FM 1–300 5–1 Chapter 5 Aviation Unit Operations The specific task organization of an aviation unit depends on several factors. They include the unit's primary mission and whether the unit deploys away from its support base. Operations are the nerve center of an aviation unit. Operations personnel coordinate activities and work directly with adjacent and higher level staff sections. Aviation unit operations control unit missions, daily operations, flight operations, and training. Unit operations are organized with either a flight operations section or an aviation battalion operations section. This chapter discusses both types of organizations in terms of assigned tasks and responsibilities. Section I discusses garrison operations. Section II contains guidance that can assist the commander in the development of training strategies and unit tactical training procedures. SECTION I. GARRISON OPERATIONS 5–1. PERSONNEL AND RESPONSIBILITIES a. Operations Officer or S3. (1) The aviation unit commander should choose an experienced, mature, and responsible officer as the operations officer. Preferably, the individual designated should have served as a platoon leader or company commander in a similar unit. He should be familiar with the type of missions flown, the equipment, the personnel, and unit operations. (2) The operations officer is the commander's principal staff officer for operations, plans, organization, and training. The scope of the operations officer's responsibilities influences or is influenced by other staff functions. Thus, a high degree of coordination with other staff members is essential. (3) The operations officer briefs the commander on the status of the unit. The briefings should include mission readiness, training status, problem areas, and upcoming missions and taskings that will affect the readiness of the unit in any critical area. The operations officer relies on his staff to provide information for the briefings. The briefings must be timely, complete, and accurate so that appropriate decisions can be made. The commander gives guidance to his staff on his plans and expectations. (4) The operations officer or S–3 ensures risk management is applied to all unit operations. b. S3 Air–Airspace Management Element (AME). The airspace management function at brigade or battalion level is the staff responsibility of the S3. The S3 Air who ensures that the commander's airspace management requirements are met supervises the AME. FM 1–120 and FM 100–103 discuss the airspace management function in detail. c. Flight Operations Officer. In a unit with a flight operations section, the flight operations officer coordinates unit flying requirements and briefs the unit commander on the status of flight missions. He also briefs the commander on the status of the unit's flying capability based on aircraft FM 1–300 5–2 availability and on information in flying–hour reports and crew status reports. The flight operations officer is assisted in this function by flight operations personnel who obtain data, compile reports, maintain records, and provide the physical support necessary to accomplish the mission. (1) The duties of the flight operations officer include— (a) Supervise and monitor the unit's flying–hour program. (b) Accept, process, coordinate, and assign flight missions. (c) Monitor flight requirements for the unit's aircrew training program. (d) Supervise and maintain aircrew proficiency and qualification records. (e) Assist in monitoring the unit's crew endurance program. (f) Identify hazards to aviation missions, assess their risks, and develop control options for command decision making. (2) The flight operations officer has supervisory responsibility for coordinating unit requirements when the unit is deployed away from a flight planning facility or an airfield. This includes coordinating the use of other available facilities in the area in which the unit is deployed. Some duties that should be considered are as follows: (a) Maintain a unit hazard map. (b) Prepare a preaccident plan and coordinate unit crash and rescue operations. (c) Maintain an aircraft status board and publications file. (d) Establish flight–following and air traffic procedures when the unit is in an area without an ATC facility. (e) Establish procedures for logging flights by using either flight plans or tactical flight logs. (f) Establish procedures for obtaining weather information and notices to airmen (NOTAMs). (g) Implement aviation risk controls into operation plans and orders. d. Assistant Operations Officer. In an aviation battalion, the assistant operations officer— (a) Performs the duties of the flight operations officer. (b) Briefs the operations officer on the status of flight missions and the unit's flying capability. FM 1–300 5–3 e. Chemical Officer (CHEMO). A CHEMO—when available—will coordinate nuclear, biological, chemical (NBC) reporting, protection, and training for the aviation unit. He may be assisted by an NBC NCO—usually a staff sergeant—for battalion–level operations. The NBC NCO— (a) Provides NBC unit training. (b) Prepares reports. (c) Maintains equipment. (d) Assists in the setup of decontamination stations. f. Aviation Operations Noncommissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC). (1) The operations NCOIC obtains training information, coordinates taskings and training, supervises operations enlisted personnel, and compiles reports. He briefs the operations officer and the unit command sergeant major on the status of the unit's enlisted personnel. This briefing is similar to that given to the commander about the overall status of the unit. (2) The operations NCOIC may have a training NCO to assist in obtaining training data and scheduling training events. The operations NCO also may schedule and oversee range operations and request ammunition. g. Flight Operations Sergeant. In a unit with a flight operations section, the flight operations sergeant is concerned with the technical aspects of flight operations. He also acts as the operations platoon sergeant. The duties of the flight operations sergeant are to— (1) Assist the flight operations officer. (2) Coordinate mission requirements. (3) Requisition flight information publications. (4) Develop and publish the duty roster for operations personnel. (5) Assist aircrews in processing flight plans and manifests. (6) Ensure the availability of current flight and weather information. (7) Supervise the maintenance of individual flight logs and records and operations maps and charts. (8) Ensure that personnel observe OPSEC procedures when using communications equipment. (9) Supervise the work of subordinates in installing, operating, and/or maintaining platoon and/or section vehicles and equipment. (10) Ensure that the support provided is timely. FM 1–300 5–4 (11) Gather data and entering it on flying–hour reports. h. Aviation Operations Specialists. The operations NCOIC or the flight operations sergeant supervises the operations of the aviation operations specialist. The duties of the aviation operations specialist are to— (1) Update the NOTAM board. (2) Interpret and process flight plans. (3) Maintain individual flight record folders. (4) Maintain the unit's crew endurance files. (5) Post current flight and weather information. (6) Maintain the aircrew and aircraft status boards. (7) Maintain functional files and typing correspondence pertaining to operations. (8) Maintain and operate assigned vehicles and equipment. (9) Initiate search and rescue procedures for overdue aircraft. (10) Post changes to the aircrew reading file. (11) Issue receive and inventory items as required by the unit SOP. i. Communications Chief. (1) The communications chief works closely with the operations section to establish and maintain fixed and mobile communications. (2) The establishment of communications is vital to mission success. The communications chief must ensure that an adequate number of personnel are trained in the use and care of communications equipment. He also must ensure that the equipment is available and in good condition and that the operations officer is briefed on the status of training and equipment. The communications chief may be responsible for coordinating radio frequency use and some portions of communications security and for establishing radio networks or wire communication. 5BB2. MISSION SCHEDULING a. Mission Assignment. The aviation company normally receives the unit's missions from the battalion S3. Missions are assigned to unit elements based on mission requirements and the unit SOP. b. Premission Planning. Initial contact is made with the supported unit, and details about the mission are obtained; for example, point of contact (POC), radio frequencies, and pickup points. FM 1–300 5–5 The unit commander, platoon leader, or authorized briefing officer— (1) Analyzes missions to identify hazards, assess their risk, and develop control options to reduce risk to the lowest acceptable levels. (2) Conducts a preliminary premission briefing for each crew according to AR 95–1. (3) Explains the procedures for aborted missions. (4) Keeps operations informed of mission progress. (5) Informs crews of information received during initial contact with supported units. (6) Conducts a crew debriefing upon mission completion. (7) Submits an afteraction report—including any OPSEC violations—to operations. c. Mission Completion. Upon mission completion, the aircrews complete afteraction reports and the platoon leader gives the reports to operations. The aircrews must fill out the postmission debrief on DA Form 5484–R (Mission Schedule/Brief) according to AR 95–1. 5–3. DISPATCH FACILITIES Unit operations should have a flight dispatch capability to control flights in the local area and to supply necessary flight planning for unit aircrews. a. A flight following log may be used for the flight following of visual flight rules (VFR) aircraft that remain in the local area. If the flight log is used in lieu of a flight plan, it must include—at a minimum—the following: (1) Aircraft designation and call sign. (2) Route of flight. (3) Point and time of departure. (4) Estimated time en route. (5) Actual time of arrival. (6) Location of passenger and crew manifest if it is not attached to the flight log. b. If the flight does not meet the criteria of a local flight under VFR conditions, the aviator must file a flight plan with the unit or airfield operations. The operations will forward the flight plan in accordance with AR 95–11 and FAA Handbook 7110.10. (Chapter 2 describes flight movement messages.) c. Unit operations will establish a means of obtaining weather and NOTAM information for aircrews on local flights when the unit operations is not collocated with the airfield weather station FM 1–300 5–6 or the flight planning room. This information may be obtained by telephone or by radio. If neither method is available, the information may have to be picked up in person. (Chapter 2 discusses weather briefings and flight planning facilities.) d. During nonduty hours, aircrews can obtain weather information by telephoning the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) weather station or the nearest weather briefing facility identified in the Department of Defense (DOD) Flight Information Publication (FLIP). They can obtain NOTAM information from the nearest flight briefing facility. The telephone numbers for these facilities should be prominently displayed by the telephone designated for the use of aircrews. 5–4. FLIGHT PLANNING AREA a. The flight planning area of the unit operations should be set up similar to the flight planning area of the airfield operations. (Chapter 2 discusses airfield flight planning.) The following items should be available: (1) An E6B computer and flight plotters. (2) Accurate clocks depicting local time and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). (3) A flight planning table with a surface large enough to lay out navigational charts. (4) A telephone so that aircrews can contact the airfield weather station or the FAA flight service station. (5) Message boxes in which information for aircrews can be left and picked up by aircrews at their convenience. (6) An aircrew bulletin board displaying current flight and safety information. (7) Relevant Army regulations, FAA Regulations, and flight information publications; the aircrew information reading file; the unit SOP; and any other pertinent publications. (8) A wall display of the local area depicted on an aeronautical chart. (The chart should depict special VFR corridors, local training areas, nap–of–the–earth (NOE) training areas, range information, and an updated map showing all hazards to flight operations.) b. The flight planning area can be as well equipped as the operation requires, but it should be as mobile as possible. When the unit deploys to the field, it should take most of the flight planning equipment. 5BB5. AIRCREW TRAINING The commander is responsible for conducting the aircrew training program according to TC 1–210. He normally assigns the platoon leaders, instructor pilots, and standardization officer the responsibility for conducting the training. Aircrew training records are maintained by the units and are monitored by the standardization officer. FM 1–300 5–7 5–6. OPERATIONS TRAINING AND EVALUATION Aviation operations specialists should be evaluated when they arrive in the unit. This evaluation will determine their ability to perform all tasks in Soldier Training Publication (STP) 1–93P24– Soldier=s Manual (SM)–Trainer=s Guide (TG) and STP 1–93P1BSM for the appropriate individual skill level. Tasks that cannot be adequately performed should be incorporated into an individual, formalized on–the–job training program. Each unit should develop programs to comply with STPs 1–93P24–SM–TG, 1–93P1–SM, 21–1–Soldier=s Manual of Common Tasks (SMCT), and 21–24–SMCT. 5–7. AIRCRAFT SERVICING Unit operations should furnish a copy of the daily flight schedule to the petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL) section. Aircraft refueling will be accomplished according to this schedule. Transient aircraft requiring fuel will request it through the unit operations or directly from the POL section. Operations will coordinate any other type of aircraft or aircrew service required. This may include but is not limited to transient parking or billeting, VIP services, emergency maintenance, or information support and communications. SECTION II. TACTICAL OPERATIONS 5–8. TRAINING Training is essential to the successful accomplishment of any mission. The operations officer and sergeant are responsible for ensuring that assigned operations personnel are adequately trained and competent in all aspects of unit operations in a tactical environment. This training includes but is not limited to the types described below. a. Cross–Training. Each individual should be cross–trained in the various functions of tactical operations. This will help ensure mission accomplishment in case of personnel shortages. b. Field Operations Training. Unit personnel must be trained in designated duties and responsibilities. The training should be conducted before the unit deploys for training exercises or combat operations. c. Army Airspace Command and Control (A2C2)Training. Selected flight operations personnel should be trained in A2C2 procedures. Training will be according to FM 1–120 and FM 100–103. d. Driver Training. At a minimum, drivers and assistant drivers should be trained and licensed in the type of vehicles that they will drive. They also should be trained in— (1) Safety and management of risk. (2) Load plans. (3) Vehicle preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS). FM 1–300 5–8 (4) Radio procedures. (5) Convoy operations. (6) Ambush procedures. (7) Vehicle emplacement. (8) Cover and concealment. (9) Blackout driving procedures. (10) Night vision device (NVD) driving and emergency recovery procedures. (11) NBC detection and decontamination procedures. (12) Vehicle recovery operations and emergency repairs. e. Guard and Gunner Training. Guards and gunners should be trained in— (1) Range cards. (2) Fighting positions. (3) Perimeters of fire. (4) Air guard procedures. (5) Cover and concealment. (6) Perimeter guard and tactical operations center (TOC) security. (7) Challenge and password procedures. (8) Enemy prisoner of war procedures. f. Radio and Switchboard Training. Radio and switchboard operators should be trained in— (1) Meaconing, intrusion, jamming, and interference (MIJI) procedures. (2) Radio net procedures. (3) Antenna setup and siting. (4) Radio and equipment preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS). (5) Signal operation instructions and secure equipment usage. FM 1–300 5–9 (6) Switchboard setup and operation (in the absence of communication personnel). g. Generator Training and Licensing. After training and licensing, generator operators should be familiar with— (1) Generator PMCS. (2) Safety procedures. (3) Generator operations. (4) Setup and siting procedures. 5–9. TACTICAL PLANNING Before the unit conducts operations in a tactical environment, the operations sergeant should develop an operations plan based on the unit's mission essential task list (METL) and the tactical standing operating procedure (SOP). The plan should include vehicle load plans and an assessment of the training strengths and weaknesses, and an assessment of the risk of tactical operating procedures and/or common task training. It also should designate the tactical and/or additional duties for— a. Shift supervisors. b. Guards and gunners. c. Jump TOC personnel. d. Generator operators. e. Drivers and assistant drivers. f. Radio and switchboard operators. 5–10. ALERT NOTIFICATION Upon receipt of an alert notification, the operations NCOIC ensures that all personnel are performing their duties according to established procedures. This includes submitting readiness reports and maintaining communications with higher headquarters. 5–11. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES a. Operations Sergeant. The operations sergeant is responsible for training assigned personnel. He duties also are to— (1) Monitor TOC security. (2) Schedule the work flow. FM 1–300 5–10 (3) Ensure that overlays are reproduced. (4) Ensure that reports are complete and timely. (5) Ensure that missions are reviewed and processed. (6) Ensure that missions comply with airspace control measures. (7) Ensure proper equipment operation and maintenance. (8) Establish and monitor search and rescue (SAR) procedures. (9) Establish and monitor flight–following activities. (10) Monitor and supervise normal administrative flight operations functions. (11) Establish a preaccident plan and monitor combat search and rescue (CSAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), crash rescue, and downed aircraft procedures. (12) Designate personnel for miscellaneous support; for example, water, fuel, meals, trash collection, and courier. b. Shift Supervisors. Shift supervisors are responsible for the training and conduct of personnel assigned to their shift. Their duties include— (1) Maintain DA Form 1594 (Daily Staff Journal or Duty Officer=s Log). (2) Coordinate flight–following activities. (3) Coordinate SAR procedures. (4) Maintain noise, light, and litter discipline. (5) Ensure that the TOC is in a high state of police. (6) Ensure that proper radio operating procedures are used. (7) Ensure that flight records are properly maintained. (8) Maintain control of the TOC environment by limiting personnel access. (9) Ensure that situation and operations maps are posted and updated in a timely manner. c. Aviation Operations Specialists. Aviation operations specialists will— (1) Maintain flight records. (2) Conduct flight–following activities. FM 1–300 5–11 (3) Make entries in DA Form 1594 as directed. (4) Assist with SAR procedures. (5) Maintain the TOC in a high state of police. (6) Maintain noise, light, and litter discipline. (7) Update situation and operations maps in a timely manner. (8) Assist with normal administrative flight operations functions. (9) Use proper radio operating procedures when transmitting radio messages. 5–12. RECORDS AND REPORTS a. Appropriate records, reports, and other documentation are maintained during training exercises and combat operations per the unit SOP. The accuracy and validity of these records and reports are vital because they may be used to record unit activities during armed conflict. Records and reports are usually separated into two categories: those required to establish policy or permanent records and those required daily for current operations. The required reports (and records) include but are not limited to those listed below on— (1) NBC. (2) Spot. (3) MIJI. (4) Weather. (5) Closing. (6) Stand–to. (7) Casualty. (8) Mission debriefings. (9) Fuel status. (10) Combat loss. (11) Vehicle status. (12) Aircraft status. (13) Personnel status. FM 1–300 5–12 (14) Logistics status. (15) Ammunition status. (16) Aircraft accident. (17) Section sensitive item. (18) Prisoner of war status. (19) Unit forward arming and refueling point (FARP) location and status. (20) Downed aircraft. (For MEDEVAC, SAR, or CSAR, units reporting downed aircraft should verify the grid coordinates before they notify higher headquarters, the rescue coordination center (RCC), and/or the joint rescue coordination center (JRCC).) b. Operations personnel maintain a daily staff journal on DA Form 1594 according to FM 101– 5. Radio and wire conversations, spot reports, liaison officer reports, OPSEC violations, and significant activities reports are recorded in this journal. 5–13. TACTICAL OPERATIONS CENTER Many considerations are involved in setting up, operating, and tearing down a TOC. The operations sergeant supervises the enlisted personnel in this operation. The layout of the TOC is determined by the mission, environment, and the unit SOP. a. Setup and Teardown Considerations. (1) Setup considerations. (a) Maintaining communications during the setup procedure. (b) Locating a suitable area with adequate drainage. (c) Performing perimeter security . (d) TOC setup. (e) Antennas (set up and connections) (f) Setting up the work area. (g) Power for radios in the work area(s) (external). (h) Emplacement of vehicles that are not being actively used. (i) Camouflage and concealment. (j) Performance of other duties according to the unit tactical SOP. FM 1–300 5–13 (2) Teardown considerations. (a) Camouflage removal. (b) Communications transfer to alternate location. (c) Removal of external generator power from emplaced vehicles. (d) Disassembly of work area, security perimeter, and guard posts. (e) Vehicle load plan(s). (f) Area police. (g) Preparation for convoy. (h) Closing report(s). (i) Performing other duties per the unit tactical SOP. b. Operational Requirements. (1) Upon arrival at the TOC site, the supervisor— (a) Establishes communications with the next higher (tasking) headquarters. (b) Directs emplacement of the TOC. (c) Directs the setup of the TOC. (d) Submits a closing report. (e) Monitors safety procedures. (f) Establishes a crew endurance program. (g) Establishes and assigns crews and shifts. (h) Directs security and perimeter defense for the TOC. (i) Directs the establishment of communications with supported and/or supporting units. (2) During normal operations, the supervisor— (a) Monitors ongoing field training. (b) Conducts afteraction reviews as required. FM 1–300 5–14 (c) Coordinates with the S3 about operational requirements. (d) Monitors the duty performance of shift personnel. (e) Coordinates with the first sergeant for section support. (f) Coordinates with the battalion or brigade S3 for A2C2 measures as necessary. (g) Obtains shift intelligence briefings and briefs subordinates on a need–to–know basis. (3) Recovery operations are as important as setup operations. During recovery operations, the supervisor— (a) Ensures that drivers are rested before departure. (b) Ensures that all starting, reporting, and closing points are met on time. (c) Inventories all equipment for accountability, serviceability, and cleanliness. (d) Reports all field shortages, losses, or damage to the appropriate sections. (e) Ensures that sensitive items are accounted for and turned in and that a closing report is submitted to higher headquarters. (4) Once TOC operations are established and functioning properly, the operations sergeant— (a) Monitors unit movement orders. (b) Updates unit mission requirements. (c) Assists in selecting landing areas. (d) Monitors MOP level alert warnings. (e) Monitors the status of predesignated dispersal areas. (f) Ensures that equipment is accounted for and properly maintained. (g) Ensures that operations are conducted according to the unit tactical SOP. (h) Assists in determining the locations of FARPs, the number of usable points, and the status of the FARPs. (i) Assists in the development of operation orders, warning orders, fragmentary orders, and operation plans. c. Movement Preparation Phases. The operations sergeant or the shift supervisor should periodically check all phases of the preparation for movement. This is accomplished by FM 1–300 5–15 inspecting vehicle load plans, weapons, mission–oriented protective posture (MOPP) gear, and personal equipment (TA50) for maintenance and accountability. d. Communications. Successful employment of the TOC within an aviation unit depends on the capability of TOC personnel to communicate with all echelons. The communications section establishes the communications network. Specifically, the section is responsible for operating the installation switchboard and maintaining the internal and external communications system. (1) Units can use a variety of methods to communicate on the battlefield. The most widely used method is frequency modulated (FM)–secure. Successful operations within any communications network depend on reliability, flexibility, and security. (a) Reliability. The reliability of the system depends on several factors. They include well–trained and proficient personnel, properly maintained equipment, and an alternate plan for backup communications. High system reliability depends on training, PMCS, and planning. (b) Flexibility. Flexibility and reliability are closely related. A flexible system provides more than one means or route to transmit a message. For example, weather reports between major headquarters can be relayed by radio teletypewriters, multichannel networks, or messenger. (c) Security. Security for a communication system is essential and can directly affect the outcome of any combat operation. Personnel, special equipment, operating procedures, and equipment emplacement or employment all affect the security of a communication system. (2) The communications chief should inventory all communications equipment and check it for serviceability before the unit deploys. He should then assist the operations officer and/or the NCOIC in conducting a map and site reconnaissance to select the most advantageous location for the communications equipment. The communications chief advises the unit commander on proposed communication system plans and deployment procedures. The commander approves the selected site and deployment procedures and ensures that the plan is carried out. (3) The communications chief should supervise the loading of all communications equipment onto unit vehicles as outlined in the unit load plan. (4) Operations personnel should use landline communications to coordinate and clear tactical flights with the air traffic services element (when available) before the aircraft depart. They also should use landline communications when they communicate with unit elements on the internal wire network. When landline communications are not feasible, personnel should use FM–secure radio channels. Personnel must avoid discussing classified information on any landline system. FM 11–50 describes the specific types of aviation company communications. 5–14. JUMP TOC OPERATIONS The jump TOC is the forward–deployed element of the main TOC and is the operational command post during movement of the main TOC. It is sometimes referred to as the tactical command post. Jump TOC personnel should be trained in all aspects of TOC operations. Because of mission requirements, the jump TOC should be manned by personnel who require the least amount of super- vision; that is, they should be self–sustaining and highly motivated. The unit SOP should outline operating procedures for the jump TOC.