This manual is a guide for airdrome commanders, airdrome defense officers, and personnel available for the defense of airdromes. It treats of the local defense of forward-area airdromes, exclusive of counteraction by aircraft, by the personnel, armament, and equipment under the command of the airdrome commander, but much of its subject matter is applicable to the defense problems of any airdrome. It is also intended to serve as a training aid for units designed or assigned for the defense of airdromes. It presents an analysis of the forms of attack to which airdromes may be subjected and of the means and measures which may be taken to defeat such attacks or to minimize their effect. Included are topics which detail the forms of attack on airdromes, troops for defense of airdromes, defense against sabotage, active and passive defense, and plans and training.

FM 1-26 1944 (OBSOLETE) Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.