RP – In an air assault an RP can be both a release point and a rally point. A release point is an area that when reached, allows the troops or helicopters to disperse and take independent routes from there on. You fly or walk to the release point in order to keep the formation together and ‘release’ in order to pursue independent routes to your subunit mission sites. A rally point is where troops will meet, or ‘rally’, when dispersed due to movement or combat.

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SEAD – SEAD is the suppression of enemy air defenses. This is a critical component of all air assault missions. SEAD requires reconnaissance, artillery, close air support, and attack helicopter support.

Serial: This is a tactical grouping of two or more aircraft that is separated from other tactical groupings within the lift by time or space. Not all the helicopters can fit into the LZ at one time and even if they could, it would probably be a bad idea. Therefore, serials are designated. The use of serials separated in time, allows the commander to build up combat power and deploy troops in and around the LZ.

SP – The start point is the first point that must be ‘hit’ enroute to the objective. This is where the controlling unit gains control of the operation by sequencing subunits through the SP.

AIR ASSAULT – BY THE BOOK

Now that you’re aware of the basic components and tools of an air assault mission, let’s take a look at a thumbnail sketch of an air assault executed ‘by the book’. The mission begins anywhere from 12 hours to many days before troops in helicopters will hit the ground. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and long range reconnaissance and surveillance detachments (LRSD) will do the initial recon of the LZ’s and surrounding defenses.

They will be followed by one or more Pathfinder teams. They are inserted usually by parachute, to within walking distance of one or more proposed LZ’s. They will confirm or deny the suitability of the LZ and determine the enemy forces in the vicinity. Assuming the LZ is undefended, the team will survey the area to determine the long axis of the LZ, how many aircraft it can accommodate and in what formation, the local weather to include wind speed and direction, and determine the land heading. Finally, they will reduce obstacles on the LZ and mark it.

Air Force fighters and long range artillery usually precede rotary wing scouts by attacking air defense and artillery units that can range the air assault mission and landing zone. This doesn’t tip off the enemy since the attacks are general in nature and could be in support of any of a number of operations.

Next come the OH-58 scouts who recon the aerial route for enemy positions and air defense—from the start point to the LZ and beyond, including the flanks. The scouts are closely followed by, or teamed up with, attack helicopters that neutralize air defense emplacements, artillery and nearby reserves.

Finally, the utility helicopters come in carrying the troops and equipment. They make contact with the Pathfinders and are guided into the landing zone where they touch down and disembark their troops. The goal is to be on the ground for as short a time as possible.

Combat search and rescue teams (CSAR) consisting of a few utility helicopters with a rifle squad follow the serials with the mission of rescuing crews and personnel from helicopters downed enroute either due to enemy fire of malfunction.

Once the troops are on the ground, they will organize a perimeter defense of the landing zone until they build up enough combat power to begin their attack on the air assault objective. This is an air assault in a nutshell. We will elaborate in far greater detail in the future!

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