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

Chapter V
(2) DCA Estimate. Planners use the DCA estimate to evaluate how factors in each
field of interest will influence the potential COAs, to provide information regarding their
supportability, to recommend DCA priorities, and to form a basis for the AADP. The
estimate provides the basis for planning current and future DCA operations and is developed
in concert with the JFC’s staff. See Appendix C, “Defensive Counterair Estimate Format.”
(3) Objectives. The AADC develops an AADP to achieve DCA objectives that
support the counterair effort to gain and maintain the degree of air superiority and protection
required by the JFC to satisfy overall campaign objectives.
(4) Force Requirements. The AADC determines the type and number of forces
needed to sustain the DCA effort until the objectives are accomplished, understanding that
some assets may be shared with and lost between OCA, DCA, and other operations.
(5) Logistics. A comprehensive analysis of logistic capability is integral to support
of DCA requirements. Planners must anticipate losses of critical items (e.g., fuel storage)
and be aware of any agreements or CCDR directives that significantly alter responsibilities
for logistic support.
(6) Synchronization/Timing. Synchronizing/deconflicting employment of
capabilities/forces and matching appropriate weapons against enemy critical vulnerabilities
are essential functions for the AADC.
(7) Weapons Availability and Pairing. Airborne targets may seem vulnerable to
attack but may be impervious to certain weapons or EW systems. Planners must have a
detailed understanding of enemy capabilities and friendly force DCA weapons and systems
capabilities. They must analyze the threat from the perspective of correctly paired targetshooter
adequacy of the DCA force. This will feed into logistic planning, CAL/DAL force
allocation, and forces requests.
(8) Force Availability. Careful planning is required to ensure timely arrival and
quick integration of DCA forces and to synchronize use of assets for DCA, OCA, and other
operations.
(9) Economy of Force. In conjunction with planned responses, proper sizing and
composition of responses to enemy attacks/penetrations of friendly airspace are essential.
Economy of force includes analysis of the probability of destruction/disruption, distances,
weather, weapon system reliability, etc.
(10) Operational Assessment. A comprehensive, continuous operational
assessment is an essential part of DCA planning. The AADC’s staff must determine how to
evaluate the results of OCA and DCA operations to assist in ID of the decision points (e.g.,
points of attrition of enemy missiles or aircraft) regarding achievement of the operational
objectives.
b. Weapon Engagement Zones. WEZs are a critical part of DCA planning because
they represent part of the current defense posture against the air and missile threats. WEZs
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