MCTP 3-20B — Aviation Ground Support

MCTP 3-20B governs aviation ground support, including airfield damage assessment, repair, and recovery operations.

Search MCTP 3-20B

  • Publication number: MCTP 3-20B
  • Title: AVIATION GROUND SUPPORT
  • Date: 13 May 2021
  • Proponent: 03000 Operations & Readiness
  • Status: Current

View MCTP 3-20B on armypubs.army.mil


It covers MAGTF aviation support, contingency airfield operations, security, forward arming and refueling points, and aircraft salvage and recovery. Its airfield recovery procedures specify MOS selection, repair quality criteria, crater repair methods, repair sag limits, and FOD cover methods.

Applies to: Marine Corps Tactical Publication (MCTP) 3-20B, Aviation Ground Support, applies the philosophies in Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication (MCDP) 4, Logistics, and MCDP 3, Expeditionary Operations, to Marine Corps Aviation Ground Support (AGS).

Topics covered

  • Minimum operating strip dimensions
  • Minimum airfield operating surface
  • Airfield damage assessment
  • Crater repair methods
  • Repair quality criteria
  • Surface roughness testing
  • Forward arming and refueling point operations
  • Aircraft salvage and recovery operations

Questions and answers

Who determines the required minimum operating strip?

The SAA determines the required MOS based on type, model, and/or series of aircraft, operating conditions, and environmental factors at the airfield. (paragraph 1)

What does the minimum airfield operating surface consist of?

Simply put, the MAOS consists of a MOS and supporting taxiways or access routes. (paragraph 2)

What is the maximum surface roughness for planning purposes?

For planning purposes the MOS selection team will utilize “C” criteria, which equates to 1.5 inches of upheaval above the undisturbed surface as the maximum surface roughness on a MOS with an objective of flush repairs. (paragraph 3)

How is airfield damage recorded and plotted?

The MOS selection team records damage on the DAT Record Sheet (see table C-3) and, using the crater damage template (see figure C-5), plots damage on the airfield map (see figure C-3) and operating surface grid map (see figure C-4). (paragraph 4)

When are the post-attack MOS selection steps completed?

Steps 4–11 are completed after an attack on the airfield has occurred. (paragraph 1-1)

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