text: Preface
  FM 3-04 is the Army’s capstone doctrinal publication for conducting aviation operations. Its purpose is to
  provide the context for employing and integrating Army Aviation into unified land operations. It describes how
  Army Aviation forces, as part of the combined arms team, shape operational environments (OEs), prevent
  conflict, conduct large-scale combat operations (LSCO), and consolidate gains against a peer threat. FM 3-04
  provides a foundation for subordinate training doctrine, professional military education, leader development,
  and individual and collective training. Together with ADP 3-0, ADP 3-90, and FM 3-0, this manual provides
  the foundation for how Army Aviation forces conduct prompt and sustained LSCO.
  FM 3-04 is applicable to all members of the Army Profession: leaders, Soldiers, and Army civilians. The
  principle audience for FM 3-04 is commanders, staffs, and leaders at all echelons of the combined arms team.
  Army headquarters commanders and staffs serving as joint or multinational task force headquarters should also
  refer to applicable joint or multinational doctrine concerning the range of military operations and joint or
  multinational forces. Trainers and educators throughout the Army also use this publication.
  Commanders, staffs, and subordinates ensure their decisions and actions comply with applicable United States,
  international, and in some cases, host-nation laws and regulations. Commanders at all levels ensure their
  Soldiers operate according to the Law of War and rules of engagement. (See FM 6-27.)
  FM 3-04 uses joint terms where applicable. Selected joint and Army terms and definitions appear in both the
  glossary and the text. Terms for which FM 3-04 is the proponent publication (the authority) are italicized in the
  text and are marked with an asterisk (*) in the glossary. Terms and definitions for which FM 3-04 is the
  proponent publication are boldfaced in the text. For other definitions shown in the text, the term is italicized and
  the number of the proponent publication follows the definition.
  FM 3-04 applies to the active Army, Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and
  United States Army Reserve unless otherwise stated.
  The proponent of FM 3-04 is the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence; the preparing agency is the
  Directorate of Training and Doctrine, United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence. Send comments and
  recommendations on Department of the Army (DA) Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and
  Blank Forms) to Commander, United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence, ATTN: ATZQ-TDD, Fort
  Rucker, Alabama 36362-5263; by e-mail to usarmyrucker.avncoe.mbx.doctrine-branch@mail.mil; or submit an
  electronic DA Form 2028.