text: Organization and Employment
  FIRESUPPORTOFFICER
  8-63. The AATFfire supportofficer plans,coordinates, andsynchronizes fire supportforallphasesofthe
  airassault.Hedeployswith the AATFCina missioncommandhelicoptertoensurethefiresupportplan is
  executedasplanned.
  AVIATIONLIAISONOFFICER
  8-64. Although the ADAM/BAE conducts many of the functions traditionally performed by liaison
  officers, the aviation liaison officer from the supporting aviation brigade remains a critical part of the air
  assault planning process. The aviation liaison officer can be the supporting aviation unit S-3, the aviation
  mission survivability officer, or another aviation subject matter expert designated by the supporting
  aviationunitcommander.
  8-65. While the members of the ADAM/BAE work directly for the BCT commander as permanent staff
  members, aviation liaison officers represent the supporting aviation task force at a designated maneuver
  headquarters only for a specific operation. If colocated with the ADAM/BAE, the liaison officer team
  normallyreportsto the brigade aviationofficer as a functioning additionto the ADAM/BAE staff section.
  Often, the aviation liaison officer coordinates with the ADAM/BAE and then proceeds to a supported
  groundmaneuverbattalion.
  AIRLIAISONOFFICER
  8-66. The air liaison officer (ALO) is an USAF officer who leads the tactical air control party (TACP)
  colocated at the BCT headquartersand advisesthe BCT commander and staffon air operations. The ALO
  leveragesthe expertise ofthe BCT TACP with linksto the higher headquarters TACP to plan, coordinate,
  synchronize,and execute air support operations. He maintainssituationalawarenessofthe total air support
  andairsupporteffectspicture.Additionalresponsibilitiesoftheairliaisonofficerinclude(cid:650)
  (cid:122) Monitoringtheexecutionoftheairtaskingorder.
  (cid:122) Advisingthecommanderandstaffabouttheemploymentofairassets.
  (cid:122) Receiving, coordinating, planning, prioritizing, and synchronizing immediate close air support
  requests.
  (cid:122) ProvidingUSAFinputtoanalysesandplans.
  PICKUPZONECONTROLOFFICER
  8-67. A pickup zone control officer (PZCO) is designated for each pickup zone in an air assault. The
  PZCO organizes, controls, and coordinates operations in the pickup zone. Depending on the unit that is
  conducting the air assault, the PZCO may be a BCT, battalion, or company executive officer; BCT or
  battalion S-3 Air; or sometimes a company first sergeant. The PZCO operates on the combat aviation
  networkandispreparedtoassistinexecutingchangesasneeded.
  MISSION COMMAND SYSTEM
  8-68. The mission command system enables mission command. As with any operation the BCT uses
  networks and information systems, such as Brigade Combat Team Network and/or LandWarNet, to share
  the common operational picture with subordinates to guide the exercise of initiative. The common
  operational picture conveys the BCT commander’s perspective and facilitates subordinates’ situational
  understanding.This sectionidentifies core Armybattlecommand systemsand discusses mission command
  systemsthatenablecentralizedplanninganddecentralizedexecutionspecificallytoairassaultoperations.
  INFORMATIONSYSTEMS
  8-69. An information system consists of equipment that collect, process, store, display, and disseminate
  information. Thisincludescomputers— hardware and software— and communications, as wellaspolicies
  and procedures for their use (ADP 6-0). The Army Battle Command System gives the BCT advantages in
  collectingtechnicalinformation,anddistributinginformationandintelligencerapidly.Thebattlecommand