VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
(b) Medium (MEDIUMCAP) — between 5,000 and 25,000 feet.
(c) Low (LOWCAP) — between 500 and 5,000 feet.
(2) Distance of CAP stations from the main body may vary from overhead to 200 nm. Any combination
of altitudes and distance is possible. However:
(a) The radial size of sector covered by a fighter decreases as its distance from the main body
increases.
(b) Stationing at long range reduces overall fighter availability due to loss of time in transit and
short time on station.
(c) When employing modern fighters that have a high rate of climb, low and close CAP stations
should generally be preferred, especially when the direction of the threat cannot be
determined.
d. Procedures. The following procedures are used to control CAP aircraft:
(1) CAP voice call signs will be used as follows:
(a) On CAP control nets, use the squadron call plus a three-number suffix.
(b) On AAW nets, use the word STATION, followed by the station number.
(c) Airborne CAP aircraft steering, or whose relief has been launched, will be reported as
STEERED plus station number. The launched relief will assume the station call.
(d) CAP aircraft in alert will be given stations by the OTC or AAWC, whether or not there is
any immediate prospect of launching. Call signs are to be based on these stations using the procedure
in subparagraph (b).
(2) The OTC or AAWC may delegate control of CAP stations to an AAW air control unit
(AAWACU). This designation is passed on the AAW coordination net.
(3) CAP stations will be assigned using the following systems:
(a) ZZ Method.
i. Station number.
ii. Bearing of the station.
iii. Distance in nautical miles from ZZ.
iv. Minimum altitude in hundreds of feet (or using the words HIGH, MEDIUM, or LOW).
v. Control channel numbers (primary/alternate).
For example, CAP station 2 is to be in a position that is 060 degrees true, 50 nautical miles distant
from ZZ, and at an altitude of over 25,000 feet. The primary control frequency is channel 12 and
channel 8 is the alternate. This station would be passed as: STATION 2 — 060ZZ50 — 250 — 12/8.
7-7 CHANGE 1