What is the role of the ground combat element (GCE) during an air assault?

The role of the ground combat element (GCE) during an air assault is focused primarily on engaging enemy forces and securing the landing zone (LZ) for the main assault. This is critical because for an air assault operation to be successful, the LZ must be secure from enemy fire and within a safe operational environment for subsequent forces to land and engage. The GCE typically consists of ground troops who are tasked with neutralizing threats in the area, ensuring that the follow-on forces can deploy effectively and carry on with the mission objectives without immediate risk.

The importance of this role cannot be understated, as the security of the LZ directly impacts the outcome of the entire operation. If the GCE does not effectively clear the area of enemy combatants, the risk to aircrews and follow-on forces increases significantly during their approach and landing, potentially leading to mission failure or increased casualties.

In contrast, other roles such as providing air support, managing logistics, or offering medical assistance are essential functions in a broader operational context, but they do not encompass the specific duties expected of the GCE during the initial phases of an air assault.