Which of the following is NOT listed as a gain from tactical air assault employment?

• A. Ambush
• B. Surprise
• C. Mass or shift combat power
• D. Gain & maintain initiative

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is what benefits tactical air assault operations are designed to produce in terms of battlefield tempo and decision making. When air assault is employed, the aim is to surprise the enemy, to mass or shift combat power quickly to the point of need, and to gain and maintain the initiative through rapid maneuver and unpredictable action.

Ambush describes a specific tactic or engagement outcome that can result from actions on the battlefield, but it isn’t listed as a formal gain produced by tactical air assault employment. The gains identified in doctrine are surprise, the ability to mass or shift combat power where it’s most needed, and the ability to gain and maintain the initiative. Air assault provides the means to achieve those effects, while an ambush is a tactical use of the situation rather than a named benefit of employing air assault.