text: Chapter 9
  are monitored constantly to ensure they exist for air assault execution. It is important to consider the
  latencyoftheinformationwhenpresentingittothecommanderfor a decision.
  9-44. Theinitialairassaultconditioncheckusuallyisconductedinthe AATForgroundtacticalforce main
  command post. Allair assaultstaff principalsare represented. BCT and higher headquarter liaisonofficers
  attend each other’s condition checks in person when possible and by video-teleconference or conference
  call when necessary. The final condition check is conducted near the AATF’s pickup zone control
  commandpost.Itincludes a reviewofthelatestfriendly,terrainandweather,andenemysituations.
  9-45. Anair assault condition check considerscritical factorsto evaluate and recommend the executionof
  an air assault. For example, air assaults planned for dawn and dusk periods are extremely dependant on
  weather and visibility. Air assaults planned for these periods increase the risks to air assets. The S-2
  evaluatesthe weather and visibilityconditionsand provides recommendationsto the AATFCbased onhis
  assessment.
  ABORT CRITERIA
  9-46. Abort criteria is a predetermined set of circumstances, based on risk assessment, which makes the
  success of the operation no longer probable; thus the operation is terminated. These circumstances can
  relate to changes in safety, equipment or troops available, preparation or rehearsal time, weather, enemy,
  lossesduring execution, or a combination of the above. The methodologyused in executing an air assault
  involves setting the conditions, providing suppressive fires immediately before and on landing, and
  continuouslymonitoringabortcriteriafrombeginningtoend.
  CONSIDERATIONS
  9-47. Abortcriteriaareimportantconsiderations when a change ofoneor moreconditionsintheobjective
  area or landing zone seriously threatens mission success. As such, they are the friendly force information
  requirement relating to ongoing air assault operations and requiring command consideration regarding
  mission continuation. It is important that the air mission brief clearly defines abort criteria and that the
  AATFCmonitorsthemthroughouttheoperation.
  DECISIONPROCESS
  9-48. Ifanabortcriterionismet, a decisionsequenceisusedbeforeabortingthe mission—
  (cid:122) Delay. If time is available, delay a mission in order to correct a circumstance that may abort a
  mission.
  (cid:122) Divert. Iftime is not available or a delay does notcorrectanabortcriterion, the task force may
  execute a divertcontingencyawayfromitsprimaryairassaultmission.
  (cid:122) Abort. Ifanabort criterionexistsand a delayor diversionto the mission does not correctit, the
  missioncanbeabortedbytheAATFC.Applythefollowing:
  A liftisabortedwhenitreachesanabortcriterion.Themissionitselfisnotaborted.
  (cid:132)
  A mission isaborted whenan abortcriterionexists forthe entire missionand the AATFC
  (cid:132)
  decidestoabort.
  9-49. Given the continued advantage of using the primary landing zone over the alternate, delay while en
  routeoratthepickupzone ispreferabletodiverting.TheAATFC mustevaluatetheriskof such a delay in
  lightoftime,fuel,enemy,andothermissionvariables.
  9-50. Planners establish proposed abort criteria to assist commanders in deciding when success of the
  operation is no longer probable. The AATFC retains authority for abort decisions. The six factors that
  determineabortcriteriaforairassaultmissionsareasfollows:
  (cid:122) Weather. Adverse weather conditions make flying unsafe and degrade the effectiveness of the
  helicopter’s organic weapon systems. The support combat aviation brigade sets theater-specific
  minimum weather conditions and establishes the appropriate approval authorities for risk
  management.
  (cid:122) Available aircraft. The ground tactical plan for an air assault operation depends on the rapid
  massingofcombat power atthe critical place and time by helicopters. The supportingaviation