text: Chapter 3
  3-215. Commanders should analyze the mission variables to determine if other methods of observation
  should be employed. For example, if an attack from the rear sector is possible, friendly forces may find it
  necessary to perform "S" turns or conduct frequent check turns to maintain observation in that sector.
  Utility and cargo aircrew members/door gunners can also help maintain observation to the rear and flanks
  of their aircraft and the formation. Sectors of observation also must include vertical airspace. Crews should
  scan areas out to the maximum effective ranges of the expected threat weapon systems. Finally, there is no
  safety in numbers. Aircrew members must not become complacent and assume that other crew members
  will detect the threat first. They must maintain a constant visual watch. Multiple sets of eyes scanning the
  same sectors reduces the chances of threat aircraft approaching a formation undetected.
  3-216. Avoiding detection, recognizing and evaluating threats, and being unpredictable are considered
  viable lookout techniques.
  Avoiding Detection
  3-217. If the threat detects friendly aircraft, the friendly aircraft become targets. Friendly forces must,
  therefore, employ proper terrain flight techniques and electronic counter-countermeasures to avoid visual
  and electronic detection.
  Recognizing and Evaluating the Threat
  3-218. All aircraft should be considered hostile until they are positively identified. Aircraft identification
  based entirely on its physical characteristics is dangerous. Aircrew members must be familiar with the
  capabilities, weapons, and tactics of all potential threat aircraft. Aircrew members must assess the
  difference between nonaggressive maneuvering and maneuvering in preparation for attack. The results of
  this assessment may be the first indication of whether the threat is searching or passing through and if it has
  detected friendly aircraft. If detected, friendly aircraft must execute the appropriate battle drill and avoid,
  evade, threaten, or engage the threat as the situation dictates. A drill may not be necessary to call if
  detection of the threat is made with sufficient time to make a tactical decision.
  Being Unpredictable
  3-219. Repetitive patterns by friendly forces increase the potential for the threat to gain and maintain an
  advantage. Aircrew members must maintain situational awareness at all times, and this includes avoidance
  of setting patterns in routes of flight or response to threat actions. Timely communication between aircrew
  members enhances coordination and situational awareness and allows for distinct, unpredictable
  maneuvering.
  AIR COMBAT DOCTRINE
  3-220. Some basic tenets of air combat doctrine are provided below:
  * Avoid. Unless directed by mission orders, aviation forces maneuver to avoid being observed by
  threat aircraft. They accomplish this using terrain, cover, concealment, and appropriate
  movement techniques to avoid disclosing their location. Aircraft survivability equipment should
  be coupled with active measures such as altering routes of flight when threats are detected
  beyond visual range.
  * Alert. The alert call is critical to the survival of the force. It is transmitted by the aircrew who
  first observes the threat. The crew who, at the moment the threat is observed, has the highest
  level of situational awareness. The alert is a brief message that instantly raises the awareness of
  the force to the presence of a threat, the direction of the threat, and of the response to be taken to
  avoid, evade, threaten, or engage the threat. The alert is a command to act.
  * Evade. If time and maneuver space permit, friendly RW aircraft should use terrain flight
  environments to evade the threat. This action should be used to the advantage of the friendly
  force to avoid engagement. High-performance aircraft will encounter problems maintaining sight
  of slow moving friendly helicopters as their dive-angle steepens. Crews may also consider
  landing their aircraft if space permits and they believe they have not been detected. However,