Landing operation

In a military invasion conducted by sea, the landing and establishment of a beachhead are critical phases.

In Greek polytheism, the ἱερά ἐπιβατήρια were sacrifices offered to the gods after a successful landing.

Missions of air landing troops, as defined by the U.S. FM 100–5 Operations manual, include seizing, holding, or otherwise exploiting important tactical localities or installations in conjunction with or pending the arrival of other military or naval forces.

Such missions include seizure and clearance of landing fields, beachheads, strong points, and ports; seizure of essential observation or other critical terrain; severing hostile lines of communication and supply; destroying bridges, locks, public utility enterprises, and other designated demolitions; seizing river crossings, defiles, and other bottlenecks; blocking a hostile counterattack; interrupting the movements of hostile reserves; cooperating in the pursuit or breakthrough by ground forces by operating against enemy reserves and lines of communication, and blocking hostile avenues of retreat; and preventing the enemy from destroying essential installations, supplies, and material.

It may also include executing an envelopment from the air in conjunction with an attack by ground forces, executing surprise attacks as a diversion or feint in connection with other air landings or ground operations, or creating confusion and disorder among the hostile military and civilian personnel.