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

Chapter V
multitude of targets, some systems are capable of automatic detection and engagement.
Surface-to-air systems operate under fire control orders based on the ROE and WCS.
(2) Air-to-Air Fighter Interception. Fighter aircraft performing DCA or OCA
missions may be tasked to respond to the detection of hostile, potentially hostile, or unknown
airborne targets. Aircraft normally operate under positive control of a C2 element but may
initiate and conduct intercepts autonomously when authorized (e.g., self-defense or depth of
the operation precludes positive control). When close or positive control is not possible, the
controlling element may provide general broadcast information on targets to all affected
fighters. Air-to-air fighters operating with enhanced fire control radars can engage multiple
targets with BVR weapons to defend against hostile targets before they are within
threatening range of friendly assets. However, the ROE must allow use of BVR weapons.
(a) AD fighter aircraft normally perform CAPs, DCA fighter escort, or respond
to airborne threats from ground alert locations. Fighters normally will be under positive
control for vectors toward their airborne targets. CAPs include barrier CAPs for area defense
and CAPs for base defense or local asset defense. Some CAPs also may have additional
missions such as using barrier CAPs to inspect or “sanitize” returning strike packages to
ensure enemy aircraft do not shadow “friendlies” back to base. Additionally, DCA fighters
may be dedicated to protect HVAAs from airborne threats.
(b) C2 elements also provide a link between the JAOC combat operations
division and the fighters. This communication link provides a flexible and reactive C2
arrangement for retasking flights to meet dynamic DCA operational requirements or to
support OCA operations.
(c) NAVFOR CAPs defending carrier or amphibious groups may be positioned
over land during littoral operations and can provide collateral defense of the land AO.
g. Other Employment Considerations
(1) Movement and Mobility. US surface-based AMD forces are normally
moveable or mobile. When operations require ground AMD units to change location,
displacement times must be considered. Dependent upon the weapon system and situation,
these surface unit displacements may take hours or days. Extensive coordination may be
required for convoy plans, permissions, protection, realignment of logistics, travel time, and
shifting of backfill forces may be necessary. Maritime forces afloat are capable of full
operations while repositioning.
(2) Cross-Boundary Operations. Boundaries between sectors and between forces
and units are areas of risk. Procedures for distribution and control of fires between sectors
and units should be addressed during planning. To minimize the risk of fratricide and
prevent excessive weapons employment while providing a seamless defense, coordination
must be rehearsed, not just planned. When engagements cross a unit boundary or are in a
buffer zone, priority of fires normally will be given to the threatened unit.
(3) Alert Posture. Levels of readiness should be tailored to the level of threat and
warning. Crews and systems cannot be maintained at high levels of alert status indefinitely.
V-26 JP 3-01