Tactical Air Operations Center Handbook - GlobalSecurity.org

TAOC Handbook
the JFC. The JFC may designate an area air defense commander (AADC) to
coordinate and integrate the joint force’s entire air defense efforts and an
airspace control authority (ACA) responsible for the overall operation of the
airspace control system.
Surveillance/Data Link Interoperability
As the primary surveillance agency in the MACCS, the TAOC will integrate
its effort with the other Service/country’s air C 2 agencies in joint or
multinational operations. The TAOM facilitates the TAOC’s interoperability
with the joint force air C 2 agencies through the employment of various
digital data links. The interface coordination responsibilities of the TAOC
will be delineated in the OPTASKLINK. The TAOC surveillance section
manages the surveillance and data link operations of the TAOC.
Antiair Warfare
The TAOC will perform its AAW mission under the direction of the
SAAWC, who will coordinate MAGTF air defense operations with the
AADC. The TAOC weapons section may be controlling both Marine and
joint/multinational interceptors and SAW assets. The TAOC’s air defense
responsibilities will be outlined in the TACOPDAT message.
Airspace Control
The TAOC will serve as the primary airspace control agency of the
MAGTF and will coordinate its efforts under the ACA. The TAOC’s airspace
responsibilities are also delineated in the TACOPDAT.
Communications Nets
4-11
Key joint communications nets which the TAOC will typically monitor include
the interface coordination net (ICN), track supervision net (TSN) and
voice product net (VPN). The ICN is used to coordinate AAW and the joint
data link configuration. The TSN allows for management of the data link
picture and resolution of track discrepancies. The VPN provides access to