Helicopter Caps and Ops

Question 1

Helicopterborne Operations are to:

Answer 1

• Tactical movements of Marines, weapons, and material by helicopters to support the ground tactical plan.
• Deliberate, precisely planned and vigorously executed combat operations designed to allow friendly forces to strike over extended distances and terrain barriers to attack when and where the enemy is most vulnerable.
• Conducted with maximum speed, flexibility, and timeliness

Question 2

Helicopterborne Operations allows Marines to:

Answer 2

• Attack enemy positions from any direction
• Overfly or bypass barriers and obstacles and strike objectives in otherwise inaccessible areas
• Conduct deep attacks and raids beyond the forward line of our own troops
• Rapidly concentrate, disperse, or redeploy to extend the area of influence
• Provide responsive reserves allowing commanders to commit a larger portion of their forces to action
• Conduct fast paced operations over extended distances
• Rapidly reinforce committed units
• Conduct night terrain flight with the use of night vision devices, which allows them to locate a landing zone and land without illumination

Question 3

What factors may negatively affect helicopterborne operations:

Answer 3

-Severe weather, extreme heat and cold, and other environmental
conditions such as blowing snow and sand that limit flight operations, helicopter lift capability, or flight visibility
-Reliance on airborne communication
-Reduced ground mobility once inserted
-Increased logistical considerations (fuel, maintenance, spare parts,
facilities, and aircraft availability)
-Limited accessibility to supporting arms, especially indirect fires

Question 4

What are the five stages of planning Helo Ops?

Answer 4

• Ground Tactical Plan
• Landing Plan
• Air Movement Plan
• Loading
• Staging Plan