FM 3-76 Special Operations Aviation: October 2011

Field Manual (FM) 3-76, Special Operations Aviation, describes the core activities, capabilities, limitations, command and control (C2) relationships, employment principles, and operational considerations of Army special operations aviation (SOA). It delineates unique capabilities, limitations, and requirements when supporting a standing joint special operations task force (JSOTF) or a geographic combatant commander during a regional operation.FM 3-76 establishes doctrine for operational employment of aviation logistics and sustainment, and command and support relationships. The manual identifies requirements of the Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) in different levels of conflict and throughout the duration of operations.This manual explains short- and long-term employment and execution concepts for the SOAR, including support, sustainment requirements, and relationships. The manual provides doctrinal guidance to the SOAR commander for employment of the SOAR in support of special operations (SO). The employment guidance considerations and the command and support responsibilities apply to the special operations forces (SOF) and conventional commanders and their staffs.