FM 100-26
PREFACE
1. This manual provides doctrinal guidance to commanders and staff offi-
cers for requesting and coordinating the use of Air Force tactical air sup-
port and army aviation support. The system through which this is accom-
plished and is referred to as the air-ground operations system (AGOS).
In addition to discussing the details of the air-ground operations system,
this manual also discusses the planning, coordination, and various service
responsibilities required for the overall efficient execution of air support
operations.
2. The manual discusses the entire role of tactical air operations. To
appreciate the significance of tactical air support the reader must under-
stand the effect of air interdiction, in relation to the Army’s role. The
function of counterair is discussed along with the roles, mission, and doc-
trine of other services who provide tactical air support to the Army in
the field. This manual is structured around the joint or unified command
level; however, the field army, corps, division, brigade, and battalion are
readily visible throughout. The doctrine applies to all geographical areas
of the world and under varying levels of conflict, Because many of the
concepts covered are doctrinal tenets pertaining to other services, proce-
dures established by International Standardization Agreements (STANAG,
SEASTAG) and Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) publications outlined herein
have added significance.
3. Throughout the manual, the term close air support is used to include
air attacks from all services against hostile targets which are in close
proximity to friendly forces and which require detailed integration of each
air mission with the first and movement of these forces. Other commonly
used terms relating to air support operations appear frequently. Inasmuch
as these terms are generally referred to in their abbreviated form by
personnel in the field, they also will be used as abbreviations herein. While
initially being cumbersome, use of the terms in their abbreviated form will
increase the reader’s overall familiarity, with the subject. An index of
abbreviated terms used in this manual is included at appendix B.
4. Chapter 2 outlines the missions and command and control responsibili-
ties for tactical air operations. It discusses the inclusive air combat func-
tions of air interdiction and counterair, their missions, characteristics, and
commonly accepted operations.
5. Chapter 3 discusses in detail the third function of tactical air opera-
tions, namely air support operations. The major part of the chapter covers
the fundamentals of air support, procedures for apportionment arid allo-
cation of air resources, the method of balancing the requirements for
tactical air resources in relation to the Army aviation resources, categories
of tactical air request, request channels and general request procedures,
command and control, and airspace coordination.
6. Chapter 4 discusses the functions of close air support (CAS), tactical
air reconnaissance, and tactical airlift that are included in tactical air
support operations. It discusses each function in terms of the types of
mission, procedures, and format used to request the air support and to
control aircraft for the particular function.
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