 At the division level, both the 1st and 25th had a division air liaison officer, while each brigade had a USAF control party consisting of a brigade air liaison officer, his assistant, and three forward air controllers flying the venerable O-1 Bird Dog.As the operation escalated into a showdown with the 9th Division, the USAF tactical role would climb sharply.Early on the sixth, believing time was of the essence, DePuy launched his offensive.