text: Chapter 7
  Marshalling Plan
  After the air movement plan is developed, backbriefed, refined, and approved, the
  next plan to be finalized is the marshalling plan. The previous three plans— ground
  tactical, landing, and air movement— are used to determine the number of personnel
  and vehicles to be stationed at or moved through each airfield. The marshalling plan
  provides the necessary information and procedures by which units of the airborne
  force complete final preparations for combat, move to departure airfields, and loads
  the aircraft. It provides detailed instructions for facilities and services needed during
  marshalling. This chapter assists airborne assault force (ABNAF), commanders and
  staffsin planningfor marshalling and sustainment.
  SECTION I – PREPARATION
  7-1. Marshalling is the process by which unitsparticipating inan amphibiousor airborne operation group
  together or assemble when feasible or move to temporary camps in the vicinity of embarkation points,
  complete preparations for combat, or prepare for loading (JP 3-17). The marshalling plan appears as a tab
  to the airborne operations appendix Annex C, Operations. S-4s (in coordination with S-3s), are the
  principals to the commanders for marshalling. Marshalling begins when elements of the force are literally
  sealed in marshalling areas and it terminates at loading. The marshalling plan is designed to facilitate a
  quick, orderly launching of an airborne assault under maximum security conditions in the minimum
  possibletime.
  7-2. Unitscompletethefollowingpreparationsbeforemarshallingas a minimum:
  (cid:122) N-hour sequence. As soon as a force is notified of an airborne operation, it begins the reverse
  planning necessary to have the first assault aircraft en route to the objective area at the
  predetermined time. The N-hour sequence contains preparation activities, along with planning
  actions that must take place within a flexible schedule, ensuring that the force is prepared and
  correctlyequippedtoconductcombatoperationsonarrival.
  (cid:122) Rehearsals. Rehearsals are conducted at every echelon of command. They identify potential
  weaknesses in execution and enhance understanding and synchronization. Full-scale rehearsals
  arethegoal,buttimeconstraintsmaylimitthem.
  (cid:122) Static load training (SLT). Requires coordination with USAF loadmasters. Scripted event that
  trains joint force for daytime and limited visibility aircraft egress and personnel and equipment
  on/off-loadprocedures.
  (cid:122) Sustained airborne training (SAT). Conducted no more than 24 hours prior to execution of the
  airborne assault. Paratroopersreceive SAT fromthe jumpmaster and safety fromthe door from
  whichtheywillexit.SATnormallyisconductedduringSLT. (SeeTC 3-21.220.)
  (cid:122) Assembly, inspection, and maintenance. As soon as feasible, units assemble the equipment and
  supplies that are to accompany them to the objective area. Hold inspections to determine the
  status of equipment. Perform maintenance and prepare parachutes, aerial delivery containers,
  and heavy equipment drop loads. Commanders and leaders brief personnel, and rations and
  ammunitionareissued.Personneleatastimepermits.
  (cid:122) Storage of nonessential items. Individual clothing and equipment, and unit equipment not
  needed in the objective area are packed in suitable containers and stored with the rear
  echelonorreardetachment.