text: Organization and Employment
  TACTICALCOMMANDPOST
  8-48. The AATFC employs the tactical command post as an extension of the main command post to help
  control execution of the air assault for a limited period. The AATFtactical command post may be
  employed into the objective area soon after the initial echelon if the enemy situation permits. The tactical
  commandpostassiststhecommanderincontrollingcurrentoperationsbytakingthefollowingactions:
  (cid:122) Maintaining the common operational picture and assisting in developing situational
  understanding.
  (cid:122) Developingcombatintelligenceofimmediateinteresttothecommander.
  (cid:122) Maneuveringforces.
  (cid:122) Controllingandcoordinatingfires.
  (cid:122) Coordinatingwithadjacentunitsandforwardairdefenseelements.
  (cid:122) Servingasthemaincommand postifthe maincommandpostisdestroyedorunabletofunction.
  8-49. ThetacticalcommandpostcomprisestheAATFC,representativesfromtheS-2andS-3sections, fire
  support officer, brigade aviation officer, and air liaison officer or whomever the commander designates.
  The tactical command post deploys in a mission command aircraft in which the air mission commander
  will be located. This aircraft contains a mission command package, which allows the commander to
  observeanddirecttheairassaultfroma forwardposition if he chooses.TheAATFCmayelect todeploya
  tacticalcommandpostwiththe maneuver force.Thiscommand post isledbythe AATF S-3andcomprises
  amission-tailoredportionoftheAATFheadquarters.
  COMMANDGROUPS
  8-50. Command group is the commander and selected staff members who assist the commander in
  controlling operations away from a command post (FM 6-0). The BCT headquarters can form two
  command groups, whichare organized based onthe mission. Bothareequipped to operateseparatelyfrom
  the tactical command post or main command post. Command groups give the commander and the
  executive officer (if required) the mobilityand protection to move throughout the area of operation and to
  observeanddirectBCToperationsfromforwardpositions.
  8-51. Both command groupsrequire a dedicated securityelement, additionalconsiderationsare required if
  ground movement is planned. The command group led by the BCT commander comprises whomever he
  designates. This can include the command sergeant major and representatives fromthe S-2, S-3, and fires
  sections. The commander positions his command group near the most critical event, usually with or near
  thedecisiveoperation.
  8-52. A second command group led by the brigade executive officer, if used, may include representation
  from the operations staff section, intelligence staff section, and fire support element. The executive officer
  usually positions his command group with a shaping operation or at a location designated by the BCT
  commander. The executive officer must be able to communicate with the BCT commander, battalion and
  squadroncommanders,andcommandposts.
  PERSONNEL AND KEY ELEMENTS WITHIN THE TASK FORCE
  8-53. Emphasizingthe human aspectsof missioncommand are the personnel and keyelements withinthe
  AATF whooperate command postsand assistthe AATFC byexercisingcontroloftheairassaultfromthe
  initialplanningstagesthrough execution. Thissectiondescribesthe duties andresponsibilitiesofpersonnel
  andkeyelementswithinanairassaultoperations..
  AIRASSAULTTASKFORCECOMMANDER
  8-54. The AATFC is the overall commander of the AATF. He ensures continuityof command throughout
  the operation. He must position himself where he can best see the battlefield and control the operation. In
  situationsthatallow, he isairborne ina missioncommand aircraftduringthe air movementstage. Atother
  times,he mayfightthebattlefromatactical commandpost.