text: Chapter 7
  7-39. Capabilities of supported and supporting units affect supporting distance. Units may be within
  supporting distance,but if the supported unit cannot communicate with the supporting unit, the supporting
  unit may not be able to affect the operation’s outcome. In such cases, the units are not within supporting
  distance,regardless of their proximity to each other. The following factors affect supporting distance: terrain
  and mobility, distance, enemy capabilities, friendly capabilities, and reaction time. (See ADP 3-0 for
  additional information.)
  7-40. The need for flexibility through mobility requires the use of graphic control measures to assist
  command and control during counterattacks and repositioning of forces. Specified routes,phase lines(PLs),
  attack-and support by fire positions, battle positions, EAs, target reference points (TRPs), and other fire
  support coordinationmeasures are required to synchronize maneuver effectively.
  7-41. Army aviation conducts offensive operations to support the maneuver commander’s defensive
  operation. Manned and unmanned aircraft can provide reconnaissance,surveillance,and security for ground
  forces. Aviation quick response force can respond to a counterattack during the maneuver commander’s
  transition from offensive to defensive operations, allowing ground forces to focus on consolidation and
  reorganization. Additionally, once in an established defensive position, aviation assets can conduct
  information collection and delay advancing enemy forces. Aviation allows the maneuver commander to mass
  reserves by air to reinforce a defensive position. Additional aviation considerations include—
  (cid:122) Conduct reconnaissance to identify bypasses, adequate sites and routes, and provide overwatch
  for security force operations.
  (cid:122) Provide direct fires or call for fires to cover obstacles.
  (cid:122) Provide security and early warning for ground movement, assembly areas, and fixed base
  operations.
  (cid:122) Transport air defense teams,CBRN teams,and supplies.
  (cid:122) Conduct aerial surveys of known or suspected CBRN contaminated areas.
  (cid:122) Provide information collection for targeting.
  7-42. The speed and mobility of aviation can help maximize concentration and flexibility. Attack
  reconnaissance helicopters routinely support security area operations and mass fires within the MBA.
  Synchronization and integration of aviation assets into the defensive ground maneuver plan is important to
  ensure engagement as a whole. If the BCT augments with aviation assets, it must involve the direct fire
  planning processes of the supporting aviation unit through its aviation liaison officer,the air defense airspace
  management (ADAM) element,and brigade aviation element (BAE) within the fire support cell.
  7-43. Air assets provide direct fire,observation,and the rapid movement of supplies and personnel during
  the conduct of the defense. Attack reconnaissance helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft can employ guided and
  unguided munitions that provide Army aviation attack and close air support to ground forces in direct contact
  with enemy elements. Through reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance, and target acquisition planning
  (see FM 3-09), these assets can conduct interdiction missions to destroy high-value targets (HVTs) and
  high-payoff targets (HPTs) before their employment to shape the operation. Attack reconnaissance
  helicopters can assist the BCT reserve in exploiting opportunities to attack an enemy weakness or to support
  restructuring of friendly lines in the event of enemy penetration. Rotary and fixed-wing aircraft can provide
  additional observation and control indirect fires directed at enemy formations prior to contact with the BCT
  defense and enhance situational awareness for the commander and staff. Utility and cargo rotary-wing aircraft
  can provide casualty evacuation (see ATP 4-25.13) and conduct emergency resupply operations depending
  on the enemy’s air defense capabilities.
  7-44. The ground commanderis responsible for the priority,effects,and timing of fires and maneuver within
  their area of operations (see JP 3-09). Air-ground operations require detailed planning and synchronization
  timelines, aviation tasks and purposes, and airspace control. Analysis of enemy COAs and timelines allow
  the BCT staff to synchronize aircraft operational times to match expected enemy contact. Security forces
  forward of the BCT MBAassist in synchronizing aircraft employment at the decisive point.
  7-45. Development of detailed task and purpose for the supporting aviation is essential as it enables the
  aviation commander andstaff to employ the right platforms and munitions. Understanding the threat and the
  BCT commander’s desired aviation effects drives the aviation units’ task organization of air elements and
  selection ofweapon systems. (SeeFM 3-04 for additional information.)