the aviation commander. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) may be assigned to aviation units but may also get their mission taskings from an external source. For both operational and safety reasons, both manned and unmanned aerial SEMA platforms must operate within the A2C2 system.
(2) For detailed planning of CSAR operations, refer to FM 1-111 and FM 90-18.
(2) Specifically, ATS personnel support the A2C2 system, a subordinate element of the Army C2 system. ATS liaison personnel, along with other staff representatives, are found at the division, corps, and theater A2C2 elements, as well as at other airspace-related elements within the theater air-ground system. They provide technical expertise in the operation of the A2C2 system to coordinate, integrate, and regulate use of a defined area of airspace by all users of that airspace. In addition, they integrate the division and corps airspace information centers--through which air operations data concerning friendly, unknown, and hostile aircraft are exchanged with subordinate units and the tactical operations centers (TOCs).
(3) ATC are those operations that provide advisory, procedural, and positive control at terminal locations and through en route coordination centers. These operations are both tactical and fixed base in nature, found from brigade landing/pickup zones to theater logistical airfields with full instrumented services. ATC units can conduct airborne, air assault, or air landing operations onto the battlefield; and immediately establish ATS throughout a theater. In many theaters Army ATS will be the first on the scene, and they will be controlling aviation forces from all services. ATS services include--
Aerial-delivered mines can support tactical operations by emplacing tactical minefield; reinforcing existing obstacles; closing lanes, gaps, and defiles; protecting flanks; and denying the enemy AD sites. Aerial-delivered minefield also can be employed for flank protection of advancing forces and for operating in concert with air/ground cavalry units performing screen and guard missions.
Aviation combat service support (CSS) is the assistance provided by aviation forces to sustain combat forces. One aviation brigade can restore a mechanized battalion task force worth of combat power to a division each day through the expeditious movement of critical repair parts. Army aviation provides air movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies; and performs aeromedical evacuation and aviation maintenance.
Aerial sustainment is the movement of equipment, material, supplies, and personnel by utility, cargo, and fixed-wing assets for operations other than air assault and combat support. These air movements are considered CSS missions because the aviation forces are not task organized with combined arms forces, nor do they move CS forces or assets whose primary mission is to engage and destroy enemy forces. Missions include intratheater airlift; administrative relocation of troops and nonmilitary personnel; and administrative relocation of equipment, material, and supplies.
(2) FM 8-10-6 provides further details on MEDEVAC employment.
Corps and division aviation assets will contribute during the preparation for offensive operations by assisting in finding, fixing, and engaging the enemy. When early engagement of enemy forces is desired in a meeting engagement, aviation forces may be employed to develop a situation until adequate ground forces can be moved into position to join in a hasty attack.
(2) As a result, movement to contact proceeds much faster than a zone reconnaissance. The division cavalry squadron can perform this mission when serving as part of a covering force or advance guard during a division movement to contact. A movement to contact is characterized by rapid, aggressive action. The commander rapidly develops the situation and may be permitted, particularly in division cavalry, to bypass enemy forces to maintain momentum. During a movement to contact, aviation assets may perform a number of tasks to include--
(4) Division cavalry facilitates speed by using air cavalry to reconnoiter forward of the ground troops or to screen along exposed flanks. The reserve allows flexibility on contact and rapid resumption of movement by the troops.
(2) Operations beyond the depth of the close fight--especially when conducted in synchronization with other combined arms, and joint service contributions--can break the cohesion of enemy defenses and lead to exploitation and pursuit. These operations are least effective against dug-in targets.
During exploitation operations, massed aviation assets under the aviation brigade may be used to maintain pressure on the disintegrating enemy forces. They also may be used to strike enemy forces attempting to reform or to provide reconnaissance in front of friendly advancing ground exploitation forces. Aerial reconnaissance gives the commander the capability to fight for information in the third dimension; then, operating in conjunction with ground forces, it can optimize the speed of advance.
(2) Aviation forces may be moved quickly to find, fix, and attack fleeing enemy units; locate the enemy strike forces; and guide US ground forces into attack positions or around enemy exposed flanks. The maneuverability and firepower of Army aviation make it the optimum force to conduct both exploitation and pursuit operations.
(2) Most search and attack operations begin without detailed prior information about the enemy. The commander must produce much of his own intelligence as the operation unfolds. These operations are conducted at company, battalion, and brigade levels with division support. Historically, units conduct search and attack operations--
In defensive operations, the speed and mobility of aviation are used to maximize concentration and flexibility. During preparation for defensive operations, Aviation may support the covering force with aerial reconnaissance and fires. During the defense, aviation can be used to attack deep against high-payoff targets, enemy concentrations, and moving columns; and to disrupt enemy centers of gravity. Attack helicopter battalions can be employed in depth to attack follow-on echelons before they can move forward to the close battle. Aviation forces can be employed to conduct screening operations; in conjunction with ground forces, they conduct guard operations on an open flank.
(4) During the striking force attack, aviation forces can support--with direct and indirect fires--the attacking maneuver force. Black Hawk and Chinook helicopter units can assist in moving artillery and infantry to support the striking force attack. Together, combat aviation and ground maneuver forces provide a much more effective strike force that can bring simultaneous fires to bear upon the enemy from unexpected directions.
a. In the conduct of the delay, aviation forces can assist the ground commander--by rapid concentration and employment of fires--to allow for disengagement and repositioning of friendly forces. Aviation forces can be employed to conduct surprise attacks to confuse advancing enemy formations. Air delivered mines can be used to supplement obstacles emplaced by engineers to impede or canalize enemy movements throughout the battle space. Air assault forces may be used to move rapidly between delaying positions.
b. The withdrawal, as in the delay, uses air cavalry and attack helicopters, in an offensive posture, to attrit enemy maneuver and fire support units; and to provide security for withdrawing friendly forces. During retirement, aviation forces can perform security operations to protect the movement of ground forces.
c. Retirement operations are conducted primarily at night; therefore, aviation's ability to maneuver, find, fix, and destroy the enemy, during the hours of darkness, is an advantage to the ground commander. Air cavalry units can assist in the security of routes of withdrawal. The retirement may occur over extended distances, and the security mission may be given to the corps or division aviation brigade commander. If so, appropriate ground units should be placed under his OPCON.
Although the planning focus for the corps differs from that of the division, the planning guidelines at both echelons are similar for aviation forces. Whether a corps commander is deciding on how to shape tomorrow's battlefield, or a division commander is planning tonight's counterattack, the planning principles for aviation brigades remain constant--brigades plan and battalions execute.
(4) Use of cannon artillery, multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), and Army tactical missile systems (ATACMS)--to suppress and destroy enemy forces along the route or in the target area--must be carefully synchronized. Army and Air Force EW capabilities should be planned as part of a deep operations package. Joint deception operations may be employed. Logistical aspects of the operation must receive heavy emphasis. Contingency planning facilitated by predictive intelligence will allow force packages to be prepared in accordance with the commander's intent. This should allow quick reaction to an execution "frag-order" (FRAGO) that can set the operation in motion in minutes, rather than hours. Application of the decide, detect, and deliver methodology will enable the aviation brigade to be responsive even when the demands of distance and enemy reaction make the planning complex.
(3) Army aviation units may, on a mission basis, be placed under OPCON of a ground maneuver brigade. Conversely, infantry and armor units may be placed under OPCON of an aviation battalion or brigade. Because of the possibility of fratricide, it is imperative that such operations be carefully coordinated and that battlefield identification systems be used. Normal maneuver control measures are appropriate for controlling both aviation and ground forces.
(4) The coordination of airspace and fire support must be synchronized through A2C2 procedures. The effective use of combined arms maneuver in all areas of battlespace will help ensure the survivability of friendly forces. Aviation utility and C-47 Chinook aircraft provide essential CS and CSS within the main battle area. Army aviation assets shape the ground commander's fight by providing armed reconnaissance; critical C2; rapid movement of combat power; EW operations; and delivery of aerial mines. CSS missions also support the fight by providing aeromedical evacuation; preplanned, and immediate, aerial resupply; air transport of exchange components; and pre-positioning of fuel and ammunition.
a. Air Combat in Deep Operations. During deep operations, aviation--
b. Air Combat in Short Range Air Defense Operations (Close/Rear Battles)
c. Other Issues in Combat Operations.
(2) Risk versus payoff does not warrant using Army aviation assets in a dedicated air combat role; therefore, Army aviation's response to an air threat is primarily defensive. Whenever possible, planned destruction of an air threat should be accomplished with ADA, field artillery, and/or Air Force assets. In addition, entry into an air engagement detracts from Army aviation's overall mission as a maneuver force.
(3) Aviation commanders must be prepared to support the force commander by conducting both offensive and defensive air combat operations. Air combat engagements will be short; victory will go to the side that can concentrate effective fires first.
(4) A major consideration for maneuver force commanders will be how to allocate adequate aviation forces to the ground scheme of maneuver while retaining force sufficiency to conduct on--order counterair operations. Aviation commanders tasked with multiple combat missions involving a significant air threat must be prepared to apportion a part of their force to conduct air combat operations. METT-T and IPB will determine the amount of combat power used for air combat missions and counterair requirements.
(5) Any armed helicopter can be called upon to execute air-to-air combat with any of its organic weapon systems. The weapon of choice will almost always be an air-to-air missile; however, if the mission profile does not include them, 30mm and 20mm, rockets, TOW, and Hellfire missiles can all be used in an air-to-air role.
(6) FM 1-112, Appendix F, includes detailed procedures and engagement criteria for each weapon system.
a. Effective liaison between Army aviation units and supported elements is imperative. Aviation liaison officers (LNOs) will support maneuver, CS, and CSS operations. When under the OPCON of ground maneuver elements, aviation commanders should ensure that they are represented by well-trained, tactically proficient, LNOs especially during the planning process.
b. The role of the commander in this function cannot be overstated. Aviation commanders are the key linkage in establishing and perpetuating effective liaison; they should maintain a personal interface with the supported unit commander throughout operations.
c. LNOs, and S3/G3 air officers, must know aviation force structure; operational tactics; weapon systems capabilities, aviation maneuver employment; and sustainment requirements. The aviation LNO must be familiar with the capabilities of all Army aircraft available to the supported unit. These officers must continuously conceptualize how aviation can influence combat action and help other combat arms to achieve greater combat effectiveness.
b. SASO and Aviation Task Organization.
(2) A critical challenge facing aviation unit commanders is the task organization of their forces to accomplish the mission. As in the example of Somalia, a single aviation task force may well combine--under the operational control of one headquarters--the missions of the cavalry, attack, assault, CS, CSS, and humanitarian assistance. The aviation brigade commander, before deploying his force, must ensure that the deploying force is manned with a staff whose experience will cover the range of anticipated missions.
(3) Some major areas of consideration and planning include--
NOTE: The foregoing is not an inclusive list. The aviation commander, using all available information at hand, will have to anticipate requirements and organize his forces.
(2) The Army usually conducts such operations as part of a joint team, and often in conjunction with other US and foreign government agencies. SASO are intrinsic to a combatant commander's peacetime theater strategy; an ambassador's country plan; or civil assistance, at home. The employment of aviation forces can be integrated by the combatant commander into the activities that support theater and country-specific plans to achieve regional and national objectives. Compel, reassure, and deter will be the foundation for SASO plans.
(3) SASO will not always have peaceful results. Several of the activities employing aviation forces will be conducted in the presence of hostile threat forces; they may result in combat, either by design or by the reaction of those threat forces.
(b) In SASO, it is essential to apply appropriate military capability prudently. The actions of soldiers and aviation units are framed by the disciplined application of force in accordance with the specific rules of engagement. The use of excessive force could impede the attainment of both short-and long-term goals; therefore, restraints will often be placed on the weaponry, tactics, and levels of violence allowed in this environment. Also, because of the decentralized nature of operations often found in this environment, sergeants, warrant officers, and company grade officers are often placed in decision-making situations that could very well have strategic implications. Commanders should attempt to anticipate these situations and ensure the rules of engagement appropriately address them.
(4) The principle of security must be emphasized by aviation forces engaged in SASO. The presence of US forces in nations around the world may provoke a wide range of responses by factions, groups, or forces of unfriendly nations. Regardless of the mission, the commander must protect his force at all times. He should never be lulled into believing that the nonhostile intent of his mission does not put his force at risk. Inherent in this responsibility is the need to be capable of rapid transition from a peaceful to a combat posture, should the need arise.
(5) The activities in which aviation forces will be employed in SASO can be grouped in three main categories: peacetime contingency operations; peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance; and military support to civilian authorities. These categories are discussed below.
d. Security and Limited Conflict. The seven types of operations that have some potential to result in armed conflict are discussed below.
(2) Noncombatant evacuation operations. NEO relocate threatened civilian noncombatants from locations in a foreign country or host nation. These operations may involve US citizens whose lives are in danger; they may include selected host nation citizens or third country nationals. NEO may be conducted in the environments of conflict or war in a peaceful, orderly fashion or may require forcible means. Aviation forces are employed in the rapid air movement of noncombatants from endangered areas not safely served by fixed-wing aircraft. Scout and attack aircraft provide security for the air movement; they are prepared to engage hostile elements that may attempt to interfere with NEO.
(b) Support to host nations includes assistance to their forces to destroy drug production facilities; collaboration with host nation armed forces to prevent export of illegal drugs; and nation assistance to help develop economic alternatives to production, exportation, and distribution of drugs. Support to interdiction efforts centers on monitoring and detecting illegal drugs in transit as well as integrating C3I systems. In interdicting drug production at the source, aviation units may be used to assist in locating production facilities; inserting reconnaissance, and special operations, teams; and supporting troop lift of indigenous forces engaged in counterdrug operations. Air cavalry scouts can be employed in the reconnaissance of suspected drug production areas, particularly at night, using forward-looking infrareds (FLIRs) and night observation devices. The contributions of aviation C2 aircraft, assault helicopter units, and scout/attack aircraft can be effective in the conduct of such operations.
(c) Aviation units and soldiers may support domestic counterdrug operations in planning and providing training assistance. Equipment loans and transfers and other assistance may be requested and provided. This support may expand as national policy and legal restrictions evolve.
(4) Support for insurgences and counterinsurgencies.
(b) US military resources will be used to provide support to a host nation's counterinsurgency operations in the context of foreign internal defense (FID) through logistical and training support. Military support to FID is provided through the unified CINC.
(c) Where US forces are supporting a host nation's counterinsurgency operation, most of the aviation missions can be employed effectively. Initially, aviation may assist host nation commanders with C2 aircraft. Air assault units will be essential for tactical troop movements; scout or attack units may be required for reconnaissance and security. Aeromedical evacuation from remote or inaccessible locations may be required.
(d) In view of the uncertainty of counterinsurgency requirements, it may be that only a few aviation missions would be appropriate. In such a situation, it is possible that selected aviation battalions would be deployed and organized into provisional units, rather than deploying full aviation brigades. These deployments make it imperative that a modular concept of aviation logistics is in place to support nonstandard aviation organizations.
(e) The United States supports selected insurgences opposing oppressive regimes that work against its interests. Because support for insurgences is often covert, SOF are frequently involved. Their extensive unconventional warfare training and experience makes SOF aviation units well suited to provide this support. General purpose aviation forces may be employed when the situation requires their specialties or when the scope of operations is so vast that overt conventional forces are required.
(5) Combatting terrorism. The two major subcomponents to combatting terrorism are antiterrorism and counterterrorism. During peacetime, the Army combats terrorism primarily through antiterrorism--passive defensive measures taken to minimize vulnerability to terrorism. Antiterrorism is a form of force protection and is, therefore, the responsibility of aviation unit commanders at all levels. Counterterrorism is the full range of offensive measures taken to prevent, deter, and respond to terrorism. Army elements, such as SOF aviation units, assist in this interagency effort by applying specialized capabilities to preclude, preempt, and resolve terrorist incidents abroad. SOF aviation may conduct counterterrorism operations by inserting and extracting special operations teams and providing firepower to support their operations.
(b) Aviation units--which can be deployed into the area of operation with early entry ground forces--can have a significant deterrent effect on the indigenous combatants, particularly if these factions have armored forces. Air cavalry units or attack units may be employed to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance over wide areas and provide visual route reconnaissance. Chinook helicopter units may have an important role in moving military and civil peace enforcement personnel, or in delivering required supplies when warring factions interdict surface transportation or routes become impassable.
(c) Aviation forces employed in peace enforcement operations must operate in conjunction with ground maneuver forces that can interpose themselves between warring factions on the ground. Forces should expect ambiguous situations to be normal and must adhere to authorized rules of engagement. This is a difficult mission that requires restraint, patience, and a heightened awareness of force protection measures.
(b) Raids are usually small-scale operations involving swift penetration of hostile territory to secure information; temporarily seize an objective; or destroy a target. Raids include a rapid, preplanned withdrawal after completion of the mission. Aviation forces conduct such attacks and raids using either attack helicopter or assault aviation assisted by air cavalry reconnaissance and security elements.
e. Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Assistance.
(b) Peacekeeping forces deter violent acts by their physical presence at violence-prone locations. They collect information on the situation by all means available. Scout aircraft and SEMA platforms are indispensable components of a joint peacekeeping force. C2 and liaison aircraft will enable the leaders of the force to move to critical points rapidly and remain abreast of the situation as it develops.
(2) Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
(b) Aviation can provide logistics support to move supplies to remote areas; extract or evacuate victims; assist in establishment of emergency communications; and provide aeromedical evacuation services, in support of medical operations. Aviation's ability to deploy rapidly--and its capability to operate effectively in austere environments--make it ideally suited for these missions.
(b) Army aviation's participation in nation assistance will normally be limited to the use of individual soldiers and teams to train and educate; and the use of liaison aircraft to assist in overcoming terrain obstacles, and limited road nets, and as a means of communications.
(b) The IMETP is designed to enhance the proficiency, professional performance, and readiness of foreign armed forces. The Army conducts international education and training in the continental United States (CONUS), as well as in the host nation. The United States Army Aviation Center (USAAVNC) provides formal courses, orientation tours, and on-the-job training in support of this program.
(c) The FMSP allows designated governments to purchase military equipment, services, and training from the United States. The sale of aviation end items may require training in the operation and maintenance of those items. Mobile training teams, resident instruction at the USAAVNC and other US Army schools, and similar methods are used to conduct this training. The FMSP differs from the IMETP in that the recipient of FMSP pays for the equipment, services, and training received.
f. Military Support to Civilian Authorities (MSCA).
(2) Federal law authorizes the domestic use of military force to suppress domestic violence or insurrection. The Constitution and federal law, however, place restrictions on the use of military force in this manner.
(3) The Posse Comitatus Act requires specific Presidential or congressional approval and direction before Active Army or US Army Reserve forces may execute the law in place of duly appointed law enforcement means. The Army National Guard has similar, but less stringent, restrictions. In its capacity as a state militia, the National Guard may employ aviation units to assist state law enforcement officials largely at the discretion of the state government.