text: Chapter 4
  aviation support equipment. They serve as key aviation maintenance advisors to commanders from the
  AMC through theater support commands.
  SECTION III – OPERATIONAL REACH
  4-38. Operational reach is the distance and duration across which a joint force can successfully employ
  military capabilities (JP 3-0). This ability is sustained through aviation’s ability to transport logistical
  supplies and personnel where they are needed and through firepower provided by attack and
  reconnaissance assets.
  FORCE PROJECTION
  4-39. Army Aviation enhances the Army’s operational reach through the unique capabilities of Army
  aircraft, both manned and unmanned. Aviation mitigates the effects of time and distance because of their
  speed and ability to maneuver over difficult terrain. Unmanned systems can provide sustained operations to
  support the ground maneuver commander’s mission requirements because of their efficiency and ability to
  loiter for extended periods. Sustainment of aviation assets provides a continual ability to project firepower
  and to transport supplies and personnel into a rapidly expanding AO.
  4-40. An analysis of the OE prior to reception, staging, onward movement, and integration should identify
  aviation locations that allow the greatest freedom of action for commanders. Critical during this analysis is
  correct matching of personnel with proper equipment and tasks. Commanders should identify optimal areas
  for aviation to operate that can meet the needs of the ground maneuver commander with regards to
  proximity of forces and security. Because of the complex nature of Army aircraft and maintenance support
  functions, infrastructure requirements are critical. Consideration should be given to areas that can provide
  such necessities as shelter, electricity, communications, and water for maintenance operations when
  possible. Facilities that can be used to store equipment and supplies and provide areas to operate supply
  functions for aircraft and other unit requirements should also be identified in order to reduce the logistical
  wait times and facilitate rapid movement into the AO. See FM 3-0 for more information on reception,
  staging, onward movement, and integration.
  SUSTAINING OPERATIONAL TASKS
  4-41. Aviation provides internal and external sustainment capabilities and anticipates need in order to
  develop a priority in support of operational mission requirements. Aviation units can be tasked to provide
  critical support when reduced response times are required or in order to address high threat or availability
  issues that may impede normal modes of support.
  THEATER OPENING/CLOSING
  4-42. Aviation provides Army forces the capability to rapidly deploy personnel, distribute materiel, and
  retrograde equipment to multiple points of need to and from airports and seaports of debarkation. For
  sustainment operations, the Assistant Chief of Staff, Operations and Plans, Aviation section at the Army
  Service Component Command, corps, or division levels, are responsible for consolidating, prioritizing, and
  processing aviation maneuver sustainment requests.
  DISTRIBUTION
  4-43. Army RW aircraft provide support where terrain denies road delivery or in emergency situations.
  Airdrop or air delivery may also be arranged; however, air movement is a relatively inefficient means to
  transport heavy supplies and equipment and should be reserved for the support of major operations in
  which air movement is essential for success or in situations where emergency resupply is vital for mission
  accomplishment or force sustainment.