VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
SECTION II — ANTISURFACE WARFARE BY SURFACE UNITS
8200 SURFACE ACTION CHECKOFF LIST
a. Checkoff List of Surface Action. Table 8-1 contains a checkoff list of points to be considered
during the four phases of surface action. Not all of the points in the table will apply to every action, but
they should be considered and disregarded if not appropriate.
b. Enemy SSMs. Enemy SSMs may be fired from over the horizon: that is, beyond the launching
platform’s active sensor ranges and at shorter or horizon range. With the horizon range threat, appropriate
factors in Table 8-1 must be considered early and plans quickly promulgated. Indeed, under these circumstances,
phases 2 and 4 may be compressed to run concurrently. Because of the high level of expected EW
activity, success at horizon range depends on careful planning, thorough briefing, and minimal reliance on
radio communications.
8201 SURFACE ACTION GROUP (SAG)
a. SAG Commander. On formation of a SAG, the SAG commander is responsible for:
(1) The organization of the SAG and its tactical employment.
(2) The tactical control of aircraft assigned.
(3) EW coordination.
(4) Local AAW coordination.
(5) Keeping the OTC informed of the progress of the action.
b. Composition. SAG units should be compatible in weapons, sensors, speeds, and maneuverability;
however, if a capability such as a complete EW suite is available only in an incompatible unit, that
unit may have to be in the SAG despite any other shortcomings.
NOT RELEASABLE
c. Communications. When the formation of the SAG is preplanned and adequate warning is
given, there will be no difficulty in activating a prepared communication plan. However, this may not be
the case when a SAG is formed in an emergency to counter a sudden threat. In this case, the SAG may employ
any already established control net as ordered by the OTC. Where appropriate, the remainder of the
force should switch to alternate circuits.
d. Electronic Warfare.
(1) On the formation of the SAG, control of EW in the SAG is automatically assumed by the SAG
commander. The SAG commander will reassign ESM tasking based on threat intelligence and retask
ECM assets in order to enhance warning and defense possibilities with minimum mutual interference.
(2) Retasking of the SAGs EW equipment to concentrate on the surface threat against which the
SAG has been detached requires the EWC to reconsider overall force EW tasking. Threats no longer
covered by SAG units may have to be reassigned to ensure complete threat coverage within the force.
e. Antiair Warfare. As soon as possible after the SAG separates from the main body, the SAG
commander should become his own local AAW coordinator, controlling his own friendly aircraft if they
8-9 CHANGE 2