text: Army Aviation Operations
  environment to enable rapid execution. When the enemy force is dismounted and expected to be on the
  move, IPB is focused on determining dismounted avenues of approach or infiltration routes. When
  operating against a defending or stationary enemy force, IPB focuses on the best defensible terrain or areas
  that the enemy may use as cover and concealment for the main body and security elements. IPB should also
  focus on natural obstacles, known man-made obstacles and the terrain that is best suited for the
  emplacement of enemy obstacles that may disrupt friendly ground maneuver. If a battle handover to ground
  units is expected, IPB should also focus on the terrain that enables effective battle handover on terrain most
  favorable for friendly ground maneuver forces to develop the situation.
  3-9. When planning the scheme of maneuver, the aviation commander controls the operation by using
  phase lines, objectives, contact points, checkpoints, and named areas of interest. Such control measures
  allow for decentralized actions and small-unit initiative to the greatest extent possible. The aviation
  commander controls the depth of the movement to contact by using a limit of advance (LOA) or a forward
  boundary and may designate one or more objectives to orient the force or limit the extent of the movement
  to contact.
  3-10. The supported higher commander delineates bypass criteria, engagement criteria, and battle handover
  criteria, as well as a desired end state to enable disciplined initiative in execution. This guidance is tied to
  how the movement to contact enables the main body to accomplish subsequent tasks. Considerations for
  determining these criteria include: available combat power, the anticipated size and capability of the enemy
  force, proximity of friendly forces and their capabilities to further develop the situation, depth and breadth
  of the AO, and availability of Army and joint fires. Based on the complexity of the OE and expected size of
  the enemy force, the planning, prioritization, and use of joint fires may be required to successfully complete
  the mission and prevent premature decisive engagement or commitment of the follow-on force.
  3-11. The aviation unit commander determines the location and number of FARPs and UAS launch and
  recovery locations based on the depth and breadth of the AO, time allocated, size of the aviation force and
  the supported commander’s intent. The FARP and UAS launch and recovery locations support relief on
  station to maintain continuous reconnaissance and develop the situation to transition to subsequent tasks.
  3-12. The inherent risks with movement to contact are driven by the unknown enemy situation, complexity
  of continuous reliefs on station, battle handover transitions, and the hasty nature of developing the situation
  while in contact. To mitigate risk, aviation commanders should—
  * Use the minimal security force required to gain contact while accomplishing the mission within
  the allotted time.
  * Maximize the use of UAS forward to provide reaction time and maneuver space.
  * Provide subordinates with control measures for not only their own AOs but also adjacent AOs to
  control and deconflict maneuver and fires.
  * Develop and coordinate ACMs to enable freedom of action of manned and unmanned systems.
  * Plan and employ joint fires throughout the depth of the zone.
  * Employ communications relay packages, Army airborne C2 system aircraft or airborne battle
  command console aircraft to maintain communications over extended distances.
  * Position FARPs, UAS launch locations, and holding areas (HAs) forward to enable rapid turns
  of combat power once enemy contact is gained.
  * And most importantly, use speed and audacity to develop the situation upon gaining contact.
  SECTION III – ATTACK.
  3-13. Army Aviation attack or reconnaissance units, employing MUM-T, conduct attacks in support of
  offensive, defensive and stability operations throughout the depth of the AO. This is done either as a
  decisive or shaping operation in support of ground forces. Army Aviation conducts attacks at multiple
  echelons. These can range from elements as small as attack or Scout weapons teams using MUM-T, or a
  single armed UAS, up to battalion or squadron level.
  3-14. Army Aviation attacks are executed against enemy forces in close friendly contact, or out of friendly
  contact. Both can be executed as either hasty or deliberate operations, and they are typically supported with