What does "blocking positions" mean in an Air Assault context?

In the context of Air Assault operations, "blocking positions" refer to defensive sites established to protect landing zones from potential enemy attacks. These positions are strategically selected to create a perimeter around the landing area, ensuring the safety of troops as they disembark from air assets. This is crucial in Air Assault missions because it allows the forces to secure the area and establish a foothold while minimizing the risk of enemy engagement during landing and subsequent operations.

Blocking positions are essential for controlling the battlefield and providing a defensive posture that can effectively respond to enemy movements. By placing units in these positions ahead of a landing operation, commanders can anticipate and neutralize threats, enhancing the overall security of the operation and facilitating successful troop deployments.