Planning for Air-Ground Operations

Planning for Air-Ground Operations by Captain Craig B. Hanford This article will address some of the considerations in planning air-ground operations and list some of the ground unit’s responsibilities to the supporting aviation unit. Since there is no single reference for such idorma-The ground commander must develop a full appreciation of the missions, capabilities, and technical charader-istics of available aviation assets. The Vietnam-era sim-tion, most ground unit commanders and staffs try to “wing it,” or just assume that the supporting aviation unit will manage once they are given a mission. To help correct current false assumptions and haphazardness about using aviation assets, two simple checklists are provided for use by the ground unit. One lists the information that must be provided to and by the supporting unit. The other lists planning considerations peculiar to employing aviation assets in general. No attempt will be made to address all of the different types of aviation sup port on an individual basis. The Problem. What type of aircraft will I have? How many of each type? What are their weapon systems? What will I do with them? How long will they be OPCON to me? Where will I employ them? These questions, and many others, are often asked by ground commanders when told that they will be given aviation assets. Most ground commanders and operations officers are not familiar with the specific practices and the technical aspects of aviation units. As a result, this valuable combined arms team member and combat multiplier is often not fully used. Table 1. Ground Unil chedclisl for Aviation Suppod Part A: Ground unit provides: Enemy situation: identified units (incl: vehicle types); disposition: possible courses of action: air defense artillery capability; avenue of approach: friendly situation: last-known positions; planned maneuver of all friendly units; indirect fire plan: obstacle plan, friendly situation ADA plan; weapon status; air corridors: call signs and frequencies: close air support plan; operation orders with overlays and annexes; subordinate unit’s call signs and frequencies: special requirements and requests: logistical support (if aviation unit is attached) and, weather update. Part B Aviation unit provides Aircraft status; type; number available; weapon systems and ordnances; air mission commander, call signs and frequencies; forward arming and refueling point coordination: location; FARP operation time; logistical support (if aviation unit is attached): aerial photos (if available): actual combat load data; planning assistance: tactical advice: and ground security requirements.

january-february 1984 37 between the two units. However, his effectiveness will be mmumzed if the ground unit does not do certain things. The h t is to provide the ALO with information that is required by the supporting unit. Table 1, part A, lists items of information that the ground unit commander is responsible for providing to the ALO to enable the supporting aviation unit to properly plan adequate support. The lack of this information could result in ineffective execution of the ground commander's plan. Since the supporting aviation unit is being committed in a new environment, information that will acquaint that unit with this environment must flow from the ground unit. Vital elements will not be left out if table 1, part A, is followed. Conversely, it is essential for the ALA to provide the ground unit with the information that is needed to completely integrate the aviation assets into the ground tactical plan and ensure their proper and effective use. Table 1, part B, contains a checklist for providing this vital information. Considerations. ' h e n planning combat operations with aviation units, the ground commander and his staff must know the units' capabilities and limitations. Such knowledge is based on various considerations such as the technical, mission, and support requirements that must be 38 january-february 1984 . . . 1 Sims, Keith E., 1U 'The Vital Link, The Aviation Liaison officer," US. Army Aviation Digest, May 1980, PP B2.9. 2 FM 17-50 Attack Helicopter Operations. 1 July 1977. :I FM 17-331 Attack Helicopter Team Handbook. Final mordinating draft 4 FM .-- USAAVNC Chart 4, Comparative Army Aircraft Characteristics, 1 July 19x1. 6 STANAG 2355, Ed. 2, procedures for the Employment of Helicopters in the Antiarmor Role in Support of Ground Forces. 19 Jan 1978. Ahnobile Operations. 8 October 1980. CAPTAIN CRAIG 8. HANFORD was commissioned in Armor from the United States Military Academy in

1975. He has served as a platoon leader and S-3/Air in the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry; as aeroweapons team and section leader in the 4th Squadron, 7th Cavalry; as plans officer and special assistant to the DPCA and CG, USAAVNC, Fort Rucker, AL; and is presently operations officer in the 4th Cavalry Squadron, 7th Cavalry.