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What is air assault training?

What is Air Assault Training?

Air Assault Training is a unique type of training that allows airmobile units to prepare for insertion, engagement, and exfiltration (IE&E) from remote or denied areas, deep behind enemy lines, using both fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft. This comprehensive training program prepares military personnel for rapidly changing battlefield situations, requiring flexibility, coordination, and quick adaptation. In this article, we will delve into the essential aspects of air assault training, exploring its definition, objectives, phases, benefits, and applications.

The Definition and Purpose of Air Assault Training

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Air assault training is designed to ensure that airborne operations can be conducted efficiently, safely, and effectively. This high-risk, high-reward type of mission requires careful planning, coordinated execution, and robust logistics. The primary purpose of air assault training is to prepare personnel for a specific set of operations:

Reconnaissance and intelligence gathering
Strike or insertion of specialized teams or elements
Resupply and replenishment
Exfiltration or extraction from designated areas

The objective is to deliver the necessary troops and equipment, as well as to enable their movement through the area of operation. Air assault training allows pilots, aircrews, and ground personnel to train together, sharing a common language and mindset to execute these missions flawlessly.

The Phases of Air Assault Training

Air assault training consists of several critical phases:

  • Planning: Includes operational planning, reconnaissance, route reconnaissance, and execution plans
  • Assembly and equipment check
  • Load planning for aircraft, equipment, and personnel
  • Ramp procedures: Embarkation, load-in, and securement
  • Flight and movement planning
  • Ranger planning: Land, assault, and seize objectives
  • Mission execution
  • Recovery: Departure, disembandment, and report clearing

Benchmarks and Training Exercises

During air assault training, military personnel are expected to perform in various environments and conditions:

  • Low-altitude, low-speed flight training
  • Tactical approach and departure training
  • Obstacle courses
  • Fast rope/ladder techniques
  • Rappelling training
  • CCT aircraft operations

Table: Representative Air Assault Training ExercisesExerciseObjective
Jump OperationEvaluate airborne tactics, crew skills, and team cohesion
Obstacle CourseAssess crew ability to handle obstacles during movement
Fast Rope OperationConfirm crew proficiency in securing lines and rapid movement
Rappelling TrainingDevelop team proficiency in safely descending obstacles
MOUT TrainingConduct clearance operations, securing rooms and corridors
Flight TestValidate airframe reliability, avionics operation, and flight controls
Situational AwarenessIdentify, engage, and track simulated enemies under stress
Cargo RiggingVerify securing systems for safe cargo transportation and handling
Helipad TrainingTeach the proper handling and exiting methods from the aircraft
Night Vision TrainingTest crew’s ability to utilize night vision devices and fly at night
Advanced First Aid TrainingStress the importance of medivac protocols and rapid healing

Benefits of Air Assault Training

Participating in air assault training has numerous benefits, including:

Improving cohesion between pilot, aircrew, and ground teams
Enhancing adaptability to rapidly changing circumstances
Strengthening crew skills, communication, and coordination
Intensifying proficiency in aviation skills and tactics
Demonstrating competence under stress, with varying assets and obstacles
Developing specialized abilities, such as airborne law enforcement
Creating cross-platform relationships with aircraft operators
Institutionalizing best practices, enabling knowledge transfer
Enhancing the combat performance of ground forces supported by air mobility
Pioneering research into emerging airborne applications

Challenges and Contingency Planning

Air assault training often includes scenarios and drills addressing realistic challenges, such as:

Malfunctioned equipment
Radar evasion techniques
Low visibility weather
Simulated contact with hostile forces
Limited intelligence gathering capabilities
Fuel leaks or damage to the airframe

Crew members must think on their feet, quickly adjusting their execution plan while staying calm, focused, and clearheaded. Successful air assault missions rely heavily on proactive crew decision-making and coordinated resource allocation.

Closing**

Air Assault Training is an exceptional and innovative way for military forces to prepare for airborne operations under challenging and complex scenarios. By addressing key components of air assault operations, like planning, assembly, flight, and execution, airmobile units gain experience in overcoming various obstacles while maintaining operational readiness. Regular training sessions improve performance and adaptability, which results in successful execution of demanding missions and effective troop recovery. As technology evolves, air assault training must be flexible, integrating the lessons learned to develop best practices and anticipate emerging requirements in the battlefield environment.

Throughout this article, it was highlighted how air assault training is essential for maintaining efficient and safe airborne operations, emphasizing its role in planning, executing, and overcoming challenges in remote and enemy-controlled areas. With careful planning and precise execution, air assault training will undoubtedly continue to evolve as the military seeks to push its capabilities further in modern battlefield scenarios.

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