Air Force Doctrine Document 2-1.1

specialized applications of area defense when friendly assets to be protected
are spread over a large geographical area with defined threat
boundaries.
❇ Point Defense. Point defense missions are conducted for the protection
of a limited area, normally in defense of the vital elements of forces
and installations.
❇ Self-defense. Self-defense missions are conducted by friendly units to
defend themselves against direct attack or threat of attack through the
use of organic weapons and systems. Inherent to all ROE and weapon
control procedures is the right of self-defense.
❇ High Value Airborne Asset (HVAA) Protection. HVAA protection
uses fighter aircraft to protect critical airborne theater assets such as
AWACS, RIVET JOINT, and JSTARS.
Passive Defense
Camouflage
Concealment
Deception
Hardening
Reconstitution
NBC Capability
Redundancy
Detection & Warning
Dispersal
Mobility
Figure 4.1 Passive Defense
PASSIVE AIR DEFENSE
OPERATIONS
Passive air defense includes all measures,
other than active air defense,
taken to minimize the effectiveness
of hostile air and missile attacks.
Tactical warning initiates many passive
defense measures. Warnings are
general or specific. General warnings
indicate that attacks are imminent or
have occurred. Specific warnings signify
that specific units or areas are in
danger of attack. Passive air defense
does not involve the active employment
of any lethal weapons, but it
improves survivability of friendly
forces by reducing the potential effects
of enemy attacks. Depending on the
situation and time available in the area
of operations, a variety of actions can
be taken to improve the passive air defense
posture of friendly forces. Passive
air defense requires preplanning and
practice during peacetime.
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