FM 3-01.85: Patriot Battalion and Battery Operations - BITS

3-01.85
command, control, and communications elements will enter the theater.
Additional Patriot units will also enter the theater and be deployed to defend
the massing forces and expanding lodgment. Depending on the type and
magnitude of the threat, a robust AMD task force comprised of Patriot,
THAAD and SHORAD units may be required to defend forces and critical
assets. AMD task force operations are described in Chapter 5, Operations.
SHAPING AND DECISIVE OPERATIONS
POST CONFLICT OPERATIONS
4-18. As our maneuver forces advance and move into corps areas, Patriot
units may be required to support shaping and decisive operations. Shaping
operations are designed to create and preserve conditions for decisive
operations. Decisive operations are those that accomplish the task assigned
by the higher headquarters. Within a theater, shaping operations may
precede, follow, or occur simultaneously with decisive operations. Patriot
units support both types of operations by protecting our maneuver forces,
thereby reducing their vulnerability, and allowing them to proactively engage
and destroy the enemy.
4-19. To support shaping and decisive operations in corps and maneuver
areas, Patriot units may employ an alternating “bounding overwatch”
maneuver scheme to provide air coverage for maneuver force elements. This
scheme involves the use of Patriot remote launch capability, specifically,
“bounding overwatch” (leapfrogging) remote launcher groups to extend air
coverage into the maneuver areas while minimizing the number of unit
moves. Remote launch operations are described in Chapter 5, Operations.
TTPs for remote launch operations are discussed in FM 3-01.87 and
ST 44-85-3.
4-20. Post-conflict operations include all operations conducted after the
conflict has been terminated. In some theaters, residual enemy forces or
terrorist factions may still be capable of launching TM or air attacks from
isolated enclaves or areas outside of the theater. In these circumstances,
Patriot units may be retained in theater to protect populated areas and to
discourage attacks on redeploying forces, materiel, or geopolitical assets.
STABILITY AND SUPPORT OPERATIONS
4-6
4-21. Stability operations are undertaken to promote and sustain regional
and global stability, influence political, civil, and military environments, and
disrupt specific illegal activities. Some examples of stability operations
include peacekeeping operations, humanitarian and civil assistance, counterdrug
operations, and counter-terrorism operations.
4-22. Support operations are undertaken to provide essential support,
services, assets, or specialized resources to help civil authorities deal with
situations beyond their capabilities. Some examples include disaster relief,
humanitarian relief, support to civil law enforcement, and community
assistance.
4-23. In some of these situations, terrorists or other rogue elements may use
TMs or aircraft to disrupt normal civil and political activities or threaten