US AAC/AAF Doctrine: FM 31-35, Aviation in Support of Ground Forces, 1942 - Chapter 1

BASIC FIELD MANUAL

AVIATION IN SUPORT OF GROUND FORCES

(This manual supersedes section III. Training Circular No. 39, Training Circular No. 52, and air support references in Training Circular No. 70, War Department, 1941, and other doctrines and training methods in conflict herewith.)

CHAPTER 1

GENERAL

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

1. The purpose of this manual is to prescribe organization for combat, general functions, and employment of aviation used in tactical support of ground forces. Only matters of common interest to both the air and ground forces are covered. For basic doctrine of air force employment see FM 1-5 and 100-5.

 2. a. Aviation in support of ground forces is normally constituted into air support commands which are ordinarily component parts of air forces. There is usually an air force, including a bomber command, an interceptor command, an air support command and an air force base command, assigned to each theater of operation. An air support command is habitually attached to or supports an army in the theater.

b. Observation type aviation is organic to an air support command; other types are assigned or attached as the situation requires.

3. The tactics and technique -as set forth in the following War Department publications amplify and supplement this manual:

a. Air attack. - FM 1-10.

b. Air fighting.-FM 1-15.

c: Air reconnaissance and observational 1-20.

d. Airdrome defense.- FM 100-15.

e. Air signal communication.-FM 1-45.

DEFINITIONS

4. a. Air alert.-That status in which aircraft is in the air, armed and serviced for the immediate execution of an air mission.General:

b. Ground alert.-That status in which aircraft on the ground is fully serviced, armed and with combat crews in readiness to take off 15 minutes after receiving orders to perform a mission.

c. Ground readiness.-That status wherein aircraft can be serviced and personnel alerted to leave the ground for a mission within 2 hours.

d. Airplane status report.-A periodic report showing airplanes available for a certain specified period. Their status of readiness is indicated.

e. Air support command.-A tactical air organization, organized, equipped, and trained to render air support to ground forces normally supporting an army.

f. Air support control.-The air unit at the headquarters of the supported unit for the purpose of controlling the operations of the support aviation; advising the supported ground commander as to the capabilities of the air unit; and maintaining liaison with the air- units.

g. Air support officer.-An air officer with a ground combat element as a representative of air support control. For functions see paragraph 37.

h. Air support party.-A highly mobile group composed of one or more air support officers and necessary personnel and equipment to transmit air support requests to air support control, and to operate communications with aircraft-inflight net. For functions see paragraphs 37 and 109.

i. Air support missions.-Missions assigned air support aviation include both the immediate support of ground forces where contact with the enemy is imminent or has already been established, and the destruction or neutralization of timely but more distant targets to prevent or impede hostile movement, intervention or entry into combat. (See pars. 26-34.)

j. Briefing.-The act of furnishing airplane crews with the latest essential information in the briefest possible form immediately prior to the take-off.

k. Objective folder.-A compilation, in convenient folder form, of data for planning and executing a mission in support of ground units.