The Aerial Fire Support Team.
Abstract
This study is a conceptual paper which addresses the advantages of simultaneously employing multiple types of fire support means to include field artillery, close air support, and attack helicopters against an armored threat. It examines advances in weapon systems that will be available by 1985 and their employment in the concept. The Aerial Fire Support Team (AFIST) is based on the fundamental of the combined arms team but with emphasis on fire support. Its purpose is to increase the overall effectiveness of fire support to the maneuver commander. AFIST works on the principle of centralized control and decentralized execution. This is accomplished by the introduction of an aerial fire support coordination center (AFISC) whose primary purpose is to control and coordinate all fire support assets to include attack helicopters. The center's design has it manned and equipped to accomplish its control and coordination mission from one aircraft. The center's usage is similar to that of the Air Force's air warning and control system but with the AFISC operating well forward and at tree top level.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 08, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA076188
Entities
People
- Jim S. Hutchinson
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College