JP 3-01 Countering Air and Missile Threats - Defense Innovation ...

Offensive Counterair Planning and Operations
call missions are conducted against on-call targets, those emerging mobile targets and TSTs
that require the execution of mutually supporting tasks (e.g., detection, acquisition, ID,
tracking, attack, and assessment). These operations rely on sensor systems, a responsive
NRT sensor management and communications network, and weapon systems capable of
attacking targets as soon as adequate targeting information is available.
(3) Target Acquisition. Acquisition and tracking systems may utilize cueing from
wide-area and local surveillance systems and receive warning data from other intelligence
sources. Acquisition supports target ID, discrimination, and timely engagement by
accurately locating and monitoring targets and transmitting information relative to their
movements.
(a) Target Detection. In the case of BMs and CMs, detection can be
accomplished through identifying launch signatures or intelligence sources such as
measurement and signature intelligence or signals intelligence. To support attack operations
in all environments, joint forces should minimize the effects of enemy countermeasures
while capitalizing on distinctive equipment signatures. Surveillance capabilities should
integrate national level intelligence with theater level capabilities. Space-, sea-, air-, and
ground-based area and point surveillance sensors also will be key to establishing a
comprehensive surveillance network. Detection involves a systemic search of areas of
interest identified during the IPB. After detection, warning or location data should be passed
immediately to joint and component intelligence and operations centers, executing units, and
air and surface search equipment. Simultaneously, tactical warnings also should be provided
to potential friendly targeted assets.
(b) ID. ID of aircraft and missiles and their supporting nodes requires
management of target movement data, determination of the type of system employed, and
discrimination of the launch and support systems from decoys. Target ID also requires the
use of predictive intelligence, including the ID of potential future target locations, area
limitation analysis, and automated cueing of sensors to threatening targets.
(4) Attack. Observed enemy activity should trigger timely counterair execution.
Targets identified in the IPB database are included in the JFC’s plan for preemptive strikes
or operations at the onset of hostilities. Targets acquired are attacked in accordance with
JFC guidance that normally allows attack of unanticipated/unplanned targets as they
present themselves.
(5) ATO. The ATO should be flexible enough to deal with immediate attack
operations. The combat operations division of the JAOC is responsible for adjusting the
ATO in order to deal with real-time developments in the operational area. One method to
permit this flexibility is designating selected forces in the ATO as either ground alert or
airborne alert. These on-call assets can then be tasked real time against immediate counterair
targets.
(6) TSTs. Prior planning, delegating authority, and having the appropriate C2
systems can streamline decision cycles for attacking counterair TSTs.
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