text: Chapter 13
  Airborne, Special-Purpose Forces, and Amphibious
  Operations
  The OPFOR views airborne and special-purpose forces (SPF) as means to
  carry the battle into the enemy’s depth. The General Staff uses these
  highly mobile forces against strategic objectives or for regional power
  projection. It may also allocate such forces down to the operational and
  tactical levels. It has the capability to conduct amphibious operations,
  which sometimes occur in conjunction with airborne or SPF operations in
  a coastal area. Insertion of any or all these forces into enemy rear areas
  can disrupt the stability and cohesion of his defense.
  AIRBORNE AND HELIBORNE OPERATIONS
  13-1. Airborne and heliborne forces have the capability to surprise the enemy,
  rapidly envelop key objectives, or exploit targets weakened by the effects of
  deep fires. Airborne and heliborne forces are especially critical given the fluid-
  ity and rapid tempo that characterizes the modern battlefield. The OPFOR
  expects to capitalize on the added vertical dimension that airborne and heli-
  borne forces provide when working in concert with ground maneuver forces.
  13-2. The OPFOR also uses airborne forces as a means of projecting power in
  its region. Significant portions of invasion forces could consist of airborne
  units, which are well suited for such roles. They train for operations in a
  variety of geographical environments. They also train specifically to establish,
  defend, and expand an airhead. Their equipment is air-transportable.
  13-3. Airborne forces are particularly valuable as a means to control access
  into the region by extraregional forces. The early seizure of ports and airfields
  critical to enemy deployment can be an essential ingredient in the conduct of
  access-control operations. Airborne and heliborne forces are especially suited
  for operations conducted during the transition from regional to adaptive
  operations. Their unique capabilities also render them especially useful in
  support of adaptive operations. They can serve as fixing, assault, exploitation,
  or deception forces when the rapid positioning of such forces in support of of-
  fensive operations is critical.
  13-4. Airborne landings require many valuable assets. Therefore, only after
  careful consideration would a commander make the decision to use airborne
  forces. If other units are capable of fulfilling a given mission, they execute it
  instead of airborne units. Heliborne landings also require valuable assets but
  are often more economical than airborne landings.