text: Organization and Employment
  8-41. The AATFC’s intent, formalized in the order and understood at the execution level, provides the
  AATF with the concept of operations (CONOPS), allowing the task force to act promptlyas the situation
  requires.Thecommander focuseshis orderonthepurpose of tasksandtheairassault operationas a whole
  rather than on the details of how to perform assigned tasks. Orders and plans are as brief and simple as
  possible.(RefertoFM6-0formoreinformation.)
  8-42. Asthecommander developshis CONOPShe considersthe complexityof the operation, the mission
  variablesofMETT-TC,andtheexperiencelevelofhissubordinatecommandersandstaffs todeterminethe
  detail of command. In most situations, air assaults are centrally planned and well-rehearsed before
  execution. This ensures that each subordinate leader knows the commander’s intent and is able to execute
  hismissionwithminimaldirection.
  8-43. Contingencies or alternative courses of actions should be factored into the plan to allow for
  continuationofthe missioninadynamicenvironment. Tasksmustbeplannedtooccurbasedontimeorthe
  execution of a previous task (or tasks) so that actions occur at the specified time or in the specified
  sequence. Use manned or UASs for communications relay to help mitigate potentially degraded or lost
  communications. Commanders must plan contingencies for degraded or intermittent communications.
  RefertoFM6-02formoreinformation.)
  8-44. Another factor for the AATFC to consider whendetermining missioncommand responsibilityisthe
  locationofthekeyAATFleadership.Keyleadersshouldbepositionedintodiscreteelementsanddispersed
  throughout the lifts with provisions to ensure continuity of command. (Figure 8-3 on page 8-12 shows an
  exampleforpositioningkeyleadersduringanairassault.)
  8-45. While air assault planning is centralized, air assault execution is aggressive and decentralized.
  Subordinate commanders should be givenas much freedomofactionas possible (consistent withrisk, the
  situation,andmissionaccomplishment)toempowerleaderstoseize,retain,andexploittheinitiative.