VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

submarine operating authority. The naval commander exercising operational control of submarines.
NOT RELEASABLE
submarine patrol area (SPA). A stationary area established to allow submarine operations unimpeded
by submerged mutual inetrference.
submarine safety lanes. Specified sea lanes used exclusively for submarines in transit to and from
assigned patrol zones.
supplying ship. The ship in a replenishment unit that provides the personnel and/or supplies to be transferred.
support. The action of a force, or portion thereof, which aids, protects, complements, or sustains any
other force.
support force. A force tasked by a higher authority to aid, protect, complement, or sustain
another force.
surface action group (SAG). A unit comprised of surface ships, which may be supported by
fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters, formed to counter a surface threat. Unless the OTC has designated
a SAG commander, the senior of the commanding officers is the SAG commander.
surveillance. The systematic observation of aerospace, surface or subsurface areas, places, persons,
or things, by visual, aural electronic, photographic, or other means; specifically, in maritime
surveillance, to detect and determine the number, identity or movement of aircraft, missiles, surface
or subsurface vehicles.
surveillance combat air patrol. A patrol of fighter or attack aircraft employed over a hostile surface
force for the purpose of countering the SSM threat.
surveillance towed array system (SURTAS). A towed-array system primarily designed for use
in area ASW operations. It is normally a very long array designed to operate at low speed for
low-frequency detection of a submarine’s radiated noise.
sweep (aircraft). An offensive mission by fighter aircraft to seek out and destroy enemy aircraft and
other targets of opportunity in an allocated area of operations.
T
MTP 1(D), Vol. I
tactical air support for maritime operations (TASMO). Organization, operational procedures,
and communications used in NATO for land- or carrier-based tactical air support of maritime offensive,
reconnaissance, and air defense operations. See also ATP 34 for additional guidance.
tactical bomb lines. Bomb lines prescribed by a troop commander beyond which he considers that
properly coordinated bombing would not endanger his forces.
tactical command (TACOM). The authority delegated to a commander to assign tasks to forces
under his command for the accomplishment of the mission assigned by higher authority.
tactical control (TACON). The detailed and, usually, local direction and control of movements or
maneuvers necessary to accomplish missions or tasks assigned.
Glossary-22 CHANGE 1