VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
f. Relaying tactical information to and from aircraft.
g. Safety of all aircraft under his control.
6419 SUPPORT AIRCRAFT JOINING A FORCE
a. Preparation. The OTC will promulgate handover gates, entry/exit gates, altitudes, ISP, ISR,
PIM, communication window times, etc., in appropriate MTMS messages. It is essential that the aircraft
receive all this information well before takeoff. The FORM GREEN will also provide further information.
b. Joining Instructions Message.
(1) The OTC/ACU should, whenever possible, send a joining instructions message to the tasking
authority and the airbase or parent ship to promulgate and update information regarding the mission.
The message should contain the information listed in Table 6-3, Serials 7 and 9. The message can be
transmitted by any means and should be received by the airbase at least 4 hours before aircraft takeoff.
(2) The signal should be of IMMEDIATE precedence to both action and information addressees.
The first words of the text should be “FOR...” (e.g., “FOR NWD GREEN 257 FROM (c/s ACU) TO (c/s
MPA)”).
c. Approaching the Force. The OTC should establish approach corridors for friendly aircraft
to use when joining a force. In extreme conditions of weather and EMCON, he may dictate a rigidly
designed flight profile for aircraft joining, operating on station, and departing a task force/task group. The
design of such a flight profile must take into account the force composition/disposition with respect to
ASW, AAW, ESM, ASMD, and airspace coordination in IMC. In a large disposition, the force AAW
posture may permit engagement of MPA or other friendly aircraft attempting to join long before
communications have been established or identification has been completed. This is especially true when
pickets or deception groups are used. Therefore, it is essential that aircraft remain in these corridors until
identified as friendly by the OTC.
(1) Aircraft at ISP. The aircraft should be at the ISP (entry/exit gate if no ISP) at the promulgated
ON TASK time and if early it is to hold there until ON TASK time. The aircraft then flies down the approach
corridor, attempting to establish communications with the Force Marshaller/Nominated Controller/OTC
on the promulgated frequency when closing the force within the approach corridor. If the
aircraft reaches the ISR and has not established communications with the OTC and has not been identified
as friendly, it is to hold at the ISR within the corridor and continue to attempt communications. If after
15 minutes at the ISR, no communications have been established, the aircraft is to transit towards the
entry/exit gate inside the corridor until the aircraft commander considers it safe and:
(a) Unless otherwise directed, carry out an appropriate Airplan beyond the ISR and outside a
safe range from unidentified or hostile contacts.
(b) Make periodic attempts to establish communications on the promulgated joining circuit or
other force circuits.
(c) If the aircraft commander considers he cannot provide useful support or if his activities
may conflict with carrier-based operations, he is to clear the force to a suitable distance and inform
MHQ that he is unable to join and request instructions.
6-43 ORIGINAL