The installation of the overhead door (fig. 9-41) does present a problem in that it does interrupt the integrity of the wall system. This situation is quickly overcome by  the  easily  installed  and  adjustable  (height  and width) door frame package that supports both the door and end wall. This door frame package is offered by the  manufacturer. Keep  in  mind  that  the  information  provided  in  this section on the K-span building is minimal. During the actual construction of this building,  you must consult the manufacturer’s complete set of manuals. EMBARKATION LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Upon completing this section, you should be able to identify the procedures and techniques used in preparing material for embarkation. For a smooth, expedient mount-out, careful pre- planning  and  organizing  are  required.  Embarkation, whether by air, land, sea, or any combinations thereof, is  an  all-hands  evolution.  A  successful  move  requires 100-percent  support. Flexibility  is  extremely  important.  Proper embarkation depends to a large extent on the mutual understanding  of  objectives  and  capabilities,  and  full cooperation in planning and execution by both the unit mobilizing  and  the  organization  providing  the  lift. Whenever  possible,  early  communication  and coordination  between  the  two  is  extremely  important. PLANNING Embarkation   planning   involves   all   measures necessary to assure timely and effective out-loading of  the  amphibious  task  force  and  portions  thereof. Planning  for  embarkation  also  applies  to  all  unit moves, regardless of the method used for movement. These  measures  are  determined  by  the  availability  of transportation and the transportation requirements of the  unit  moving.  In  amphibious  embarkation,  the OPNAV  level  in  the  chain  of  command  determines overall shipping requirements and the embarkation schedules.  This  enables  subordinate  units  to  prepare detailed loading plans for individual ships. Planning requires  constant  coordination  between  commanders in the Navy and the Air Force; they must have a mutual understanding of the problems of each support group. However,  in  the  final  analysis,  the  embarkation  plan must support the tactical deployment plan of the unit. In the case of an amphibious landing, it must support the  tactical  plan  for  landing  and  the  scheme  of maneuvers ashore. Embarkation   planning   requires   detailed knowledge  of  the  characteristics,  capabilities,  and limitations of ships, aircraft, and amphibious vehicles, and their relationships to the troops, supplies, and equipment  to  be  embarked.  The  planner  must  be familiar  with  transport  types  of  amphibious  ships, Military  Sealift  Command  (MSC)  ships,  merchant ships, and cargo aircraft. MSC ships and merchant ships pose certain problems; basically, they are not designed, equipped, or have a crew large enough for amphibious  operations.  But,  their  use  must  be anticipated.  The  additional  requirements  of  hatch crews,  winchmen,  cargo-handling  equipment,  cargo nets,  assault  craft,  and  other  facilities  must  be provided  by  the  user. Principles Whether by ship during amphibious operations or by aircraft for assault force support operations, you must  observe  certain  principles  to  ensure  proper embarkation. First,  embarkation  plans  must  support  the  plan  for landing  and  the  scheme  of  maneuvers  ashore. Personnel, equipment, and supplies must be loaded so they can be unloaded at the time and in the sequence required  to  support  operations  ashore. Second, embarkation plans must provide for the highest  possible  degree  of  unit  self-sufficiency. Troops  should  not  be  separated  from  their  combat equipment and supplies. Weapons crews should be embarked  on  the  same  ship  or  aircraft  with  their weapons;  radio  operators  with  their  radios;  and equipment   operators   with   their   equipment.   In addition,  each  unit  should  embark  with  sufficient combat supplies, such as ammunition, gasoline, and radio  batteries,  to  sustain  its  combat  operations  during the  initial  period  in  the  operational  area.  All  personnel should have sufficient water and rations to sustain themselves  for  24  hours. Third, plans must provide for rapid unloading in the objective area. This can be achieved by a balanced distribution  of  equipment  and  supplies. Fourth,  and  last,  plans  must  provide  for  dispersion of critical units and supplies among several ships or aircraft.  The  danger  of  not  doing  so  is  obvious.  If critical units and supplies are not dispersed, loss of one ship, or a relatively few ships or aircraft, could result 9-31