text: Chapter 1
  Positivetargetidentificationvettedtoensurecorrectidentification.(Refer to ATP 3-09.32
  (cid:132)
  formoreinformation.)
  Continuous coordination between the parallel echelons of the assault force and the
  (cid:132)
  supportingforces;fromthebeginningofanoperationuntilitscompletionorabandonment.
  Maximized use of combined arms capabilities to ensure the assault force has sufficient
  (cid:132)
  powertoaccomplishitsmissionanddefenditself.
  Shortplanningtimes oftenrequirestaffs to modifycontingencyplansandSOPsto meetthe
  (cid:132)
  exactsituationwhilestillensuringadequatecoordination.
  1-118. The commander determines ifadjustmentsto anyofthese plansentailacceptable risk. Ifthe riskis
  unacceptable,theCONOPSchanges.
  ConditionSetting
  1-119. Condition setting is an iterative process where the commander’s situational understanding
  determines what part of the situation must change to ensure the success of the vertical envelopment.
  Warfighting capabilities or functions continuallyassess until the commander is satisfied with the result or
  operationalnecessity forces himto either cancel or conduct the verticalenvelopment. Conditions common
  toairborneandairassaultoperationsareasfollows:
  (cid:122) Posturetheairassaultorparachuteforceforsuccesswiththedegreeofacceptablerisk.
  (cid:122) Suppressionofenemyairdefense,planpreparationanddeceptionfires.
  (cid:122) Cross-serviceandechelon-staff,cell,andboardsynchronizationandintegration.
  (cid:122) Exchangeliaisons.
  (cid:122) Reconnaissance and surveillance detect systems that unacceptably endanger the operational
  success.
  (cid:122) Serviceandjointfires-detectedtargets.
  MeteorologicalConditions(weatherandlightdata)
  1-120. Meteorological conditions influence the conduct of operations. Conditions common to airborne
  andairassaultoperationsareasfollows:
  (cid:122) Impactsverticalenvelopment to a greaterextentthanotheroperations.
  (cid:122) Long-rangeforecastsaffectplanningforforcebuildupandsustainmentbyaerialdelivery.
  (cid:122) Currentandfutureforecastedimpactontacticaloperationsandaircraftperformance.
  (cid:122) Currentweather informationatdeparture sitesandpickup zones,alongapproachroutes, and in
  theobjectivearea.
  (cid:122) Marginal weather conditions may enhance the element of surprise, but they increase the risk
  ofaccidents.
  (cid:122) Deteriorating weather condition: postponement of planned operation or reduced tempo of an
  ongoingoperationwhenriskbecomesunacceptable.
  (cid:122) Weatherconditionaffectsonjointfiresandmedicalevacuationorwithdrawalofforces.
  (cid:122) Conditions that include wind shears, crosswinds, and the ambient temperatures throughout the
  courseoftheoperation.
  (cid:122) Hightemperatureand altitude degrade aircraft liftperformance—acombinationofthese factors
  results in trade-offs in the operating parameters. (For example, a commander may insert
  dismountedreconnaissance teamson mountainsidesin the coolof the morning, butbe unable to
  executethesamemissioninthenoondayheat.)
  AIRBORNEASSAULTFORCE
  1-121. Airborneforcesmaybeusedasthe assaultforceorusedincombinationwithothercapabilitiesfor
  a forcible entry; or they may conduct follow-on operations from a lodgment. As an assault force, airborne
  forcesmay airlandorparachuteintotheobjectiveareatoattackandeliminatearmedresistanceandsecure
  designated objectives. Airborne forces may be employed from a lodgment in additional joint combat
  operationsappropriatetotheirtrainingandequipment. Airborneforcesofferthe JFCanimmediate forcible
  entry option since they can be launched directly from the continental United States and/or forward