fm 44-100 us army air and missile defense operations

FM 44-100
is used in an area where the terrain does not canalize the enemy, or when the
air avenue of approach is not predictable.
4-117. Weighted coverage is achieved by combining and concentrating fires
toward the most likely threat air avenues of approach or direction of attack.
Based on the tactical situation, a commander may risk leaving one direction
of attack unprotected or lightly protected to weight coverage toward another
direction.
4-118. Early engagement is achieved by positioning sensors and weapons so
they can engage the threat before ordnance release or target acquisition.
Ideally, ADA should engage and destroy the enemy before it can fire on or
acquire the defended asset or force.
4-119. Defense in depth is achieved by positioning sensors and weapons so
the air threat will come under an increasing volume of fire as it approaches
the protected asset or force. Defense in depth lowers the probability that the
enemy will reach the defended asset or force.
Air and Missile Defense Priorities
4-120. The ADA commander considers METT-TC, IPB, and the supported
commander's intent and concept of operations before recommending air and
missile defense priorities. The ADA commander develops these priorities
based on the factors of criticality, vulnerability, recuperability, and the
threat. The ADA commander recommends these priorities to the supported
commander for approval.
4-121. Criticality. Criticality is the degree to which an asset or force is
essential to mission accomplishment. Determination of the criticality of an
asset or force is made by assessing the impact on the conduct of the operation
that would result from damage to the asset or force. The degree of criticality
is based on whether damage to the asset or force prevents, seriously
interferes with, or causes only limited interference with the execution of the
plan.
4-122. Vulnerability. Vulnerability is the degree to which an asset or force
is susceptible to surveillance and attack or to damage if attacked. When
assessing vulnerability consideration should be given to the following factors
about the asset or force:
• hardness
• specific mission in the overall operation
• ability to disperse or displace to another position
• capability to provide for its own air and missile defense
• amount of protection afforded by its passive air and missile
defense measures
4-123. Recuperability. Recuperability is the degree to which an asset or
force can recover from inflicted damage in terms of time, equipment, and
available manpower to continue its mission. The ADA commander considers
the time to replace soldiers, equipment, or entire units, as well as whether a
different element can perform the same mission. Assessment of geopolitical
assets is provided by coordination with civil authorities.
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