text: _________________________________________________________________________________Chapter 8
  and CSS missions such as large heliborne assaults, combat search and
  rescue, and forward arming and refueling point (FARP) emplacement.
  PRINCIPLES OF EMPLOYMENT
  8-54. The OPFOR’s use of aviation assets is guided by key employment prin-
  ciples. Because the State has purchased aircraft (both fixed- and rotary-wing)
  with a wide array of capabilities, some units are equipped with the latest
  technology, while other units make do with older systems. This requires the
  OPFOR to modify its operations based on the capabilities of the unit’s air-
  craft, but within these employment principles.
  PURPOSE
  8-55. Every mission must be focused toward a clearly defined, decisive, and
  attainable task. It must directly contribute to the higher commander’s imme-
  diate plan. As an example, a lift helicopter unit is given a mission to insert a
  reconnaissance team. All planning efforts should be aimed at accomplishing this
  goal. Actions that do not contribute to achieving this mission must be avoided.
  COORDINATION
  8-56. The coordination of aviation with artillery, air defense, and maneuver
  units is one of the most difficult tasks of modern combat, particularly in the
  absence of air superiority. CAOs are assigned at various levels of command to
  ensure a coordinate effort among the airspace users. Liaison teams from
  aviation units also assist in this effort. The aviation commanders and staffs
  develop detailed plans, working closely with the other members of the
  combined arms team, not only to ensure the most effective use of all systems
  employed, but also to prevent fratricide.
  CONCENTRATION OF EFFECTS
  8-57. The OPFOR does not distribute resources evenly throughout the theater.
  A commander identifies goals to be achieved with his aviation assets and
  organizes them accordingly. As an example, commanders can use fixed-wing
  aviation to concentrate on opening a few corridors through enemy air de-
  fenses to attack specific targets. The OPFOR makes every effort to maintain
  air superiority over these corridors when it cannot do so over the entire theater.
  ECONOMY
  8-58. If the OPFOR hopes to achieve the principles of concentration and purpose,
  it cannot use air assets to perform missions that can be adequately executed by
  other means. The OPFOR must carefully assess the risks and payoff of using the
  limited assets of aviation for each mission. For example, the OPFOR may employ
  its artillery fires instead of ground-attack aircraft for targets within artillery
  range. Additionally, the OPFOR can minimize the risk of all missions through
  thorough planning and the use of artillery fires to suppress enemy air defense.
  RECONNASSIANCE
  8-59. Aerial reconnaissance is an important source of information for the
  OPFOR commander. It can provide timely and accurate information that can