Attack Reconnaissance Helicopter Operations (FM 3-04.126)

Field manual (FM) 3-04.126, is intended for use by commanders, staffs, and United States military personnel expecting to operate and employ Army aviation attack reconnaissance units. This FM is the Army's doctrine for how to fight and sustain attack reconnaissance helicopter battalions, squadrons, companies and troops. The operational concepts described in this manual are based on Army doctrine as established in FM 1, FM 3-0, and FM 3-04.111. Emphasis is placed on modular force structure and the enhanced operational capability provided by Army aviation transformation. FM 3-04.126 applies to the Active Army, the Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, the United States Army Reserve, and Army civilian employees across the spectrum of conflict, unless otherwise stated. It builds on collective knowledge and experience gained through recent operations, numerous exercises, and the deliberate process of informed reasoning. This publication is rooted in time-tested principles and fundamentals, while accommodating new technologies, and evolving responses to the diverse threats to our national security. This manual will also assist Army proponent schools in teaching attack reconnaissance helicopter operations. FM 3-04.126 describes attack reconnaissance organizations, missions, command and control (C2), tactical employment and sustainment. It describes the responsibilities and duties of essential personnel during training, operations and combat. This manual is authoritative but not considered inflexible. Each situation in combat must be resolved by an intelligent interpretation and application of the doctrine set forth herein. Standardized battalion, squadron, company and troop operations are necessary for the effective employment of aviation battalion task forces. To this end, like companies and troops should follow similar operational and employment procedures.