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TAGS MULTI-SERVICE TACTICS, TECHNIQUES, AND PROCEDURES FOR THE THEATER AIR-GROUND SYSTEM (DECEMBER 2003) - page 1

 

 

*FM 3-52.2 (FM 100-103-2)
*MCRP 3-25F
*NTTP 3-56.2
*AFTTP(I) 3-2.17
FM 3-52.2 (FM 100-103-2)
US Army Training and Doctrine Command
Fort Monroe, Virginia
MCRP 3-25F
Marine Corps Combat Development Command
Quantico, Virginia
NTTP 3-56.2
Navy Warfare Development Command
Newport, Rhode Island
AFTTP(I) 3-2.17
Headquarters Air Force Doctrine Center
Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama
8 December 2003
TAGS
MULTI-SERVICE TACTICS, TECHNIQUES AND PROCEDURES
FOR THE THEATER AIR GROUND SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
VII
CHAPTER I
THE JOINT FORCE
I-1
Background
I-1
Establishing the JTF
I-1
The Joint Force Commander (JFC)
I-1
Components of the Joint Force
I-2
The JFACC
I-3
Joint Air Operations Center (JAOC)
I-4
Joint Liaison Requirements
I-5
Targeting
I-6
Area Air Defense Commander (AADC) and Airspace Control
Authority (ACA)
I-6
Conclusion
I-6
DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
*This publication supersedes FM 100-103-2, MCRP 3-25F, NTTP 3-56.2 and AFTTP(I) 3-2.17, 29 July 1998.
iv
CHAPTER II
ARMY COMPONENT
II-1
Background
II-1
Mission
II-1
Component Operations
II-1
Planning
II-6
Command and Control
II-9
Conclusion
II-19
CHAPTER III
AIR FORCE COMPONENT
III-1
Background
III-1
Mission
III-1
Component Operations
III-3
Command and Control
III-4
Conclusion
III-17
CHAPTER IV
NAVAL COMPONENT
IV-1
Background
IV-1
Mission
IV-1
Component Operations
IV-1
Planning
IV-2
Command and Control
IV-3
Amphibious Operations
IV-8
Conclusion
IV-13
CHAPTER V
MARINE CORPS COMPONENT
V-1
Background
V-1
Mission
V-1
Component Operations
V-1
Planning
V-6
Command and Control
V-7
Joint Force Functional Capabilities
V-16
Air Command and Control in Amphibious Operations
V-17
Warfighting Doctrine
V-17
CHAPTER VI
THEATER AIR-GROUND SYSTEM OPERATIONS
VI-1
Background
VI-1
Joint Force Commander Influence
VI-1
Planning and Execution
VI-2
Component Considerations
VI-3
ATO Cycle
VI-4
Defensive Counterair
VI-8
Interdiction
VI-12
Conclusion
VI-12
APPENDIX A
JOINT AIRSPACE CONTROL PROCEDURES
A-1
v
APPENDIX B
TOMAHAWK LAND ATTACK MISSILE OPERATIONS
(TLAM)
B-1
APPENDIX C
TRANSITION SEA-BASED & LAND-BASED JFACC
C-1
REFERENCES
.......................................................................................... References-1
GLOSSARY
..............................................................................................Glossary-1
INDEX
.................................................................................................... Index-1
FIGURES
Figure I-1. Theater Organization Overview
I-3
Figure I-2. Notional Joint Force Liaison Structure
I-5
Figure II-1. AAGS Coordination Links
II-10
Figure II-2. Fire Support Coordination
II-12
Figure III-1. TACS Coordination Links
III-5
Figure III-2. Air and Space Planning Process
III-7
Figure III-3. AFAOC Organization
III-8
Figure V-1. Marine Air Ground Task Forces
V-3
Figure VI-1. ATO Cycle Overlaid on Targeting Cycles
VI-3
Figure VI-2. ATO Notional Timeline
VI-5
Figure VI-3. Notional Area Air Defense Organization
VI-10
Figure A-1. Coordinating Altitude, HIMEZ, ROA, and ROZ
A-3
Figure A-2. SAAFR and HIDACZ
A-4
Figure A-3. Minimum Risk Routes
A-5
Figure B-1. Tomahawk Campaign Command and Control
B-1
TABLES
Table II-1. Command Post Functions
II-5
Table II-2. Fire Support Coordination Facilities
II-17
Table V-1. Marine Task Organization
V-3
Table VI-1. Functional Equivalents of TAGS Elements
VI-1
Table B-1. Tomahawk Functional Responsibilities
B-4
Table C-1. Sample JFACC Transfer Plan
C-2
Table C-2. Sample JFACC Data Transfer Schedule
C-3
vi
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TAGS
Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and
Procedures for the Theater Air Ground System
Overview
This MTTP discusses the basic understanding of joint and component air-ground
operations, the joint targeting process, and the command decision-making process at
component and joint force levels. This manual has application for planning and
warfighting personnel at all echelons. It is written for air-ground practitioners at all
echelons down to Air Force Wing, Army Battalion, Naval Expeditionary Force, and Marine
Air-Ground Task Forces (MAGTF).
The Joint Force
Chapter I summarizes the joint task force (JTF) level considerations, organizational
options, and command relationships that influence air-ground operations. It further
describes the role of the joint force commander and discusses in broad terms the roles and
responsibilities of the joint force air component commander (JFACC) and other elements of
the TAGS, including the area air defense commander (AADC) and airspace control
authority (ACA). A brief introduction to the joint air operations center (JAOC) is provided.
Army Component
Chapter II describes how the US Army integrates and synchronizes its capabilities
within the joint force. It outlines the Army’s operations framework and discusses how it
influences air operations, and explains the Army approach to planning operations. The
Army air-ground system (AAGS) is the focus of the chapter. The various elements of the
AAGS and fire support coordination system are discussed in detail, including the tactical
air control party (TACP), fire support coordinator (FSCOORD), battlefield coordination
detachment (BCD), Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC), and deep
operations coordination cell (DOCC).
Air Force Component
Chapter III provides a basic understanding of how the Air Force views the employment
of air and space power and the Air Force contribution to the TAGS. It discusses the Air
Force’s TAGS-related missions and responsibilities in a joint operation, operational factors
that influence the way missions are accomplished, and the Air Force component command
and control (C2) system. This chapter presents the tenets of airpower and Air Force core
competencies from an air and space perspective. A discussion of the Air Force air and space
operations center (AFAOC) clarifies the roles and missions of each of its subcomponents. A
detailed description of Air Force capabilities, weapon systems, organization, planning
considerations, and command and control architectures is included.
vii
Navy Component
Chapter IV provides a general understanding of the roles that naval forces can
accomplish in the JFC’s campaign, the doctrinal tools currently in use, and the C2 systems
used to apply naval air power to the JFC’s mission. It includes a description of Navy
capabilities, weapon systems, organization, planning considerations, and command and
control architectures that function as part of the TAGS. This chapter also discusses
Tomahawk land attack missile (TLAM) operations, command and control, integration of
TLAMs into the TAGS, the sea-based JFACC concept, and amphibious operations.
Marine Corps Component
Chapter V provides a detailed description of Marine Corps capabilities, weapon systems,
organization, planning considerations, and command and control architectures that
function as part of the TAGS. This chapter highlights the various types of Marine air
ground task forces (MAGTFs); tailoring of MAGTFs to support diverse missions; size,
capabilities, and composition of MAGTFs; and examines the roles of MAGTFs in detail. It
also addresses the Marine Corps process for planning amphibious operations and joint or
multinational operations. It discusses, in detail, coordination links for the Marine Air
Command Control System (MACCS), fire support, and targeting.
Theater Air Ground System Operations
Chapter VI integrates the component-specific capabilities, missions, and doctrine to give
an understanding of how the TAGS operates. It expands earlier discussions on the role of
the joint force commander in the TAGS, outlines TAGS coordination links, and focuses on
the integration of the air tasking order (ATO) and targeting cycles. The in-depth discussion
of the ATO development process includes target development, close air support (CAS) sortie
distribution, force allocation, and force execution. There are additional sections on
defensive counterair and interdiction.
viii
PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
The following commands and agencies participated in the development of this
publication:
Joint
US Joint Forces Command, Norfolk, VA
US Central Command, MacDill AFB, FL
US European Command, Vaihingen, GE
US Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, HI
US Southern Command, Miami, FL
US Space Command, Peterson AFB, CO
US Special Operations Command, MacDill AFB, FL
Army
US Army Training and Doctrine Command, Fort Monroe, VA
US Army Intelligence Center and Fort Huachuca, Fort Huachuca, AZ
ISR/C4I Directorate, Fort Monroe, VA
DTT Detachment, 360th MI BN, Melbourne, FL
93 ACW Army Group, Robins AFB, GA
Ft Sill/DCD, Fort Sill, OK
Marine Corps
Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Quantico, VA
Navy
Navy Warfare Development Command (N5), Newport, RI
Air Force
Air Force Doctrine Center, Detachment 1, Langley AFB, VA
Air Combat Command/DOYA, Langley AFB, VA
93 Air Control Wing, Robins AFB, GA
Detachment 2, 605th Test Squadron, Melbourne, FL
ix
Chapter I
THE JOINT FORCE
1. Background
It is important that personnel assigned to, or working with, the Theater Air-Ground
System (TAGS) understand the decision processes and problems associated with the
operational and tactical levels of command. Armed with this knowledge, commanders and
staffs will better understand TAGS functions and how to work within the system to receive
or give support. Actions at the joint force level establish the requirements for TAGS,
including the combatant commander’s guidance, perspective, and strategy for the area of
responsibility (AOR); the joint force commander’s (JFC’s) joint operations area (JOA)
strategy (if the JFC is not the combatant commander), command organization and
relationships; the campaign plan; assignment of objectives; and apportionment of forces.
This chapter summarizes the joint task force (JTF) level considerations and organizational
options that influence theater air-ground operations. It describes the role of the JFC,
command relationships, the role and responsibilities of the joint component commanders,
and TAGS liaison requirements.
2. Establishing the JTF
The Secretary of Defense, a combatant commander, subordinate unified commander, or
an existing JTF commander establishes JTFs. Joint forces are established on either a
geographic or functional basis. Establishing a joint force based on a geographic area is the
most common method of assigning responsibility. This TAGS publication applies to a JTF
established on a geographic area basis since functional JTFs are typically associated with
unified commands for transportation, space, special operations, and strategic operations.
3. The Joint Force Commander (JFC)
If a combatant commander decides to delegate authority for an assigned mission, a
subordinate JFC may be designated to command a subordinate JTF. In this publication,
JFC means either a geographic combatant commander or a subordinate who is designated a
JFC. The JFC has the authority to organize forces to best accomplish the assigned mission,
based on the concept of operations, by establishing subordinate commands, assigning
responsibilities, establishing or delegating appropriate command and support relationships,
and establishing coordinating instructions for the component commanders. The JFC has
full authority to assign missions, redirect efforts, and direct coordination among
subordinate commanders, and exercises operational control (OPCON) over assigned and
normally over attached forces. The JFC assembles a joint staff with appropriate members
in key positions of responsibility from each service or functional component having
significant forces assigned to the command. The manner in which JFCs organize their
forces directly affects the responsiveness and versatility of joint force operations. According
to JP 3-0, the JFC’s vision and concept of operations are the basis for organizing forces to
accomplish the mission.
I-1
4. Components of the Joint Force
All joint forces include Service component commands, which provide administrative and
logistic support. Functional component commands can be appropriate when forces from two
or more Services must operate in the same dimension or medium or there is a need to
accomplish a distinct aspect of the assigned mission. The responsibilities and authority of a
functional component command must be assigned by the establishing JFC. Functional
component commands are necessary when the scope of operations requires that similar
capabilities or functions of forces from more than one Service be directed toward closely
related objectives, and where unity of command and effort are primary considerations.
Joint force land, air, maritime, and special operations components are examples of
functional components. Normally, functional component commanders also serve as Service
component commanders. Normally, joint forces are organized with a combination of Service
and functional component commands with operational responsibilities (Figure I-1).
Functional component commands are component commands of a joint force and do not
constitute a “joint force” with the authorities and responsibilities of a joint force, even when
they are composed of forces from two or more Military Departments. When a functional
component command employs forces from more than one Service, the functional component
commander’s staff must be joint and requires advanced planning for efficient operation.
I-2
Figure I-1. Theater Organization Overview
5. The JFACC
a. The role of a JFACC requires specific attention when considering theater air
operations as a whole and the TAGS specifically. The JFC normally designates a JFACC to
exploit the capabilities of joint air operations. The JFACC directs this exploitation through
a cohesive joint air operations plan (JAOP), the daily ATO, and other guidance and
direction as well as a responsive and integrated control system.
b. The JFC establishes the JFACC’s authority, command relationships, and
responsibilities. These typically include exercising OPCON over assigned and attached
forces or tactical control (TACON) over forces available for tasking, or receiving direct
support (DS) from other military capabilities/forces. The JFACC also normally plans,
coordinates, allocates, controls, and tasks joint air operations based on the JFC’s guidance
and objectives, including the air apportionment decision. In some cases, it may be
necessary for a carrier battle group commander to perform these responsibilities, especially
in a crisis before a JFACC has been designated or when significant land-based assets are
not available or required. Specific JFACC responsibilities include:
I-3
(1) Developing a JAOP to support joint force objectives as assigned by the JFC.
(2) Recommending to the JFC apportionment of the joint air effort, after consulting
with other component commanders. Air apportionment is the determination and
assignment of the total expected air effort, by percentage and/or priority, that should be
devoted to the various air operations for a given period of time. The JFC may also issue
JFACC mission-type orders that apportion by the desired effect to be achieved.
Apportionment may be done by day or by phase.
(3) Performing the duties of the airspace control authority (ACA) when assigned
that responsibility by the JFC.
(4) Performing the duties of the area air defense commander (AADC) when assigned
that responsibility by the JFC.
6. Joint Air Operations Center (JAOC)
a. The heart of the JFACC organization is the JAOC which is structured to operate as
a fully integrated facility and staffed to fulfill all of the JFACC’s responsibilities. The
JFACC staff should be organized and manned to represent the composition of the functional
component command. This representation provides the JFACC the expertise needed to
employ the capabilities/forces effectively. JFACC organizations may differ based on the
specific AOR or JOA requirements and operations.
b. Five organizations or functions common to all JAOCs are: strategy, plans,
operations, air mobility, and ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance). The
strategy function involves developing strategies and CONOPS to employ available forces to
meet defined objectives. It includes planning future joint air operations and may include
drafting the JAOP, if not previously completed. The strategy function also includes
developing the air operations directive (AOD) to support the JFC’s and JFACC’s objectives
for a particular ATO. The plans function involves building the daily ATO. The operations
function concerns the execution of the ATO. Air mobility includes developing and
integrating air mobility forces into the ATO through both planning and execution. The ISR
function consists of supporting ISR capabilities and ensuring integration and
synchronization during planning and operations.
c. Component Liaisons. The component commanders have ready access to the JFACC
and the JAOC staff through their component liaisons. These liaison officers work for their
respective component commanders and work with the JFACC and JAOC staff. Senior
component liaisons serve as conduits for direct coordination between the JFACC and their
respective component commanders. Senior liaisons possess the credibility and authority to
represent their component commander on time sensitive and critical issues.
d. Coordination Elements. Each component normally provides liaison elements that
work within the JAOC, such as the battlefield coordination detachment (BCD), naval and
amphibious liaison element (NALE), special operations liaison element (SOLE), space
liaison officer (SLO), Marine liaison officer (MARLO), air mobility element (AME), and Air
Force liaison element (AFLE). These liaison elements consist of experienced warfare
specialists who provide component planning and tasking expertise and coordination
capabilities. These experts help integrate their component’s participation in joint
operations and coordinate and deconflict component direct support air operations with joint
air operations.
I-4
7. Joint Liaison Requirements
Effective liaison between forces is essential for coordinated TAGS operations and is a
key factor in the success of joint operations. A notional joint force liaison structure is
depicted in Figure I-2. Liaison officers (LNOs) serve as their parent commanders’ eyes and
ears as well as their representative to the JFACC on matters of Service capabilities and
limitations. LNOs need to have clearly defined parameters within which to take action and
make decisions on operational matters. Functional component commanders, when also
Service component commanders, use parent Service liaison elements. If the JFACC is sea-
based, space and communication limitations may restrict liaison element size and
capability. Succeeding chapters discuss Service component liaison elements in detail.
Figure I-2. Notional Joint Force Liaison Structure
I-5
8. Targeting
Targeting is the process of selecting targets and matching them with the appropriate
response, lethal or non-lethal, disruptive or destructive. Targeting is done in accordance
with the JFC’s campaign plan, taking into account operational requirements and
capabilities, and assessing the effects of attacks against specified targets. It is performed at
all levels within the joint force. From a TAGS perspective, targeting directly affects the
preparation of the ATO. For TAGS to work effectively, the joint targeting process and the
joint ATO cycle must be synchronized. Personnel working ATO development must
understand the targeting process to fully realize its impact on TAGS. The JFC may
establish or task organizations to accomplish broad targeting oversight functions, or may
delegate the responsibility to a subordinate commander. If the JFC so designates, a joint
targeting coordination board (JTCB) may be established as an integrating center for this
effort or as a JFC-level review mechanism. In either case, it needs to be a joint activity,
composed of representatives from the staff, all components and, if required, their
subordinate units. The JTCB typically reviews targeting information, develops targeting
guidance and priorities, and may prepare joint target lists. The JTCB should also maintain
a complete list of restricted targets and areas where Special Operations forces are operating
to avoid endangering current or future operations.
9. Area Air Defense Commander (AADC) and Airspace Control Authority (ACA)
Because the TAGS involves activities and communications between all air-ground
systems, it is important to define two additional responsibilities that affect the structure
and execution of the TAGS: the AADC and the ACA.
a. Within a unified command, subordinate unified command, or JTF, the commander
will assign overall responsibility for air defense to a single commander, commonly referred
to as the area air defense commander (AADC). Normally, this will be the component
commander with the preponderance of air defense capability and the command, control,
and communication capability to plan and execute integrated air defense operations.
Representation from the other components involved will be provided, as appropriate, to the
air defense commander’s headquarters.
b. The JFC may designate a commander to assume overall responsibility for the
operation of the airspace control system, known as the airspace control authority (ACA).
The ACA develops broad policies and procedures for airspace control and coordinates, as
required, among units within the AOR/JOA, subject to the authority and approval of the
JFC.
c. The responsibilities of the JFACC, ACA, and AADC are interrelated and should
normally be assigned to one individual. Regardless of who fulfills these functions and
responsibilities, the JFACC, ACA, and AADC must be integrated to unite overall air
operations in support of the JFC’s campaign.
10. Conclusion
The early assignment of duties and responsibilities to the component commanders and
the joint staff is critical in the first stages of crisis management or in the establishment of
the JTF. Early assignment of responsibilities such as the JFACC, ACA, and AADC allows
maximum time to coordinate and plan operations.
I-6
Chapter II
ARMY COMPONENT
1. Background
This chapter describes the process of synchronizing and integrating US Army
capabilities within the TAGS. It outlines the Army component capabilities and provides an
overview of planning considerations and the command and control architecture in support
of ground operations and the Army air-ground system (AAGS). This chapter is designed for
sailors, airmen, and Marines who work in joint, multinational, and interagency air-ground
operations with the Army.
2. Mission
The Army’s mission is to fight and win our Nation’s wars. The Army’s unique
contribution to national security is prompt, sustained land dominance across the range of
military operations and across the spectrum of conflict. Its strategic responsiveness,
overseas stationing, and force projection capability are powerful deterrents to would-be
challengers. The Army is the major ground force provider for decisive combat operations.
Whether fighting a large conventional force, elusive insurgency, effects of a natural
disaster, or preempting open conflict, the constant aim of the Army is to seize the initiative,
maintain momentum, and exploit success.
3. Component Operations
Army component operations are inherently joint and often multinational. Army forces
must be prepared to conduct operations with various governmental and nongovernmental
agencies, other Services, and the forces of other nations. Army doctrine and systems,
especially C2, are designed to expedite the employment of fires, supporting forces, and
maneuver as a combined arms to achieve JFC objectives. FM 3.0 is the Army's keystone
warfighting doctrinal manual. Successful joint air-ground operations require a
fundamental understanding of force capabilities and some key aspects of Army doctrine and
operations.
a. Tenets of Army Operations. The five tenets of Army operations—initiative, agility,
depth, synchronization, and versatility—build on the principles of war and describe the
characteristics of successful operations. These tenets are essential to victory. While they
do not guarantee success, their absence risks failure. The TAGS assists Army commanders
in the application of all five characteristics.
(1) Initiative. From an operational perspective, initiative is setting or dictating the
terms of action throughout the battle or operation. Initiative implies an offensive spirit in
all operations. To set the terms of battle, commanders eliminate or reduce the number of
enemy options. They compel the enemy to conform to friendly operational purposes and
tempo, while retaining freedom of action. Army leaders anticipate events throughout the
battlespace. Through effective C2, they enable their forces to act before, and react faster
than, the enemy. Intitiative requires delegating decision-making authority to the lowest
practical level.
(2) Agility. Agility is the ability to move and adjust quickly and easily. It springs
from trained and disciplined forces. Agility requires that subordinates act to achieve the
II-1
commander’s intent and fight through any obstacle to accomplish the mission. Operational
agility stems from the capability to deploy and employ forces across the range of Army
operations. Army forces and commanders shift among offensive, defensive, stability, and
support operations as circumstances and missions require. This capability is not merely
physical; it requires conceptual sophistication and intellectual flexibility. Tactical agility
(both mental and physical) is the ability of a friendly force to react faster than the enemy. It
is essential to seizing, retaining, and exploiting the initiative. Agile commanders quickly
comprehend unfamiliar situations, creatively apply doctrine, and make timely decisions.
(3) Depth. Depth is the extension of operations in time, space, and resources.
Commanders use depth to obtain space for effective maneuver, time to conduct operations,
and resources to achieve and exploit success. Depth enables momentum in the offense,
elasticity in the defense, and staying power in all operations. In the offense and defense,
depth entails attacking the enemy throughout the area of operations (AO)—simultaneously
when possible, sequentially when necessary—to deny him freedom to maneuver. Offensive
depth allows commanders to sustain momentum and press the fight. Defensive depth
creates opportunities to maneuver against the enemy from multiple directions as attacking
forces are discovered. The TAGS helps Army commanders attack the enemy
simultaneously, throughout the battlespace, by facilitating rapid integration and
coordination to effectively employ available fires. Operations in depth degrade enemy
freedom of action, reduce their flexibility and endurance, and disrupt their plans and
coordination.
(4) Synchronization. Synchronization is arranging activities in time, space, and
purpose to mass maximum relative combat power at a decisive place and time. Through
synchronization, commanders arrange battlefield operating systems to mass the effects of
combat power at a chosen place and time to overwhelm an enemy or dominate the situation.
Synchronization is a means, not an end. Commanders balance synchronization against
agility and initiative; they never surrender the initiative or miss a decisive opportunity for
the sake of synchronization. Some activities (such as electronic warfare, suppressing
enemy air defenses, and shifting maneuver forces) might occur before the decisive operation
and at locations distant from each other. Though separated in time and space, such actions
are closely synchronized by commanders to mass overwhelming effects at the decisive time
and place. Synchronization often requires explicit coordination and rehearsals among
participants. In the TAGS, continuous and aggressive involvement by liaison officers,
strong command, disciplined operations, and detailed situational awareness are essential to
synchronizing operations and limiting fratricide.
(5) Versatility. Versatility is the ability of Army forces to meet the global, diverse
mission requirements of full-spectrum operations. Competence in a variety of missions and
skills allows Army forces to transition quickly from one type of operation to another, with
minimal changes to the deployed force structure. Versatility depends on adaptive leaders,
competent and dedicated soldiers, and well-equipped units. Effective training, high
standards, and detailed planning also contribute. Time and resources limit the number of
tasks any unit can perform well. Within these constraints, commanders maximize
versatility by developing the multiple capabilities of units and soldiers. Versatility
contributes to the agility of Army units and is a characteristic of multifunctional units.
Commanders can take advantage of this by knowing each unit’s capabilities and carefully
tailoring forces for each mission. Military police, for example, can provide a mobile, lethal
show of force, restore civil order, process detainees, and support peacekeeping operations.
II-2
Engineer units can rebuild infrastructure, construct ports and base camps, and maintain
lines of communications. At higher echelons, versatility implies the ability to assume more
complex responsibilities. For example, a corps headquarters can serve as an Army Forces
(ARFOR) headquarters or, with augmentation, a JTF headquarters.
b. Battlespace. Battlespace is the environment, factors, and conditions commanders
must understand to apply combat power successfully, protect the force, or complete the
mission. This includes air, land, sea, space, enemy and friendly forces, facilities, weather,
terrain, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the information environment within the
operational areas and areas of interest. Battlespace is conceptual—a higher commander
does not assign it. Commanders determine their battlespace based on their concept of
operations, accomplishing the mission, and protecting the force. Commanders use their
experience, professional knowledge, and understanding of the situation to visualize and
change their battlespace as current operations transition to future operations. Battlespace
is not synonymous with AO. However, because battlespace is conceptual, Army forces
conduct operations only within that portion delineated by their AO.
(1) Battlespace has an associated area of influence and area of interest. An area of
influence is a geographical area in which a commander can directly influence operations by
maneuver or fire support systems normally under the commander’s command or control.
Areas of influence surround and include the associated AO.
(2) An area of interest is that area of concern to the commander, including the area
of influence and areas adjacent to it. It extends into enemy territory, to the objectives of
current or planned operations. This area also includes areas occupied by enemy forces that
could jeopardize accomplishment of the mission.
c. Battlefield Organization. The battlefield organization is the allocation of forces in
the AO by purpose. The purposes are categorized into three all-encompassing categories of
operations: decisive, shaping, and sustaining. Purpose unifies all elements of the
battlefield organization by providing the common focus for all actions. Commanders
organize forces according to purpose by determining whether each unit’s operation will be
decisive, shaping, or sustaining. These decisions form the basis of the concept of
operations. When circumstances require a spatial reference, commanders describe the AO
in terms of deep, close, and rear areas. These spatial categories are especially useful in
operations that are generally contiguous and linear and feature a clearly defined enemy
force.
(1) Decisive Operations. Decisive operations directly accomplish the task assigned
by the higher headquarters and conclusively determine the outcome of major operations,
battles, and engagements. There is only one decisive operation for any major operation,
battle, or engagement for any given echelon. The decisive operation may include multiple
actions conducted simultaneously throughout the AO. Commanders weight the decisive
operation by economizing on combat power allocated to shaping operations.
(2) Shaping Operations. Shaping operations at any echelon create and preserve
conditions for the success of the decisive operation. They support the decisive operation by
affecting enemy capabilities and forces, or by influencing enemy decisions. Shaping
operations include lethal and nonlethal activities and use all elements of combat power to
neutralize or reduce enemy capabilities. They may occur before, during, or after the start of
the decisive operation. They may involve any combination of forces and occur throughout
the AO.
II-3
(3) Sustaining Operations. The purpose of sustaining operations is to generate and
maintain combat power. Sustaining operations are operations at any echelon that enable
shaping and decisive operations by providing combat service support (CSS, rear area and
base security, movement control, terrain management, and infrastructure development.
(4) Close, Deep, and Rear Areas. Despite the increasingly nonlinear nature of
operations, there may be situations where commanders describe decisive, shaping, and
sustaining operations in spatial terms. Typically, linear operations involve conventional
combat and concentrated maneuver forces. Ground forces share boundaries and orient
against a similarly organized enemy force. Terrain or friendly forces secure flanks and
protect CSS operations. In some multinational operations, the capabilities and doctrine of
partners may dictate spatial organization of the AO. In such situations, commanders
designate close, deep, and rear areas.
(a) Close Areas. The close area is the area in which forces are in immediate
contact with the enemy and fighting between committed forces and readily available
tactical reserves of both combatants is occurring, or where commanders envision close
combat taking place. Typically, the close area assigned to a maneuver force extends from
its subordinates’ rear boundaries to its own forward boundary. Commanders plan to
conduct decisive operations through maneuver and fires in the close area and position most
of the maneuver force within it.
(b) Deep Areas. The deep area is an area forward of the close area that
commanders use to shape enemy forces before they are encountered or engaged in the close
area. Typically, the deep area extends from the forward boundary of subordinate units to
the forward boundary of the controlling echelon. Thus, the deep area relates to the close
area not only in terms of geography but also in terms of purpose and time.
(c) Rear Areas. The rear area for any command extends from its rear boundary
forward to the rear boundary of the next lower level of command. This area is provided
primarily for the performance of support functions and is where the majority of the
echelon’s sustaining operations occur. Operations in rear areas assure freedom of action,
continuity of operations, sustainment, and C2. Their focus on providing CS (combat
support) and CSS, however, leaves units in the rear area vulnerable to attack.
d. Command Posts. To command and control their designated area of operations,
brigade through corps commanders normally establish three command posts (CPs): a
tactical (TAC) CP, main CP, and a rear (REAR) CP. The function of each varies; however,
Table II-1 reflects the generic functions usually accomplished at each.
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Table II-1. Command Post Functions
TAC
MAIN
REAR
PRIMARY
PRIMARY
PRIMARY
Conducts the close fight
Orchestrates the battle
Supports the battle
Conducts the deep fight
Conducts rear area operations
Plans future fights
SECONDARY
SECONDARY
SECONDARY
Monitors the deep and rear
Coordinates CSS
Serves as the backup to the
fights
main CP
Monitors the battle
Plans
Plans
Conducts close fight when TAC
CP displaces
e. Capabilities. The Army supports JFCs by providing tailored force packages to
accomplish joint missions and dominate enemies and situations on land. The ability of
Army forces to tailor (select forces based upon a mission) and task organize (temporarily
organize units to accomplish a tactical mission) gives them extraordinary agility. It allows
operational and tactical level commanders to organize their units to make best use of
available resources. The ability to task organize means Army forces can shift rapidly among
offensive, defensive, stability, and support operations. The fundamental basis for the
organization and operation of Army forces is combined arms. Combined arms is the
synchronization or simultaneous application of several arms (such as infantry, armor, field
artillery, engineers, air defense, and aviation) to achieve an effect on the enemy that is
greater than if each arm was used against the enemy separately or in sequence. As part of
the TAGS, Army forces can provide lethal and non-lethal fires in support of air operations
through suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), ground base defense, and attack and
interdiction of enemy aviation and missile forces. The Army provides the following
capabilities to the TAGS:
(1) Maneuver. Maneuver is the employment of forces, through movement combined
with fire or fire potential, to achieve a position of advantage with respect to the enemy.
Maneuver is the means by which commanders concentrate forces at decisive points to
achieve surprise, psychological shock, physical momentum, and dominance. Ground forces
gain unique advantages from maneuver warfare that are essential to seizing, physically
occupying, and holding key terrain. These advantages cannot be replicated by other means.
(2) Fire Support System. Fire support is the collective and coordinated use of
indirect fire weapons, armed aircraft, and other lethal and non-lethal means in support of a
commander's battle plan. The commander employs the fire support system to support the
scheme of maneuver, mass fires, and delay, disrupt, or destroy enemy forces in depth.
(3) Army Aviation. Army aviation performs the full spectrum of combat, combat
support, and CSS missions. Aviation units destroy enemy forces by fire and maneuver,
perform target acquisition and reconnaissance, enhance C2, and move combat personnel,
supplies, and equipment in compliance with the scheme of maneuver. Army aviation
functions in the following roles:
(a) Attack Helicopter Operations. Normally, attack helicopters are employed
as maneuver forces in combined arms operations to accomplish the commander's missions.
They are ideally suited for rapidly developing situations in which available reaction time is
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minimal or where terrain restricts ground forces. They can operate effectively in deep,
close, and rear battles. Attack helicopters may contribute to theater missile defense (TMD)
through attack operations against theater missile launchers and supporting infrastructure.
Additionally, the Army may provide attack helicopter operations for other Services in a DS
role, if tasked.
(b) Aerial Observation. Army aviation provides aerial observation and request
for fires.
(c) Air Reconnaissance. Air reconnaissance units obtain and report real-time
and near-real-time intelligence to support effective targeting and battle damage
assessment.
(d) Electronic Warfare (EW). Fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft provide a variety
of EW support, including direction finding, electronic combat, communications intercept,
and electronic target acquisition.
(e) Airborne and Air Assault Operations. Army aviation, as part of a joint or
single-service operation, can provide airlift support to airborne or air assault forces to
operations in close, deep, and rear areas during both day and night.
(f) Air Movement of Weapons Systems and/or Ammunition. Cargo and utility
aircraft offer both speed of movement and flexibility for the employment of fire support
units. They provide the commander another alternative to rapidly displace weapons
systems in support of deep operations or as a rapid reaction response to threats in the rear
area.
(g) Joint air attack team (JAAT) operations. A JAAT operation is a coordinated
attack by rotary and fixed wing aircraft normally supported by artillery or naval surface
fire support. JAAT operations capitalize on the strengths of each platform and minimize
friendly aircraft exposure and vulnerability. These operations require detailed coordination
among components. Upon receipt of a JAAT mission, the mission commander assumes
responsibility for the coordination and execution of JAAT operations. (For more detailed
information on JAAT operations see FM 90-21.)
(h) Aeromedical Evacuation (MEDEVAC). The Army Medical Department
(AMEDD) performs the critical MEDEVAC CSS mission. AMEDD-designated units
operate utility helicopters to evacuate the sick and wounded to medical facilities. These
units also move medical personnel, equipment, and supplies as required.
(4) Army Air Defense. The Army’s air and missile defense forces respond to
immediate enemy air threats. Army air defense artillery (ADA) provides dedicated low-to-
high altitude air and missile defense systems to protect the force and selected geopolitical
assets. ADA and other combined arms forces integrate fires to ensure freedom of maneuver
for our forces from enemy air and missile threats. The unity of effort under the AADC's
weapons control and air defense procedures as well as horizontal and vertical coordination
among air and missile defense elements ensure synchronization between the Army and the
other Services.
4. Planning
a. The Army uses the military decision making process (MDMP) at the battalion level
and above to plan and synchronize operations. During MDMP, Army units plan for the
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employment of all available capabilities including available air support. A primary product
of the MDMP is operations plans (OPLANs) and operations orders (OPORDS). Army
combat plans and orders are important to the TAGS because they provide the task
organization, mission statement, commander's intent, and concept of operation of Army
units conducting the operation. Key components include—
(1) Task Organization. Information regarding how the command is task organized
to accomplish the mission is located immediately preceding paragraph 1, Situation, or as an
annex (normally, Annex A) to an order or plan.
(2) Mission Statement. The mission statement is the commander’s expression of the
task the unit must accomplish and for what purpose. It explains the essence of the
operation: who, what, when, where, and why. A precise, clear mission statement that
subordinates understand before and during the operation is vital to mission success. At
operational levels of command, commanders anticipate change by continually reassessing
the stated mission in light of changing strategic and operational conditions.
(3) Commander's Intent. The commander’s intent is the commander’s clear, concise
statement of what the force must do to succeed with respect to the enemy and the terrain,
and his desired end state and purpose. It links the mission and the concept of operations by
stating key tasks that, along with the mission, are the basis for subordinates to exercise
initiative when unanticipated opportunities arise or when the original concept of operation
no longer applies.
(4) Concept of the Operation. The concept of the operation is the commander’s clear,
concise statement of where, when, and how he intends to concentrate combat power to
accomplish the mission in accordance with the higher commander’s intent. It broadly
outlines considerations necessary for developing a scheme of maneuver. It includes actions
within the battlefield organization, designation of the main effort, the commander’s plan to
defeat the enemy, and specific command and support relationships. These relationships are
then included in the task organization and organization for combat in plans and orders.
More detailed information on how the Army commander coordinates air power to support
the scheme of maneuver is located in the air support appendix of the fire support annex
(normally Annex D).
(5) Logistics. Paragraph 4, Service Support, outlines key logistical considerations
for employment and sustainment of assets.
(6) Communications. Paragraph 5, Command and Signal, outlines the command
hierarchy and assigns appropriate frequencies, call signs, and codewords for units and
attachments in support of planned operations.
b. Battlefield Operating Systems (BOS). Armed with a coherent and focused intent,
commanders and staffs develop the concept of operations and synchronize the BOS. The
BOS are the physical means (soldiers, organizations, and equipment) used to accomplish
the mission. The BOS group related systems together according to battlefield use. The
seven BOS are intelligence, maneuver, fire support, air defense,
mobility/countermobility/survivability, combat service support, and command and control.
Information about specific tasks associated with each BOS is in FM 7-15.
c. Fire Planning. Fire planning is a continuous process, usually top-down driven or
intitiated, of planning Targeting Process. Targeting is the process of selecting targets and
matching the appropriate response to them based on operational requirements and
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capabilities. Emphasis is on identifying resources that the enemy can least afford to lose,
degrading the enemy's ability to take the initiative, and forcing the enemy to conform to
friendly battle plans. A target may be an enemy function, formation, facility, equipment, or
piece of terrain. Targeting is a significant part of the Army's participation in the TAGS
planning process. The Army commander uses the targeting process to shape the
battlespace and to synchronize fire support and maneuver. It enables the attack of the
right target with the best weapon at the right time. The selection of targets must support
the ground commander's battle plan. The targeting process requires coordination among
multidisciplined groups, which include fire support, intelligence, operations, planning cell,
and liaison personnel.
(1) Decide-Detect-Deliver-Assess. The Army and Marine Corps use a proactive
methodology to conduct targeting called decide-detect-deliver-assess (D3A), which is
applicable to all targeting situations and any echelon of command.
(a) Decide. The decide function provides the focus and priorities for intelligence
collection management and attack planning. Decisions include which targets should be
acquired and attacked, where and when they will most likely be found, who can locate
them, how they should be attacked, and whether CA is required.
To assist the commander in deciding what targets to attack, the staff uses a
process called intelligence preparation of the battlespace (IPB). IPB is a continuous
systematic analysis of the enemy, weather, and terrain in a specific geographic area to
evaluate threat capabilities and predict likely enemy courses of action.
IPB facilitates target value analysis (TVA). TVA involves detailed analysis
of enemy doctrine, tactics, equipment, organization, and expected behavior, linking the
effects of attacking a target directly to the targeting function. TVA listings indicate which
targets are important, which are vulnerable, and when and where they are likely to be most
vulnerable.
Through TVA, the staff identifies those assets that the enemy commander
requires for the successful completion of his mission. These are identified as high-value
targets (HVTs). Because these targets are key to the enemy commander’s success, they are
normally given a higher priority for attack.
If an HVT can be successfully acquired (is vulnerable to attack) and such an
attack supports the commander's scheme of maneuver, the target may be nominated as a
high-payoff target (HPT). Once HPTs have been identified and nominated, they are
grouped into a list, which identifies them for a specific point in the battle, in order of
priority. The completed HPTL is submitted to the commander and, when approved,
becomes a formal part of the fire support plan. It is then passed to the units and targeting
elements. HPTs, when successfully attacked, contribute substantially to the success of the
friendly commander's plans.
(b) Detect. Detect maximizes all available assets, ensuring that appropriate
sensors are in position at prescribed times to search for specific HPTs. When detected, the
target location is communicated to command elements for confirmation of the attack
decision or directly to an attack system if target detection is designated as an attack trigger
event. The intelligence section (G2/S2) is the main staff element responsible for the
detection efforts against HPTs.
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(c) Deliver. The attack of targets must satisfy the guidance developed in the
decide function, requiring a number of tactical and technical decisions/actions. The tactical
decisions include the time of attack, the desired effects, and the specific attack system to be
used. The technical decisions include the precise delivery means, the number and type of
munitions, the unit to conduct the attack, and the attacking unit's response time.
(d) Assess. CA is a timely and accurate estimate of damage resulting from the
use of military force, either lethal or non-lethal, against a target. As a part of the targeting
process, CA specifically pertains to the results of attacks on targets designated by the
commander. Although primarily an intelligence function, it requires extensive coordination
with operational elements to be effective.
d. Air Operations. Control of the airspace enables land forces to execute operations,
without interference from enemy air forces, and maintain tactical flexibility. Enemy
strengths in terms of forces, supplies, and combat reserves are most vulnerable to air attack
when concentrated before dispersing to battle areas. While the urgency of enemy actions
may require direct attack against forces in contact, air power is more efficiently used to
interdict in depth those targets whose destruction, disruption, or delay will deny the enemy
the time and space to employ forces effectively. A synchronized, systematic, and persistent
plan of attack between air and land commanders is essential. Air component functions that
contribute directly to land operations are counterair, close air support (CAS), air
interdiction (AI), special operations (Special Operations), airlift, and surveillance and
reconnaissance. Land forces also contribute to air operations by providing fires, including
long-range rocket, missile, and cannon interdiction, attack helicopter missions, and
electronic warfare. Long-range fires support SEAD, ground base defense, and attack and
interdiction of enemy aviation and theater missile forces.
5. Command and Control
a. The Army Air-Ground System (AAGS). The Army's control system for
synchronizing, coordinating, and integrating air operations with the commander's scheme
of maneuver is the AAGS. The AAGS initiates, receives, processes, and executes requests
for air support and disseminates information and intelligence produced by aerial assets.
Although some elements within AAGS, such as the tactical air control party (TACP), belong
to different Services or other nations, they function as a single entity in planning,
coordinating, deconflicting, and integrating air support operations with ground operations.
The Army elements of the AAGS consist of: operations, fire support, air defense, C2, and
coordination/liaison elements (Figure II-1). NOTE: The term “Army airspace command
and control (A2C2)” does not denote that any airspace contiguous to the battlefield or any
other geographical dimension of airspace is designated “Army” airspace, but refers to
management, integration, and utilization of airspace by airspace users over the Army’s area
of operations. Neither does it imply command of any asset that is not assigned or OPCON
to an Army commander.
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Figure II-1. AAGS Coordination Links
(1) Operations. In joint operations, adjustments are made for Service-specific
operating procedures. At each echelon down to division level, the commander is responsible
for integrating fire support, deconflicting the airspace, and coordinating air support as
required. The AAGS is the Army’s operational approach to the functional activity of
airspace C2. The operations officer (G-3) is responsible for staff supervision of all Army
component air-ground operations except CSS airlift, which is the responsibility of the
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logistics officer (G-4), and air reconnaissance and surveillance, which is the responsibility of
the intelligence officer (G-2).
(2) Fire Support. The FSCOORD directs the overall fire support system and ensures
that all available fire support means are fully synchronized with the battle plan. The
FSCOORD also advises the commander on the best use of available fire support resources,
develops and implements the fire support plan, and issues necessary orders in the name of
the commander. In addition, the FSCOORD plans and coordinates engagement of surface
targets, target acquisition, radar emplacement, counterfire operations, and deception
operations by fire support means. At maneuver brigade through corps level, the FSCOORD
is also the commander of the field artillery unit supporting the force. A deputy FSCOORD
or fire support officer (FSO assists him on the combined arms staff at these levels. The
FSCOORD normally operates through a fire support element (FSE) as part of a fire support
cell at each echelon of command (Figure II-2). A fire support cell may include liaison
elements from the Air Force and Navy. The four basic tasks of fire support are: support the
force in contact, support the force commander's battle plan, synchronize fire support, and
sustain the fire support system.
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Figure II-2. Fire Support Coordination
(3) Army Air Defense. The JFC’s designated AADC establishes rules of engagement
(ROE) and establishes control of units through positive and procedural controls. In
conjunction with the ACA, the AADC implements procedural airspace controls that
facilitate the integration and synchronization of air defense assets into air operations to
optimize airspace use, protect friendly units, and prevent fratricide. These airspace control
measures are disseminated and updated via the airspace control order (ACO), which may
be published in conjunction with the ATO. Positive control is accomplished by utilizing the
electromagnetic spectrum to track and identify friendly, hostile, and unknown air assets.
(a) Army air defense operations are planned and coordinated at all echelons
within the land component and integrated into the AADC’s theater air defense plan. The
AADC, through the supporting JAOC, may delegate execution of DCA operations to a
Service’s principal air defense command and control agency, such as the Air Force’s control
and reporting center (CRC), which may direct the execution of air defense for the theater.
Further, the AADC may decentralize execution of the air defense plan to regional air
defense commanders. (See Chapter VI for more details on joint air defense operations.)
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(b) The commander of the Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC)
is the echelon above corps (EAC) ADA commander, the theater army air and missile
defense coordinator (TAAMDCOORD) and special staff officer. In addition, the JFC and
AADC may designate the AAMDC commander to serve as the deputy area air defense
commander (DAADC) responsible for integrating Army air and missile defense assets into
joint counterair operations. The AAMDC commander assists in developing Army input to
the air operations plan and incorporating corps air and missile defense requirements into
the counterair plan. As the TAAMDCOORD, the AAMDC commander develops the air and
missile defense annex to the OPORD and, in his DAADC role, provides land-based active
air defense input to the AADC’s theater air defense plan. All planning is coordinated and
performed simultaneously, resulting in a fully integrated joint counterair plan.
(c) Based on the factors of METT-TC, the JFC and the AADC will determine
whether a deputy AADC (DAADC) for land-based active defense force operations should be
designated. Normally, the AAMDC commander assumes the role of the DAADC because of
his experience; the AAMDC has the necessary personnel and equipment to support the
DAADC mission. Once designated, the DAADC becomes the principal integrator of land-
based active defense force operations and will deploy a liaison team to the JAOC to assist in
performing these duties. The AAMDC liaison team, as the senior Army air defense element
at the JFACC/AADC’s location, is the primary interface at the JAOC for all land-based
active defense force operations. The battlefield coordination detachment (BCD) air defense
section will coordinate its activities with the AAMDC liaison team and may augment the
team as needed. The DAADC and AAMDC liaison team—
Assists the AADC develop the air defense plan.
Integrates land-based air and missile defense into theater DCA operations.
Advises the AADC regarding ROE (such as weapons control status,
weapons control procedures, states of readiness/emission, and fire control orders), airspace
control measures (ACM), weapons control procedures, and air defense warnings (ADW).
Advises the AADC on matters regarding land-based air and missile defense
operations.
Advises the AADC on land-based air and land defense capabilities.
(d) The EAC ADA brigade(s), under command of the AAMDC, normally provide
air and missile defense coverage for selected critical assets (such as ports, airfields, logistics
bases, and cities). The corps ADA brigade commander ensures that corps air defense
requirements are integrated into the theater air defense plan by coordinating activities
with the AAMDC, adjacent corps, and subordinate divisions. The EAC and corps level ADA
brigades and their respective high- to medium-altitude air defense (HIMAD) units are all
data linked and normally operate under the weapons control procedures and measures of a
CRC. If this data link to the CRC is inoperable, units revert to established lost data
communications procedures. Short-range air defense (SHORAD) units normally operate
under procedural controls for air defense engagements and provide air defense coverage for
the division commander’s air defense priorities.
(4) Army Airspace Command and Control (A2C2) Element. Under the JFC’s ACA,
the A2C2 element is the Army's principal organization responsible for airspace control in
the Army's area of operations and is normally located in the TOC. Only corps and divisions
have dedicated A2C2 elements, although a limited A2C2 capability exists at brigade and
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battalion levels, primarily through ADA and aviation liaison to the operations/S3 sections.
Corps and divisional A2C2 elements coordinate and disseminate airspace control
information and requirements under the staff responsibility of the G-3, and are supervised
by the G-3 Air. Armor and light units of the Army, from corps through battalion, differ in
the structure of their A2C2 elements. Normally, the principal staff sections and liaison
elements collocated with or included within an A2C2 element consist of representatives
from: ADA, Army aviation, Army Air Traffic Services (ATS), Air Force liaison officer (ALO),
FSE, EW, and airlift staff representative of the G-4 section. A2C2) element tasks include—
(a) Identify and forward Army airspace needs and requests to the ACA to be
included in the airspace control plan/order and to resolve conflicts.
(b) Maintain A2C2 overlays and develop A2C2 procedures, plans, standing
operating procedures, and annexes to orders/plans.
(c) Coordinate and integrate airspace user requirements within the area of
operations for deconfliction and approval by the airspace control plan and order.
(d) Coordinate Army airspace use with other components of a joint force and
with adjacent units.
(e) Advise subordinate and higher headquarters of significant activities
affecting airspace use.
(f) Advise subordinate and higher headquarters of the impact of airspace
control measures or restrictions on the ground battle.
(g) Staff and obtain approval for special use airspace.
(5) Battlefield Coordination Detachment (BCD). The primary ARFOR liaison to the
JFACC is the BCD. The Army component commander establishes a BCD to perform liaison
between the ARFOR and the JFACC. The BCD is collocated with the JFACC's senior air
operations control agency, normally the JAOC. It is responsible to the Army component
commander and coordinates with, and receives, objectives, guidance, and priorities from the
G-3. Guidance and priorities must be sufficiently clear to permit the BCD to adjudicate
ARFOR needs for air support. The BCD is organized into a headquarters element and six
subsections: plans, operations, intelligence, air defense artillery, airspace management, and
airlift.
(a) The BCD plans section collocates with the JAOC's combat plans division.
Its primary functions are—
Relay and coordinate Army requests for air support and JFACC requests
for support from ground units.
Provide the JAOC with the Army commander's intent, guidance, objectives,
priorities for air support, fire support coordinating measures, and planned concept of
operations.
Assist in planning, coordinating, and synchronizing J-SEAD and EW
operations.
Monitor publication and distribution of the ATO.
(b) The BCD operations section is collocated with the JAOC's combat
operations division. Its primary functions are—
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Monitor execution of the current ATO as it pertains to missions planned
against Army component-nominated targets and the overall air operations.
Coordinate all changes that affect the current ATO and changes in the land
forces' current operations, objectives, priorities, nominated targets, and fire support
coordinating measures.
Keep abreast of current theater policy regarding the integration of ground
and air forces and effects coordination of target attacks beyond a given fire support
coordination line (FSCL).
(c) The BCD intelligence section provides intelligence personnel support to the
BCD plans and operations sections and establishes liaison with the JAOC Intelligence,
Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Division. Its primary functions are—
Provide information on enemy ground order of battle and assist in
interpreting this information.
Process, justify, and coordinate Army requests for reconnaissance and EW
support.
Obtain Army intelligence reports and facilitate the exchange of intelligence
data. Coordinate intelligence data for unique targeting requirements.
Forward validation of ARFOR-nominated targets before attack.
Ensure timely processing of CA to the ARFOR headquarters and identify
new targets for attack.
Process ARFOR requests for immediate air reconnaissance and EW
support.
Provide the current ARFOR intelligence picture to the JAOC operations
division.
(d) The BCD air defense section works with the operations and plans divisions
of the JAOC. Its primary functions are—
Coordinate air defense, theater missile defense, and airspace requirements
with the JAOC and the land force air defense headquarters. Represent the Army
component during development of the ACO, the air defense plan, and ROE.
Coordinate with the JAOC, Army component headquarters, and Army air
defense headquarters on changes in ROE, identification procedures, air defense warning,
ADA employment and deployment, and reporting requirements.
NOTE: When the AAMDC is deployed in theater, the AAMDC liaison team at the
JFACC/AADC’s location is the senior Army air defense element and the
primary interface at the JAOC for all land-based active air defense force
operations. The BCD ADA section coordinates its activities with the
AAMDC liaison team and may augment the AAMDC liaison team as
needed.
(e) The BCD airspace management section works with both the operations and
plans divisions of the JAOC. Its primary functions are—
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Coordinate special electronics mission aircraft and deconflict airspace for
Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) fire missions.
Inform and advise the ARFOR airspace control element of the impact of
additions or conflicts on airspace activities and control measures.
Integrate planned Army aviation missions into the ATO and coordinate
special electronic mission aircraft and the ATACMS firings.
(f) The BCD airlift section is collocated with the Air Force component airlift
control team (ALCT). Its primary functions are—
Coordinate and monitor airlift missions in support of Army component
operations.
Advise the director, mobility forces (DIRMOBFOR), and staff on all matters
pertaining to ARFOR operations and intelligence.
Monitor publication, distribution, and execution of the theater airlift
portion of the ATO.
(6) Deep Operations Coordination Cell (DOCC). The DOCC provides the
commander at the Army and corps level with a cell dedicated to shaping the battlefield.
The DOCC, with the assistance of the component staff (SOCCE if SOF forces are used) and
liaison elements—
(a) Integrates operational fires with the scheme of maneuver.
(b) Plans targeting objectives and priorities.
(c) Integrates target lists and fire support coordinating measures.
(d) Coordinates special targets.
(e) Tracks target execution by other components and subordinate echelons.
(f) Synchronizes corps, EAC, and joint deep operations.
(g) Coordinates and synchronizes employment of joint EW assets.
(h) Monitors execution of the deep battle, ATO, land force participation in J-
SEAD operations, SO missions, and unique targets of special interest to the commander.
(7) Liaisons. In addition to the liaison staffing cited above, other liaison activities
that support the TAGS include—
(a) Ground Liaison Officer (GLO). The Army provides GLOs at each air wing
operations center (WOC) supporting ground operations. GLOs provide Army expertise,
brief pilots on the ground situation, and participate in the debriefing of pilots upon return
from missions. GLOs receive and report operational and intelligence data to the BCD.
(b) Air Defense Liaison. The Army provides an air defense artillery
coordination officer (ADAFCO) to the CRC to assist in the rapid engagement of airborne
targets. ADAFCOs may also be provided to the airborne warning and control system
(AWACS) to further assist in the ground-to-air battle. At the division and corps level, ADA
liaison to the G-3 Air is vital to the integration of SHORAD and HIMAD fires into joint air
operations to protect the force and prevent fratricide.
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(c) Airspace Management Liaison. The Army provides airspace management
liaison to the JAOC. This liaison handles real-time Army airspace management issues that
may arise during execution of air operations.
b. Levels of Command.
(1) Army Component Level. The Army component commander plans operations to
fulfill JFC-assigned responsibilities. Operations at the component level involve the
deployment, maneuver, and fires of land forces over extended terrain and the integration of
all Army and other component support into the overall campaign. The Army component
headquarters staff is oriented toward planning and directing combat operations, with
emphasis on planning future operations. The details of using maneuver, fires, and
allocated support are left to the judgment of subordinate commanders.
(2) Echelons Above Corps. At EAC, the fire support function is performed by the
DOCC (Table II-2). Given the JFC’s guidance and campaign plan, the army-level
commander provides guidance to the DOCC on shaping the future fight. Each subordinate
corps provides target nominations and reconnaissance requests to the army-level DOCC as
well as recommendations for overall targeting objectives for the future battle. The army-
level commander approves resource allocation and distributes CAS sorties and the
corresponding requirements to provide SEAD. At this level, the commander takes an active
role in the targeting process, primarily in target and reconnaissance nomination and
prioritization. Based on the commander’s intent and guidance, the ground maneuver plan,
and the G-2’s evaluations and estimates, the DOCC conducts target planning and battle
management to shape the battlefield, resulting in CAS, AI, and reconnaissance (RECCE)
nominations to the JFACC. The DOCC uses the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data
System (AFATDS) to interface with all other fire support organizations. A description of
the AFATDS is found under the corps and division FSE paragraph below.
Table II-2. Fire Support Coordination Facilities
Fire Support
Force Echelon
FSCOORD
Assisted by
Organization
Army Deep
Deputy Army Deep
Army
DOCC
Operations Chief
Operations Chief
Corps Artillery
Corps Deputy FSCOORD
Corps
FSE
Commander
and AFSCOORD
Division
FSE
DIVARTY Commander
DIVARTY AFSCOORD
Brigade
FSE
FA Battalion Commander
Brigade FSO
Battalion/Squadron
FSE
FSO
Fire Support NCO
Company/Troop
FIST
FSO
Fire Support NCO
(3) Corps and Division Levels. At corps and division levels, the FSE, A2C2 section,
Army aviation LNO, and the Air Force TACP synchronize the TAGS. Close integration and
continuous coordination among the FSCOORD, G-3 Air, and ALO are critical to success.
The FSEs and TACPs at corps and division are similar in structure.
(a) Fire Support Element. Corps and division TAC and main CPs have FSEs
under the FSCOORD's supervision. The FSE is the central clearinghouse for planning,
coordinating, and synchronizing all categories of fire support on surface targets. The exact
organization varies among units and depends on the mission, availability of fire support
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assets, and command preferences. Generally, it will include planning, targeting, and
current operations elements. Field artillery has the dual mission of integrating all
available fire support and providing field artillery fires. AFATDS is the multi-Service
(Army/Marine Corps) integrated battlefield management and decision support system used
by the FSE. It receives, processes, and disseminates the ATO/ACO, air support requests,
fire support coordinating measures, and friendly situation reports. AFATDS receives air
battle information from the air picture it receives from the Air and Missile Defense
Warning System (AMDWS) via TADIL-J. AFATDS can provide for preplanned fires for
inclusion in the ATO and automatically generate immediate air requests if "air" is selected
as the desired attack means. An AFATDS terminal is also located at the BCD in the JAOC.
(b) G-3 Air and A2C2 Element. The G-3 Air performs a pivotal role in the
implementation of the AAGS and integration of the TAGS at corps and division levels. The
G-3 Air supervises the A2C2 element and receives, coordinates, plans, prioritizes, approves,
and integrates preplanned requests for CAS with the FSE and other staff planners. The G-
3 Air also coordinates redistribution of CAS resources, is responsible for the coordination
and approval of requests for immediate CAS, and monitors the air support operations
center’s (ASOC) employment of air assets. The G-3 Air advises the commander on
employment of Army aviation and has staff responsibility for managing airspace use within
the command’s AOR.
(c) Army Aviation. When Army aviation is employed as a maneuver element,
the aviation brigade commander is responsible for coordinating air-ground synchronization
with the G-3 Air and the FSE. The aviation brigade normally provides full-time liaison
support to the division G-3 Air section to better facilitate AAGS and TAGS functions.
(d) Electronic Warfare Section. The G-3 controls the use of EW; however, the
EW section is normally a staff element of the G-2 and usually collocates with the FSE and
G-3 Air to facilitate target acquisition and fire support planning and execution.
(e) G-2 Collection Management and Dissemination. The G-2 agency
coordinates airspace requirements for special electronic mission aircraft (SEMA) and
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and provides liaison to support the A2C2 effort.
Reconnaissance and surveillance requests that cannot be supported by organic or DS assets
are forwarded to higher headquarters.
(4) Brigade and Battalion Levels. The DS artillery battalion commander is the
FSCOORD for the supported maneuver brigade. The brigade FSCOORD organizes fire
support elements in each maneuver battalion and company. When Army aviation supports
another maneuver brigade, the aviation unit commander, normally through an LNO,
provides direct coordination with the supported unit. The brigade and battalion ALOs and
enlisted terminal attack controllers (TACs) coordinate Air Force air support directly with
higher level TACPs and the S3 Air. Preplanned air and fire support requests are compiled
at each level and forwarded via the fire support net. Approved targets that cannot be
attacked using organic or DS assets are passed to the next higher echelon for engagement.
Immediate air requests can be made directly to the ASOC from any echelon for targets of
opportunity.
(5) Company Level. The fire support team (FIST) and the battalion CAS control
team synchronize fire support at the maneuver company level. The battalion fire support
officer (FSO) supervises the company FISTs and usually coordinates CAS through the CAS
control team. Often, the CAS control team will be collocated with a committed company or
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the main effort to put them in a position as far forward as possible to provide the best
terminal control to CAS aircraft. In some situations, the aviation attack company
commander may talk directly to a ground maneuver company commander to coordinate
engagement areas, responsibility, threat location, and other force synchronization
requirements.
6. Conclusion
TAGS is critical to Army operations because it provides the commander with a system
that integrates the different Services’ air-ground systems. TAGS functions cross the full
range of military operations and provide ground commanders with an enhanced capability
to fight the close, deep, and rear battles. TAGS facilitates success in current operations
while allowing ground commanders to shape the battlefield to influence future operations.
Army commanders expect the TAGS to provide the framework to synchronize supporting
air operations with the ground effort. The ability of the commander’s FSCOORD, G-3 Air,
and ALO to work closely together in all aspects of planning, synchronizing, and executing
operations is critical to the ground battle’s success.
II-19
Chapter III
AIR FORCE COMPONENT
1. Background
This chapter provides a basic explanation of how the Air Force views the employment of
air and space power and the Air Force contribution to the TAGS. It discusses the TAGS-
related missions and responsibilities in a joint force operation, operational factors that
influence the way missions are accomplished, and the Air Force component C2 system.
This chapter presents the tenets of airpower and Air Force core competencies from an air
and space perspective.
2. Mission
The mission of the United States Air Force (USAF) is to defend the United States
through control and exploitation of air and space. Airmen accomplish this mission by
applying the principles of war, tenets of airpower, and Air Force core competencies through
the functions of airpower. The Air Force recognizes the phrase “air and space” to
acknowledge the inherent differences in the two media and the associated technical
realities. The phrase “air and space” as used throughout this chapter, is not
recognized by the other Services.
a. Air and Space Power Functions. The Air Force’s basic functions are the broad,
fundamental, and continuing activities of air and space power. Air Force forces (AFFOR)
employ air and space power globally through these basic functions to achieve strategic,
operational, and tactical level objectives in war and military operations other than war
(MOOTW). It is this inherent versatility, when combined with the speed, flexibility, and
global nature of our reach and perspective, that generates the Air Force contribution to
joint force capabilities. These functions can be conducted at any level of war and enable the
Air Force to shape and control the battlespace. Air and space power functions include
counterair, counterland, counterspace, countersea, strategic attack, counterinformation, C2,
airlift, air refueling, spacelift, SO employment, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance,
combat search and rescue (CSAR), navigation and positioning, and weather service. Those
functions most commonly associated with the TAGS are counterair, counterland,
countersea, and counterinformation. A brief discussion of these functions appears below. A
more detailed discussion of all Air Force functions is located in Air Force Doctrine
Document 1 (AFDD1).
(1) Counterair. Counterair consists of operations to attain and maintain a desired
degree of air superiority by the destruction or neutralization of enemy forces. Counterair’s
two elements, OCA and DCA, enable friendly use of otherwise contested airspace and
disable the enemy’s air and surface-to-air missile capabilities, thus reducing the threat
posed against friendly forces. Air and space superiority is normally the first priority of air
and space forces.
(2) Counterland. Counterland involves operations conducted to attain and maintain
a desired degree of superiority over surface operations by the destruction or neutralization
of enemy forces. Although normally associated with support to friendly surface forces, the
term “counterland” can refer to the identical function without the presence of friendly
surface forces. This independent attack of adversary surface operations by air and space
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forces is the essence of asymmetric application and can be key during initial phases of a
conflict. Specific traditional functions associated with air and space counterland operations
are AI and CAS.
(a) Air Interdiction. AI is air operations conducted to destroy, neutralize, or
delay the enemy’s military potential before it can be brought to bear effectively against
friendly forces at such distance from friendly forces that detailed integration of each air
mission with the fire and movement of friendly forces is not required. Interdiction attacks
enemy C2 systems, personnel, materiel, logistics, and their supporting systems to weaken
and disrupt the enemy’s efforts and may achieve tactical, operational, or strategic
objectives. The land component commander is the supported commander for interdiction in
the land area of operations. Interdiction and surface force maneuver can be mutually
supporting. Surface force operations can support interdiction operations by forcing the
enemy to consume supplies at an accelerated rate and to move forces to meet emerging
threats. These movements and supply efforts then become targets or objectives for air and
space forces. Interdiction can also support surface operations by forcing the enemy to react
to friendly attack and, in doing so, expose vulnerabilities to surface maneuver forces.
Additionally, attacks on enemy C2 systems contribute to operations that interfere with an
adversary’s ability to mass, maneuver, withdraw, supply, and reinforce surface forces. For
additional discussion of interdiction operations, see Chapter VI of this publication or JP 3-
03.
(b) Close Air Support. CAS consists of air action by fixed and rotary wing
aircraft against hostile targets, which requires detailed integration of each air mission with
the fire and movement of friendly forces. CAS provides direct support to help friendly
surface forces carry out their assigned tasks. In fluid, high intensity warfare, the need for
tight control, unpredictability of the tactical situation, and proliferation of lethal ground-
based air defenses make CAS especially challenging. CAS should be planned to prepare the
conditions for success or reinforce successful attacks of surface forces. CAS can disrupt
attacks, help create breakthroughs, provide cover for withdrawals, or help guard flanks. To
be most effective, CAS should normally be used at decisive points in a battle or operation
and massed to apply concentrated combat power and saturate defenses.
(3) Countersea. Countersea functions are an extension of Air Force functions into a
maritime environment. Specialized collateral functions are sea surveillance, antiship
warfare, protection of sea lines of communications through antisubmarine and anti-air
warfare, aerial mine laying, and air refueling in support of naval campaigns.
(4) Counterinformation. Counterinformation seeks to establish information
superiority through control of the information realm. Counterinformation creates an
environment where friendly forces can conduct operations without suffering substantial
losses, while simultaneously denying the enemy the ability to conduct their operations. The
focus of the effort is on countering the enemy’s ability to attain informational advantage.
Counterinformation, like counterair and counterspace, consists of offensive and defensive
aspects.
(a) Offensive counterinformation (OCI). OCI operations are actions taken to
control the information environment. The purpose is to disable selected enemy information
operations. OCI operations are designed to destroy, degrade, or limit enemy information
capabilities and depend on an understanding of an adversary’s information capabilities.
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