## Assault Support U.S. Marine Corps

Limited Dissemination Control:
None

## Foreword

Marine Corps Tactical Publication (MCTP) 3-20E, *Assault Support*, provides a framework for developing and employing assault support assets in peace time, crisis, or war. While this publication covers all aspects of assault support, it focuses on employing vertical lift support for Marine air-ground task force operations. This doctrine applies across the range of military operationsfrom support of civil authorities to foreign humanitarian assistance to general war. Assault support doctrine is based on a common understanding of the nature of war and on our warfighting philosophy as described in Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication (MCDP) 1, Warfighting. This doctrine provides for fast, flexible, and decisive action in a complex environment characterized by friction, uncertainty, fluidity, and rapid change.

This publication is intended for commanders and their staffs as a guide to plan assault support missions. It forms the basis for specific tactics, techniques, and procedures found in MCDPs, assault support aircraft Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization manuals, and tactical manuals within the Navy tactics, techniques, and procedures publication 3-22 series. This publication supersedes MCTP 3-20E, *Assault Support*, dated 20 May 2004, erratum dated 2
May 2016, and change 1 dated 4 April 2018. Reviewed and approved this date.

Commanding Officer, Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One Publication Control Number: 147 000023 01 Limited Distribution Control: None

## Chapter 1. Role In The Marine Air-Ground Task Force

Marine aviation is renowned for its close relationship with the ground combat element (GCE). When in support of a Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) scheme of maneuver, Marine aviation has the ability to provide significant firepower and mobility. This helps the MAGTF commander maneuver within the battlespace to engage and destroy the enemy. The aviation combat element (ACE) provides combat power and operational capability to the MAGTF. Individual aircraft combined and task-organized into an ACE provides a highly capable, responsive, force multiplier to the MAGTF commander. The ACE's unique capabilities complement other MAGTF elements; however, the ACE is not a substitute for any MAGTF element. The ACE contributes to mission accomplishment by providing all or a portion of the six functions of Marine aviation to the MAGTF commander. The functions of Marine aviation should not be confused with capabilities of USMC aircraft. The six functions of Marine aviationantiair warfare (AAW), offensive air support (OAS), electromagnetic warfare (EW), air reconnaissance (AREC), control of aircraft and missiles, and assault supportare broad descriptions of missions that may be performed by the ACE. Aircraft capabilities vary based on the type of aircraft employed. A UH-1Y can conduct assault support by providing combat assault transport of personnel or control aircraft using organic radios. An AH-1Z can conduct OAS by firing an AGM-114 Hellfire missile at an enemy armored vehicle, and it can provide AREC using the target sight system. The ACE provides multiple mission capabilities to the MAGTF through aircrew training and skillful use of its aircraft. See Appendix A for more information on aircraft capabilities. Assault support uses aircraft to provide tactical mobility and logistical support for the MAGTF. It may be used to enhance the rapid buildup of MAGTF combat power and to facilitate rapid ground force maneuver. Assault support is typically tactical, logistical, or administrative in nature and can enhance the MAGTF commander's ability to


Concentrate strength, using speed and surprise, against the enemy's selected weaknesses.

Focus combat power at a decisive place and time and exploit opportunities created
during combat.

Sustain combat power.
By conducting assault support operations, the commander can take full advantage of fleeting opportunities throughout the battlespace.

Speed and focus of effort are essential elements of maneuver the MAGTF commander can apply using assault support. Assault support provides the MAGTF commander with the capability to move assets over long distances quickly. The MAGTF can rapidly bring together assault support assets from multiple locations to mass forces in a single focus of effort. This ability to rapidly concentrate forces is a hallmark of naval expeditionary power projection. Mobility and flexibility, gained by extensively using assault support aircraft in tactical operations, are an important part of Marine aviation doctrine. During operations, helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft enhance the mobility and sustainability of Marine Corps forces that have been removed from rear areas for extended periods. Improved aircraft design has increased the combat radius and load capacity of assault support aircraft, providing more flexibility and fire support to the MAGTF.

## Types Of Assault Support Operations

Assault support involves the use of aircraft to provide tactical mobility and logistical support for the MAGTF, the movement of high-priority cargo and personnel within the immediate area of operations (AO), inflight refueling, and the evacuation of personnel and cargo. Assault support operations require detailed, coordinated, and concurrent planning. Efficient execution of assault support operations requires thorough knowledge of mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available-time available (METT-T).

Combat Assault Transport Combat assault transport (CAT) provides mobility for MAGTF forces. It is used to rapidly deploy forces, bypass obstacles, or redeploy forces to meet the enemy threat. The increase in mobility, speed, range, and freedom of action provides the MAGTF commander various diverse options. Combat assault transport allows the MAGTF commander to effect a rapid force buildup at a specific time and location of the commander's choosing. In the near future, advanced aircraft designs, such as the CH-53K, may further expand advantages to the MAGTF commander.

Air Delivery Air delivery operations transport equipment and supplies to forward operating bases (FOBs), expeditionary advanced bases (referred to as EABs), or remote areas. Airdrops (parachute or free fall) deliver equipment and supplies and are conducted primarily by fixed-wing transport aircraft. Airdrops are conducted when surface or helicopter/tiltrotor transport cannot fulfill resupply requirements due to range, closed lines of communication, lack of adequate airfields, prohibitive ground tactical situation, high tonnage, or the need to reduce response time. The supported commander selects the drop zone (DZ) using the following criteria:


The DZ should be free of obstacles.

Aircraft approach routes do not cross over enemy-controlled territory.

The terrain should be flat.

The DZ should be a rectangular area with prevailing wind along the zone's long axis.

The terrain should have prominent features.
The best DZ is close to an area with ample cover and concealment. This allows materiel recovery, segregation, inventory, and preparation for distribution without exposing personnel to enemy observation or fire.

Air-to-Air Refueling Currently, Marine KC-130 aircraft serve as airborne tankers for rotary-wing, tiltrotor, and fixed-wing aircraft with the probe and drogue system. Air-to-air refueling allows Marine aircraft to conduct flight-ferrying operations, extend time on station, and extend mission range.

Air Evacuation Air evacuation is transporting personnel and equipment from FOBs or remote areas to secure rear areas. Helicopters, tiltrotor aircraft, and fixed-wing transport aircraft conduct air evacuations, which include casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), and extraction of forces.

Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel Tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel (TRAP) missions facilitate the recovery of personnel and equipment in a manner that prevents additional loss. The TRAP mission is an implied task associated with all MAGTF operations. Specially trained and briefed aircrews, with a taskorganized force from the GCE, are assigned to perform TRAP missions. Tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel missions are conducted only when a reasonable certainty exists that there are survivors and their locations have been confirmed. A TRAP mission entails the following:


Detailed planning.

Assigned and briefed aircrews.

Confirmation of survivors.

Confirmation of their locations.
By using the TRAP concept, the Marine Corps fulfills the Joint Chiefs of Staff requirement that each Service be able to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR). Employing TRAP techniques, Marine Corps forces can perform self-supporting CSAR operations and provide some external CSAR support. Combat search and rescue is a secondary task, and its execution should not detract from primary warfighting functions. Marine Corps forces currently lack the organic capability to effectively conduct searches when the survivor's location is unknown, particularly in a mediumor high-threat environment.

Air Logistical Support Fixed-wing aircraft provide air logistical support with assault support to Marine ground forces much like helicopters. Air logistical support delivers troops, equipment, and supplies to areas beyond helicopter range and lift capability or when surface transportation is slow or unavailable. The Marine Corps' limited quantities of transport aircraft restricts their use in amphibious assaults, operations ashore, or contingency plans. To minimize the effects of this limitation, MAGTF commanders can employ operational support airlift assets to conduct air logistical support to benign AOs, thereby freeing critical assault support aircraft to perform their primary function. If large-scale, long-range air operations exceed MAGTF capabilities, additional support should be requested from the joint force commander (JFC).

## Levels Of Warfare

The six types of assault support operations offer the commander a range of options in developing operation plans. Assault support employment strategy depends on the MAGTF's mission and the enemy's capabilities. The MAGTF commander considers assault support employment methods during the planning phase and throughout the operation's execution. Assault support operations vary in intensity throughout the operation and may be employed in pursuit of tactical, operational, or strategic objectives. Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication (MCDP) 1, *Warfighting*, states, "In war, tactics focus on the application of combat power to defeat an enemy force in combat at a particular time and place." This statement explains assault support's most common use in the levels of warfare. During assault support operations at the tactical level, aviation may be employed with ground or naval forces to


Provide mobility to the MAGTF.

Exploit opportunities presented by the enemy or created by friendly forces.

Rapidly concentrate combat power at the most advantageous time and place.

Help maintain the tempo of operations and the momentum of the attack.
The operational level of warfare is the link between the strategic and tactical levels. The goal of a force's actions at the operational level of warfare is to gain strategic results from tactical efforts. The MAGTF may be the first force to be committed to a theater of operations. The MAGTF commander's actions at the tactical level will have strategic implications, as they will shape future operations in that theater. The commander must decide when, where, and how to engage the enemy at a particular place and time to achieve a strategic result. Assault support operations allow the commander to maintain an advantage in speed and surprise over the enemy. In this way, the commander can drive the fight in the desired direction. The commander can shape events using assault support to create favorable conditions for future combat operations. This could mean providing air logistical support to sustain tactical operations over an extended period of time or CAT to attack the enemy's vulnerable flank or rear area. All tactical actions must seek to gain strategic results. The strategic level of warfare is where national strategythe art and science of using political, economic, military, and informational poweris focused to attain national policy objectives. Assault support operations fit within the framework of strong military capabilities that can enable the nation to meet its objectives. However, operations based on assault support capabilities, such as noncombatant evacuation operations (NEOs), are directly linked to the national policy of safeguarding the lives of US and allied citizens. Therefore, assault support operations can have direct strategic implications.

## Command Relationships

The relationship between the MAGTF commander and the ACE commander typifies Marine Corps command relationships. The MAGTF commander provides the ACE commander with the mission and the commander's intent. The ACE commander determines the most effective method for employing ACE assets to accomplish the mission and meet the commander's intent. Air assault is one of the most common assault support operations. A look at the Marine air assault task force will reveal the importance of command relationships. Air assaults require task organizing ground and aviation assets to accomplish the MAGTF scheme of maneuver. The MAGTF commander task-organizes a Marine air assault task force based on mission requirements and establishes the command relationships within the force to execute the operation. The MAGTF commander will designate a mission commander, who may come from the GCE, ACE, or logistics combat element (LCE). The ACE, GCE, and LCE commanders plan the mission together. The ACE commander is responsible for providing mobility and fire support for the assault. The GCE commander is responsible for planning the ground tactical mission to include maneuver and fire support planning. The LCE commander plans how to support both the ground and aviation plans. Unity of command is the most important and fundamental consideration during operations. In a combined arms effort, unity of command promotes coordinated action toward a common goal required for mission accomplishment. The air mission commander (AMC) is in charge of all aviation assets for specified air assaults. Based on the MAGTF commander's intent and the ground tactical plan, the AMC develops a concept of employment, determines what assets are required (e.g., the number of assault, escort, attack, and support aircraft), advises the MC about delegation of authority, and supervises contingency planning. The AMC should delegate detailed planning to the subordinate flight leadersthe assault flight leader, escort flight leader and strike flight leader. The assault force commander (AFC) is responsible for developing the ground tactical plan and determining what capabilities are needed to accomplish the plan. The buildup of combat power in the objective area is critical early on and must be considered carefully. Landing zone (LZ) selection is critical in an operation's early phases. The AFC and AMC must agree on primary and alternate LZs. Landing zones must be large enough to land the assault force, be clear of obstacles, and have an integrated fires plan in support of the landing plan. The authority to change LZs may be delegated by the mission commander.

## Capabilities

Assault support's vast utility makes it an integral part of the total MAGTF effort. Reliance on assault support increases when moving personnel and equipment quickly over long distances or prohibitive terrain. Assault support's principal advantage is its capability to quickly move MAGTF forces and equipment throughout the battlespace. Assault support offers the MAGTF commander a range of capabilities, from improving friendly morale to bringing devastating combat power to bear from any direction to decisive points on the battlefield. Other capabilities of assault support aircraft are varied. The following list is not all-inclusive.

Observation Aircrews conducting assault-support missions can observe large areas and report enemy activity and movement in areas hidden from ground observation.

Flexibility Diverting assault support aircraft from one mission to another allows the MAGTF commander to exploit fleeting battlespace opportunities. Having the ability to integrate supporting arms enhances the MAGTF's combined arms effects. Assault support operations allow the commander to attack from any direction, bypass obstacles or enemy strengths, and provide responsive reserves or reinforce committed units. The commander can resupply units in otherwise inaccessible locations. Employment of aerial refueling or air delivered ground refueling provides the means to recover aircraft, equipment, and personnel from hostile areas. Access to fuel increases the combat radius or time on station of aviation assets. Having these options available to the commander can positively affect friendly morale and destroy enemy morale. The MAGTF commander should exploit the psychological effect that aviation has on both friendly and enemy forces.

## Limitations

The MAGTF conducts assault support missions during day, night, and all-weather conditions. Assault support limitations must be considered during planning. Specific assault support limitations include, but are not limited to, limited visibility, weather, LZ identification, radius of action, communications, enemy defenses, and required escort support.

Limited Visibility While darkness or limited visibility can be advantageous, it can also present limitations to assault support. Aircraft may encounter difficulties during rendezvous, approaches, and landings. Troop and cargo loading and unloading are also slower and more difficult during limited visibility. When under such circumstances, planners should anticipate delays and increase mission time and fuel requirements. Rotary-wing assault support aircraft currently have no radar capability. Night vision systems and thermal imaging systems are available but cannot duplicate daylight conditions. Night or limited visibility operations require close attention to planning specific phases of each mission. Problems can be offset by using smaller formations and larger intervals between formations to reduce LZ congestion. Route and LZ selection are important for navigation and conducting safe takeoffs and landings. Using night vision devices (NVDs) allows aircrews to conduct night operations more effectively. However, NVD use does not guarantee tactical success. Effective NVD use requires a full understanding of each device's capabilities and limitations as they apply to each tactical situation.

Weather Temperature extremes and wind velocity can seriously affect the performance of assault aircraft.

Low ceilings and poor visibility may decrease assault support effectiveness, influence escort tactics, and hamper fire support coordination.

Landing Zone Identification Landing zone identification is one of the most difficult aspects of assault support missions. Improved navigation systems with Global Positioning System (GPS) have helped considerably, but LZs must still be identified visually before landing. Employing proper map study, aerial imagery, aircraft sensors or systems (forward-looking infrared, GPS), and accurate LZ descriptions will decrease erroneous identification of LZs. Planners should plan for initial terminal guidance or LZ marking whenever possible.

Radius of Action The radius of action or time on station varies according to the amount of fuel on board. Increasing an aircraft's payload beyond a certain point reduces the amount of fuel an aircraft can carry and reduces its time on station. Refueling at forward arming and refueling points (FARPs) reduces this limitation but requires additional planning, resources, and coordination.

Communications Coordination of assault support missions with the controlling agencies and fire support assets requires reliable radio communications. Real-time information is crucial and cannot be overemphasized. Thorough communications planning can provide secure, reliable radio transmissions by employing airborne radio relay capabilities and enhanced alternate means of communications, such as message drop or face-to-face liaison.

Enemy Defenses Enemy defenses affect the conduct of assault support missions. The presence of sophisticated air defense systems in an AO may deter air support. Local air superiority will greatly increase a command's ability to successfully conduct assault support missions. Suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) or destruction of enemy air defenses may be required before, during, and after assault support operations. Enemy surface-to-air weapons, fighters, and small-arms fire must be considered when evaluating risk and determining routes.

Required Escort Support The purpose of an escort is to destroy, neutralize, or suppress a threat before it is able to influence the assault support mission. Dedicated assault support assets typically do not possess self-defense capabilities to counter a threat outside of two kilometers. The use of additional assets to ensure the safe arrival of MAGTF forces into the objective area may be required. In most cases, the assault support mission will incorporate armed escorts to accompany the assault support aircraft en route or to clear the route and the objective area ahead of the assault support assets.

## Chapter 2. Planning

Joint and combined operations require thorough planning to optimize the MAGTF's strengths and exploit the enemy's vulnerabilities. Assault support operations are conducted with other supporting arms. Offensive air support, artillery, long range precision fires, non-kinetic fires, and naval surface fire support (NSFS) integration require extensive planning and precise execution for effective assault support employment.

MCDP 5, *Planning*, states, "Proper planning puts us in the position to be ready to act when necessary or advantageous and not merely to react to developments." Central to an assault support operation's success is a flexible but simple plan. Flexibility in execution comes directly from a well-understood, integrated, and coherent plan. A basic plan that is simple and flexible can adapt to changes. Assault support missions, by their nature, have the potential to become complex. Simplicity is essential, but planners should not sacrifice detailed, well-coordinated planning to achieve that end. Simplicity refers to execution, not planning.

## Marine Corps Planning Process

The Marine Corps Planning Process (MCPP) has evolved from the 16-step deliberate planning process and the rapid planning process. Aviation planning should follow a similar process or cycle. The only variable is time available to conduct the planning. The following is a six-step, generic planning progression that can be followed at any echelon.

Problem Framing The purpose of problem framing is to review and analyze orders, guidance, and other information provided by higher headquarters and to produce a unit mission statement. Problem framing drives the Marine Corps Planning Process.

Course of Action Development During course of action (COA) development, planners use the mission statement, commander's intent, and commander's planning guidance to develop several COAs. Each proposed COA must be determined suitable, acceptable, and complete with respect to the current and anticipated situation, mission, and the commander's intent. Approved COAs are then developed in greater detail.

Course of Action War Game Each friendly COA is examined and evaluated against possible enemy COAs. Environmental factors are also considered at this point in the process. Planners look at strengths, weaknesses, shortfalls, and risks presented by each COA. Potential branches and sequels are identified at this time. Understanding and improving each COA should be done at this step in the process.

Course of Action Comparison and Decision In COA comparison and decision, the commander evaluates all friendly COAs against established criteria and then against each other. The commander then selects the COA that he/she feels most likely will accomplish the mission.

Orders Development With the commander's intent, guidance, and COA decision, the staff develops orders to direct the actions of the unit. Orders serve as the principal means by which the commander communicates his/her decision, intent, and guidance.

Transition Transition is the point where an orderly handover of a plan is made to those who will be executing the plan. The unit executing the plan will have the situational awareness and rationale for making decisions required for a coherent shift from plan to action.

## Marine Air-Ground Task Force Air Tasking Cycle

The MAGTF air tasking cycle has evolved into six phases that mirror the joint air tasking cycle. It is designed to take place over a 36- to 72-hour period. The cycle follows the path of command and aviation guidance (which includes apportionment), target/air support mission development, allocation and allotment, tasking, force execution, and combat assessment.

Phase I: Command and Aviation Guidance The MAGTF commander provides guidance through mission orders by clearly conveying his/her intent and by designating the MAGTF main effort. The commander's guidance and objectives identify target priorities, procedures, fire support coordination measures, and rules of engagement. Apportionment is the determination of the total level of effort that should be dedicated to the aviation tasks required to accomplish the MAGTF's mission. The ACE commander submits a recommendation for the apportionment of the ACE to the MAGTF commander for approval.

Phase II: Target/Air Support Mission Development The commander uses specific objectives to focus specific target and air support mission development. The end product of this phase of the air tasking order (ATO) cycle is a prioritized list of targets and a prioritized list of air support missions.

Phase III: Allocation and Allotment Allocation is translating the level of effort into the total number of sorties (by aircraft type) available for each task. Allocation involves assessing preplanned air support requests submitted by the ACE, GCE, and LCE commanders. Preplanned requests include joint tactical airstrike requests, assault support requests (ASRs), and joint tactical airlift requests. Allotment of sorties is then decided to support execution of the MAGTF mission. For example, 30 CH-53E sorties are available for a given day during an operation in which the GCE commander needs to conduct an air assault and the LCE commander needs to set up a refueling point to support the GCE scheme of maneuver. Each subordinate element is given a percentage of the 30 sorties to fulfill its requirements.

Phase IV: Tasking Tasking is the process of translating allocation and allotment decisions into an ATO. The ACE commander passes the tasks on to the units involved. The MAGTF ATO assigns missions and mission support responsibilities to specific squadrons.

Phase V: Force Execution On receipt of the ATO, an aircraft squadron commander assigns individual aircrews specific missions. Each mission commander then plans the mission with support from the ACE staff. Task-organized groups of aircraft then execute the assigned missions.

Phase VI: Combat Assessment Combat assessment is evaluating mission results and their effectiveness in accomplishing the command objectives. Combat assessment should include battle damage assessment and recommendations. The ACE staff assessment is forwarded to the MAGTF commander for determination of overall mission success and to recommend changes regarding future operations. Although combat assessment marks the end of the ATO cycle, it provides input for the next air tasking cycle and subsequent command aviation guidance, target development, allocation, allotment, tasking, force execution, and combat assessment. In essence, there can be three simultaneous ATOs: the ATO in execution, the ATO in production, and the ATO in planning.

## Effective Employment

Several conditions are required for effective assault support employment. Assault support effectiveness increases when


Air superiority has been attained and maintained.

Enemy air defenses have been suppressed, neutralized, or destroyed.

Missions are planned using terrain and environmental conditions to gain maximum advantage.

Mission plans are flexible.

Detailed, integrated planning has taken place with all participants.
Intelligence Preparation of the Battlespace Due to the vulnerability of assault support assets, intelligence preparation of the battlespace (IPB) is extremely important in assault support operations. Intelligence preparation of the battlespace is the analysis of the environment and the threat in a specific geographic area. It is designed to support the commander and staff in making estimates of the situation and developing COAs. The IPB helps the commander to selectively apply and maximize combat power at critical points in time and space. The IPB assesses the threat's likely COA and describes the environment that the MAGTF is operating and how the environment may affect the MAGTF's plans.

Threat Levels Threat levels determine assault support feasibility. There are three general threat levels: low, medium, and high. There is no clear division between these threat levels. Air defense systems that present a low- or medium-threat level for one aircraft type may present a high-threat level for another aircraft type. A medium-threat level during daylight hours may be a low-threat level at night. Threat level determination allows an aircrew to tailor tactics and make risk decisions based on a particular situation and environment. Threat level is typically determined by type, quantity, quality, position, and mobility of enemy weapons and weapons systems. The skill level of the system operator is equally if not more important and should be taken into consideration whenever that information is available. A low threat level allows assault support operations to proceed without prohibitive interference. Aircrews are free to select tactics that ensure effective use of aircraft capabilities. A low-threat environment for assault support aircraft includes small arms up to medium-caliber antiaircraft weapons limited to optical acquisition with no integrated fire control systems. First or second generation man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) are also associated with lowthreat environments. A medium-threat level allows acceptable exposure time of friendly aircraft to enemy air defenses. This threat level can restrict assault support flexibility in the objective area. A medium-threat environment includes limited radar or electro-optical acquisition capability not supported by fully integrated fire control systems. A fully integrated fire control system that is degraded because of terrain, weather, or other factors would be classified as a medium threat. Third generation or newer man-portable air defense systems are also associated with medium threat environments. A high-threat level exists when the enemy has an air defense system that includes integrated air defense systems (IADS) and robust EW capabilities. The ability to conduct assault support operations is severely affected in a high-threat environment. A high-threat environment includes effective enemy communications and control systems, communication and GPS jamming of friendly assets, strategic surface-to-air missiles, early warning radar systems, EW, integrated air defense artillery fire control systems, and interceptor aircraft. The MAGTF commander must carefully weigh his/her decision to employ assault support assets against the risk involved. Assault support aircraft are a finite resource, subject to multiple requirements from subordinate element commanders with tactical and logistical needs. An estimate of the situation based on METT-T is a useful tool in determining which planning considerations will affect assault support mission planning. The analysis of METT-T is also crucial to determining the commander's estimate. The MAGTF commander's analysis using the mission and the GCE commander's estimate of the tactical situation determine, in large part, the ACE commander's strategy to support the mission. The ACE commander's estimate of supportability summarizes aspects that influence any proposed COA. Planners must analyze the impact of aviation factors upon particular situations and then determine how assault support assets can be best employed in support of the MAGTF commander's concept of operations and the ground scheme of maneuver. More specific considerations for employment of assault support assets during the planning process include the following:


Availability. The quantity, type, operational status, and capability of aircraft assigned
determine assault support availability. The proximity of FOBs or EABs to the AO also affects availability.

Aircraft Capability. Although specific aircraft are best suited to perform certain missions,
squadrons of dissimilar aircraft may have overlapping capabilities. Versatile aircraft that are capable of conducting multiple different mission sets are essential to MAGTF operations and are the foundation of Marine Corps aviation doctrine. The CH-53E (primarily an assault helicopter) can perform airborne control and coordination for assault support operations, while a UH-1Y (primarily a utility helicopter) can provide CAT of troops, supplies, and equipment. The versatility of assault support aircraft gives the MAGTF commander many options when considering possible COAs.

Aircrew Currency/Proficiency. Aircrew training and experience levels are important
considerations that mission planners often overlook. Aircrew must be properly trained in accordance with aviation training and readiness manuals prior to any mission. Aircrew proficiency is determined by many factors, such as number of flight hours a crewmember has, number of times the crewmember has flown similar missions, and length of time elapsed since the last time that similar mission was flown.

Air Defense Air defense considerations may affect the COA that the MAGTF commander will
choose. The air defense threat and the type of assault support requested determine the degree that the threat must be reduced. If the MAGTF commander determines that assault support employment is essential to accomplish the mission, the commander assigns high target priority to enemy air defense weapons. This ensures continuous employment of integrated supporting arms to destroy or neutralize the air defense threat.

## Mission Classification

The ACE executes assault support missions as either preplanned or immediate missions. The ACE executes both types of support in response to specific requests. To request assault support, units use the ASR or the joint tactical airlift request. The type of request determines the type of support. See Appendix B for more information on the ASR.

Preplanned Missions Preplanned missions are conducted according to specific tasking and time availability. Planning should be done far enough in advance to permit detailed mission coordination. Preplanned missions allow the ACE commander to manage air assets more effectively. Preplanned missions are either scheduled or on call. Mission requests are completed by the requesting unit and forwarded up the chain of command to the fire support coordination center (FSCC). The requests are then passed to the ACE where they are included in the appropriate ATO.

Scheduled Missions Scheduled missions are executed at a specific time. Aircrews are assigned a mission execution time. Scheduled missions provide effective coordination and economical aircraft use and require approval from each intermediate command level.

On-Call Missions On-call mission aircraft are configured for a particular mission and placed in an appropriate ground or air alert readiness condition. The supported unit specifies the required support period. Typically, detailed mission planning and aircrew briefing of all mission-essential information is not possible. Scheduled air support requires that the requesting commander identify the requirements and set a specific mission time well in advance. This is often impossible on a fluid, dynamic battlefield. On-call missions allow the requesting commander to identify specific requirements without setting a specific time.

Immediate Missions Immediate missions meet requests that arise during battle. The requests are not typically identified far enough in advance to permit detailed mission coordination and planning. Response time or the action cycle begins with the request and ends with execution. Response time is a prime consideration. An example of an immediate mission may be diverting aircraft from a preplanned mission to fill an immediate ASR. While the diverted aircraft may not be the proper type or configuration, swift execution can exploit an unexpected enemy weakness or maintain the attack momentum. The Marine air command and control system (MACCS) handles immediate mission requests. Appropriate command and control agencies monitor and approve the request. Mission details are coordinated and issued while aircraft are assigned and moved toward the AO. Immediate air support requires extensive use of electronic communications for effective coordination. This communication may be difficult in a high-intensity jamming environment.

## Support Requirements

During the planning process, specified and implied tasks will indicate the type of support the mission will require. Range, enemy defenses, and size of the assault force will dictate the support requirements needed to ensure mission accomplishment. Logistics, communications, and supporting arms integration are all areas where support will be required. Supporting elements allow assault support aircrews to concentrate on mission accomplishment. Supporting elements degrade the enemy's air defense capability and reduce the number of aircraft exposed to enemy weapons, while strengthening the commander's plan with logistical and communications support.

Escort Operations Escort aircraft provide protection for assault support missions. Attack helicopters, fixed-wing fighter, and attack aircraft can escort assault forces. Escorts are responsible to the AMC for the following:


Protection from rotary-wing threat aircraft.

Protection from fixed-wing threat aircraft.

Protection from enemy ground fire.

Route reconnaissance.

LZ clearing by fire, if necessary.

Downed aircraft support.

Observation and adjustment of fires.
Employing escort aircraft depends on many factors. Planners should review recent intelligence to determine the current air defense and ground threat. If enemy tactics show that assault support aircraft are the main target, deceptive measures can be used to simulate an assault force and draw the enemy aircraft into contact. Escort aircraft should be positioned where they can provide the greatest protection to the assault force.

Assault Force Self-Defense Capability. An assault force that has a self-defense capability reduces its need for an escort. Aircraft performance, on-board weapons, aircrew training, and low altitude tactics can provide a limited self-defense capability. Careful consideration must be given to the vulnerability of assault support aircraft in an unescorted mission.

Enemy Surveillance Capability. The enemy's ability to detect aircraft will affect the size, routing, and escort tactics of the assault support mission. Smaller, more maneuverable formations may be used if the enemy has sophisticated surveillance equipment. The enemy's surveillance capability will determine the type of escort used. For example, a detached escort might be more useful than an attached escort because attached escort aircraft increase the formation's size, therefore increasing the chance of detection.

Enemy Air Defenses. Known enemy air defense assets may be dealt with in different ways.

Navigation around surface-to-air missile sites, preemptive strikes or SEAD during the assault support mission are options available to the commander. Enemy air defense assets will affect mission planning and escort tactics.

Ordnance Loads. Escort ordnance loads vary with the threat and available aircraft. Whenever feasible, escort ordnance loads need to be tailored to the mission, as well as the enemy.

Attached Escort Technique. Attached escort techniques provide visual weapons coverage and responsive fires for threat engagement during medium- to high-threat conditions. Attached escort aircraft maintain - proximity to the assault force. This proximity can reduce the attached escort's speed and freedom of action. Attached escort aircrews may find themselves in a defensive or reactive posture at the start of an engagement. If the escorts are in a defensive posture, the entire assault support package might be in this posture also. Consequently, the assault support package and attached escort might be limited in maneuverability and tactics selection.

Detached Escort Technique. Detached escort techniques provide reconnaissance and selected coverage at predetermined sites en route in low- to medium- threat levels. Detached escort aircraft provide protection by clearing a path for the assault force; thus, striving to prevent the enemy from closing with the assault force. A detached escort allows escort aircrews to retain the initiative and also allows the escort platforms more options in tactics selection and engagement parameters due to greater flexibility in employing all onboard weapons systems. However, the assault force may suffer serious losses if attacked by enemy forces that evade the detached escort. This is especially true if assault support aircraft have a limited self-defense capability.

Combined Escort Technique. A combination of attached and detached escort is typically used most frequently because it provides the benefits of each type of escort depending on METT-T considerations. For example, the escort flight may select to be detached during the en route portion to clear the route of flight and have greater flexibility and then attach to the assault package as it enters the objective area where the threat may be higher.

Electromagnetic Warfare. The three subsets of EWelectromagnetic attack, electromagnetic support, and electromagnetic protectionserve a role in protecting assault support aircraft. Electromagnetic attack can mask or deceive enemy/adversary sensors as to the composition and disposition of the friendly assault force. Electromagnetic support provides real-time threat indications and warning to friendly units. Electromagnetic protection features organic to friendly systems provide protection against enemy/adversary EW techniques. Electromagnetic warfare planners can provide recommendations concerning EW tactics to the AFC. Assault support planners should consider the following:


Jammer activation timelines to prevent detection of the assault force.

Threat-specific jamming assignments based on S-2 assessment of EOB.

The length of time EW support will be required to protect assault support aircraftthe
vulnerability window.

EW aircraft vulnerability to enemy systems due to EW flight profiles.

High-value airborne asset protection (referred to as HVAAP) to improve EW
aircraft survivability.

EW integration with the assault force.

Effectiveness of enemy electromagnetic countermeasures against friendly lethal and nonlethal
fires. Electromagnetic deception capabilities of both friendly and enemy forces.

## Suppression Of Enemy Air Defenses

Suppression of enemy air defenses reduces attrition of assault support aircraft by degrading the effectiveness of the enemy's air defense system. Suppression of enemy air defense uses supporting arms (i.e., artillery, NSFS, aircraft) and other available means to deter, suppress or destroy the enemy's air defense capability. Planners should integrate SEAD with not only assault support aircraft but also with all other supporting aircraft and ground force planning. Detection of SEAD aircraft alone may change the enemy's normal operating procedures and allow friendly forces to exploit an opportunity. Because SEAD effects may be short-lived, missions should be timed to give maximum protection to the assault force. This is particularly true of anti-radiation missile (ARM) employment. Mission planners should


Determine SEAD requirements.

Determine assets available for SEAD.

Study the assault force's route of flight.

Determine which enemy systems pose major threats.

Determine the number of SEAD aircraft required.

Coordinate ARM timing to provide maximum assault force protection.

Determine placement of SEAD aircraft in relation to the assault force and the threat.

Determine the need for fighter aircraft to protect SEAD elements during ingress and egress.

Set and understand sector responsibilities and priorities if there are more threats than available assets can cover.

Review ARM delivery envelopes and launch procedures.

Determine who will initiate SEAD fires.

Keep the mission commander informed of SEAD capabilities.
Deception Operations Deception operations are those measures designed to mislead the enemy by manipulation, distortion, or falsification of evidence. The goal is to induce the enemy to react in a manner against their interests. Deception operations may be aimed at the individual who is most influential on enemy operations in the MAGTF zone. Deception operations are planned to elicit a specific action from the enemy, such as committing forces elsewhere or maintaining strength in an area the MAGTF intends to avoid.

Operations Security Operations security (OPSEC) assists in denying the enemy's ability to use collection assets to locate friendly forces and determine their intentions. The less information the enemy has concerning assault support operations, the easier it is for friendly forces to conduct a successful operation. Planners must carefully analyze enemy capabilities to determine whether OPSEC measures are adequate for the planned mission. A unit's OPSEC for assault support missions may be accidentally compromised if its personnel use


The same ingress and egress routes.

The same frequencies, code words, and authentication procedures.

Flight profiles that place assault support aircraft in enemy search or early warning radar coverage areas.

Radios, radar systems, radar altimeters or other emissions.

Radio transmissions on uncovered nets.
Base of Operations Operational deployment of assault forces involves the relocation of forces to desired AOs. Critical deployment factors include the selected transportation and the availability of operational and support facilities. The decision to deploy forces is based on the assets involved, assigned tasks, supportability of the deployed force, and national defense needs. Because of the ACE's self-deployment capability, its units may be the first MAGTF forces to arrive in the AO. During the deployment phase, the MAGTF commander may designate the ACE as the main effort. This is especially true when ACE assets are the primary source of transportation to the theater for the force. Because of the Marine Corps' expeditionary nature, operations can be conducted from austere sites. Operations from these sites require careful planning to be effective.

Forward Operating Base The MAGTF's capability to project power is based on its ability to move to and operate from any area. The ACE contributes to this capability by staying close to the AO to increase responsiveness during all operational phases. Forward operating bases, whether they are expeditionary airfields, enhanced local airfields, or FARPs are the means by which Marine aviation provides a rapid response capability. Emerging global threats dictate the MAGTF's ability to persist within the weapons engagement zones of near-peer and peer competitors and its ability to block, delay, or deter a peer force from taking sovereign territory or gaining a foothold in a friendly area of responsibility. Assault support planners will have to find ways to support these forward-deployed units as well as joint forces over vast distances with minimal external support and potentially contend with the most modern and lethal air defense systems in history. Time is the critical component in providing support to expeditionary advanced bases, particularly throughout expansive maritime terrain. Assault support planners will have to focus on delivering logistical support or Marines to a specific point, remain on station for the shortest amount of time possible, and retrograde to sanctuary without giving the enemy an opportunity to detect and engage friendly forces.

## Chapter 3. Operations

Marine aviation operates as an integral part of the MAGTF. The MAGTF conducts operations using the principles of maneuver warfare to obtain maximum force capability and versatility. Assault support, either fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft, can influence offensive and defensive operations by providing tactical mobility and logistical support at the decisive time and place. Air assaults offer speed, surprise, and flexibility, which enables the commander to react rapidly to a changing tactical situation. Helicopter/tiltrotor vertical lift capabilities along with fixed-wing lift and range capabilities allow the MAGTF to strike over extended distances and terrain barriers. This allows the MAGTF to attack when and where the enemy is most vulnerable. Assault support aircraft are primarily movers of personnel, equipment, and supplies. Because of the helicopter/ tiltrotor's vertical lift capability, its use in assault support is dominant. It is a primary provider of CAT, air evacuation, and TRAP. Fixed-wing aircraft provide significant contributions to the assault support function through air logistical support, aerial delivery, aerial refueling, and battlefield illumination.

## Offensive

Offensive operations are often the means to a decisive victory; however, victory is rarely the outcome of any one battle, offensive operation, or offensive maneuver. The commander's use of tools determines an operation's victory or defeat. A commander who gains and maintains a superior tempo, sustains the momentum of the offensive, and employs the force with the principles of war and the concept of maneuver warfare in mind is more likely to achieve victory. Aviation functionality, because it is inherently offensive, is useful in offensive or defensive operations in exactly the same way. The ACE commander must be concerned with maintaining tempo, sustaining operational momentum, and effectively applying the six functions of Marine aviation in the execution of the offense. Economy of force is a major factor in the ACE's choice of options when executing offensive operations. The air assault is the most basic type of offensive operation conducted by assault support forces. At its most basic, it entails the planned insertion or extraction of combat forces. Insertion is the movement of an assault force into an objective area, and extraction is movement of an assault force out of the objective area. One of the best examples of assault support aircraft use during offensive operations is Operation Dewey Canyon which was conducted during the Vietnam War in the upper A Shau Valley and southern Da Krong Valley from January through March 1969. This multi-battalion operation involved the 9th Marine Regiment and two battalions of the 1st South Vietnamese Army Division. On D-day, 22 January 1969, initial LZs were prepared by fixed-wing air strikes. The first landings took place at 0800. In the rapid buildup that followed, CH-46s, under a protective umbrella of gunships and observation aircraft, brought 1,544 Marines and 46 tons of cargo into two LZs. By the evening of 24 January, a battery of 105 millimeter howitzers were in place. Over the next two months, the Marines conducted a series of leap-frogging maneuvers with helicopters to establish multiple fire support bases in the A Shau Valley. During Operation Dewey Canyon, Marine helicopters flew 14,893 sorties for 5,050 flight hours, moved 3,515 tons of cargo, and lifted 21,841 troops. During the March 1969 withdrawal from the A Shau Valley, more than 350 tons of cargo and 1,400 Marines were transported out of two fire bases without a casualty. Perhaps the most notable item of the operation was that only one helicopter was lost despite adverse weather and a determined enemy.

Attack An attack is a fast, violent, and coordinated maneuver supported by fire conducted to defeat, destroy, neutralize, or capture the enemy. An air attack capitalizes on speed and flexibility to gain maximum surprise. Assault transport aircraft support an attack by inserting the assault force on or near the objective. Fixed-wing aerial refueling and transport add significant continuity to the attack capability. An assault force can conduct a hasty or deliberate attack based on the degree of planning, preparation, and coordination involved prior to execution. A hasty attack trades preparation time for speed to exploit an opportunity. A hasty attack takes audacity and relies on speed and surprise to achieve the commander's objectives before the enemy can effectively respond. There is little time to plan and orders must be brief. Assault support planners rely heavily on their training and on standing operating procedures to make a successful hasty attack. The assault force, as part of a larger operation, may conduct a deliberate attack. A deliberate attack is a preplanned offensive action characterized by maneuver and firepower to close with and destroy the enemy. Assault support can serve a key role in the rapid massing of forces to conduct a deliberate attack. Mission planners must have enough time to develop a detailed plan. Planners collect detailed information about the terrain to select appropriate pickup zones (PZs), LZs, DZs, and flight routes. Unlike hasty attacks on more familiar terrain and with recently acquired intelligence, deliberate attacks deep in the enemy's rear areas often do not allow aircrews to perform a visual reconnaissance of the flight routes or objective area. Planners must rely on detailed map studies, photographs, and other imagery to formulate their plans.

Exploitation Exploitation is an offensive operation undertaken to follow up a successful attack. During the exploitation phase, assault support aircraft may be used to maintain constant pressure on the enemy by providing mobility and logistical support to the exploitation force, allowing it to seize key terrain or engage high-payoff targets, such as command posts or support units deep in the enemy's rear area. Two chief characteristics of exploitation are speed and violence.

Pursuit A pursuit is an operation to catch or cutoff a hostile force attempting to escape, with intent to destroy it. Pursuit forces trap and destroy the retreating enemy with coordinated maneuver and fire. Assault support aircraft can be used to bypass resistance and to deliver forces to seize objectives that are choke points for the retreating enemy. An assault force can cut off the enemy and delay its retreat so that coordinated fires from combined arms can destroy it.

## Defensive

Defensive operations are often less decisive than offensive operations. The defense is a force's coordinated effort to defeat an attacker and prevent the attacker from achieving their objectives. An effective defense is never passive. Commanders may assume the defense in one area to mass forces in another area. Commanders conduct the defense only until they can resume the offensive. The ACE's role in defensive operations requires that the inherently offensive functional capabilities of Marine aviation focus on operations and maneuvers that benefit from an aircraft's speed, mobility, and flexibility. The ACE is no less dynamic in defensive operations than in the offense and continuously seeks to create and exploit opportunities to defeat the enemy. During defensive operations, the commander organizes the battlespace into three areas (the security area, the main battle area, and the rear area) in which the defending force performs specific functions (see Figure 3-1). These areas can be further divided into sectors. A defensive sector is an area assigned to a subordinate commander. In the commander's sector, the subordinate commander is provided maximum latitude to accomplish defensive operations. An assault force can defend against an infantry-heavy threat by using the helicopter's mobility to achieve a maneuver advantage over the enemy. This allows the assault force to operate in the security area, MBA, or rear area conducting CAT, CASEVAC, or TRAP as required. Fixed-wing assault support functions in the defense are typically aerial refueling, air evacuation, and air logistical support.

Security Area Actions in the security area are designed to deceive the enemy regarding the location of the MBA, cause the enemy to deploy early into attack formations, and make the enemy vulnerable to the effects of combined arms. Assault support aircraft can move engineers and equipment into and out of the security area in support of the MAGTF's obstacle plan. They can provide mobility for reconnaissance teams or fire support teams placed in front of the MBA. Battlefield illumination employed in the security area can expose an enemy entering the security area.

Main Battle Area The MBA is where the MAGTF fights the decisive battle. It extends rearward from the forward edge of the battle area to the sectors given to the unit's subordinate elements. The assault force's superior mobility allows the commander to defend in greater scope. It fights a series of battles in depth, attacking from the front, flanks, and rear while using minimal forces to maintain surveillance over the rest of the assigned sector. Battle positions throughout the MBA should be selected and prepared along likely avenues of approach. Primary and alternate LZs and PZs should be selected for each battle position to facilitate the rapid vertical movement of forces and supplies wherever and whenever they are required.

Rear Area The rear area extends forward from a commander's rear boundary to the rear MBA of responsibility of the commander's subordinate units. The rear area is provided primarily for the performance of logistics combat functions. Assault support aircraft are typically employed to transport supplies and sustain operations of the MAGTF. Other functions of assault support aircraft in the rear area are transport of quick reaction or reserve forces, sensor insert, and reconnaissance of potential infiltration points.

## Marine Expeditionary Unit

The Marine Corps provides the Marine expeditionary unit (MEU) to rapidly react to global contingencies. This MAGTF is continuously forward deployed to react quickly to crises. The MEU possesses specific maritime capabilities based on its expeditionary and amphibious nature that make its Marines exceptionally useful as forward-deployed forces capable of dealing with a range of contingency and crisis response situations. The mission of the MEU is to provide the combatant commanders (CCDRs) the capability to conduct amphibious operations day or night, during adverse weather, from over the horizon, under emission control conditions, and from the seaby surface or air. Due to their unique training and focus, MEU forces are capable of commencing mission execution within 6 hours of notification. Assault support serves an important role in these missions and provides direct action support or intelligence gathering for the MAGTF. The ACE, particularly in MEU operations, brings a significant amount of fire-power to the baseline MAGTF. Inherently light and expeditionary in nature, the MEU gains from the ACE the mobility and responsive fire support necessary in smallscale, rapidly executed evolutions. Within most MEU missions, assault support has a significant role in deploying and sustaining the force. The MEU ACE is built around a VMM [Marine medium tiltrotor squadron], reinforced with utility, attack, and heavy-lift assault support helicopters, fixed-wing attack aircraft, unmanned aircraft, aviation ground support, and small detachments of the MACCS. The MEU ACE is typically task-organized to provide assault support, OAS, limited AAW, control of aircraft and missiles, EW, and AREC. The inherent capabilities of a forward-deployed MEU are divided into three broad categories: amphibious operations; crisis response and limited contingency operations; and expeditionary support to other operations

## Amphibious Operations

Amphibious operations include amphibious assaults, raids, demonstrations, withdrawals, maritime interception operations, and enabling operations. They can be conducted on short notice, at night, under emission control conditions via aircraft and surface means over extended ranges. Amphibious operations are discussed in greater detail in Chapter 4.

## Crisis Response And Limited Contingency Operations

Crisis response and limited contingency operations include NEO, foreign humanitarian assistance (FHA), integration with joint, interorganizational, multinational (JIM) organizations, TRAP, embassy reinforcement, aviation operations from expeditionary shore-based sites, theater security cooperation, airfield/port seizure, and expeditionary strike.

Noncombatant Evacuation Operations. Noncombatant evacuation operations are characterized by uncertainty. Noncombatants may include US citizens, US military personnel, citizens of countries friendly to the US or third-country nationals. The Department of State plans for evacuations of US
citizens and third country nationals. The Department of State also determines when such plans will be executed. Noncombatant evacuation operations require the commander to consider things not typically associated with offensive or amphibious operations. A NEO is similar to a raid, in that there is a rapid insertion followed by a planned withdrawal. The use of minimal forces to provide security for the evacuation forces and evacuees is important. Diplomatic considerations significantly influence the execution of a NEO. Situations may change as the NEO is conducted, depending on the political situation within the country and the threat. A NEO may take place in a permissive, uncertain, or hostile environment as follows:


Permissive environments. Permissive environments are characterized by little or no resistance
from the host nation or its armed forces. Aviation combat element participation is minimal in a permissive environment, and noncombatants may depart the country via civil airline traffic. Military assistance, in the form of security forces, may be the primary focus of the NEO.

Uncertain environments. The degree of danger to the noncombatants is a concern in an
uncertain environment. The host nation's military forces may be supportive of, neutral, or opposed to the NEO. Assault support operations may be the only ACE participation due to political sensitivities. Innovative planning is necessary to ensure that fire support assets can support the NEO should the situation deteriorate.

Hostile environments. A hostile environment can be characterized by civil unrest or full-scale
war. Aviation combat element participation can be expected to be at a maximum to insert combat forces, conduct convoy escort, and provide fire support.
Typically, MEU units have conducted NEOs. Operation Frequent Wind is an example of an NEO that required a larger force to accomplish the mission.
Foreign Humanitarian Assistance Operations. Assault support is particularly important in FHA
operations and may involve a force larger than a MEU. Usually, a joint task force will be tasked with executing the relief effort. In a disaster, transportation infrastructure (roads, bridges, or railways) may be damaged or destroyed. This can hinder evacuating and assisting the affected population. The MAGTF uses assault support assets to move homeless or injured evacuees to safe areas and to deliver food, medicine, and other vital supplies. The following factors should be considered when planning a disaster relief operation:


Language familiarity.

Coordination with local authorities.

Special medical requirements of evacuees.

Environmental conditions.
Integration with Joint Interorganzational Multinational Organizations. To integrate and coordinate Marine Corps units, capabilities, and efforts with combined forces and forces from other nations, the intergovernmental and interagency organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and United Nations forces and capabilities, are required to generate decisive joint combat power. The JFCs synchronize and integrate the actions of air, land, maritime, space, and special operations forces to achieve strategic and operational objectives through integrated, joint campaigns and major operations. The goal of JIM integration is to increase the total effectiveness of the joint force, not necessarily to involve all forces or to involve all forces equally. When involved with JIM integration, it is incumbent on assault support planners to be flexible as well as articulate when advertising their capability to the JFC.

Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel. Tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel includes providing rescue or extraction, by surface or air, of downed aircraft, personnel, and equipment; conducting aircraft sanitization; and providing advanced trauma life support in a benign or hostile environment. The MEU ability to conduct a TRAP satisfies the Joint Chiefs of Staff requirement that each branch of the armed forces maintain its own CSAR capability. Combat search and rescue is defined as a specialized task performed by rescue forces to effect the recovery of isolated personnel from a hostile environment during wartime or contingency operations. TRAP is one of five doctrinal contingencies that will always be planned as part of an air assault. Aircraft and crew are usually earmarked for TRAP as either dedicated or as on-call to be flown by an aircraft conducting the CAT. A TRAP relies on specific and flexible force packaging designed to defeat the threat, protect the force, and recover isolated personnel or downed aircraft without any loss to the assault package.

Embassy Reinforcement. Embassy reinforcement includes operations to reinforce internal security services of US embassies, legations, and consulates to protect US personnel and prevent the compromise of classified material. Assault support planners must be prepared to support ground commanders as they come up with plans to reestablish control of compromised facilities or compounds, defeat enemy attacks, and conduct delaying actions to facilitate other operations. Assault support planning to support embassy reinforcement will often cover all assault support mission-essential tasks and will vary in duration depending on the situation on the ground.

Conduct Aviation Operations from Expeditionary Shore-Based Sites. The MAGTF's powerprojection capability is based on its ability to move rapidly and operate freely within an objective area anywhere in the world. To provide responsiveness in austere expeditionary environments, Marine aviation units maintain the capability to operate from amphibious shipping, FOBs, expeditionary airfields, FARPs, austere forward operating sites, tactical landing zones, etc., that are in line with platform and unit capabilities. Additionally, a MEU's ability to manage expeditionary aviation operations ashore is a unique capability that can enable a joint or coalition force.

Theater Security Cooperation. Theater security cooperation activities are multinational military noncombat activities conducted with other nations within a theater to create favorable military geographical balances of power, advance mutual defense or security arrangements, and build allied and friendly military capabilities for self-defense and multinational operations. Assault support planners should always be prepared to work with joint and foreign military counterparts to enable effective ground campaigns and promote US national interest.

Airfield/Port Seizure Operations. The object of airfield/port seizure operations is, as the title suggests, to secure an airfield, port or other key facility to support MAGTF missions, receive follow-on forces, or enable the introduction of follow-on forces. Assault support planners should plan for these operations as they would for an air assault followed by extensive air logistical support to maintain facilities and sustain the occupying force.

Expeditionary Strike. An expeditionary strike is the generation of intelligence followed by precision targeting and weaponeering to attack an assigned joint integrated prioritized target list (also referred to as JIPTL) or CCDR area of responsibility priority targets. These strikes are made in support of theater-level objectives using lethal and non-lethal fires from expeditionary forward bases, airfields, aircraft carriers, or amphibious platforms to achieve a CCDR's desired effects.

## Chapter 4. Command And Control In Amphibious Operations

An amphibious operation is a military operation launched from the sea by an amphibious force embarked in ships and craft, with the primary purpose of introducing the landing force ashore to accomplish the assigned mission. Amphibious operations may include assaults, raids, demonstrations, and withdrawals. Assault support provides the landing force with the ability to rapidly focus and project decisive combat power ashore, and provides the MAGTF the speed, mobility, and flexibility necessary to accomplish the mission. Assault support aircraft used in the ship-to-shore movement are subordinate landing force elements. The ACE executes the ship-to-shore movement according to the landing plan, which includes arrangements for shifting control of aviation operations to the commander, landing force (CLF) when the situation ashore permits.

## Navy Tactical Air Control System

During the ship-to-shore movement, the commander, amphibious task force (CATF) coordinates and controls air operations through the Navy tactical air control center (TACC) (see Figure 4-1). Within the Navy TACC, the helicopter coordination section coordinates helicopter operations. The helicopter coordination section decentralizes control of the helicopter ship-to-shore movement to the helicopter direction center (HDC). The HDC is located aboard ships capable of handling helicopter operations. The HDC coordinates all assault support rotorcraft operations through the Navy TACC and maintains continuous radar surveillance of aircraft operating in its assigned control area. As soon as practical, the CLF establishes air control facilities ashore. The facilities extend the amphibious force's aviation control capabilities, increase surveillance capabilities, and accelerate response. Initially, air control agencies ashore operate in a standby status and monitor all air control circuits. The CATF and CLF decide when to transfer control from agencies afloat to agencies ashore. The transfer may be sequential as functions of the MACCS become operational. Control agencies afloat continue to monitor communications circuits and are capable of resuming control, if required.

## Marine Air Command And Control System

The Navy TACC controls all aviation assets, while afloat, in support of CLF. Once control is passed from CATF to CLF, the Marine TACC and other subordinate agencies manage MAGTF aviation assets. The Marine TACC is the senior MACCS agency and provides centralized command and direction of subordinate activities (see Figure 4-2.) The Navy TACC then becomes a tactical air direction center (TADC) and assumes a monitoring status.

Tactical Air Direction Center During the buildup of landing force combat power ashore, the CLF establishes a Marine TADC to act as a coordinating agency between MACCS agencies and the Navy TACC afloat. The TADC is identical in organization, capabilities, and facilities to the Marine TACC. The TADC remains subordinate to the Navy TACC until control of aviation has been passed ashore. The Navy TACC afloat then becomes a TADC subordinate to the Marine TACC. The Marine TACC exercises command authority of the other subordinate MACCS agencies.

Tactical Air Operations Center The tactical air operations center (TAOC) is under the operational control of the Marine TACC. The sector air defense facility is an extension of the TAOC. The TAOC is the primary AAW agency of the MACCS. It detects, identifies, and controls the intercept of hostile aircraft and missiles and provides airspace management and operational assistance.

Direct Air Support Center The direct air support center (DASC) is the principal MACCS air control agency, responsible for the direction of air operations directly supporting ground and maritime forces. Direct air support is defined as "air support flown in direct response to a specific request from the supported unit" (USMC Dictionary). The DASC functions in a decentralized mode of operation but is supervised by the Marine or Navy TACC. To facilitate DASC operations, the DASC may utilize extensions. An air support element may be employed to extend the line of sight (LOS) airspace control capabilities of the DASC, or to provide additional direct air support services for a specific unit. Additionally, an air support liaison team (ASLT) may be employed to interface with higher, adjacent, or other agencies regarding direct air support. During amphibious or expeditionary operations, the DASC is usually one of the first MACCS agencies ashore and generally lands in the same serial (i.e., scheduled wave or on-call wave) as the GCE's senior FSCC. The DASC's parent unit is the Marine air support squadron of the Marine air control group (MACG). It provides decentralized control of OAS and assault support missions but is a subordinate agency to the TACC that exercises command. The DASC processes immediate air support requests; integrates aircraft employment with other supporting arms; manages terminal control assets supporting GCE and Marine logistics group (MLG) forces; and procedurally controls aircraft and unmanned aircraft (UA) in assigned airspace.

The DASC controls and directs air support activities that affect the GCE commander's focus on close operations and air missions that require integration with the ground combat forces, such as OAS, assault support, electromagnetic warfare, and air   reconnaissance. The DASC is one of several agencies that can provide aviation command and control of deep air support (DAS) operations. While detailed coordination of DAS missions is not required with the ground forces for "clearance of fires," there is a significant amount of coordination required for command and control of assigned aircraft. Because of their location on the battlefield, the DASC is sometimes the best agency to coordinate the actions of aircraft involved in DAS operations. Regardless of who is controlling DAS, the DASC will assist by forwarding battle damage assessments and inflight reports (INFLTREPs) from DAS aircraft to the GCE's senior FSCC and the Marine or Navy TACC, when required. In support of a naval campaign, the DASC may contribute to sea control efforts via coordination with naval forces operating in the Composite Warfare Commander (CWC) construct. Such support would likely require the DASC to integrate efforts with the sea combat commander and/or strike warfare commander. Coordination with other warfare commanders should be expected. To accomplish this, the DASC may be tasked to control Air Operations in Maritime Surface Warfare (AOMSW) missions. These AOMSW missions include strike coordination and reconnaissance/ armed reconnaissance (AR), surface surveillance coordination, war at sea strikes, and aerial maritime mining. Refer to Naval Warfare Publication (NWP) 3-56, Composite Warfare Commander' Manual for more information on CWC and MCRP 3-20.2, MTTP for Air Operations in Maritime Surface Warfare for more information on AOMSW.

The DASC maintains communications connectivity with the other MACCS agencies, the FSCC, fires and effects coordination center via the TACC, aircraft under its control, unmanned aircraft, and joint and other Service air support organizations as required.

Tactical Air Control Party. A tactical air control party (TACP) is a subordinate operational component of a tactical air control system designed to provide air liaison to land forces and for the control of aircraft. The TACP is located within the GCE and provides ground commanders with the means to access direct air support. In the Marine Corps, TACPs are organic to infantry divisions, regiments, battalions, and other combat arms units. The TACPs establish and maintain facilities for liaison and communications between parent units and airspace control agencies, inform and advise the ground unit commander on the employment of supporting aircraft, and request and control air support. The TACP is a MACCS extension, but administratively it is not part of the MAGC.

Tactical Air Coordinator (Airborne). A tactical air coordinator is an officer who coordinates, from an aircraft, the actions of other aircraft engaged in air support of ground or sea forces. Within the MACCS, the tactical air coordinator (airborne) (referred to as TAC[A]) is a naval aviator or naval flight officer and the senior air coordinator having air authority over aircraft operating in the assigned area. The primary mission of the tactical air coordinator (airborne) is to act as an airborne extension of the DASC, TACC or FSCC, and to contribute to coordination among the TACPs, FAC(As), and the fire direction of artillery and naval gunfire.

Forward Air Controller (Airborne). A FAC(A) is a specifically trained and qualified aviation officer who exercises control from the air of aircraft engaged in close air support of ground troops. The FAC(A) is typically an airborne extension of the TACP, see JP 3-09, *Joint Fire Support.* Within the Marine Corps, the FAC(A) is a naval aviator or flight officer who is specifically trained, qualified, and designated to perform air reconnaissance and surveillance, conduct terminal control of aircraft engaged in OAS operations, control artillery and naval surface fire support missions, act as a radio relay, and control LZ preparations.

Helicopter/Tiltrotor Support Team. A helicopter/tiltrotor support team (HST) is a task organization formed and equipped for employment in an LZ to facilitate the landing and movement of Marines, equipment and supplies, and to evacuate selected casualties and enemy prisoners of war. The HSTs are accessed from the Marine logistics group, specifically, the landing support company of the Landing Support Battalion (LSB).

Multifunction Air Operation Center A multifunction air operation center (MAOC) is a hybrid C2 node composed of TAOC and DASC Marines, capable of both positive and procedural control. The MAOC senses and makes sense of the operational environment integrating all six functions of Marine aviation in one operation center. A MAOC may extend its coverage with task organized tactical air control elements, smaller in scale and tailored to its mission. A tactical air control element could be organized for the direction and control of OAS and assault support, for AAW, or as a smaller hybrid command and control node for all six functions of Marine aviation.

## Appendix A. Aircraft Capabilities Guide

This ready reference of MAGTF aircraft should only be used for initial operational planning. Aircraft performance is affected by many variables, such as temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, wind, aircraft configuration, and mission requirements. Specific performance parameters are calculated for every mission. Detailed mission planning requires close liaison with the ACE and use of appropriate operations and tactical manuals. Note: The following list of abbreviations and acronyms are applicable only to Tables A-1 through A-10 in this appendix. See Section III of the glossary for nomenclature.

AIM
air intercept missile (*See section III for variants*.)
AMRAAM
advanced medium-range, air-to-air missile
APKWS
advanced precision kill weapon system
BFT
blue force tracker
C2
command and control
CCD TV
charge-coupled device television
CCTV
closed-circuit television
CTV
color thermal vision
DAMA
demand assigned multiple access
DDI
digital display indicator
DECM
defensive electronic countermeasures
DIRCM
direct infrared countermeasures
DoN LAIRCM
Department of the Navy Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures
DVR
digital video recorder
DWS
defense weapon system
EDM
electronic direct mail
EOTS
electro-optical targeting system
FAC(A)
forward air controller (airborne)
FLIR
forward-looking infrared
ft
feet
GAU
gun, aircraft unit (*See section III for variants*.)
GBU
guided bomb unit (See section III for variants.)
GP
general purpose
HE
high explosive
HF
high frequency
HUD
heads-up display
ILLUM
illumination
ILS
instrument landing system
IMN
indicated mach number
in
inch
INS
inertial navigation system
IR
infrared
IRLP
infrared laser pointer
IRST
infrared search and track
IZLID
infrared zoom laser illuminator designator
JPALS
joint precision approach landing system
KIAS
knots indicated airspeed
KCAS
knots calibrated airspeed
KTAS
knots true airspeed
lb
pound
LD
laser designator
LRF
laser range finder
MALD
miniature air-launched decoy
mm
millimeter
NATOPS
Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization
nm
nautical mile
PAX
passenger
PGM
precision-guided munition
ROVER
remotely operated video enhanced receiver
RP
red phosphorus
RWR
radar warning receiver
SATCOM
satellite communications
SINCGARS
single-channel ground and airborne radio system
T/O
table of organization
TACAN
tactical air navigation
TFLIR
target forward-looking infrared
TJS
tactical jamming system
TSS
target sight system
TVDL
tactical video data link
UHF
ultrahigh frequency
VHF
very high frequency
VMF
variable message format
VTR
video tape recording
WP
white phosphorous
|                               |                                  | Dimensions      | Aircraft Survivability Equipment   |
|-------------------------------|----------------------------------|-----------------|------------------------------------|
| Height                        | 28 ft, 4 in                      | RWR             | AN/APR-39(V)1 radar warning        |
| receiver                      |                                  |                 |                                    |
| Empty weight                  | 38,000 lbs                       |                 |                                    |
| Rotor diameter                | 79 ft                            | Expendables     | ALE-47 CM dispenser                |
| Length                        | 99 ft, 0.5 in                    | DIRCM           | AN/AAQ-24                          |
| Maximum gross weight          | 73,500 lbs                       | Missile warning | AN/AAR-47 missile warning system   |
| Endurance                     | Weapons Systems                  |                 |                                    |
| 3 X .50 caliber GAU-21        |                                  |                 |                                    |
| Other Systems                 |                                  |                 |                                    |
| Payload                       | 32 PAX (in crash attenuating     |                 |                                    |
| seats)                        |                                  |                 |                                    |
| 50 PAX (with centerline seats |                                  |                 |                                    |
| installed)                    |                                  |                 |                                    |
| 36,000 lbs external           |                                  |                 |                                    |
| FLIR                          | AN/AAQ-29                        |                 |                                    |
| Typical                       | 3 + 45 hours                     |                 |                                    |
| Best case                     | Indefinite with aerial refueling |                 |                                    |
| Communications Equipment      |                                  |                 |                                    |
| UHF/VHF                       | 3 X AN/ARC-210 with KY-58        |                 |                                    |
| encryption device             |                                  |                 |                                    |
| Airspeed                      |                                  |                 |                                    |
| SATCOM                        | DAMA, Dedicated, Integrated      |                 |                                    |
| Waveform                      |                                  |                 |                                    |
| Normal cruise airspeed        | 130 KIAS                         | BFT/EDM         | 1 X AYK-28(V)2                     |
| Maximum airspeed              | 150 KIAS                         | HELOSAT         |                                    |
| Antenna                       |                                  |                 |                                    |
| GCE and C2 utilization        |                                  |                 |                                    |
| Fuel Capacity                 |                                  |                 |                                    |
| Pounds                        | 15,000                           |                 |                                    |
| Gallons                       | 2,277                            |                 |                                    |
|                                                   |                                  | Dimensions      | Aircraft Survivability Equipment   |
|---------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------|-----------------|------------------------------------|
| Height                                            | 22 ft, 7 in                      | RWR             | AN/APR-39(V)2 radar                |
| warning receiver                                  |                                  |                 |                                    |
| Empty weight                                      | 36,000 lbs                       |                 |                                    |
| Width                                             | 84 ft, 7 in                      | Expendables     | ALE-47 CM dispenser                |
| Length                                            | 57 ft, 4 in                      | DoN LAIRCM      | AN/AAQ-24B(V)27                    |
| Maximum gross weight                              | 60,500 lbs (self-deploy)         | Missile warning | AN/AAR-47 missile                  |
| warning system                                    |                                  |                 |                                    |
| Endurance                                         | Weapons Systems                  |                 |                                    |
| Payload                                           | 23 PAX (in crash attenuating     |                 |                                    |
| seats)                                            |                                  |                 |                                    |
| GAU-21/21 .50 Cal or M240D (7.62) tail gun, DWS / |                                  |                 |                                    |
| GAU17                                             |                                  |                 |                                    |
| 12,500 pounds dual point                          |                                  |                 |                                    |
| external                                          |                                  |                 |                                    |
| Other Systems                                     |                                  |                 |                                    |
| FLIR                                              | AN/AAQ-29                        |                 |                                    |
| Typical                                           | 3 + 00 hours                     |                 |                                    |
| Best case                                         | Indefinite with aerial refueling |                 |                                    |
| Communications Equipment                          |                                  |                 |                                    |
| UHF/VHF                                           | 2 X AN/ARC-210 with              |                 |                                    |
| embedded encryption                               |                                  |                 |                                    |
| Airspeed                                          |                                  |                 |                                    |
| SATCOM                                            | DAMA, Dedicated,                 |                 |                                    |
| Integrated Waveform                               |                                  |                 |                                    |
| Normal cruise airspeed                            | 220 KCAS                         | BFT/EDM         | 1 X AYK-28(V)2                     |
| Maximum airspeed                                  | 280 KCAS                         | HELOSAT Antenna | GCE and C2 utilization             |
| Fuel Capacity                                     |                                  |                 |                                    |
| Pounds                                            | 11,700                           |                 |                                    |
| Gallons                                           | 1,720                            |                 |                                    |
|                               |                                  | Dimensions              | Weapons Systems                 |
|-------------------------------|----------------------------------|-------------------------|---------------------------------|
| Height                        | 14 ft, 7 in                      | Guns                    | 7.62mm M240D                    |
| Weight                        | 18,500 lbs (maximum gross        |                         |                                 |
| weight)                       |                                  |                         |                                 |
| 7.62mm GAU-17                 |                                  |                         |                                 |
| Rotor diameter                | 48 ft                            | .50 caliber GAU-21      |                                 |
| Length                        | 58 ft, 4 in                      | Rockets                 | LAU-68 (2.75 in rockets, 7-shot |
| pod)                          |                                  |                         |                                 |
| Width (folded)                | 15 ft, 1 in                      | HE, WP, RP, overt/cover |                                 |
| ILLUM, flechette, APKWS       |                                  |                         |                                 |
| Airspeed                      | Other Systems                    |                         |                                 |
| Cruise                        | 120 KIAS                         | FLIR                    | AAQ-22E BRITE Star II (LRF,     |
| LD, IRLP, IR, CTV, VTR)       |                                  |                         |                                 |
| Maximum airspeed              | 170 KIAS                         |                         |                                 |
| Fuel Capacity                 | Communications Equipment         |                         |                                 |
| Pounds                        | 2,600                            | VHF/UHF                 | 3 X AN/ARC-210 with KY-58       |
| encryption device (SATCOM     |                                  |                         |                                 |
| available on one radio only)  |                                  |                         |                                 |
| Gallons                       | 386                              |                         |                                 |
| Endurance                     | Aircraft Survivability Equipment |                         |                                 |
| RWR                           | APR-39B(V) 2                     | Typical                 | 2+15 (varies widely depending   |
| on the flight profile and the |                                  |                         |                                 |
| configuration)                |                                  |                         |                                 |
| Expendables                   | AN/ALE-47 counter- measures      |                         |                                 |
| dispenser                     |                                  |                         |                                 |
| Missile warning               | AN/AAR-47(V)2 missile            |                         |                                 |
| warning system                |                                  |                         |                                 |
|                                    |                                         | Dimensions                        | Weapons Systems                    |
|------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|------------------------------------|
| Height                             | 13 ft, 9 in                             | Missiles                          | AGM-114 Hellfire,                  |
| AIM-9 Sidewinder,                  |                                         |                                   |                                    |
| Joint Air to Ground Missile (JAGM) |                                         |                                   |                                    |
| Weight                             | 11,200 lbs (empty)                      |                                   |                                    |
| 14,750 lbs (maximum gross weight)  |                                         |                                   |                                    |
| Guns                               | 20 mm (M50 series, PGU 27 / 28 / 30     |                                   |                                    |
| series)                            |                                         |                                   |                                    |
| Rotor diameter                     | 48 ft                                   | Rockets                           | LAU-61 (2.75 inch rockets, 19-shot |
| pod)                               |                                         |                                   |                                    |
| Length                             | 58 ft                                   | LAU-68 (2.75 inch rockets, 7-shot |                                    |
| pod)                               |                                         |                                   |                                    |
| Width                              | 10 ft, 9 in                             | HE, WP, RP, overt / covert ILLUM, |                                    |
| flechette, APKWS                   |                                         |                                   |                                    |
| Common Standard                    |                                         |                                   |                                    |
| Conventional Load                  |                                         |                                   |                                    |
| (SCL)                              |                                         |                                   |                                    |
| 20mm, 19x 2.75-in HE, 4x           |                                         |                                   |                                    |
| HELLFIRE, 7x APKWS, 1x Aux Fuel    |                                         |                                   |                                    |
| tank                               |                                         |                                   |                                    |
| Airspeed                           |                                         |                                   |                                    |
| Cruise                             | 120 KIAS                                | OAS                               | Hellfire, 2.75-in rockets, 20mm    |
| Maximum speed                      | 190 KIAS                                |                                   |                                    |
| 170 KIAS (with wing stores)        |                                         |                                   |                                    |
| Escort                             | AIM-9, 2.75-inch RP / HE, 20mm,         |                                   |                                    |
| Hellfire                           |                                         |                                   |                                    |
| FAC(A)                             | Hellfire, 2.75 in- RP, 20mm             |                                   |                                    |
| Fuel Capacity                      |                                         |                                   |                                    |
| Pounds                             | 2,800                                   |                                   |                                    |
| Gallons                            | 304                                     |                                   |                                    |
| Auxiliary Fuel                     | Up to two 77gal tanks (0+30             |                                   |                                    |
| additional endurance)              |                                         |                                   |                                    |
| Endurance                          |                                         |                                   |                                    |
| Payload                            | 1,500 lbs (in addition to full internal |                                   |                                    |
| fuel)                              |                                         |                                   |                                    |
| Typical                            | 2+30 (varies widely depending on        |                                   |                                    |
| the flight profile and the         |                                         |                                   |                                    |
| configuration)                     |                                         |                                   |                                    |
|                                  |                                | Other Systems   | Communications Systems      |
|----------------------------------|--------------------------------|-----------------|-----------------------------|
| FLIR                             | TSS                            | VHF/UHF         | 2 X AN/ARC-210 with KY-58   |
| encryption device                |                                |                 |                             |
| Laser                            | Pulsed, 1064 nm, laser         |                 |                             |
| designator and ranging system.   |                                |                 |                             |
| Closed circuit television        |                                |                 |                             |
| (CCTV)                           |                                |                 |                             |
| Sony Color TV camera w/ DVR      |                                |                 |                             |
| Aircraft Survivability Equipment |                                |                 |                             |
| TVDL                             | Future capability with Link-16 | RWR             | AN/APR-39B/DV(2) radar      |
| warning receiver                 |                                |                 |                             |
| Missile Warning                  | AN/AAR-47 missile warning      |                 |                             |
| system                           |                                |                 |                             |
| Optics                           | Integrated in TSS              | Expendables     | AN/ALE-47 counter- measures |
| dispenser                        |                                |                 |                             |
| Laser Pointer                    | Integrated in TSS              |                 |                             |
|                                                               |                                    | Dimensions    | Weapons Systems               |
|---------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------|---------------|-------------------------------|
| Height                                                        | 11 ft, 8 in                        | Guns          | GAU-12 25mm gun               |
| Weight                                                        | 14,600 lbs (empty) 32,000 lbs      |               |                               |
| (maximum gross weight)                                        |                                    |               |                               |
| Rockets                                                       | 2.75" HE, Smoke, APKWS 5" HE,      |               |                               |
| Smoke                                                         |                                    |               |                               |
| Wingspan                                                      | 30 ft, 3 in                        |               |                               |
| Bombs                                                         | Mk 82-83                           |               |                               |
| CBU-99 Rockeye,                                               |                                    |               |                               |
| MK 77 Napalm                                                  |                                    |               |                               |
| Airspeed                                                      |                                    |               |                               |
| GBU-12, GBU-16 LGB, GBU-32,                                   |                                    |               |                               |
| GBU-38, GBU-54                                                |                                    |               |                               |
| Maximum endurance                                             | 230 KIAS                           | Missiles      | AGM-65E2 Laser Maverick, AIM- |
| 9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM                                  |                                    |               |                               |
| Maximum airspeed                                              | 585 KCAS/1.0 IMN                   | Miscellaneous | LUU-2B/B and LUU-19 ILLUM     |
| flares, PDU-5                                                 |                                    |               |                               |
| Fuel Capacity                                                 | Other Systems                      |               |                               |
| Radar                                                         | APG-65 Mech Scanned                |               |                               |
| multimode radar                                               |                                    |               |                               |
| Pounds                                                        | 7,759 internal;                    |               |                               |
| 11,749 with 2 external                                        |                                    |               |                               |
| drop tanks                                                    |                                    |               |                               |
| FLIR                                                          | Navigation FLIR                    |               |                               |
| Endurance                                                     |                                    |               |                               |
| Dual mode tracker                                             | TV/laser spot tracker              |               |                               |
| 1.0 Hour (varies significantly with ordnance load and mission |                                    |               |                               |
| profile)                                                      |                                    |               |                               |
| Camera                                                        | VTR HUD / dual-mode tracker        |               |                               |
| recorder                                                      |                                    |               |                               |
| Litening II pod                                               | Targeting FLIR, Laser designator / |               |                               |
| range finder, IR marker, Laser                                |                                    |               |                               |
| spot                                                          |                                    |               |                               |
| Communications Equipment                                      |                                    |               |                               |
| tracker, CCD TV, ROVER                                        |                                    |               |                               |
| VHF/UHF                                                       | 2 X ARC-210 with KY-58             |               |                               |
| encryption device                                             |                                    |               |                               |
| Link-16                                                       | Strike-Intercept Message Set, No   |               |                               |
| J-Voice                                                       |                                    |               |                               |
| Aircraft Survivability Equipment                              |                                    |               |                               |
| RWR                                                           | AN/ALR-67 radar warning            |               |                               |
| receiver                                                      |                                    |               |                               |
| DECM                                                          | AN/ALQ-164 DECM                    |               |                               |
| system                                                        |                                    |               |                               |
| Expendables                                                   | AN/ALE-47 counter-measures         |               |                               |
| dispenser                                                     |                                    |               |                               |
|                              |                                      | Dimensions   | Weapons Systems            |
|------------------------------|--------------------------------------|--------------|----------------------------|
| Height                       | 15 ft, 3 in                          | Guns         | 20mm internal gun          |
| Weight                       | 24,500 lbs (empty)                   |              |                            |
| 59,000 lbs (maximum T/O)     |                                      |              |                            |
| Rockets                      | LAU-51 (2.75-in rockets)             |              |                            |
| LAU-61 (2.75-in rockets)     |                                      |              |                            |
| Airspeed                     |                                      |              |                            |
| Wingspan                     | 40 ft, 5 in                          | Missiles     | AGM-65E/E2 Laser Maverick, |
| AGM-84H,                     |                                      |              |                            |
| AGM-154A/C,                  |                                      |              |                            |
| AGM-88C/E,                   |                                      |              |                            |
| HARPOON,                     |                                      |              |                            |
| AIM-9M/X Sidewinder          |                                      |              |                            |
| AIM-120 AMRAAM               |                                      |              |                            |
| Maximum endurance            | 250 KIAS                             |              |                            |
| (approximate)                |                                      |              |                            |
| Maximum airspeed             | 750 KIAS (NATOPS) 650 KIAS           |              |                            |
| (sea level)                  |                                      |              |                            |
| Bombs                        | Mk 80 series                         |              |                            |
| Mk 20 Rockeye,               |                                      |              |                            |
| Fuel Capacity                |                                      |              |                            |
| GBU- 10/12/16                |                                      |              |                            |
| CBU-59, antipersonnel,       |                                      |              |                            |
| Pounds                       | 13,000 (10,800 internal, 2,200       |              |                            |
| centerline tank)             |                                      |              |                            |
| antimaterial                 |                                      |              |                            |
| CBU-78 Gator,                |                                      |              |                            |
| Gallons                      | 1,919 (1,589 internal, 330           |              |                            |
| centerline tank)             |                                      |              |                            |
| Mk 77 Napalm                 |                                      |              |                            |
| Mk 36, Mk 40, Mk 4           |                                      |              |                            |
| (Destructors)                |                                      |              |                            |
| Mk 52, Mk 55, Mk 56 (Bottom/ |                                      |              |                            |
| Moored Mines)                |                                      |              |                            |
| Mk 62, Mk 63, Mk 64,         |                                      |              |                            |
| Endurance                    |                                      |              |                            |
| Mk 65 (Quickstrike Mines)    |                                      |              |                            |
| Typical                      | 1.5 hours (varies significantly with |              |                            |
| ordnance load and mission    |                                      |              |                            |
| profile)                     |                                      |              |                            |
| Typical mix:                 |                                      |              |                            |
| Air-to-air                   |                                      |              |                            |
| 2 AIM-9,                     |                                      |              |                            |
| 4-8 AIM-120                  |                                      |              |                            |
| 6 second 20 mm               |                                      |              |                            |
| Air-to-ground                | PGM/GP mix plus                      |              |                            |
| 2 AIM-9, 2 AIM-120           |                                      |              |                            |
| Other Systems                   | Aircraft Survivability Equipment   |
|---------------------------------|------------------------------------|
| Radar                           | APG-65 and APG-73 mech             |
| scanned multimode radar         |                                    |
| RWR                             | AN/ALR-67 radar warning            |
| receiver                        |                                    |
| FLIR                            | AN/AAR-50 navigation FLIR          |
| (F/A-18C/D only)                |                                    |
| Litening AT or G4 targeting pod |                                    |
| DECM                            | 2 X ALQ-126B                       |
| AN/ALQ-167 (tactical            |                                    |
| contingency pod)                |                                    |
| Expendables                     | AN/ALE-47 countermeasures          |
| dispenser                       |                                    |
| Onboard recording               | HUD recorder, DDI selectable       |
| AN/ASQ-1 73 35 mm strike        |                                    |
| camera                          |                                    |
| Communications Equipment        |                                    |
| VHF/UHF                         | 2 X AN/ARC-210 with KY-58          |
| encryption device               |                                    |
| Link-16                         | Strike-Intercept Message Set,      |
| J-Voice                         |                                    |
|                                                                 |                                  | Dimensions                          | Weapons Systems   |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------|-------------------------------------|-------------------|
| Length                                                          | 51 ft                            | Multifunction Array                 | AN/APG-81         |
| Weight                                                          | 32,000 lbs (empty)               | Electronic Warfare Suite AN/ASQ-239 |                   |
| Wingspan                                                        | 35 ft / 43 ft (31 with wing tips |                                     |                   |
| folded)                                                         |                                  |                                     |                   |
| Missiles                                                        | AIM-120 C/D, AIM-9X, AGM 154A /  |                                     |                   |
| C (C model only)                                                |                                  |                                     |                   |
| Bombs                                                           | GBU-12, 31, 32, 49               |                                     |                   |
| Gun                                                             | Externally loaded                |                                     |                   |
| 25 mm gun pod                                                   |                                  |                                     |                   |
| Airspeed                                                        |                                  |                                     |                   |
| Maximum endurance                                               | 300 KIAS (approximate)           |                                     |                   |
| Maximum airspeed                                                | 1.6 Mach / 1.5 Mach              |                                     |                   |
| Other Systems                                                   |                                  |                                     |                   |
| TFLIR/IRST                                                      | EOTS                             |                                     |                   |
| Datalinks                                                       | Link-16, MADL, VMF               |                                     |                   |
| Fuel Capacity                                                   |                                  |                                     |                   |
| Navigation                                                      | GPS/INS, ILS, TACAN, JPALS       |                                     |                   |
| Pounds                                                          | 14,003 / 20,085                  |                                     |                   |
| Gallons                                                         | 2,059 / 2,953                    |                                     |                   |
| Communications Equipment                                        |                                  |                                     |                   |
| Endurance                                                       |                                  |                                     |                   |
| 3 Radios                                                        | 3xUHF/VHF/SINCGARS, KY-58,       |                                     |                   |
| Link-16 J-Voice, MADL Voice                                     |                                  |                                     |                   |
| Varies greatly depending on aircraft configuration and          |                                  |                                     |                   |
| mission profile; typical pod and external fuel load will result |                                  |                                     |                   |
| in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes loiter without aerial    |                                  |                                     |                   |
| refueling.                                                      |                                  |                                     |                   |
| Hi Lo Lo Hi profile with 4                                      |                                  |                                     |                   |
| X TJS pods                                                      |                                  |                                     |                   |
| 425 nm mission radius                                           |                                  |                                     |                   |
| Dimensions                        | Other Systems                     |
|-----------------------------------|-----------------------------------|
| Weight                            | 91,000 lbs (cargo empty) / 93,000 |
| lbs (tanker empty) / 164,000 lbs  |                                   |
| (max takeoff) / 175,000 lbs (max  |                                   |
| alternate)                        |                                   |
| Radar                             | AN/APN-241 (weather, ground       |
| mapping, monopulse ground         |                                   |
| mapping, beacon, skin paint, wind |                                   |
| shear)                            |                                   |
| Length                            | 97 ft, 9 in                       |
| radar updates                     |                                   |
| Wingspan                          | 132 ft, 7 in                      |
| Airspeed                          | Communications Equipment          |
| Long range cruise                 | 290 KTAS                          |
| w/KY-58                           |                                   |
| Cruise Airspeed                   | 240 KIAS (Low Altitude)           |
| 310 KTAS (High Altitude)          |                                   |
| UHF                               | 2x AN/ARC-164                     |
| w/KY-58                           |                                   |
| Minimum airspeed                  | 105 KIAS                          |
| VHF/UHF/SATCOM                    | 1x AN/ARC-210                     |
| w/KY-58/ANDVT                     |                                   |
| Fuel Capacity                     |                                   |
| Cargo                             | 58,000 lbs                        |
| Aircraft Survivability Equipment  |                                   |
| Tanker                            | 82,000lbs                         |
| AN/AAQ-24B(V)25                   |                                   |

## Appendix B. Assault Support Request Form

| Block   | Title and Elements   | Explanation   |
|---------|----------------------|---------------|

## Section I. Mission Request

| 1.                                                                                          | Unit Called                                                                        | Identifies the unit designation/call sign/preassigned number.      |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------|
| This Is                                                                                     | Identifies the request originator by unit designator/call sign/preassigned number. |                                                                    |
| Request Number                                                                              |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| For preplanned missions, indicates the originator's request number in series. For           |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| immediate missions, this number is a assigned by the DASC.                                  |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| Sent                                                                                        | Indicates the time and individual who transmitted the request.                     |                                                                    |
| 2.                                                                                          | Request For                                                                        | Indicates whether request is for helicopter or fixed-wing support. |
| 3.                                                                                          | MISSION CATEGORIES                                                                 |                                                                    |
| C. Priority                                                                                 |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| Preplanned:                                                                                 |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| For preplanned requests, enter precedence (block A) and priority (block B). Precedence is   |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| stated numerically in descending order of importance, as determined by the requestor.       |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| Priority is expressed as shown below.                                                       |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| A. Precedence                                                                               |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| B. Priority                                                                                 |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| Immediate:                                                                                  |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| For immediate requests, enter priority (block C). A precedence entry is not required for    |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| immediate requests because, by definition, all immediate requests are precedence #1.        |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| Use the numerical designation below to determine priority (e.g., define the tactical        |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| situation) for preplanned (block B) or immediate (block C).                                 |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| 1. Emergency.                                                                               | Missions which require immediate action and supersede all other                    |                                                                    |
| categories of mission priority.                                                             |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| 2. Priority.                                                                                | Missions which require immediate action and supersede routine missions.            |                                                                    |
| For CASEVAC, use this category for patients who require specialized treatment not           |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| available locally and who are liable to suffer unnecessary pain or disability unless        |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| evacuated with the least possible delay.                                                    |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| 3. Routine.                                                                                 | Missions which do not demand urgency in execution. For CASEVAC, use                |                                                                    |
| this category for patients who can be treated locally, but whose prognosis would            |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| benefit by evacuation with the least possible delay.                                        |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| 4. Urgent (for CASEVAC only).                                                               | Evacuation of critically wounded, injured or ill personnel                         |                                                                    |
| whose immediate evacuation is a matter of life or death.                                    |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| Received                                                                                    | Indicates the time and individual who received the request.                        |                                                                    |
| 4.                                                                                          | Type Mission                                                                       | Indicates whether the mission is tactical or administrative.       |
| 5.                                                                                          | Mission Is                                                                         |                                                                    |
| Describes the mission to be performed. Check appropriate blocks 1 through 12 to identify    |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| the mission to be performed. If block 12 (Remarks) is checked, enter an explanation.        |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| 6.                                                                                          |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| Payload Is                                                                                  |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| Describes the type and approximate amount of the payload to be transported. It is necessary |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| to specify, even if only a rough estimate, the number of troops. Otherwise ACE planner      |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| cannot determine what force is required-aircraft type/number. For internal cargo, include   |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| the dimensions of the largest item to be moved. For CASEVAC, indicate number of casualties  |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| in block 6A.                                                                                |                                                                                    |                                                                    |
| Block                                                                                           | Title and Elements   | Explanation                                                      |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 7.                                                                                              | Instructions         | Indicates the time/coordinates of the PZ and DZ.                 |
| 8.                                                                                              | LZ Description       | Contains detailed information on the LZ.                         |
| 9                                                                                               |                      |                                                                  |
| LZ Will Be                                                                                      |                      |                                                                  |
| A. Unmarked                                                                                     |                      |                                                                  |
| B. Marked                                                                                       |                      |                                                                  |
| Indicates if the LZ will be unmarked or marked. If the LZ will be marked, indicate the color.   |                      |                                                                  |
| 10.                                                                                             | LZ Marked With       | Identifies the type LZ marking.                                  |
| 11.                                                                                             | Communications       | Identifies the call sign and frequency of PZ and DZ controllers. |
| Allows the requestor to add other essential information not provided for in the request format. |                      |                                                                  |
| For CASEVAC, include type casualties/wounds, litter, ambulatory status, medical attendant       |                      |                                                                  |
| requirements or any other special considerations. If possible, medical personnel should pro-    |                      |                                                                  |
| vide a medical regulating code (MRC):                                                           |                      |                                                                  |
| 12.                                                                                             | Remarks              |                                                                  |
| MC Pediatrics                                                                                   |                      |                                                                  |
| MM Internal Medicine                                                                            |                      |                                                                  |
| NP Psychiatry                                                                                   |                      |                                                                  |
| SB Burns                                                                                        |                      |                                                                  |
| SC Spinal Cord Injury                                                                           |                      |                                                                  |
| SG OB/GYN                                                                                       |                      |                                                                  |
| SO Orthopedic Surgery                                                                           |                      |                                                                  |
| SS General Surgery                                                                              |                      |                                                                  |
| SSC Thoracic Surgery                                                                            |                      |                                                                  |
| SSM Maxillofacial Surgery                                                                       |                      |                                                                  |
| SSN Neurosurgery                                                                                |                      |                                                                  |
| SSO Opthamology Injury                                                                          |                      |                                                                  |
| SSU Urology                                                                                     |                      |                                                                  |

## Section I. Mission Request

13.
NSFS
NSFS Coordination.
14.
Artillery
Artillery coordination.
15.
AIO/G-2/G-3
Air intelligence officer, G-2, G-3 coordination.
16.
Escort/Aerial Refueling
Indicates if escort or aerial refueling support is required for the mission. Block A indicates support has been requested. Block B indicates TACC has assigned assets. After assets are assigned, the TACC enters the rest of the data.
17.
Request
A. Approved B. Disapproved
Indicates the approval or disapproval of the request.
18.
By
Indicates the individual who approved or disapproved the request.
19.
Reason for Disapproval
Self-explanatory The restrictive fire/air plan refers to the airspace coordination area (ACA). An ACA is a three-dimensional block of airspace where friendly aircraft are reasonably safe from friendly surface fires. A plan number or code name is issued, as appropriate.
20.
Restrictive Fire/Air Plan A. Is Not B. Number
21.
Is in Effect A. From Time ____ B. To Time _____
Establishes the time period that the ACA plan will be in effect.
| Block                                                           |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| 22.                                                             |
| Location                                                        |
| From Coordinates______                                          |
| To Coordinates_______                                           |
| Grid coordinates of the start/end points of the ACA centerline. |
| 23.                                                             |
| Width (Meters)                                                  |
| Defines the ACA from either side of the centerline.             |
| 14                                                              |
| Altitude/Vertex                                                 |
| A. Max/Vertex                                                   |
| B. Minimum                                                      |
| ACA in feet above mean sea level. Use block A for VERTEX only.  |

## Section Iii. Mission Data

| 25.                                                                                 | Mission Number                                   | Indicates mission number.                                  |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|
| 26.                                                                                 | Call Sign                                        | Flight call sign of mission aircraft.                      |
| 27.                                                                                 | No./Type of Aircraft                             | Self-explanatory.                                          |
| 28.                                                                                 |                                                  |                                                            |
| EST/ACT Takeoff                                                                     |                                                  |                                                            |
| Estimated or actual time the mission aircraft will take off.                        |                                                  |                                                            |
| 29.                                                                                 |                                                  |                                                            |
| ETA/ATA                                                                             |                                                  |                                                            |
| Estimated or actual time of arrival of the mission air-craft in the objective area. |                                                  |                                                            |
| 30.                                                                                 | Mission Canceled/Diverted                        |                                                            |
|                                                                                     | Indicates if mission is canceled or diverted. By | ______ i                                                   |
| who canceled or diverted the mission.                                               |                                                  |                                                            |
| 31.                                                                                 | Terminate Request                                | Indicates conditions under which to terminate the request. |
| 32.                                                                                 | Mission Results                                  | Self-explanatory, include pilot reports.                   |

## Assault Support Request Form Section I - Mission Request

| A. ___________________   | ________________________   | ______________________________   | ____________________________   |
|--------------------------|----------------------------|----------------------------------|--------------------------------|
| B. ___________________   | ________________________   | ______________________________   | ____________________________   |
| C. ___________________   | ________________________   | ______________________________   | ____________________________   |
| D. ___________________   | ________________________   | ______________________________   | ____________________________   |
| A. WIND DIRECTION/VELOCITY________________________   | B. ELEVATION _____________________________________________________(FT MSL)   |
|------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| C. SIZE ____________________________________________ | D. OBSTACLES ____________________________________________________________    |
| E. FRIENDLY POS___________________________________   | DIR/DIST____________________________/__________________________________      |
| F. ENEMY POS                                         | DIR/DIST___________________________/___________________________________      |
| G. LAST FIRE RECEIVED TIME/TYPE                      | DIR/DIST___________________________/___________________________________      |
| 11. COMMUNICATIONS                                    | A. PICKUP ZONE CALL SIGN____________________________   |
|-------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|
| B. LZ CALL SIGN _____________________________________ | /FREQUENCY (COLOR CODE)____________________________    |

## Section Ii - Coordination

| C. NO. /TYPE A/C_____________________________________   | D. CALL SIGN__________________________________________________   |
|---------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------|
| E. COMMUNICATIONS _______________________________       | F. ARMAMENT_________________________________________________     |
A. (FROM TIME)________________
B. (TO TIME)__________
24. ALTITUDE/VERTEX
A. _____________________
........(FROM COORDINATES)
B. ____________________________ ....(TO COORDINATES
A. _____________ ....MAX/VERTEX
B. _______________ ........MINIMUM

## Section Iii - Mission Data Glossary Section I: Abbreviations And Acronyms

AAW
antiair warfare
ACE
aviation combat element
AFC
assault force commander
AGM
air-to-ground missile (*See section III for variants*.)
AH
attack helicopter (*See section III for variants*.)
AMC
air mission commander
AO
area of operations
AREC
air reconnaissance
ARM
antiradiation missile
ASR
assault support request
ATO
air tasking order
CASEVAC
casualty evacuation
CAT
combat assault transport
CATF
commander, amphibious task force
CCDR
combatant commander
CH
cargo helicopter (*See section III for variants*.)
CLF
commander, landing force
COA
course of action
DASC
direct air support center
DZ
drop zone
EAB
expeditionary advanced base
EW
electromagnetic warfare
F/A
fighter attack (*See section III for variants*.)
FAC(A)
forward air controller (airborne)
FARP
forward arming and refueling point
FHA
foreign humanitarian assistance
FOB
forward operating base
FSCC
fire support coordination center
GCE
ground combat element
GPS
Global Positioning System
HDC
helicopter direction center
HST
helicopter/tiltrotor support team
IPB
intelligence preparation of the battlespace
JFC
joint force commander
JIM
joint interorganizational multinational
JP
joint publication
LCE
logistics combat element
LZ
landing zone
MACCS
Marine air command and control system
MAGTF
Marine air-ground task force
MBA
main battle area
MCDP
Marine Corps doctrinal publication
MCTP
Marine Corps tactical publication
METT-T
mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available-time available
MEU
 Marine expeditionary unit
NEO
noncombatant evacuation operation
NSFS
naval surface fire support
NVD
night vision device
OAS
offensive air support
OPSEC
operations security
PZ
pickup zone
S-2
intelligence officer/intelligence office
CSAR
combat search and rescue
SEAD
suppression of enemy air defenses
TACC
tactical air command center (*USMC*) tactical air control center (USN)
TACP
tactical air control party
TADC
tactical air direction center
TAOC
tactical air operations center
TRAP
tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel
UH
utility helicopter (*See section III for variants*.)

## Section Ii: Definitions

air defense Defensive measures designed to destroy attacking enemy aircraft or aerodynamic missiles, or to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of such attack. Also called AD. (DOD Dictionary)
air interdiction Air operations conducted to divert, disrupt, delay, or destroy the enemy's military surface capabilities before it can be brought to bear effectively against friendly forces, or to otherwise achieve objectives that are conducted at such distances from friendly forces that detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of friendly forces is not required. Also called AI. (DOD Dictionary)
air reconnaissance
1. A directed effort to obtain detailed information concerning the terrain or enemy activity within a prescribed area such as a town, ridgeline, woods, or other features critical to operations. 2. The acquisition of information by employing visual observation and/or sensors in air vehicles. Air reconnaissance is one of the six Marine aviation functions. See also Marine aviation functions. (USMC Dictionary)
air superiority That degree of control of the air by one force that permits the conduct of its operations at a given time and place without prohibitive interference from air and missile threats. (DOD Dictionary)
antiair warfare That action required to destroy or reduce to an acceptable level the enemy air and missile threat. Antiair warfare integrates all offensive and defensive actions against enemy aircraft, surface-to-air weapons, and theater missiles into a singular, indivisible set of operations. Antiair warfare is one of the six functions of Marine aviation. Also called AAW. (USMC Dictionary)
assault support The use of aircraft to provide tactical mobility and logistical support for the MAGTF, the movement of high priority cargo and personnel within the immediate area of operations, in-flight refueling, and the evacuation of personnel and cargo. Assault support is one of the six functions of Marine aviation. (USMC Dictionary)
aviation combat element The core element of a MAGTF that is task-organized to conduct aviation operations. The ACE provides all or a portion of the six functions of Marine aviation necessary to accomplish the MAGTF's mission. These functions are antiair warfare, offensive air support, assault support, electromagnetic warfare, air reconnaissance, and control of aircraft and missiles. The ACE is usually composed of an aviation unit headquarters and various other aviation units or their detachments. It can vary in size from a small aviation detachment of specifically required aircraft to one or more Marine aircraft wings. In a joint or multinational environment, the ACE may contain other Service or multinational forces assigned or attached to the MAGTF. The ACE itself is not a formal command. Also called ACE. (USMC
Dictionary)
casualty evacuation
 (See the DOD Dictionary for core definition. Marine Corps amplification follows.) The movement of the sick, wounded, or injured that begins at the point of injury or onset of disease and includes both movement to and between medical treatment facilities. (Note: All units have an evacuation capability. Any vehicle may be used to evacuate casualties. If a medical vehicle is not used it should be replaced with one at the first opportunity. Similarly aeromedical evacuation should replace surface evacuation at the first opportunity.)
(USMC Dictionary)
close air support Air action by aircraft against hostile targets that are in close proximity to friendly forces and that require detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of those forces. Also called CAS. (DOD Dictionary)
combined arms
1. The full integration of combat arms in such a way that to counteract one, the enemy must become more vulnerable to another. 2. The tactics, techniques, and procedures employed by a force to integrate firepower and mobility to produce a desired effect upon the enemy. (USMC Dictionary)
concept of operations A verbal or graphic statement that clearly and concisely expresses what the commander intends to accomplish and how it will be done using available resources. Also called CONOPS. (DOD Dictionary)
deep air support Air action against enemy targets at such a distance from friendly forces that detailed integration of each mission with fire and movement of friendly forces is not required. Deep air support missions are flown on either side of the fire support coordination line; the lack of a requirement for close coordination with the fire and movement of friendly forces is the qualifying factor. Also called DAS. (USMC Dictionary)
demonstration
 (See DOD Dictionary for core definition. Marine Corps amplification follows.) Operation designed to divert enemy attention, allowing the forces of a Marine air-ground task force to execute decisive action elsewhere. It is a show of force that threatens an attack at another location but does not make contact with the enemy. (USMC Dictionary)
direct air support center The principal air control agency of the United States Marine Corps air command and control system responsible for the direction and control of air operations directly supporting the ground combat element. Also called DASC. (USMC Dictionary)
expeditionary advanced base operations Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations is a form of expeditionary warfare that involves the employment of mobile, low-signature, operationally relevant, and relatively easy to maintain and sustain naval expeditionary forces from a series of austere, temporary locations ashore or inshore within a contested or potentially contested maritime area in order to conduct sea denial, support sea control, or enable fleet sustainment. (USMC Dictionary)
fire support
1. Fires that directly support land, maritime, amphibious, space, cyberspace, and special operations forces to engage enemy forces, combat formations, and facilities in pursuit of tactical and operational objectives. (DOD Dictionary). 2. Assistance to elements of the Marine air-ground task force engaged with the enemy rendered by other firing units, including (but not limited to) artillery, mortars, naval surface fire support, and offensive air support. (USMC Dictionary)
fire support coordination center A single site in which centralized communications facilities and personnel incident to the coordination of all forms of fire support for Marine forces are located. Also called FSCC. (DOD Dictionary)
fire support coordination line A fire support coordination measure established by the land or amphibious force commander to support common objectives within an area of operation, beyond which all fires must be coordinated with affected commanders prior to engagement and, short of the line, all fires must be coordinated with the establishing commander prior to engagement. Also called FSCL. See also fire support. (DOD Dictionary)
forward air controller (airborne)
A specifically trained and qualified aviation officer, normally an airborne extension of the tactical air control party, who exercises control from the air of aircraft engaged in close air support of ground troops. Also called FAC(A). (DOD Dictionary)
forward arming and refueling point A temporary facility, organized, equipped, and deployed to provide fuel and ammunition necessary for the employment of aviation maneuver units in combat. Also called FARP. (DOD Dictionary)
forward-looking infrared An airborne, electro-optical, thermal imaging device that detects infrared energy, converts the energy into an electronic signal, and provides a visible image for day or night viewing. Also called FLIR. (DOD Dictionary)
forward operating base An airfield used to support tactical operations without establishing full support facilities. Also called FOB. (DOD Dictionary)
helicopter/tiltrotor support team A task organization formed and equipped for employment in a landing zone to facilitate the landing and movement of troops, equipment and supplies, and to evacuate selected casualties and enemy prisoners of war . The team is sourced from the Marine logistics group, specifically from the landing support company of the support battalion. Also called HST. (USMC Dictionary)
immediate air support Air support to meet specific requests that arise during the course of a battle and cannot be planned in advance. (DOD Dictionary)
maneuver warfare A warfighting philosophy that seeks to shatter the enemy's cohesion through a variety of rapid, focused, and unexpected actions that create a turbulent and rapidly deteriorating situation with which the enemy cannot cope. (USMC Dictionary)
Marine air assault task force A task-organized unit combining aviation assets, air assault force units, and supporting units for use in air assault operations. Also called MAATF. (USMC Dictionary)
Marine air command and control system A system that provides the ACE commander with the means to command, coordinate, and control all air operations within an assigned sector and to coordinate air operations with other Services. Also called MACCS. (USMC Dictionary)
Marine air-ground task force The Marine Corps' principal organization for all missions across the range of military operations, composed of forces task-organized under a single commander capable of responding rapidly to a contingency anywhere in the world. The types of forces in the Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) are functionally grouped into four core elements: a command element, an aviation combat element, a ground combat element, and a logistics combat element. The four core elements are categories of forces, not formal commands. The basic structure of the MAGTF never varies, though the number, size, and type of Marine Corps units comprising each of its four elements will always be mission dependent. The flexibility of the organizational structure allows for one or more subordinate MAGTFs to be assigned. In a joint or multinational environment, other Service or multinational forces may be assigned or attached. Also called MAGTF. (USMC Dictionary)
Marine aviation functions The six functions (antiair warfare, offensive air support, assault support, electromagnetic warfare, air reconnaissance, and control of aircraft and missiles) performed by Marine aviation in support of the Marine air-ground task force. (USMC Dictionary)
Navy tactical air control center The principal air operations installation (ship-based) from which all aircraft and air warning functions of tactical air operations are controlled. Also called Navy TACC. (DOD Dictionary)
offensive air support Those air operations conducted against enemy installations, facilities, and personnel to directly assist the attainment of Marine air-ground task force objectives by the destruction of enemy resources or the isolation of the enemy's military forces. Offensive air support is one of the six functions of Marine aviation. Also called OAS. (USMC Dictionary)
operations security A capability that identifies and controls critical information, indicators of friendly force actions attendant to military operations, and incorporates countermeasures to reduce the risk of an adversary exploiting vulnerabilities. Also called OPSEC. (DOD Dictionary)

## Preplanned Air Support Air Support In Accordance With A Program, Planned In Advance Of Operations. (Dod Dictionary)

raid In amphibious operations, conducted as an independent operation or in support of other operations, such as another landing, land operations, or air or naval operation. When required, they are conducted by stealth or appropriately supported so that they resemble the early stages of an amphibious assault, except they include a provision for withdrawal. (Part 2 of a 3-part definition. USMC Dictionary)
rules of engagement Directives issued by competent military authority that delineate the circumstances and limitations under which United States forces will initiate and/or continue combat engagement with other forces encountered. Also called ROE. (DOD Dictionary)
special operations Activities or actions requiring unique modes of employment, tactical techniques, equipment, and training often conducted in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments. (DOD Dictionary)
suppression of enemy air defenses Activity that neutralizes, destroys, or temporarily degrades surface-based enemy air defenses by destructive and/or disruptive means. Also called SEAD. (DOD Dictionary)
tactical air command center The principal United States Marine Corps air command and control agency from which air operations and air defense warning functions are directed. Also called Marine TACC. (USMC Dictionary)
tactical air control party A subordinate operational component of a tactical air control system designed to provide air liaison to land forces and for the control of aircraft. Also called TACP. (DOD Dictionary)
tactical air coordinator (airborne)
An aircrew member who coordinates, from an aircraft, the actions of other aircraft engaged in air support of ground or sea forces. Also called TAC(A). (DOD Dictionary)
tactical air direction center An air operations installation, under the overall control of the Navy tactical air control center or the Marine Corps tactical air command center, from which aircraft and air warning service functions of tactical air operations in support of amphibious operations are directed. Also called TADC. (DOD Dictionary)
tactical air operations center The principal air control agency of the United States Marine air command and control system responsible for airspace control and management. Also called TAOC. (DOD Dictionary)
tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel A mission performed by an assigned and briefed aircrew for the specific purpose of the recovery of personnel, equipment, and/or aircraft when the tactical situation precludes combat search and rescue assets from responding and when survivors and their location have been confirmed. Also called TRAP. (Organization of the United States Marine Corps, MCRP 1-10.1)
time on station The time that an aircraft can actually spend performing its assigned mission. It does not include the time transiting to and from the operating site. Also called TOS. (USMC Dictionary)

## Section Iii: Nomenclature

AGM-65E
Maverick missile
AGM-65F
Maverick imaging infrared missile
AGM-88
high-speed antiradiation missile
AGM-114
Hellfire air-launched antitank missile
AGM-122A
Sidearm guided missile
AH-1Z
Viper Attack Helicopter (Cobra)
AIM-7
radar-guided, air-to-air missile with high-explosive warhead (Sparrow)
AIM-9/9L/9M
Sidewinder missile
AIM-120
advanced medium-range, air-to-air missile
AMRAAM
advanced medium-range, air-to-air missile
AN/AAQ-24B(V)25
Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure system
AN/AAQ-29
forward-looking infrared system
AN/AAQ-22
SAFIRE navigational thermal imaging system
AN/AAR-47
missile warning system
AN/AAR-50
thermal imaging navigation set
AN/AAS-38
Terminator advanced targeting forward-looking infrared pod
AN/ALE-39
chaff and flare dispenser
AN/ALE-43
chaff cutter and dispenser pod
AN/ALE-47
chaff and flare dispenser
AN/ALE-139
tactical jamming system
AN/ALQ-99
tactical jamming system
AN/ALQ-126B
deceptive electronic countermeasures system
AN/ALQ-144
countermeasures set
AN/ALQ-157
infrared countermeasures system
AN/ALQ-164
radio frequency jammer pod
AN/ALQ-167
electronic countermeasures noise and deception jamming system
AN/ALR-56M
radar warning receiver
AN/ALR-67
radar warning receiver
AN/APR-39(V)1/2
radar signal detecting set
AN/APR-44
radar warning set
AN/APS-130
multimode search radar
AN/APS-133
weather radar system
AN/ARC-20
radio with/KY-58 encryption device
AN/ARC-94
single side band/high frequency command transceiver
AN/ARC-159(V)1
ultrahigh radio set
AN/ARC-174
high frequency radio system
AN/ARC-182
very high frequency/ultrahigh frequency radio system
AN/ARC-190
high frequency liaison radio set
AN/ARC-199
high frequency radio set
AN/ARC-210
single-channel ground and airborne radio system
AN/ASQ-1
35mm strike camera
AN/AVR-2
laser detection system
AN/UYQ-3A
 mobile direct air support center (airborne)
APG 65/73
multimode radar
APR/39(V)2
radar signal detecting set
AV-8B
Super Harrier
CBU-59
antipersonnel, anti-material bomb
CBU-72
550-pound cluster bomb unit (fuel/air explosive)
CBU-78
500-pound cluster bomb unit containing 45 antitank and antipersonnel mines (Gator)
CH-53E/K
Super/King Stallion heavy lift helicopter
EGI
embedded GPS/INS
F/A-18A/C/D
Hornet
GAU-12
25mm Gatling gun
GAU-17
7.62mm automatic gun
GAU-21
.50 caliber machine gun
GBU-10/12/16
laser guided bomb units (Paveway II)
KC-130
multirole, multi-mission tactical tanker/transport
KY-58
ultrahigh and very high frequency communications encryption system
LAU-10/51/61/68
rocket launcher
LUU-2A/B
illumination flare
M240D
7.62mm machine gun
MK 20
dumb bomb (Rockeye)
MK 36/40/41
 destructor
MK 50
advanced lightweight torpedo
MK 52
1000-pound aircraft-laid bottom mine
MK 55
2000-pound aircraft-laid bottom mine
MK 56
2000-pound aircraft-laid moored mine
MK 58
marine location marker
MK 62/63/64/65
Quickstrike mine
MK 77
incendiary bomb (Napalm)
MK 81/82/83
low drag general purpose bomb
MV-22B
Osprey tiltrotor medium lift aircraft
RT-1250A/ARC
remote receiver-transmitter with MIL-STD-1553B data bus interface
UH-1Y
Venom utility helicopter (Huey)

## References And Related Publications Joint Issuances Joint Publications (Jps)

| 3-0   | Joint Operations                          |
|-------|-------------------------------------------|
| 3-01  | Countering Air and Missile Threats        |
| 3-02  | Amphibious Operations                     |
| 3-08  | Interorganizational Cooperation           |
| 3-09  | Joint Fire Support                        |
| 3-16  | Multinational Operations                  |
| 3-29  | Foreign Humanitarian Assistance           |
| 3-30  | Joint Air Operations                      |
| 3-36  | Joint Air Mobility and Sealift Operations |
| 3-52  | Joint Airspace Control                    |
| 3-68  | Noncombatant Evacuation Operations        |

## Miscellaneous Dod Dictionary Of Military And Associated Terms Marine Corps Issuances Marine Corps Doctrinal Publications (Mcdps)

| 1   | Warfighting         |
|-----|---------------------|
| 1-1 | Strategy            |
| 1-2 | Campaigning         |
| 1-3 | Tactics             |
| 2   | Intelligence        |
| 5   | Planning            |
| 6   | Command and Control |

## Marine Corps Tactical Publications (Mctps)

| 3-01B   | Air Assault Operations                                 |
|---------|--------------------------------------------------------|
| 3-10E   | Artillery Operations                                   |
| 3-10F   | Fire Support Coordination in the Ground Combat Element |
| 3-20C   | Antiair Warfare                                                 |
|---------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| 3-20D   | Offensive Air Support                                           |
| 3-31A   | Supporting Arms in Amphibious Operations                        |
| 5-10A   | MAGTF Aviation Planning                                         |
| 13-10E  | Ship-to-Shore Movement                                          |
| 13-10L  | MTTP for Shipboard Helicopter and Tiltrotor Aircraft Operations |

## Marine Corps Reference Publications (Mcrps)

| 1-10.1   | Organization of the United States Marine Corps          |
|----------|---------------------------------------------------------|
| 2-10B.1  | Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield/Battlespace |
| 3-20.2   | MTTP for Air Operations in Maritime Surface Warfare     |
| 3-20F.2  | Marine Tactical Air Command Center Handbook             |
| 3-20F.5  | Direct Air Support Center Handbook                      |
| 3-20F.10 | MTTP for Air Control Communication (ACC)                |

## Miscellaneous Marine Corps Supplement To The Dod Dictionary Of Military And Associated Terms Marine Corps Orders (Mcos)

3120.13
Policy for Marine Expeditionary Units P3500.16C Aviation Training and Readiness Manual, Volume 3, Tactical Helicopter

## Navy Issuances Naval Doctrine Publication (Ndp)

1
Naval Warfare

## Navy Warfare Publication

| 3-30   | Maritime Command and Control of Air Operations   |
|--------|--------------------------------------------------|
| 3-56   | Composite Warfare Commander' Manual              |
| 5-01   | Navy Planning                                    |

A non-cost copy of this document is available at:
https://www.marines.mil/News/Publications/MCPEL/

## Copyright Information

This document is a work of the United States Government and the text is in the public domain in the United States. Subject to the following stipulation, it may be distributed and copied:


Copyrights to graphics and rights to trademarks/Service marks included in this document are reserved by original copyright or trademark/Service mark holders or their assignees, and are used here under a license to the Government and/or other permission.

The use or appearance of United States Marine Corps publications on a non-Federal Government website does not imply or constitute Marine Corps endorsement of the distribution service.