fm 44-100 us army air and missile defense operations

FM44-100
zones are examples of supplemental fire control measures. Joint Pub 3-52,
FM 100-103, and FM 100-103-1 provide further details.
POSITIVE CONTROL
5-79. Positive control relies upon near-real-time data from sensors, IFF,
computers, digital data links, and communications equipment to provide
airspace and air defense control. Positive control is desirable but not always
possible due to battlefield conditions and inherent system vulnerabilities.
Facilities for positive control are subject to direct attack, sabotage, or
jamming. Line-of-sight requirements and limited communications can also
restrict the availability of data from facilities that are operational.
PROCEDURAL CONTROL
5-80. Procedural control overcomes positive control and identification
shortcomings. Procedural control relies upon techniques such as segmenting
airspace by volume, time, and using weapon control statuses. Procedural
techniques are usually more restrictive than positive techniques but are less
vulnerable to degradation from electronic or physical attack. Procedural
control enhances the continuity of operations under the adverse conditions
expected on the battlefield. For example, it provides an immediate backup
system should degradation of positive control occur. Additionally, procedural
techniques provide a management means for air defense systems that do not
have near-real-time data transmission capabilities.
MIX OF POSITIVE AND PROCEDURAL CONTROL
5-81. An optimum method of controlling air defense operations is a mix of
positive and procedural techniques. Commanders charged with air battle
management consider the factors of METT-TC in their analysis. They
specifically focus on mission, AO, and the threat expected.
5-82. For positive management, commanders consider the numbers and types
of electronic means available. This will vary according to the depth of the
battlefield. As operations move farther forward, available means for positive
control decrease, necessitating additional procedural management.
5-83. Air traffic behind the division generally moves in ways that are
normally well suited for positive control. Air defense is usually in a critical or
static asset defense role in this area. In this area of the battlefield, positive
control is easier to effect and is usually the preferred method.
5-84. Forward of the corps, the generally high volume of aircraft and friendly
missiles can make positive control extremely difficult. Flexible and varying
missions can also necessitate more reliance on procedural control.
5-85. The nature of the theater may also dictate what type of control is used.
Mature theaters have elaborate and tested electronic management facilities
in place. Contingency theaters may have no such systems in place and will
rely more heavily on procedural control. As the lodgment area expands and
additional assets arrive in the theater, a transition to positive control may
take place.
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