What is a key factor for organizing the Loading Plan?

A key factor for organizing the Loading Plan is assigning sticks to serials. This process involves grouping personnel and equipment (referred to as "sticks") according to specific serials for air movements. The assignment of sticks to serials ensures that resources are allocated efficiently and that the airlift can be executed smoothly.

In practical terms, proper assignment helps in managing the load capacity of aircraft, coordinating timing for loading and unloading, and ensuring that all elements of the operation are ready when needed. Each stick may consist of specific personnel or cargo that must be loaded together to facilitate a coherent operation once they reach their destination.

The other aspects mentioned, while important to overall mission planning and execution, do not directly pertain to the organization of the Loading Plan itself. Selecting landing zones is critical for operational safety and effectiveness but occurs after the Loading Plan has been organized. Determining the air movement sequence is vital for logistical flow, but it is contingent on the successful assignment of sticks to serials. Identifying ground troop missions is important for situational awareness but precedes the specifics of loading and transporting troops and equipment. Thus, assigning sticks to serials is indeed the foundational step in creating an effective Loading Plan.