fm 44-100 us army air and missile defense operations

FM44-100
5-4
deviations, and push analyzed information to the commander. Staffs acquire
and apply means to carry out the commander's intent and develop specific
instructions from general guidance.
5-17. Control provides the means to regulate, to synchronize, and to monitor
forces and functions through collection, fusion, assessment, and
dissemination of information and data. Control is associated with functional
areas and depends upon data and information systems. It allows the
commander through the staff to monitor the status and efforts of the
command and adjacent units and to maintain situation awareness
throughout the battlespace. Responsive control means (communications,
computers, and sensors) allow the commander to manage and direct the
process.
5-18. The communications segment of the battle command and intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems must provide information
quickly and with reasonable security, to whomever needs it. Information
transfer between sensors and weapon systems or forces is necessary in every
type and level of battle management. Information-age technology can provide
the commander an abundance of near-real-time information that can, if
properly presented, reduce uncertainty and confusion. However, if improperly
managed, it could burden the commander.
5-19. Speed of operations has quickened because of advances in the rate of
intelligence and information flow. The ability to gather, manage, process, and
circulate near-real-time information among sensors, weapons, and highly
mobile forces give operational and tactical commanders the means to set
battle tempo. Tempo is a function of speed of operations within time to
accomplish missions based on the commander's plan and available resources.
5-20. Tempo requires both mental and physical agility by leaders and
organizations. Commanders must understand these relationships and
manage them effectively. Commanders must possess the mental agility and
discipline to make timely decisions to modify the tempo to their advantage,
deny the enemy the initiative, and decisively defeat it at the selected time
and place.
BATTLE COMMAND SYSTEMS
5-21. The battle command system must support the ability of the commander
to adjust plans for future operations while focusing on the current fight. The
battle command system for air defense is grouped into two categories,
engagement operations (EO) and force operations (FO). EO and FO functions
are closely related. There is a real-time interaction that takes place between
many of the EO and FO functions during battle. This interaction results in
continued force optimization as the battle progresses. The related tools for
implementing command decisions include communications and computers.
5-22. Reliable communications are imperative to battle command and control.
Effective battle command requires reliable signal support systems to enable
the commander to conduct operations at varying tempos over extended
distances. Good signal planning increases the commander's options to exploit
success and facilitate future operations. The battle command style of the
commander dictates the structure of his supporting communications system.