text: Chapter 3
  3-141. Air movement requires pre-coordination between the operations cells of aviation units and the
  units supported maximizing troop and equipment movements and the efficient use of air assets dedicated to
  mission support. Air movements must be planned to maximize the capability and employment duration of
  the aviation unit. These operations are especially effective in moving forces and equipment when—
  * Ground routes are limited, congested, damaged, or nonexistent.
  * Threat activities or obstacles restrict ground movement.
  * The supported unit does not have adequate available vehicles.
  * Time is critical.
  * PZs/LZs are the appropriate size with the requisite security to safely execute the operation.
  SECTION VIII – AEROMEDICAL EVACUATION
  3-142. MEDEVAC is the timely, efficient movement, and en-route care by medical personnel of the
  wounded, injured, or ill to and/or between MTFs. The provision of en-route care on a medically-equipped
  vehicle greatly enhances the patient’s potential for survival and recovery, and may reduce long-term
  disability by maintaining or improving the patient’s medical condition. The Army MEDEVAC system is
  comprised of dedicated, standardized MEDEVAC ambulances (ground and air). These ambulances have
  been designed, staffed, and equipped to provide en-route medical care and are used exclusively to support
  medical missions.
  3-143. Army air ambulance units provide DS and area support within the joint operations area and joint
  security area to support the overall Army Health System and the Joint Service Support plan. At the tactical
  level, DS or area support assets locate, acquire, treat, and evacuate patients to an appropriate MTF for
  stabilization, prioritization, and preparation for evacuation to a higher level of medical care (if necessary).
  3-144. Army air ambulances are dedicated assets which are marked according to international
  agreements; all occupants are legally classified as noncombatants. This special protection provides a
  reduced level of risk to the patient and crew as they conduct their missions. The focus of the MEDEVAC
  mission, coupled with dedicated platforms, permits a rapid response to calls for support. The air ambulance
  unit operates in a ready alert status to rapidly respond to evacuation missions and is not diverted to perform
  any other tasks. Although air and ground vehicles are used to transport patients, AE is generally preferred
  for seriously wounded, injured, and ill personnel because of the speed, range, and flexibility it provides.
  3-145. Army AE spans tactical, operational, and strategic objectives in support of the combatant
  commander’s mission. It is essential that all commanders in command of AE assets understand how
  MEDEVAC systems integrate with each other throughout the AO and across the levels of war. Table 3-2
  details Army AE support for each level of war is as follows:
  * Tactical:
   Brigade combat team.
   Echelons above brigade (divisions and corps).
   Emergency Class VIII resupply.
   Emergency movement of medical personnel and equipment.
   Enemy prisoner of war casualties.
   Patient movement to and between medical facilities and contingency aeromedical staging
  areas in the area of operation.
  * Operational
   Multinational.
   Joint.
   Class VIII resupply.
   Department of Defense civilians/contractors.
   Medical personnel/equipment.
   Military working dogs.