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

Chapter V
6. Delegate necessary authorities and establish conditions for automatic
permissions, transfers of function, or other means to establish and sustain a responsive
defense.
7. Determine level of control (engagement authority). This describes
the AD echelon permitted to authorize engagement of an air or missile threat. It can be the
AADC, RADC, SADC, ADA battalion fire direction center, or the individual fire unit.
Engagement authority, originating with the JFC and normally delegated to the AADC, may
be delegated to the RADC/SADC to allow for decentralized execution. Further delegation of
engagement authority depends on operational necessity and ROE for DCA operations. The
AD element with engagement authority makes the decision whether to commit weapons
to a particular air or missile threat. Engagement authority may be established at different
levels for fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, UA, and missiles, and the levels of control
may change over the course of an operation. For example, engagement authority is
delegated to the lowest level SHORAD fire units for CMs and UA, to SAM fire units for BM
engagements, and normally remains at SADC or higher for enemy aircraft.
8. Determine modes of control. For certain surface-based AD the two
modes of control are centralized and decentralized. The mode of control will depend upon
the capabilities of the C2 systems being employed and both the friendly and enemy air
situations. Centralized control is when a higher echelon must authorize target engagements
by fire units. Permission to engage each track must be requested by the fire unit from
that higher echelon. Centralized control is used to minimize the likelihood of engaging
friendly aircraft while permitting engagements of hostile aircraft and missiles only when
specific orders are issued to initiate the engagement. Normally, centralized control is used
for engaging aircraft. Decentralized control is the mode of control used when a higher
echelon monitors unit actions, making direct target assignments on a management by
exception basis to units only when necessary to ensure proper fire distribution, to prevent
engagement of friendly air platforms, and to prevent simultaneous engagements of hostile
air targets. Decentralized control is used to increase the likelihood that a hostile
aircraft or missile will be engaged as soon as it comes within range of a given weapon.
Surface-based AD forces (including SHORAD units) will comply with established ROE and
WCS as directed by the designated ADC for their operational area.
9. Determine specific trigger events, when they should be changed, and
who has the authority to change them, such as autonomous operations when a firing unit
has lost both voice and data link (i.e., all communications) to higher tactical headquarters.
The firing unit commander assumes full responsibility for control of weapons and
engagement of hostile targets in accordance with existing ROE, WCS, and previously
received directives.
(f) Establish CAP Stations. One method of employing fighters is the CAP.
Fighter aircraft normally perform CAPs during DCA operations. CAP stations usually
contain two to four fighter aircraft armed for air-to-air engagements. The following
considerations apply when planning a CAP:
V-14 JP 3-01