text: Introduction
  FM 3-52 Airspace Control, updates the previous 8 February 2013 version of FM 3-52 to reflect lessons learned
  through recent operational experience and to adapt to the joint airspace community’s release of updates to JP 3-
  52, and ATP 3-52.1 as well as ATP 3-91.1. Two significant changes occur from the previous manual. First, the
  alignment of air support operation centers with active Army division headquarters allow for the greater
  responsiveness and flexibility of responsive fires and division assigned airspace. The central idea of this
  publication reflects the Army’s role within a larger framework (unified action) and its focus on maximum
  flexibility through a philosophy of mission command and an operations process approach. The other significant
  change from the previous FM 3-52 is a reorganization of airspace coordinating measures and fire-support
  coordination measures aligning Army airspace doctrine with multi-service and joint doctrine.
  To fully comprehend the doctrine contained in FM 3-52, readers must first understand how the Army conducts
  operations as described in: JP 3-0, ADP 3-0, ADRP 3-0; JP 6-0, ADP 6-0, FM 6-0; ADP 5-0, ADRP 5-0 readers
  should also understand doctrine for joint airspace control as described in JP 3-52.
  Army forces operate as part of a larger national effort characterized as unified action. Army commanders
  understand that they do not operate independently but as part of a larger force. They integrate and synchronize
  their actions and operations within this larger framework, collaborating with entities outside their direct control.
  Just as commanders manage terrain throughout their area of operations, they continuously collaborate with unified
  action partners to integrate the use of airspace.
  The Army air-ground system is used to coordinate and integrate Army airspace requirements. The Army air-
  ground system, a component of the TAGS, provides for interface between Army and air support agencies of joint
  air-ground operations and airspace use (see ATP 3.52.2). Army forces use the principles of airspace control, which
  complement joint airspace control principles, to integrate all airspace users.
  Airspace planning focuses on setting conditions for near-real-time airspace control during mission execution
  thereby providing commanders flexibility while reducing risk. Airspace elements provide airspace control subject
  matter expertise in the planning process. Near-real-time airspace control pertains to the timeliness of data or
  information which has been delayed by the time required for electronic communication and automatic data
  processing; near-real-time implies that there are no significant delays.
  As in planning, airspace element personnel play an integral role in preparation activities that a unit performs as it
  transitions from planning to execution. This is particularly relevant as it relates to improving situational
  understanding and developing a common understanding of the plan.
  During execution, near-real-time airspace control requires airspace elements and users to continually monitor and
  assess the operations of all airspace users in support of their mission as well as those transiting through the air over
  their ground area of operations. This continuous assessment provides situational understanding in the command post
  and enables units to react to situations requiring immediate use of airspace.
  Airspace elements assist commanders in assessing airspace operations. Airspace elements’ continuous assessment
  of operations enables identifying shortcomings in key airspace planning documents. Based on these shortcomings,
  airspace elements recommend needed adjustments to establish the conditions for future operations.
  The four chapters and their associated seven appendices constitute the doctrinal framework for the Army’s use of
  airspace within the joint force commander’s theater air-ground system. This framework leverages all the qualities
  of detailed airspace planning. It also focuses on the dynamic integration of all airspace users during execution.
  The framework ensures users follow the joint force commander’s and the combined arms commander’s (battalion
  through theater army) intent, priorities, and risk guidance. Lastly, the framework describes how Army
  capabilities—resident down to brigade level—expand airspace control options for the airspace control authority
  and for the joint force commander.