Military

6-1. As an existing peacetime headquarters capable of conducting strategic deployment, commanding Army divisions or a joint task force, and conducting sustained tactical operations, the Army corps is the focus of Army tactical doctrine. Similarly, the corps ADA brigade is the only ADA unit organized and trained to synchronize the full spectrum of AMD operations from SHORAD support of maneuver to joint TMD. The details of corps operations are covered later in this chapter and in FM 3-100.1. Several general considerations affect AMD operations in support of the corps.

6-2. Army warfighting doctrine is based on the concept of maneuver as a force multiplier. Maneuver affords a measure of air and missile defense protection, since mobile units are harder to target. At the same time, corps operations can involve the movement of nearly 25,000 vehicles over distances of up to 200 kilometers. AMD defenses of the corps must be mobile and must provide protection across the entire corps AO and dedicated defense of corps AD priorities.

6-3. The corps fights normally as part of a field army that has an operational level focus on campaigns rather than discrete operations. Sequels, or the question of what comes next, are a basic consideration in corps and corps AMD planning. The corps has a significantly greater capability and responsibility in fire support and intelligence than the divisions. This means that OCA targeting is a real option for the corps AMDCOORD. It means also that the corps ADA brigade can greatly assist divisions in refining their air portion of the IPB.

6-4. Unlike its EAC counterpart, the corps ADA brigade operates within a well-defined battlefield framework of boundaries, phase lines, terrain priorities, and movement control. There are similar frameworks within each division AO. The corps ADA brigade must be proficient at moving and positioning within each of these frameworks without disrupting the scheme of maneuver.

6-5. The corps is a mobile force that normally conducts force-oriented operations. Corps AD priorities will include corps forces more often than static assets. The corps ADA brigade must be proficient at the basics of liaison and must closely coordinate with non-ADA units. The brigade must be able to design dynamic defenses of these forces based on a real understanding of their operations rather than applying stock formulas.

6-6. The corps ADA brigade must not only integrate AMD operations into the joint theater air and missile defense command and control system, but also integrate or "synchronize" across all battlefield operating systems. The corps ADA brigade is organized to defeat a moderate to severe air threat, which includes a mix of current generation western and former Soviet aircraft and TMs. Air parity or better will be the normal situation in the air environment over the corps, and friendly DCA airpower will normally be available to augment corps AMD defenses. The corps order of battle will include from two to five divisions, an ACR, a COSCOM, and corps troops. It may well be a multinational or combined force. Corps AMD defense planning begins with an analysis of the commander's intent for the operation, the critical events which will affect achievement of the desired endstate, the air/missile threat to friendly operations during those events, and the resulting AMD defense requirements. AMD planning also looks systematically at the interaction of operating systems and focuses force protection on the critical systems that support the commander's intent.

6-7. On order, the corps ADA brigade deploys within or to a theater of operations to provide early warning (EW) and defend designated assets and activities from aerial attack, missile attack, and surveillance. This mission may require the brigade to self deploy by tactical lift or strategic lift. Elements of the brigade may deploy early to protect a lodgment or early entry operations. The brigade may operate initially under the operational control of the land or air component commander as corps forces flow into theater. During all phases of the operation, the brigade must be able to integrate into the theater air and missile defense system. It will defend against TMs, cruise missiles, aircraft, and attack helicopters. Corps AMD missions can range from TM defense of corps, JFC activities, or assets to reinforcing coverage of a divisional tactical maneuver. The brigade's mission is to allow the corps commander the freedom to maneuver and to preserve the corps' combat power for offensive operations.

6-8. Effective HIMAD defense of the corps against a mid-intensity air/TM threat requires at least two HIMAD battalions. The corps ADA brigade organization for combat normally includes two Patriot battalions and may be task organized to include a THAAD battery. HIMAD units normally are employed GS to the corps and may reinforce the division in an integrated area defense.

6-9. HIMAD normally fights in battalion task forces with a combined area ABT and point TM design. Batteries assigned the TM fight should be the base piece of the Patriot defense design. A synchronized corps AMD plan can provide planners the flexibility to protect both static assets and maneuver forces from air and missile attack. The key to a successful corps AMD plan is determining where and when to mass forces against the enemy by synchronizing the AD support of the corps and divisions scheme of maneuver.

6-10. The principle difference between corps and EAC HIMAD operations is that corps AD priorities are usually mobile. The corps ADA brigade staff must understand how the corps moves and maneuvers and must understand movement planning factors. A Patriot battery near the rear of a reinforced brigade march column will cross the LD several hours later than one near the front. If required, this precludes any possibility of covering the maneuver brigade. Therefore, an additional component of a corps HIMAD defense design is a HIMAD scheme of maneuver closely integrated into corps and division march tables. HIMAD units can expect to support the divisions in a GS-R role by reinforcing the fires of the divisional SHORAD battalion.

6-11. Division commanders are the approval authority for positioning and movement within their AOs. During a corps maneuver, HIMAD fire unit may be required to move. This requires detailed movement coordination by the brigade staff with division as well as corps movement control centers and G3s. Key to this effort are the brigade LNOs to the divisional ADA commanders who are the AMDCOORDs. They are responsible to ensure the execution of an integrated corps AMD plan within their sector. Divisional ADA battalions can play a vital role in coordinating both the movement and terrain required by corps HIMAD units.

6-12. In mobile operations, a Patriot heavy task force will normally operate forward by laying down long range coverage over the advancing corps. As divisions meet and engage the enemy, Patriot may be pushed into the division rear areas to strengthen defenses in the main battle area (MBA).

6-13. Corps AMD missions normally require HIMAD to emplace well forward within the range of enemy rocket artillery but outside the range of tube artillery. Maintaining a degree of mobility, OPSEC, and physical protection consistent with the threat enhances HIMAD survivability. Division commanders may incur the responsibility to protect HIMAD units within their AO, dependent upon command and support relationships, by providing dedicated engineer, security, and chemical decon/smoke assets to enhance Patriot's survivability in the forward area. Defending the unit against ground, air, or missile attack is a requirement to any AMD plan. Survival is the primary mission of an ADA unit under attack. The tempo of corps maneuver may make unit survivability moves unnecessary. However, a survivability movement plan should be developed. Integrating HIMAD units into maneuver unit march columns can also enhance security while moving.

6-14. Both HIMAD and SHORAD electronic emissions must be treated as a specific tactical decision. They must be managed closely at battalion or brigade level. This includes Patriot radar mapping during emplacement and SHORAD sensor emissions in a theater where the enemy possesses significant ELINT capabilities. HIMAD units must maintain the agility to obtain an air picture from various external sources, including adjacent units. The brigade provides EMCON guidance to subordinate battalions.

6-15. If the ground security threat is sufficient, HIMAD units must be reinforced with dedicated security forces. HIMAD battery commanders must integrate their ground defense with other local ground commanders. In all events, however, an ADA commander remains responsible for the ground defense of his unit. A ground attack represents a change of mission from AMD to infantry. Therefore, the commander's plan must incorporate sound infantry tactics by orienting not only the threat but also the priorities of protection within the perimeter. All supporting and organic weapons and soldiers must be integrated into a coherent fire support plan, scheme of maneuver, and C² plan.

6-16. HIMAD self-defense against air and missile threats is enhanced by dedicated organic SHORAD point defenses. Sound positioning and early warning is critical to the viability of Stinger defenses. The Patriot air picture, particularly in a TM defense, might not be useful to organic Stinger teams. Therefore, the corps ADA brigade early warning plan should consider how to integrate HIMAD Stinger teams into the corps SHORAD early warning plan.

6-17. HIMAD units are organized with sufficient crews to sustain 24-hour AMD operations. The brigade establishes the minimum number of fire units to be at specified levels of readiness. Within these guidelines, battalions manage the readiness of subordinate fire units to ensure that required rearming and refitting is accomplished. Fire unit commanders closely manage crew rotation and rest plans to ensure the fire unit remains at the required readiness levels. Pushing the radar ORF forward will assist in keeping units operational and maintain the required level of readiness. Missile resupply planning and the identification and stockage of critical authorized stockage list (ASL) are important requirements for the brigade to consider. Chapter 8 provides further details on sustainment planning. Sustainment includes the ability to reorganize combat power in case of losses. Therefore, batteries and battalions must establish and maintain proficiency in BDAR procedures.

6-18. Corps ADA brigade SHORAD operations involve one or more SHORAD battalions equipped with Avenger or MANPADS weapons. In mobile operations, The brigade's SHORAD units are normally assigned missions that free divisional SHORAD from having to deploy to protect supported task forces until the force itself deploys. Also, SHORAD deploys in the division and corps rear to protect high value assets and activities against aircraft penetrating the forward defenses. The brigade operational concept for SHORAD employment focuses on imperatives in the following paragraphs.

6-19. Although not an automatic mission, reinforcement of divisional AMD defenses will be a frequent corps SHORAD task. Corps SHORAD ground and air mobility enables the brigade to rapidly shift coverage across the corps. Corps SHORAD battalions maintain proficiency in division operations. Habitual training relationships with the divisions should be maintained whenever possible.

6-20. SHORAD defenses are integrated into the corps early warning structure. SHORAD commanders at all levels integrate their AMD with those of any adjacent SHORAD or HIMAD fire units. Support or command relationships will establish this integration.

6-21. Corps Avenger units must be prepared to provide limited night AMD coverage. This requires a battle readiness plan, which is managed at PLT level. Avenger units fighting at night require direct early warning. The corps brigade can ensure this through links to organic HIMAD units. Divisions can supplement this link with their own organic radar assets. Avenger night missions might include defense of Patriot fire units if there is a significant night-capable air threat that cannot be met by HIMAD mobility.

6-22. Corps offensive operations combine maneuver and attack at a high tempo to unhinge critical enemy support systems. The corps ADA brigade orchestrates an integrated plan in support of corps operations. The AD priorities and plans described below are possible options. METT-T considerations will drive actual AMD plans.

6-23. In an approach march, the corps moves along multiple routes in march columns. The enemy situation is typically unclear. Contact prior to the LD is possible, though not likely. Lead brigades depart assembly areas on multiple routes and conduct covering force operations. A corps advance element follows and normally includes forward C³ and LNO teams, MI collection units, forward CSS, and corps/divisional fire support. The division with task organized corps support then follows the corps advance element on as many as eight routes per division. All other units follow the divisions. The corps advance element will halt short of the LD and establish support sites, fire support positions, and communications. Finally, the divisions will pass through the corps advance element, rearm and refuel, and conduct a movement to contact or attack. In a movement to contact, the corps moves from assembly areas and maneuvers to find and attack an enemy force. A covering force leads under corps or divisional control and operates well beyond the main body. Behind the covering force follows the advance guard, which is ready for immediate commitment upon enemy contact. The corps main body carries the bulk of corps combat power. It moves in task organized march columns to facilitate rapid deployment and hasty attack operations. Up to three brigades may provide flank and rear security of the main body during movement.

6-24. Key events include the movement of the lead brigade and the covering force operation; the movement of the divisions and follow-on units; rearm and refuel operations conducted en route; and corps actions on enemy contact.

6-25. While not pre-established, HIMAD priorities may include the corps main effort, corps aviation, ATACMS, the supporting effort, and COSCOM assets. COSCOM priorities will be class III and V supplies. Force oriented SHORAD priorities may include the corps TAC, MSRs, ROM sites, and C² nodes. Area oriented priorities may include the full spectrum of counter RISTA operations.

6-26. During a corps movement, some divisional AMD may be integrated into divisional march columns and some may be pre-positioned. To free march ordered units from having to deploy before their supported maneuver elements, corps AMD forces may be tasked to provide AMD coverage of critical routes well forward. Corps HIMAD missions could include TM defense of critical static assets such as a corps intelligence downlink facility. Patriot might also provide long range coverage of the corps advance element and may even move with the advance element of an approach march. Corps SHORAD units might reinforce coverage of the corps' covering force. SHORAD platoons could be OPCON to divisional ADA battalions for the duration of an approach march to provide route defense of divisional march columns.

6-27. Up to four Patriot batteries and an Avenger battery may move with the advance element of a corps approach march. The integration requirements of a division march may require all elements of a march column, including GS Patriot units, to be OPCON to the march unit commander for the duration of the march. Patriot and SHORAD batteries may defend forward to the LD. In a movement to contact, the corps relies on speed, tactical dispersal, and DS SHORAD units for AD protection. The HIMAD scheme of maneuver orients on the estimated location and time of contact with the enemy main body. HIMAD units move with the main body, deploying to provide area coverage as the corps approaches this point, but remaining flexible until the shape of the corps AO during the attack becomes clear.

6-28. The length of the corps movement may preclude complete AMD coverage, requiring augmenting coverage by DCA fighters. EAC AMD coverage is also coordinated as feasible.

6-29. Figures 6-1 through 6-3 illustrate a notional flow of a battle with the air and missile defense coverage. Both the corps and EAC AMD brigade are depicted. The above paragraphs describe the actions in the figure.

6-30. The corps typically attacks as part of a field army operation to defeat the operational reserves of an enemy field army. The corps conducts a movement to contact, deploying when an enemy division is located by the covering force. Lead divisions conduct a hasty attack to fix and destroy enemy lead regiments, while trail divisions maneuver to attack the enemy divisional second echelon. Divisional combat power is reinforced with corps MAP, FA, and AMD assets. Reinforcing corps FA attacks the second echelon under the direction of the lead divisional cavalry and other intel assets. Engineers conduct countermobility operations in support of the lead division and mobility operations in support of the attacking trail division. The corps aviation brigade conducts deep attack operations to reduce and delay the division second echelon. Because of the inherent uncertainties of maneuver, the most vulnerable friendly element is command and control. Additional risks include bypassed units and flank counterattacks. To mitigate these risks, the corps implements C³ countermeasures and a deception plan to undermine the enemy intelligence and C² systems. The corps centrally manages deception operations. Corps ADA units may receive tasks to support the portrayal of the deception plan. In a deliberate attack, the corps penetrates the main defensive belt. Lead divisions attack to penetrate while trail divisions follow and attack to exploit success. During the attack, ground or air cavalry guards the corps flanks. Corps artillery and aviation attack enemy counterattack forces and C² nodes. Engineers provide mobility support to the trail division. When the penetration is forced, trail divisions pass through the lead divisions and attack through to the corps objective.

6-31. Corps events during hasty or a deliberate attack could include several different missions. The corps could take part in a passage of lines; the movement of large units along routes; the movement to contact of brigades in battle formation; the attack of the enemy divisions; and the corps deception plan.

6-32. An attack is a highly fluid operation with many potential branches and sequels. Movement provides some measure of passive AD protection, but a successful corps attack must achieve surprise through speed or deception and this requires a clear concept and accurate intelligence. Based on this, corps AD priorities could include key C³I elements, such as the corps TAC CP and intel facilities; a passage of lines; key aviation assets; maneuver forces in contact; the deception plan; and key FA assets.

6-33. A key AMD task during this operation is to support the momentum of the corps. Corps ADA reinforces the divisions with GSR SHORAD and GS HIMAD coverage. Corps HIMAD protects the corps as a whole and attacks high performance aircraft in the MBA which are driven up into its envelope by FAAD defenses. Corps HIMAD missions could also include TM defense of the corps main CP, key corps passage points, and the corps intelligence facility. Corps SHORAD can sustain divisional momentum by protecting LOCs and critical division rear assets, allowing divisional ADA to mass in the MBA. Corps SHORAD missions could include a battery GSR to the main effort; corps passage points; corps main and TAC CP; aviation FARPs and PZs; deception support; critical routes forward to division rear boundaries; and key corps assets in the division AO, such as artillery, intelligence, or CSS.

6-34. The brigade staff plans the HIMAD coverage for the meeting engagement. The HIMAD scheme of maneuver is timed to provide both mutual support and at least one to two hours of coverage over critical maneuvering forces. It optimally provides for the arrival of Patriot units to protect the MBA as the corps initiates the meeting engagement. Avenger units with missions in a division AO will move with divisions so as to provide coverage of an asset as soon as necessary. AMD planners protect maneuver forces by successfully employing the AD principle of mass and AD guidelines of overlapping fires, mutual support, and early engagement.

6-35. In addition to fighting the DCA battle beyond the FLOT and OCA attacks of enemy airpower, DCA coverage will normally extend above or to the flanks of the corps. Corps rear assets such as GS facilities will not normally displace forward during the movement to contact. As the corps LOCs extend, EAC ADA can support the corps by defending static rear assets and freeing corps HIMAD to defend the movement to contact. It may also support the corps deception plan.

6-36. The corps is organized and equipped to defend against an enemy force of up to three corps equivalents. Defensive operations may be conducted to hold key terrain, to reduce or divert enemy combat power, or to buy time until the corps has enough combat power to resume offensive operations.

6-37. In a mobile defense, the corps seeks to engage and destroy an attacking force, using fire and maneuver, and counterattack by a large reserve. In an area defense, the corps seeks to deny the enemy access to key terrain or facilities and employs a smaller reserve and a network of interlocking defensive positions. Based on a thorough IPB, both types of defense seek to prevent the enemy from concentrating combat power by defeating each echelon of his attacking force in detail.

6-38. The corps commander shapes the battlefield to deflect the enemy into engagement areas where he can be destroyed or blocked. This is achieved by using fires, terrain, obstacles, offensive, and defensive maneuver throughout the depth of the MBA, deception, information warfare, and the enemy's own momentum. In the deep operations area, for example, corps and theater level fire support assets attack follow-on elements to reduce them and delay their arrival in the MBA. Forward of the MBA, the corps conducts security force operations to deny the enemy the element of surprise; to disrupt his efforts to locate friendly dispositions; and to harass, delay, or defend against him if necessary. In the MBA, units prepare fighting positions and terrain in depth to disrupt enemy maneuver. Fire support plans are prepared to attack critical enemy AUTLs, including C², fire support, and logistics to unhinge the synchronization of the enemy plan. The corps develops a defensive scheme of maneuver which masses combat power at the decisive time and place. It also organizes a large reserve, possibly up to division size. Deception and strict operational security characterize all good defensive preparations. Finally, the corps retains the flexibility to meet the enemy's initiative, neutralize it, and quickly exploit opportunities for counterattack. Potential sequels to a defensive operation include reestablishing a defense against attack by a follow-on enemy element or counterattacking an enemy field army. Figure 6-4 depicts the organization of the defense.

6-39. Synchronizing defensive actions and seizing the initiative requires tight command and control by the corps. In the defense, corps fire support systems have a critical role in attacking the enemy and expend large quantities of ammunition. Corps maneuver forces seize or hold key terrain and counterattack the enemy. The corps reserve is the means of striking the decisive blow to an enemy attack. The enemy will attempt to attack all of these with ground and aerial fire support. The corps ADA brigade therefore contributes to the corps defense by neutralizing air/missile attacks against critical assets and disrupting the synchronization of the enemy's firepower. By attacking enemy aerial reconnaissance, corps AMD operations contribute to the counter-reconnaissance battle by denying the enemy critical intelligence. The corps and the ADA brigade plan for the defense by answering the following questions:

• Where and when is the enemy most vulnerable?
• When, where, and how can those vulnerabilities be exploited?
• What specific conditions would trigger exploitation of those vulnerabilities?
• What is the worst thing the attacking enemy can do to the defending force?

6-40. Key corps events are preliminary interdiction and deep attack operations; covering force operations and the recon/counter-recon battle; identification of the enemy main and supporting effort engagement operations in the MBA; employment of the reserve; and counterattack.

6-41. Corps events during defensive operations could include various missions. Corps AD priorities may be divisional and corps MAIN and REAR CPs; ammunition supply points; the reserve force; covering force or MBA units in contact; denial of hostile RISTA; and route defense of key MSRs.

6-42. Corps HIMAD units provide a dense area defense by integrating with adjacent corps, EAC, and joint AD operations. Corps SHORAD may provide point defense of key C² and logistics assets. SHORAD may also defend assembly areas, routes, obstacle crossing sites, and passage points. SHORAD and HIMAD fires must be massed to meet enemy air attacks.

6-43. SHORAD will maneuver with supported maneuver forces. HIMAD defenses are oriented to support the planned scheme of maneuver when the corps resumes the offensive. This could involve movement of a Patriot heavy task force through the forward task force. The corps brigade may task Avenger platoons to act as a reaction force. They must be ready to maneuver rapidly by ground or helicopter airlift in response to enemy action or fire unit outages.

6-44. If the main effort of the enemy air campaign is to be directed at or through the corps AO, reinforcement by EAC AMD units may be required. DCA operations will be ongoing throughout the theater, but dedicated fighter engagement zones or areas of responsibility may be requested forward or to the flanks of the corps. Figure 6-5 depicts the rear area of defense.

6-45. There are three types of retrograde missions: delays, withdrawals, and retirements. Units with a delaying mission are gaining time for friendly forces without becoming decisively engaged with the enemy. An opposed disengagement of a unit in contact is a withdrawal. Rearward movement of a unit not in contact is a retirement.

6-46. Retrograde operations pose difficult challenges for the corps in several areas. Leaders must counteract confusion and soldier fears of possible isolation or defeat. Units must move back along contracting LOCs and reposition repeatedly within a shrinking or shifting corps AO. The corps logistics system must move units and shift lines of support. If the enemy force is aware that a retrograde is underway, it will aggressively probe and attack the corps all along the FLOT. A highly synchronized plan, developed rapidly under difficult circumstances, is required to prevent the situation from deteriorating to chaos.

6-47. A corps retrograde involves all three types of retrograde operations. It begins with a convincing deception plan, augmented by all possible OPSEC measures. The corps retrograde plan synchronizes the timing of withdrawals and prescribes how much combat power and logistics must be kept battle ready to protect the force. The corps plan also establishes sequential boundaries and routes for the force. In the forward area, a division size delaying force maneuvers and harasses the enemy. It maintains contact, forcing him to deploy repeatedly to attack, but does not become decisively engaged. Elements of the delaying force withdraw to supplementary positions, usually at night or under cover of smoke. Behind the delaying force, forces retire to the rear in accordance with detailed movement tables. Engineers conduct mobility/countermobility operations. Corps transportation assets backhaul supplies and transport less mobile CSS units to supplementary positions. The corps retains a small reserve during retrograde operations and positions it well forward to counteract enemy penetrations with spoiling attacks. The retrograde operation ends when the corps attains a more favorable force ratio or is repositioned on terrain that is more favorable.

6-48. During a retrograde, the quickest means for the enemy to launch an exploitation attack is with airpower, attacking to the depth of the corps to destroy units on the move and sew confusion. The corps ADA brigade maintains HIMAD area coverage over the corps and DS/GSR SHORAD support to critical assets and activities. The key requirement for the brigade during a retrograde is to maintain positive control over unit location, movement, and operations. For example, if corps SHORAD units are reinforcing AMD defenses along the FLOT there is a significant risk of their being left behind in the confusion of a withdrawal, especially as the ADA battalion and brigade CPs displace to the rear. In this case, a command relationship of OPCON or attachment may have to be temporarily established with a forward maneuver unit. Patriot battery commanders may establish physical liaison with a nearby maneuver unit to ensure that they receive current information on the ground situation. A clear succession of command SOP ensures that someone is continually in command of brigade operations during a retrograde. In the event that supporting communications cannot be established, HIMAD units must be prepared to fight autonomously with voice command links only to the FDC.

6-49. Corps events during retrograde operations could include several different missions. The corps may participate in covering force delaying operations; passages of lines; any river/obstacle crossings; tactical movement operations; enemy penetrations; and commitment of the reserve.

6-50. Priorities during a retrograde may change as the operations progresses. Corps AD priorities may include covering forces; units in contact; passages of lines; river and obstacle crossing operations; key logistics units; or facilities.

6-51. Corps AMD missions may resemble those of a movement to contact operation in reverse order. HIMAD units provide area coverage forward to the covering force if possible. The Patriot heavy TF withdraws early to reestablish long range and high firepower coverage over the corps rear or subsequent forward area. SHORAD protects areas where key forces will concentrate, such as passages of lines or river crossings. The brigade maintains coverage over the corps rear where logistics units are displacing themselves and huge stocks of supplies.

6-52. The corps ADA brigade implements a rearward scheme of maneuver in support of the retrograde, sequencing the movements not only of Patriot and Avenger batteries, but also of CPs. As with a forward scheme of maneuver, movements are planned backward from the anticipated endstate defense of the corps in its subsequent location. HIMAD units must be prepared to move several times a day, emplacing only enough equipment to conduct engagement operations. Corps SHORAD moves with supported units.

6.53. DCA fighter coverage of the corps is critical during a retrograde. The corps will likely receive priority for CAS to protect its withdrawal. This reinforces the need for friendly air supremacy over the corps during this operation. The corps AMDCOORD initiates, through the FSCOORD, CAS coordination early in the retrograde planning phase. Figure 6-6 depicts a retrograde operation.

6-54. Massing friendly strength against enemy weakness can involve flank attacks or encirclement of large enemy formations. In encirclement, the corps attacks a large force to enclose and capture or destroy it. Encirclement usually begins with a corps' penetration attack through enemy defenses and exploitation along converging axes. Corps forces link up around encircled enemy forces and establish a hasty defense against counterattack by the enemy reserve. Inside the defensive ring, positions for attack of the encircled force are prepared. Finally, the corps undertakes operations to reduce or destroy the encircled force. Risks associated with this operation include dividing the corps force and exposing it to possible counterattack on the flanks. Linkup operations also entail some tactical risk. In situations where these risks can be minimized and the corps maneuver capabilities maximized, encirclement can accomplish operational objectives with minimum loss of combat power.

6-55. Key core events are the penetration attack and subsequent exploitation along both axes; linkup operations; establishment of a hasty defense and inward focused attack positions; and attack of the encircled force. Figure 6-7 illustrates a corps encirclement.

6-56. The main mission is protection of the maneuver force in contact. Other AD priorities could include C³I assets, aviation assets, and fire support elements. AMD must protect the linkup operation from air attack.

6-57. Corps AMD missions for an encirclement are similar to missions in support of the attack. The corps ADA brigade also protects the linkup as well as the inner and outer flanks of the encircling forces.

6-58. AMD must meet the challenges of extended forces and rapid movement associated with the exploitation and encirclement. Depending on the size of the enemy force, HIMAD defenses may be extended over the enemy AO to deny his aircraft any sanctuary.

6-59. The maneuverability and reach of DCA fighters can effectively reinforce corps AMD during rapid exploitation and encirclement. OCA operations can attack enemy helicopter assets both in the enemy reserve and within the encircled force.

6-60. In this operation, the corps breaches and passes through an obstacle (such as river or fortifications) and continues operations. The location of the crossing site is concealed as long as possible. Breaching and crossing operations must be done swiftly and the "far side" must be secured to a depth of 30-50km. Crossing operations might be undertaken "from the march" or after a short buildup. As combat power masses near the breach/crossing site, it becomes a lucrative target for enemy airpower.

6-61. Key corps events include the deception operation and securing crossing sites. Another key event may be the attack to secure the bridgehead line.

6-62. Corps events during crossing of an obstacle could include several different missions. AD protection priorities may consist of bridge/breach sites, routes to passage points and crossing sites, and near and far side assembly areas.

6-63. Depending on terrain, corps HIMAD can provide point TM and area ABT defense of the most critical bridging sites or staging areas for bridging assets or crossing units. In a corps crossing/breach operation, corps SHORAD is the lead for point defense of crossing sites and routes leading to them. Since the corps will likely conduct a crossing or breach during conditions of limited visibility, corps Avengers organize to fight accordingly. AMD planners must consider the risk of enemy tube artillery during a crossing or breaching operation. This risk assessment will determine the best AMD assets for the operation.

6-64. AMD masses to defend critical crossing/breach sites, while maintaining strict OPSEC. WEAPONS FREE zones (for fixed wing) may be established over the crossing sites to maximize AMD engagements.

6-65. DCA fighters engage enemy CAS aircraft beyond their bomb release line. If necessary, EAC ADA provides area HIMAD coverage of corps rear.