1. Warfighting Functions: Aviation

2. Missions
The OPFOR considers the ability of its aviation assets to provide responsive and continuous fire support to ground forces a tremendous influence on the battlefield.
Early attainment of air superiority.
Effective reconnaissance and targeting.
A coordinated attack on enemy targets at all tactical and operational depths.
Employment in mass during all phases of combat.
Survivability and responsiveness using effective planning and preparation.

3. Fixed vs Rotary FIXED-WING AVIATION
Not task-organized in a constituent or dedicated relationship below the OSC level (joint command)
May have a supporting relationship with DIV/BDE
Can respond to mission requests from tactical-level units (subject to theater/OSC commander approval)
ROTARY-WING AVIATION
Employed across the battlefield to support the ground commander
Can execute missions down to the BTG level (Attack, CS, CSS)
Can support both offense and defense
Can be part of a DTG’s integrated fires command (IFC)
Su-25
Mi-28

4. Attack
Deliberate missions to attack priority enemy targets such as assembly areas, supply routes, artillery or antitank positions, multiple rocket launcher (MRL) positions, forward air bases, and reserves.
Su-25
Mi-28
Classification
Example Target
Single (or Point)
An MRL, tank, or armored vehicle; parked aircraft or helicopter; radar, observation post, or bunker
Multiple
Group of single targets, occupying an area of km2
Line
Tactical march column (usually 1 km or longer), a train, or a runway
Area
Assembly areas of battalion or larger unit, supply depot, large C2 center, or airfield
Following examples are certainly not conclusive but illustrate the concept that the enemy will organize in a manner that he feels will give him the best chance at avoiding defeat.

5. Direct Air Support (DAS)
Disrupt and destroy enemy forces in proximity to friendly forces.
Least efficient application of air forces
Typically extend only to the range of friendly ground-based systems.
Extend to the range of ground systems, within air defense coverage
Best when ground forces are not sufficient or when a mass concentration of fire is required.
Following examples are certainly not conclusive but illustrate the concept that the enemy will organize in a manner that he feels will give him the best chance at avoiding defeat.
Su-25
Mi-35M2

6. Counterair
Air assets may be diverted from ground support roles to support theater or OSC requirements
Multi-role Fighter Aircraft Su-27
Multi-role Attack Aircraft Su-25TM

7. Infrastructure / Interdiction
Theater air forces conduct air interdiction missions to annihilate, or neutralize the enemy’s military potential before it can be used to inflict damage on friendly forces
Targets generally beyond the range of ground fires
Correlates to ADA Phase 1
Bridges / Crossings
LOCs (Road, Rail)
PODs (Ports, Airfields)
Facilities, depots, bases

8. Reconnaissance and Targeting
The division or DTG conducts its own tactical reconnaissance primarily through ground reconnaissance and UAV assets
Assets used for reconnaissance include
Rotary Wing
UAS
Fixed Wing
Kamov-226T

9. Transport
Air Force or army aviation helicopter units and mixed aviation units can perform airlift, airborne insertion, airdrop, and aerial resupply.
HT Airborne Mechanized Infantry can be airlifted by Airforce Fixed Wing and Helicopter platforms.

10. How Much to Use? In general…
The ability of the OPFOR to employ its aviation assets will depend on the level of airspace dominance the OPFOR possesses.
In general…
When fighting a weaker opponent, the HT will
Decentralized control for greater flexibility and responsiveness
Allocate assets down to the DTG/BTG level
When faced with a superior enemy, the HT will
Centralize control for strategic flexibility and survivability
Make maximum use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS)

11. Aviation in a DTG IFC
The threat ground force structure includes air defense units. These units are equipped with a variety of systems having the firepower, mobility, and range to fully support fast-moving tank and mechanized forces in dynamic offensive operations.
Allows rapid employment with other ground systems.
May be constituent or dedicated, but always tailored for the specific mission
May be organized to include an army aviation component.
A lift helicopter battalion may be constituent or dedicated if continuous lift capabilities is required
Divisions:
Divisions can be assigned to create task-organized division tactical groups (DTGs). When this occurs, consideration must be given to allocating additional air defense assets to ensure protection of the augmented force. In some situations, the DTG may be allocated assets normally associated with operational-level organizations.
Divisional and Separate Brigades:
Like the division, maneuver brigades may be task-organized as brigade tactical groups (BTGs) and may require additional air defense assets to protect newly allocated units.
Separate brigades may contain a more robust air defense battalion.
However, separate brigades typically contain a more robust capability than divisional brigades, even without augmentation. Thus, air defense augmentation of a separate brigade (task-organized as a BTG) may be the equivalent of an air defense brigade.
Battalions:
The platoon leader of the MANPADS platoon (or the senior air defender) also coordinates with the appropriate staff member, or FAC if present, to deconflict any possible fratricide issues.
Companies:
Most threat tactical vehicles are equipped at least with a 7.62-mm general-purpose machinegun that can engage enemy aircraft in addition to ground targets. All threat units receive training in the employment of massed small arms weapons fire to engage low-flying enemy aircraft. This technique is routinely practiced by troop units and is usually employed under the supervision of the company commander when he has been notified that an enemy aircraft is approaching. For additional information, see All-Arms Air Defense below.
If troops movement is a one-time requirement, the helicopter battalion may have a supporting relationship for the duration of the mission but remaining under the control of the parent aviation unit.

12. Aviation in a DTG
The threat ground force structure includes air defense units. These units are equipped with a variety of systems having the firepower, mobility, and range to fully support fast-moving tank and mechanized forces in dynamic offensive operations.
Army aviation units that are constituent or dedicated to a DTG, but not associated with fire support, are directly subordinate to the DTG commander or perhaps to a BTG within the DTG.
Attack helicopters most likely employed as DAS / attack in IFC
In reconnaissance/security they could be employed outside of the IFC unless specifically related to fire support.
For CS and CSS helicopters units, the various missions are assigned primarily with a supporting relationship.
Divisions:
Divisions can be assigned to create task-organized division tactical groups (DTGs). When this occurs, consideration must be given to allocating additional air defense assets to ensure protection of the augmented force. In some situations, the DTG may be allocated assets normally associated with operational-level organizations.
Divisional and Separate Brigades:
Like the division, maneuver brigades may be task-organized as brigade tactical groups (BTGs) and may require additional air defense assets to protect newly allocated units.
Separate brigades may contain a more robust air defense battalion.
However, separate brigades typically contain a more robust capability than divisional brigades, even without augmentation. Thus, air defense augmentation of a separate brigade (task-organized as a BTG) may be the equivalent of an air defense brigade.
Battalions:
The platoon leader of the MANPADS platoon (or the senior air defender) also coordinates with the appropriate staff member, or FAC if present, to deconflict any possible fratricide issues.
Companies:
Most threat tactical vehicles are equipped at least with a 7.62-mm general-purpose machinegun that can engage enemy aircraft in addition to ground targets. All threat units receive training in the employment of massed small arms weapons fire to engage low-flying enemy aircraft. This technique is routinely practiced by troop units and is usually employed under the supervision of the company commander when he has been notified that an enemy aircraft is approaching. For additional information, see All-Arms Air Defense below.
Exception: A highly-trained unit equipped with modern attack helicopters may be employed as a maneuver element in the ground commander’s scheme of maneuver.
Attack, CS, and/or CSS helicopters can be directly subordinate to a BTG commander.

13. Planning Airspace Control
Coordinating Altitudes
Fixed-wing aircraft above, rotary-wing below
Artillery shell trajectories must be deconflicted
Airspace Control Zones
Coincide with geographic/manmade features to a given altitude
Dictates air defense weapon control status within the airspace
Restricted Operations Zones (ROZ)
Defines a volume of airspace for a specific mission or purpose, such as a drop zone(DZ), landing zone (LZ), UAV flight pattern, or electronic warfare (EW) aircraft flight route
Air Routes, Air Control Points (ACPs)
Predetermined points which control the travel of aircraft through friendly airspace and to prevent friendly forces from firing on friendly aircraft

14. Hybrid Threat Helicopter Tactics
Prefers helicopters for DAS missions due to reduced logistics requirements, responsiveness, and relatively low detectability
Helicopters are employed in three different methods
Maximum: All deployed simultaneously to designated attack points for maximum effect
Alternating: Units alternate – longer duration, less fire power
Continual: Employs only one helicopter company at any given time.

15. Questions?