For the Glory – PC Game Review (corrected link)

AIR ASSAULT

THE STAGING PLAN/REVIEW

“It is worth recalling that the Mongols, although their Army was entirely composed of mobile troops, found neither the Himalayas nor the far stretching Carpathians a barrier to progress, for mobile troops there is usually a way around.”

—Sir Basil Liddell Hart

LAST MONTH
In our previous article, we focused on the fourth plan of an air assault operation – the Loading Plan. In dissecting this plan we touched on several areas. These included the selection of a Pickup Zone (PZ), the many responsibilities of the Pickup Zone Commander (PZCO), movement to the PZ, internal and external loading, the bump plan, and communications. We finally wrapped it all up with a diagram and displayed an example of a PZ. After reading the article, it should be pretty clear this is a very important plan. The bottom line is you must get the right people and the right equipment on the right bird at the right time. Clearly, a significant challenge!

THIS MONTH
We will conclude our mini-series this month on air assault. We will break out this article into three parts. First, we will look at the final plan – the Staging Plan. Second, we will provide you some detail on what should be included in the Air Mission Brief. This is in essence, the blueprint driving an air assault operation. Finally, we will wrap up the article with some overall keys to success in conducting an air assault. We will address each of the five plans and highlight the critical concepts we touched on in previous articles. Let’s begin.

THE STAGING PLAN

The staging plan is the last plan you will make and the first one you will execute in an air assault. When you get to this one you’re almost done! The staging plan is based on the loading plan and assigns the arrival time of ground units (troops, equipment, and supplies) at the PZ in the proper order for movement.

In simple terms, the Staging Plan is the tactical road march to the line of departure. In some cases, this can be a relatively short maneuver with minimal concerns (if there is such a thing). At the other end of the scale, this can be a significant maneuver with many moving pieces (and many headaches). The keys to a successful staging plan are details, preparation, leadership, and flexibility. We will address each.

In regards to details, there are several areas that must be planned. First, you must develop a viable maneuver table for all units involved in the air assault. Again, this is no different than planning a roadmarch. Second, you must develop graphic control measures that are in concert with your maneuver table. Finally, as in all details, they must be disseminated to all and understood by all.

One way to assist in understanding is in your preparation. Key events in preparation are rehearsals and reconnaissance. As discussed earlier, you must determine how much available time you have for rehearsals and conduct the most complete type of rehearsal you can. This may be a rock-drill, brief-back, walk-through, leader rehearsal, or a full-rehearsal. In terms of reconnaissance, walk or ride the ground from your current position to the PZ. The more familiar the better!

Help Armchair General by bookmarking to