text: Insertion and Extraction Methods
  ARMY AVIATION AND AIR ASSAULT
  5-74. Army aviation can increase LRSU mobility as well as flexibility. Once inserted behind enemy
  lines, LRS teams gather combat intelligence that can lead to rapid and decisive action by friendly forces. A
  successful air assault derives from carefully analyzing the factors of METT-TC and from detailed and
  precise reverse planning. The latter actually consists of five basic plans, all of which leaders develop for
  each air assault. To make the best use of available time, R&S squadron insertion and extraction section in
  coordination with the LRSC headquarters normally coordinate and develop these plans. If time is limited,
  planners can compress the steps of planning, or they can conduct them concurrently. They can also
  supplement detailed, written plans and orders with SOPs. Normally, a battalion is the lowest level that
  plans, coordinates, and controls air assault operations. Even when companies and lower conduct
  operations, most planning occurs at battalion or higher.
  GROUND TACTICAL PLAN
  5-75. The commander's ground tactical plan forms the foundation of a successful air assault operation.
  All other plans must support it. It specifies actions in the objective area to accomplish the mission, and it
  also addresses subsequent operations.
  LANDING PLAN
  5-76. The landing plan supports the ground tactical plan. The landing plan sequences elements into the
  AO. It ensures units arrive at the designated locations on time and are prepared to execute the ground
  tactical plan.
  AIR MOVEMENT PLAN
  5-77. The air movement plan is based on the ground tactical and landing plans. It schedules the
  movement of Soldiers, equipment, and supplies from PZs to LZs by air.
  LOADING PLAN
  5-78. The loading plan is based on the air movement plan. It ensures that Soldiers, equipment, and
  supplies are loaded on the correct aircraft. Planning aircraft loads helps ensure unit integrity. Cross-loading
  may be necessary to ensure survivability of C2 assets and the mix of weapons arriving at the LZ ready to
  fight. The detachment or team leader should ensure the aircraft is loaded so that dismounting Soldiers can
  react promptly and contribute to mission accomplishment.
  STAGING PLAN
  5-79. The staging plan is based on the loading plan. It prescribes when and in what order ground units
  (Soldiers, equipment, and supplies) will move to the PZ (order of movement).
  PICKUP AND LANDING ZONES
  5-80. Pickup and landing zone size requirements depend on the type and number of helicopters and the
  minimum acceptable distances between aircraft. Small unit leaders should be skilled in selecting and
  marking of PZs and LZs.
  MARKING TECHNIQUES
  5-81. During the day, a ground guide marks the PZ or LZ for the lead aircraft by holding his individual
  weapon over his head, by displaying a folded VS-17 panel chest-high, or by other identifiable means. At
  night, an inverted "Y" marks the landing point of the lead aircraft. Chemical light sticks or beanbag lights
  help maintain light discipline (Figure 5-12). Each additional aircraft that lands in the same PZ or LZ
  requires an additional light. For an observation, utility, or attack aircraft, the exact landing point is marked
  with a single light. For cargo aircraft (CH-47, CH-53, CH-54), each additional landing point is marked
  with two lights. The two lights are placed 10 meters apart and aligned in the aircraft's direction of flight.