VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

aircraft control unit. A unit with facilities and personnel, including controllers, for conducting aircraft
control and which exercises tactical control of aircraft or a unit(s).
aircraft section. The basic air tactical unit consisting of two aircraft of the same type.
aircraft squadron. An administrative or tactical organization normally but not necessarily composed
of aircraft of the same type.
air picket. An early warning aircraft positioned primarily to detect, report, and track approaching
enemy aircraft or missiles and to control intercepts.
air resource element coordinator (AREC). The officer who is assigned responsibility for coordinating
the employment of organic air assets other than those assigned to the helicopter
element coordinator.
air surface action group (ASAG). A unit comprised of two or more aircraft of the same type
assigned to counter a particular surface threat (when only helicopters are used, it is known
as a HAG).
air surface zone. A restricted area established for the purpose of preventing friendly surface vessels
and aircraft from being fired upon by friendly forces and for permitting antisubmarine operations,
unrestricted by the operation of friendly submarines.
air-to-air refueling (AAR) towline. The line along which a tanker aircraft will be stationed for the
purpose of refueling combat aircraft.
airway. A control area or portion thereof established in the form of a corridor marked with radio
navigational aids.
alert state. The maximum time in minutes required to bring an aircraft or weapons system (or part of
it) to immediate availability.
alongside replenishment. (See abeam replenishment.)
MTP 1(D), Vol. I
altitude. The vertical distance of a level, a point, or an object considered as a point, measured from
mean sea level.
antiair warfare area. An area prescribed by the OTC which is kept under constant surveillance and
within which any air threat is opposed.
antiair warfare axis. A reference line extending from force center (ZZ) in the direction of a probable
air threat (or North, when the direction of the threat is indeterminate).
antisubmarine action. An operation by one or more antisubmarine ships, submarines or aircraft, or a
combination thereof, against a particular enemy submarine.
antisubmarine patrol. The systematic and continuing investigation of an area or along a line to detect
or hamper submarines, used when the direction of submarine movement can be established.
antisubmarine search. The systematic investigation of a particular area for the purpose of locating
a submarine known or suspected to be somewhere in the area.
Glossary-2 CHANGE 1