(a) The requirement for large initial and continuing USAF support when
employed in the airborne role.
(b) Lack of ground vehicular mobility.
(c)
Limited defense and protection against armor
(d) Sensitivity to adverse weather conditions.
(e) Limited organic airlift capability.
(f)
Lack of organic medium and heavy field artillery fire support.
e. Air Assault Division.
(1) Mission. To destroy enemy forces; to perform various roles in all levels
of conflict, to include the full range of offensive and defensive operations capitalizing on
its inherent mobility and unique air assault tactics; and to provide a highly mobile
(2)
Capabilities. This unit has the following capabilities:
(a) Operates over a wide frontage in all types of terrain; locates,
maintains contact with, and destroys enemy forces.
(b) Responds immediately and maneuvers rapidly, utilizing organic
helicopter assets, to weight the battlefield at the critical time and place.
(c) Is particularly suited for economy of force roles, retrograde,
screening, rear area security, anti-airborne and counter-guerrilla operations, raids, and
exploitation.
(d) Is capable of destroying enemy armored and mechanized forces by
aerial and land combat power.
(e) Conducts area interdiction operations behind the enemy forward
defensive area.
(f) Is capable of conducting surveillance, target acquisition and
(g) Recycles combat forces for immediate use in other areas by
heliborne entry into and recovery of units from the battlefield.
(h) Can act as a highly responsive mobile reserve or counterattack
force.
MD0002
2-7