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Chapter 1

Doctrine Fundamentals, Missions, and Organizations

This chapter discusses the fundamentals and the tenets of Army aviation operations doctrine. It states the types of aviation brigade missions to be conducted within the framework of Army operations. It includes a list of the aviation brigade's capabilities and limitations. Finally, it provides the various aviation brigade organizational structures at echelons above corps (EAC), corps, and division levels.

SECTION I. Army Aviation Operations Doctrine

1–1. DOCTRINE FUNDAMENTALS

The aviation brigade is organized and equipped to support Army operations. It operates throughout the entire volume of a commander's battlespace. The aviation brigade is a fully integrated member of the combined arms team. It conducts combat, combat support (CS), and combat service support (CSS) operations to support the Joint Force commander. It operates across the entire length and breadth of the battlefield (close, deep, and rear); it can be expected to conduct simultaneous operations 24 hours a day.

1–2. TENETS OF ARMY AVIATION DOCTRINE

Army operations require worldwide strategic mobility. Given this requirement, Army forces must have the capability to conduct operations in any environment under any conditions. These conditions include war and other operations. Army aviation doctrine focuses on the integration and synchronization of aviation forces within the framework of the operational concepts of the land component commander. The ability to successfully fight and/or conduct other operations depends on the correct application of the five basic tenets of Army aviation doctrine. These tenets include—

a. Initiative.

Initiative allows the commander to set the terms of battle. It retains friendly force options while limiting the enemy's options. Retaining the initiative requires planning beyond the initial operation.

(1)

During the defense, operations are offensive in nature. Aviation's capabilities—such as speed, agility, and long–range direct fires—also allow the friendly force commander to set the terms of battle. Flexibility allows aviation commanders to attack from unexpected directions and locations.

(2)

In combat operations, aviation commanders set the tempo by seizing the initiative. Commanders fight tenaciously and aggressively. They never allow the enemy to recover from the initial shock of an attack. They push soldiers and systems to the limits of their endurance for as long as necessary.

(3)

In other operations, aviation commanders take the initiative by anticipating near– and long–term personnel, equipment, and logistical support requirements relative to the operation.

b. Agility.

Agility is the ability of friendly forces to act faster than the enemy. It is a prerequisite for seizing and holding the initiative.

(1)

In combat operations, aviation commanders exploit the agility of their units through speed, mobility, and reaction time capabilities. Technological developments in intelligence gathering, aviation mission planning, and communications have improved situational awareness during both the pre– and post–aircraft launch phases of an operation.

(2)

This situational awareness provides an edge to aviation commanders. Aviation assets can now be directed to critical places at critical times on the battlefield. Furthermore, agility allows the aviation commander to rapidly rearm and refuel, get back into the fight, and continue to attack the enemy across the entire battlespace.

(3)

In stability and support operations (SASO), aviation commanders use their assets to reach locations unreachable by other means of transportation. Aviation assets can move personnel, equipment, and supplies in large quantities and in a timely manner.

c. Depth.

Depth is the extension of operations in time, space, resources, and purpose.

(1) In combat operations, aviation commanders understand depth—the ability to conduct simultaneous close, deep, and rear operations. They sustain the momentum by taking advantage of all available resources. They attack the enemy simultaneously in all battlefield dimensions. They have access to joint and combined arms capabilities. They can plan for, and control, numerous means of simultaneous or near–simultaneous ordnance delivery on multiple targets.

(2)

In SASO, depth is the capability to conduct simultaneous, yet different type operations. For example, attack helicopters may be required to conduct reconnaissance throughout certain regions of an area of operations (AO). At the same time, medium–lift assets are transporting life support supplies in another part of the same AO; medical relief operations are being conducted in still another part of the same AO.

d. Synchronization. Synchronization is the application of military forces in time, space, and purpose to produce maximum relative combat power at the decisive time and place.

(1)

In combat operations, aviation commanders understand synchronization—the planned integration and execution of combat power. Synchronization requires exact coordination among the various combat, CS, and CSS units in any operation as far as time. Joint and multinational asset capabilities must be considered where and when applicable.

(2)

In SASO, aviation commanders must synchronize—both vertically and horizontally—planning phases, alert phases, deployment, early entry operations, mission execution, and redeployment.

e. Versatility. Versatility is the ability of units to meet diverse mission requirements. It is the essence of Army aviation.

(1)

In combat operations, aviation commanders demonstrate versatility by their ability to shift focus, tailor aviation forces, and move from one role or mission to another rapidly and efficiently. Aviation forces must be prepared to deploy from one geographical region to another, and from one type of operation to another.

(2)

In SASO, the aviation commander recognizes that mission requirements may not mirror the mission essential task list (METL) to which the aviation unit has trained. Non–METL based tasks require change in focus, rapid trainup, and execution under conditions outside the normal operating environment.

Section II. Aviation Brigade Missions

1–3. MISSIONS

Aviation brigades conduct combat, CS, and CSS missions. Each of these mission is conducted within the framework of Army operations.

a. Combat Missions. Aviation maneuver forces engage in destroying enemy forces by direct fire, indirect fire, and standoff precision weapons in joint and combined arms missions. These aviation combat missions include—

- Reconnaissance.

- Security.

- Attack.

- Air assault.

- Special operations.

- Theater missile defense (TMD).

- Support by fire.

b. Combat Support Missions.

Aviation CS missions, the operational support and sustainment provided to forces in combat by aviation units, include—

- Command, control, communications, and intelligence (C3I).

- Air movement.

- Electronic warfare (EW).

- Aerial mine warfare.

- Combat search and rescue (CSAR).

- Air traffic services (ATS).

c. Combat Service Support Missions.

Aviation CSS, the assistance provided by aviation forces to sustain combat forces, includes—

- Aerial sustainment.

- Casualty evacuation (CASEVAC).

1–4. CAPABILITIES

The aviation brigade conducts combat, CS, and CSS in combined arms, joint, and multinational environments. It significantly influences combat and noncombat missions by—

a.

Conducting day, night, and limited visibility combat, CS, and CSS operations across the entire length and width of the battlefield.

b. Weighting the combat power of the theater, corps, division, or brigade/regiment commander by rapidly maneuvering forces to achieve mass at the critical time and place.

c. Shaping the battlespace by providing near real–time intelligence on the enemy's location, disposition, strengths, and intentions throughout the AO.

d. Influencing the tempo of friendly and enemy operations.

e. Conducting joint air attack team (JAAT) operations.

f. Conducting suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD).

g. Conducting air combat operations.

1–5. LIMITATIONS

Aviation brigades also are subject to some operating limitations to include—

a. Weather and obscuration effects on observation, acquisition, and engagement ranges of combat systems as well as the employment of all aviation forces.

b.

Limited capability to secure unit assembly areas (AAs).

Section III. Organizational Structures

1–6.

THEATER AVIATION BRIGADES

a.

Mission

(1)

Theater aviation brigades support EAC, corps, and division operations. Based on organizational structure, EAC brigades conduct combat, CS, and CSS according to theater operational requirements. Theater aviation brigades conduct joint, combined, and combined arms maneuver operations, and support theater special operations forces (SOF).

(2)

Theater aviation units primarily support subordinate tactical units in the corps and divisions, although theater units may be required to conduct theater rear area security. These units may also serve as a tactical reserve.

b. Structure

. A theater brigade is designed, tailored, and configured for the specific theater in which it operates. The Army component commander organizes theater brigades based on the mission guidance from the theater commander–in–chief (CINC). The brigade may be organized with any combination of attack, reconnaissance, assault, medium–lift, fixed–wing, and maintenance units; however, the normal structure would include a headquarters and headquarters company (HHC); one UH–60 Black Hawk–equipped command aviation battalion; one fixed–wing theater aviation battalion; one CH–47 Chinook–equipped theater helicopter battalion; and one ATS group. The theater Army area command (TAACOM) will provide an aviation unit maintenance (AVIM) company to the theater brigade. Figure 1–1 is an example of this structure.

Figure 1–1. Theater aviation brigade

1–7. CORPS AVIATION BRIGADE

a. Mission

(1)

The corps aviation brigade primarily conducts attack, reconnaissance, security, air assault, command and control (C2), air movement operations, and ATS throughout the corps AO. The corps aviation brigade plans, coordinates, and executes aviation operations to support the corps scheme of maneuver; it can be expected to operate anywhere in the corps area. Attack helicopter units destroy enemy forces by fire and maneuver. Assault and CH–47 Chinook helicopter units transport combat personnel, supplies, and equipment for corps operations. Helicopters are provided to corps units requiring heliborne C2 assets. ATS are provided for Army airspace command and control (A2C2) integration, airspace information, and terminal and forward area support services.

(2)

Elements of the corps aviation brigade may operate directly for the corps commander or be placed under operational control (OPCON) of a subordinate division. The corps commander can task–organize other corps assets under the command of the corps aviation brigade or task the corps aviation brigade to support an armored cavalry regiment (ACR). In corps without ACRs, the aviation brigade may be tasked to be the covering force headquarters.

b.

Structure. Aviation brigades are organic to all US Army corps. Among the corps, there will be some differences concerning composite unit (COMPO) designations; however, the organizations basically are similar throughout the Army. The corps aviation brigade is composed of one HHC, one aviation group, and one attack regiment.

(1)

The aviation group consists of an aviation group HHC; an assault helicopter battalion (AHB); a command aviation battalion (CAB); a combat support aviation battalion (CSAB); a CH–47 helicopter battalion; a light utility helicopter (LUH) battalion; and an assigned ATS battalion.

(2)

The attack regiment consists of a regimental HHC and three AH–64 Apache attack helicopter battalions (ATKHBs). Corps attack regiments receive C2 support from the corps CAB, while CS/CSS is provided from the corps CSAB.

(3)

Corps support command (COSCOM) provides an AVIM battalion to support the corps aviation brigade.

c. Utility Helicopter Support. The aviation brigade commander is key to the integration of the corps' aviation resources. The CAB, CSAB, and LUH support the aviation brigade as well the corps with utility aircraft. The CSAB and LUH battalions also will provide CSS to the brigade’s CH–47 battalion, AVUM units, and the attached AVIM units. Habitual relationships, standard procedures, and regular training will make this integration easier. The brigade staff will routinely plan/coordinate CAB and CSAB support for the attack battalions. Also the brigade commander will ensure programs are established that reenforce collective training proficiency; he will reinforce proficiency among the CAB/CSAB/LUH and the units they are required to support.

d.

Figure 1–2 is an example of a corps aviation brigade.

Figure 1–2. Corps aviation brigade

1–8.

DIVISION AVIATION BRIGADES

a. Mission.

(1)

The division aviation brigade conducts all aviation combat, CS, and CSS missions (except ATS and fixed–wing operations) to support the division scheme of maneuver. The primary missions of the division aviation brigade are to find, fix, and destroy enemy forces within the division area. The division aviation brigade can accomplish this mission as an aviation–pure or task–organized force.

(2) The division aviation brigade may be supported by higher echelon aviation assets. It must be prepared to support these assets throughout the duration of any given operation.

b.

Structures. Aviation brigades are organic to all Army divisions. The designs of the aviation brigades have been tailored to meet the specific needs of the parent division, whether it be heavy, light, airborne, or air assault.

(1)

Heavy division aviation brigade. The primary mission of the heavy division aviation brigade is to engage and destroy threat armored and mechanized forces. It is composed of a brigade HHC; one divisional cavalry squadron; one general support aviation battalion (GSAB); and two ATKHBs.

(a) The heavy division cavalry squadron consists of a headquarters and headquarters troop (HHT); an AVUM troop; three armored cavalry troops; and two air cavalry troops (ACTs). The two ACTs will be equipped with 8 OH–58D (I) aircraft. The ACTs will be aircraft pure.

(b) The heavy division GSAB consists of a battalion HHC; a command aviation company (CAC) with eight UH–60s; six OH–58Cs; and four EH–60s; two support aviation companies (SACs) with eight UH–60s each; and an AVUM company.

(c)

The heavy division requires two ATKHBs. An attack battalion consists of an HHC; an AVUM company; and three attack helicopter companies (ATKHCs) equipped with eight AH–64 attack aircraft.

(d)

Division support command (DISCOM) supports the division aviation brigade with an aviation support battalion (DASB) AVIM unit. The DASB has no organic aircraft.

(e)

Utility helicopter support. The aviation brigade commander is the primary integrator of aviation assets within the division. The GSAB will provide support to the division, aviation brigade, cavalry squadron, the attack battalions, and the ASB. The aviation brigade will allocate resources based on METT–T, the scheme of maneuver, availability of assets, and the priorities set by the brigade commander. In addition, the brigade commander will ensure programs are established that reenforce collective training proficiency between the GSAB and the units they are required to support.

(f)

Figure 1–3 is an example of a heavy division aviation brigade.

Figure 1–3. Heavy division aviation brigade

(2) Light division aviation brigade

. The primary mission of the light division aviation brigade is to deploy worldwide—prepared to find, fix, and destroy enemy forces through fire and maneuver—and provide CS and CSS as an integrated member of a combined arms team. The light division aviation brigade is composed of a brigade HHC; one divisional cavalry squadron; one AHB; and one ATKHB.

(a)

The light division cavalry squadron consists of an HHT; an AVUM troop; one ground cavalry troop; and two air cavalry troops (ACTs). The two ACTs will be equipped with eight OH–58D (I) aircraft. The ACTs will be aircraft pure.

(b) The light division AHB consists of an HHC; an AVUM company; a CAC with 8 UH–60s and 4 EH–60s; and three assault companies with 15 UH–60s each.

(c) The light division ATKHB consists of an HHC; an AVUM company; and three ATKHCs equipped with eight OH–58D (I) aircraft.

(d) DISCOM supports the division aviation brigade with an AVIM company. The AVIM company has no organic aircraft.

(e) Utility helicopter support.

The aviation brigade commander is the primary integrator of aviation within the division. The assault battalion supports the aviation brigade as well as the division with utility aircraft. The attack battalion, cavalry squadron, and the attached AVIM company will be supported by the assault battalion for C2, CS, CSS, and CSAR. The brigade commander will ensure programs are established that reinforce collective training proficiency between the AHB and the units they are required to support.

(f) Figure 1–4 is an example of a light division aviation brigade.

Figure 1–4. Light division aviation brigade

(3) Airborne division aviation brigade

. The primary mission of the airborne division aviation brigade is to deploy to any worldwide contingency to find, fix, report, and destroy enemy forces using aerial firepower and maneuver. The brigade also provides CS and CSS in coordinated operations as an integrated member of the combined arms team. These operations usually will include link up with follow–on forces at a later time. The airborne division aviation brigade is composed of a brigade HHC, one divisional cavalry squadron, one AHB, and one ATKHB.

(a)

The airborne division reconnaissance squadron consists of an HHT; an AVUM troop; one ground reconnaissance troop; and three ACTs. The three ACTs will be equipped with 8 OH–58D (I) each.

(b)

The airborne division AHB consists of an HHC; an AVUM company; a CAC with 8 UH–60s and 4 EH–60s; and three assault companies with 15 UH–60s each.

(c)

The airborne division ATKHB consists of an HHC; an AVUM company; and three ATKHCs equipped with three RAH–66 Scout aircraft and five RAH–66 attack aircraft each.

(d)

DISCOM supports the aviation brigade with an AVIM company. The AVIM company has no organic aircraft.

(e) Utility helicopter support

. The aviation brigade commander is the primary integrator of aviation within the division. The assault battalion supports the division as well as the aviation brigade. Having no utility aircraft in the attack battalion requires the brigade to support the moving of Class I, III, and V and resources. The assault battalion for C2, CS, CSS, and CSAR will support the ATKHB, cavalry squadron, and the attached AVIM company. In addition, the brigade commander will ensure programs are established that reinforce collective training proficiency between the AHB and the units it is required to support.

(f) Figure 1–5 is an example of an airborne division aviation brigade.

Figure 1–5. Airborne division aviation brigade

(4)

Air assault division aviation brigade. The primary mission of the air assault division aviation brigade is to deploy worldwide on short notice; plan, coordinate, and execute aviation operations as an integrated element of an air assault combined arms team; and find, fix, and destroy enemy forces in joint, combined, or unilateral operations. The air assault division aviation brigade is composed of a brigade HHC; one divisional cavalry squadron; one CH–47 helicopter battalion; three AHBs; one command aviation battalion (CAB); and three ATKHBs.

(a) The air assault division reconnaissance squadron consists of an HHT; an AVUM troop; and four ACTs. The four ACTs will be equipped with 8 OH–58D (I) each.

(b)

The air assault division CH–47 helicopter battalion consists of an HHC and 3 CH–47 helicopter companies with 16 CH–47Ds in each company.

(c) The air assault division's three AHBs each consist of an HHC; an AVUM company; and three assault helicopter companies (AHCs) with 15 UH–60s in each company. The limited assets of the support aviation company in the CAB will require the assault companies to perform utility missions as well.

(d) The air assault division CAB consists of an HHC; an AVUM company; two CACs with eight UH–60s and four EH–60s each; and a support aviation company (SAC) with eight UH–60s.

(e)

The air assault division's three ATKHBs each consist of an HHC; an AVUM company; and three ATKHCs equipped with eight AH–64 attack aircraft each.

(f)

DISCOM supports the aviation brigade with an AVIM battalion. The AVIM battalion has no organic aircraft.

(g) Utility helicopter support. The aviation brigade commander is the primary integrator of aviation within the division. The CAB supports the division as well as the aviation brigade. Utility aircraft support the attack battalions, cavalry squadron, and the CH–47 battalion; the attached AVIM battalion will come from the CAB and the assault battalion. The brigade staff will routinely plan for utility support from the CAB and the assault battalion to the attack battalions, reconnaissance squadron, and CH–47 battalion. In addition, the brigade commander will ensure programs are established that reinforce collective training proficiency between the CAB and assault battalion and the units they are required to support.

(h) Figure 1–6 is an example of an air assault division aviation brigade.

Figure 1–6. Air assault division aviation brigade