If the AATF takes casualties early in an air assault operation, it may become necessary to reduce the amount of lifting aircraft to accomplish backhaul of casualties. The AATF should designate an area in the LZ for casualties to be brought. This will facilitate rapid movement and minimize ground time in the LZ for the aircraft. Since most air assaults will occur at night, it is critical that the casualty point be designated and that all members of the AATF know its location. The aircrews, as the arrive at the LZ, will be able to focus on the casualty point and be prepared to accept casualties.
Night operations provide a significant challenge for casualty backhaul operations.
Light signals should be planned so that aircraft arriving at the LZ can be prepared to accept casualties. For example, a flashlight or chem light coming from the designated LZ casualty location may indicate that there are casualties to be backhauled. This way the aircrews know that they must remain on the LZ and be prepared to accept casualties. The AATF commander must decide where to transport casualties if they occur during the air assault. Options include the PZ, the FSMC at the BSA, or another designated area.