This United States Marine Corps USMC manual, Marine Corps Tactical Publication MCTP 3-20E Assault Support December 2022, provides a framework for developing and employing assault support assets in peace time, crisis, or war. While this publication covers all aspects of assault support, it focuses on employing vertical lift support for Marine air-ground task force operations. This doctrine applies across the range of military operations—from support of civil authorities to foreign humanitarian assistance to general war.
Assault support doctrine is based on a common understanding of the nature of war and on our warfighting philosophy. This doctrine provides for fast, flexible, and decisive action in a complex environment characterized by friction, uncertainty, fluidity, and rapid change.
This publication is intended for commanders and their staffs as a guide to plan assault support missions. It forms the basis for specific tactics, techniques, and procedures found in MCDPs, assault support aircraft Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization manuals, and tactical manuals within the Navy tactics, techniques, and procedures publication 3-22 series.