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

Chapter V
annihilation, AD aircraft should be used to counter the enemy aircraft that normally carry
CMs and ASMs before they are in threatening range.
d. Execution of DCA operations requires continuous surveillance of the theater/JOA.
Integration and connectivity of sensors should provide a complete, reliable, and timely CTP
for decision making. The track production (including ID) follows a sequential process with
dissemination of track data as rapidly as possible. That detailed track data permits C2 nodes
to evaluate tracks and determine their significance. Tactical warnings trigger some passive
AD measures and cue active AD assets for action. Active AD forces then engage hostile
tracks or allow passage of friendly tracks. Through effective battle management the
positively identified threats are engaged by the optimum system available.
e. The AADC controls the battle using approved authorities (e.g., ID, commitment, and
engagement) and the flexibility of the IADS. To decentralize execution, the AADC
normally will delegate some or all AADC authorities down to the RADC/SADC level (if
established). The AADC must specify the conditions and limits within which engagement
authority is decentralized. Based upon the threat level and the complexity of
engagements, a control node should retain engagement authority if it can adequately
perform battle management. For air battle management, the AADC or a RADC/SADC
uses three tools for which the authorities may be delegated further down to the tactical level:
ADW, WCS, and fire control orders.
(1) Air Defense Warning Conditions (ADWCs). An AD warning, which
includes missile attacks, is issued as an ADWC. The ADWC is a degree of air attack
probability based on the threat assessment. The AADC establishes the baseline ADWCs for
the joint force. ADWCs may be different for air-breathing threats than for BMs.
Subordinate ADCs may issue higher but not lower ADWCs for their areas. ADWCs are
disseminated though joint and components C2 channels to all AMD elements and fire units.
(a) ADWC White—An attack by hostile aircraft or missile is improbable.
(b) ADWC Yellow—An attack by hostile aircraft or missile is probable.
progress.
(c) ADWC Red—An attack by hostile aircraft or missile is imminent or in
(2) WCS. WCS is a control measure designed to establish the freedom for fighters
and surface AD weapons (including small arms weapons) to engage threats. The AADC
establishes WCS for the joint force. The WCS may be different for air-breathing threats
than for BMs. WCS authority originates with the AADC and can be delegated to
subordinate commanders. Different WCSs may be applied simultaneously to different
weapons systems and in different airspace areas. US forces use three standard WCSs that
may be declared for a particular area and time. US forces do not disseminate these WCS
orders via TDL. The WCSs are “free, tight, and hold.”
(a) Weapons Free—The least restrictive status; when any target not positively
identified as friendly in accordance with current ROE may be engaged. Weapons free zones
V-24 JP 3-01