Number of LZs. A large number of LZs for a brigade air assault increases risk and complexity of the operation. Whether away from or on the objective, brigades should plan for one primary LZ and one alternate LZ per maneuver battalion. This results in six different LZs for planning at the brigade level.
Touchdown points are often confused with LZs.
A touchdown point is where on the LZ the first chalk of any serial lands. LZs should all have different names and associated grids to further avoid confusion. Additionally, a greater number of planned LZs increases the difficulty of setting conditions at each LZ prior to landing. At each of the battalion LZs, forces must land ready to fight. Prior planning will make that work.