Books by Doctrine Command

Field manual (FM) 3-04.300 is designed to serve as a doctrinal guide focusing on the primary aspects of airfield procedures in full spectrum operations. While it contains guidelines for aviation unit commanders and aviators, the manual is intended primarily for use by airfield operations battalions (AOBs) and installation flight operations personnel. It is applicable to division, corps, Theater Aviation Command (TAC), Theater and Area Sustainment Commands, and the Army aviation community, including members of allied, coalition, and civil support forces. This manual outlines the organization and services of the theater airfield operations groups (TAOGs), AOBs, aviation unit plans and operations staff, and installation airfield management operations. It explains personnel qualifications, duties, and responsibilities; it provides information on airfield design and security and support requirements when planning and operating an airfield within a theater of operations (TO) or during homeland security operations. Installation airfield management structure, responsibilities, services, safety, and National Airspace System (NAS) requirements are presented in part III of this manual. Appendix A details the numerous checklists necessary for adequate airfield assessment and the duties required for airfield opening. Appendix B discusses the characteristics of military aircraft. Appendix C addresses Army and Air Force airfield planning. Appendix D discusses letters and facility memorandums. Appendix E discusses emergency plans and procedures.

U.S. Army aviation expanded dramatically in both size and breadth of activities after its inception in 1942, but much of its post-World War II history, particularly after the establishment of the Air Force as an independent service by the national Security Act of 1947, has been relatively neglected. Despite a certain amount of jockeying for position by both services, particularly in the early years after their separation, the Army was able to carve out a clear transport and operational combat role for its own air arm. "A History of Army Aviation ¿ 1950¿1962" examines the development of the Army¿s air wing, especially for air support of ground troops, both in terms of organization and in relation to the ongoing friction with the Air Force. After describing the rapid expansion of purely Army air power after 1950 and the accompanying expansion of aviation training, the book delves into the reorganization of aviation activities within a Directorate of Army Aviation. It also provides a valuable account of the successful development of aircraft armament, perhaps the most significant advance of this period. In particular, intensive experimentation at the Army Aviation School led to several practical weapons systems and helped to prove that weapons could be fired from rotary aircraft. This arming of the helicopter was to have a profound effect on both Army organization and combat doctrine, culminating in official approval of the armed helicopter by the Department of the Army in 1960. "A History of Army Aviation ¿ 1950¿1962" also explores the development of new aircraft between 1955 and 1962, including the UH-1 medical evacuation, transport, and gunship helicopter and the HC-1 cargo copter. In addition, the book discusses the Berlin Crisis of 1961 as an impetus for immediate and unexpected expansion of army aviation, quickly followed by the beginnings of intervention in Vietnam by the end of 1962.