text: _________________________________________________________________________________Chapter 8
  A request for immediate air support is forwarded through AOS channels.
  As with preplanned support, the AOS at each command level participates
  directly in the evaluation of each air support request.
  LEVELS OF COMBAT READINESS
  8-32. The OPFOR recognizes three levels of combat readiness for aircraft and
  crews. (See Figure 8-1.) Aircraft in categories one and two respond to on-call
  missions.
  Category Crew and Aircraft Duration of Time
  Readiness Before
  Takeoff
  One Aircraft are fully serviced and armed. Combat crews are briefed on 1-2 hours 3-5
  their mission and are in the aircraft ready to start engines. Ground minutes
  personnel are assisting the combat crews.
  Two Aircraft are fully serviced and armed. Combat crews are briefed and 2-4 hours 15
  are on standby in the vicinity of the aircraft, ready to take off within a minutes
  specified short period of time after receiving a mission order.
  Three Aircraft are refueled and serviced. Cannons are loaded. External sys- 2-4 days 1-2 hours
  tems (bombs, rockets, missiles, fuel tanks, etc.) are not loaded. Com-
  bat crews are designated, but not on standby; they have not been
  briefed on the air and ground situation, but will be before takeoff.
  Figure 8-1. Levels of Combat Readiness
  CAPABILITIES
  8-33. The priority for organizational strength and equipment modernization
  depends on the importance of a unit within the overall strategic plan. Mod-
  ernization, in particular, depends greatly on the economic capability of the
  State to acquire the latest-generation fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. As
  an example, the OPFOR helicopter combat units range from armed lift air-
  craft employed as gunships to state-of-the-art attack helicopters. The OPFOR
  continues to modernize units with aircraft having—
  • Improved avionics.
  • Improved electronic countermeasures (ECM) and electronic counter-
  countermeasures (ECCM) equipment.
  • Increased payload.
  • Longer combat radius.
  • Increased night capability.