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

FM 3-01.85
CONCLUSION
5-6
OBJ
P
PRIMARY AIR AVENUE
OF APPROACH
Figure 5-2. Focusing on the Threat
5-17. FM 3-0.87 states that successful offensive operations include the tenets
of depth, synchronization, and agility. Patriot's contribution to offensive
synchronization is to provide air defense to forces and assets at the critical
time and place. Patriot's ability to look deep into the enemy's AO,
simultaneously engage numerous threats at all altitudes, and react quickly to
changing situations is the key to shaping the third dimension of the offensive
battle.
DEFENSIVE OPERATIONS
5-18. The ultimate objective of any defensive operation is to seize the
initiative from the enemy so that offensive operations may be mounted.
Commanders must see Patriot's contribution to defensive operations as
offensive in nature. Patriot units must aggressively attempt to disrupt the
enemy's air campaign to the point that synchronization between air and
ground offensive operations is not possible. Patriot battalions and batteries
accomplish this by locating air and missile threats, providing protection to
theater and corps critical assets, and by massing firepower forward against
the avenues of approach to those assets.
5-19. Coordination must be made with the identification and engagement
authority in that theater. Additional efforts must be made to synchronize
Patriot fires with the Air Force or other service air defense aircraft. The
threat of surface-to-air fratricide is greatly magnified during defensive
operations, especially if the enemy has enjoyed any success in targeting
friendly C2 structures.
P
CORPS
AXIS OF
ADVANCE
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