fm 44-100 us army air and missile defense operations

FM44-100
5-26
weapon systems being employed, and both the friendly and enemy air
situations. The AADC's air defense plan will specify the modes of control,
trigger events when they should be changed, and who has the authority to
change them.
5-114. Centralized Control Mode. This mode is when a higher echelon
authorizes target engagements to fire units. Permission to engage each track
must be requested by the fire unit from that higher AD echelon. Centralized
control is used to minimize the likelihood of engaging friendly aircraft while
permitting engagements of hostile aircraft and missiles only when specific
orders are issued to initiate the engagement. Normally, centralized control is
used for HIMAD aircraft engagements.
5-115. Decentralized Control. This mode is the normal wartime mode of
control for air and missile defense. A higher echelon monitors unit actions,
making direct target assignments on a management by exception basis to
units only when necessary to ensure proper fire distribution, to prevent
engagement of friendly air platforms, and to prevent simultaneous
engagements of hostile air targets. Decentralized control is used to increase
the likelihood that a hostile aircraft or missile will be engaged as soon as it
comes within range of an ADA weapon system. Normally, SHORAD
engagements are decentralized. Normally, HIMAD theater missile
engagements are decentralized.
5-116. Simultaneous Use of Both Modes. Control of engagement
operations during the air battle may be centralized at a higher headquarters
FDC or decentralized to a subordinate FDC. Centralized control and
decentralized control can be executed simultaneously. For instance, in a
situation where battle management has been decentralized to the ADA
brigade FDC, the ADA brigade commander exercises centralized control of
subordinate units. At the same time, however, higher control echelons are
continuously monitoring the actions of the brigade. These higher echelons are
exercising decentralized control while the brigade commander exercises
centralized control. Thus, centralized control and decentralized control are
conducted simultaneously.
Autonomous Operations
5-117. Autonomous is the mode of operation assumed by a unit after it has
lost all communications with higher echelons. The unit commander assumes
full responsibility for control of weapons and engagement of hostile targets.
Normally, the rules of engagement and supplemental fire control measures in
effect at the time of communications loss remain in effect until
communications are regained. Promulgated changes to rules of engagement
and supplemental fire control measures, with effective times after
communications are lost, will be implemented as scheduled.
Fire Control Orders
5-118. Fire control orders are commands that are used to control
engagements on a case-by-case basis, regardless of the prevailing weapon
control status. Higher control echelons when monitoring the decentralized