The Operational Art of War II Tip 1: ------ Attack helicopters should be used in four cases: to screen or anchor exposed flanks, as airborne reconnaissance units, as escorts for transport helicopters, and to engage enemy armor from long range. Tip2: ----- Remember that from the 1970s and on, most western armies have been equipped with advanced night-fighting capabilities. As a result, western armies, in particular the United States and its NATO allies, are much better at conducting round-the-clock operations than eastern armies.