Chapter 4
Signal Operations Battalion
a. The commander of the ADA SIGOP battalion is the battalion commander and is a special staff officer (signal officer) on the AADCOM commander's staff.
b. The ADA SIGOP battalion's mission is to provide the nonorganic dedicated command communications system which supports the EAC ADA C2 system. The communications system furnishes the transmission of real- and near real-time digital and voice information essential to the execution of air defense C2 functions. The assignment is organic to the AADCOM TOE 44601.
c. The ADA SIGOP battalion does not furnish the ADA battalions with internal communications, nor does it furnish communications between ADA battalions and their subordinate batteries. These communications are furnished by the communications section of the ADA battalions.
4-2. Capabilities and Limitations
a. The SIGOP battalion provides 24 hours a day--
- A multichannel radio nodal communications system which provides voice and data channels to link the AADCOM headquarters, EAC ADA brigades, battalions, CRC, ADSCOM, reconstitution points, and the American/host nation Patriot battalion interconnect.
- Signal nodes that support the AADCOM headquarters and terminal facilities at the ADSCOM and reconstitution point and CRC.
- Signal nodes that support each of the brigade headquarters (three nodes per brigade).
b. The ADA SIGOP battalion has specific capabilities when at TOE strength level 1 (AR 220-1). They include installing, operating, and maintaining a multichannel communications network to link the AADCOM, ADSCOM, AADCOM TAC CP, reconstitution point, 4 ADA brigades, 20 ADA battalions, and the American/host nation Patriot battalion. Figure 4-1 shows the AADCOM multichannel net.
c. Command telecommunications centers are provided for the AADCOM and the ADA brigades. Table 4-1 shows each telecommunications center facilities and services.
d. The ADA SIGOP battalion also--
- Provides the internal communications facilities for the AADCOM headquarters.
- Installs, operates, and maintains multichannel radio links between the AADCOM and each subordinate ADA brigade; between ADA brigade and CRC; and between the ADA brigade and subordinate battalions.
- Ties into and uses the theater common-user area system whenever possible.
- Provides the RATT stations at AADCOM and brigades.
- Handles frequency management for the entire AADCOM.
- Provides management for all leased telephone lines used within the AADCOM.
- Provides the interface between the American/host nation Patriot ADA communication (forward ADA belt).
- Provides the dedicated fire direction C2 communications link between the corps HIMAD battalion to the nearest EAC brigade with an automated FDC (upon fielding of corps Hawk battalions).
e. Operational capabilities are reduced to 90 percent and 80 percent, respectively, of the level 1 capability when the battalion is at TOE strength levels 2 and 3 (AR 190-13). Primarily, at levels 2 and 3, the number of multichannel radio repeaters is reduced. This unit is not adaptable to type B organization. The battalion depends on--
- Combat service support organizations for medical, dental, and finance services.
- The Air Force for tactical airlift support.
- The theater signal command for radio frequency allocations.
- The theater transportation command for personnel and equipment movement.
- The theater/corps signal brigade for communications terminal facilities to enter the area communications systems.
- Theater/corps support command units for required additional DS/GS maintenance.
In addition to training in their basic skills, personnel receive further training under ARTEP 11-175. Battalion personnel train to engage in effective, coordinated defense of their respective unit's area or installation using--
- Rear area protection procedures.
- Operations in an internal defense environment.
- Defense against threat aircraft.
- Operations under NBC conditions.
The ADA SIGOP battalion is organized under TOE 11675. One ADA SIGOP battalion is assigned to the theater AADCOM. The HHC is organized under TOE 11676; the brigade SIGOP company is organized under TOE 11677. Figure 4-2 shows the battalion organization chart.
4-5. AADCOM Signal Staff Organization and Functions
a. The AADCOM TOE does not have an organic signal staff. Rather, the staff personnel and equipment for this section come from the signal battalion TOE. This is in consonance with the dual-hat role of the signal battalion commander as the AADCOM signal officer. The staff includes officers who are specifically detailed to assist the AADCOM commander. Although the commander actually commands the staff, the deputy or assistant directs and supervises it. Although each staff officer has specialized duties, there are five functions common to all staff officers. These five functions are--
- Providing information.
- Making appraisals.
- Making recommendations.
- Preparing plans and orders.
- Supervising the execution of plans and orders.
b. The primary mission of the AADCOM signal staff section is to perform management functions that ensure adequate communications are provided to the AADCOM commander for commanding and controlling forces. Some management functions are the assignment of blocks of frequencies, evaluation of systems performance, network layout, and long-range planning. The SIGOP section provides operational functions such as system engineering, circuit engineering, and restoration of services. The signal section advises the AADCOM commander, his staff, and his subordinate commanders on commandwide signal matters, and prepares signal estimates, plans, and orders to guide and direct subordinate commands. The section also exercises some technical supervision of signal activities within the command to ensure that communications operations are in accordance with established standards and procedures, and that communications resources and support meet requirements. To support the signal officer's advisory role, his staff monitors the status of organic communications resources in nonsignal units through command personnel and equipment reports. TCMS (formerly CEMS) functions within the command are also monitored by the signal officer and his staff by orders, reports, records, and staff visits. The AADCOM signal section is supervised by the assistant AADCOM signal officer. Personnel and their functional roles in the section are shown below.
- (1) The assistant AADCOM signal officer--
- Receives task direction from the AADCOM signal officer.
- Implements and supervises the subsequent operation of the section.
(2) The operations/plans officer--
- Plans for and supervises communications support for AADCOM headquarters.
- Prepares signal plans for incorporation in the AADCOM plans and orders.
- Coordinates with other headquarters staff sections regarding communications requirements.
- Handles coordination matters concerning joint force usage of the JTIDS network.
- Transfers results of these actions to the ADA brigade signal staff officer.
- Coordinates with commanders and staff on force modernization, automation, and installation of new equipment.
(3) The signal staff officer--
- Recommends the procurement, employment, and allocation of signal troops to support the command.
- Determines requirements for signal training of nonsignal troops.
- Prepares and coordinates plans and policies in maintenance of communications facilities.
- Recommends the procurement, employment, and allocation of signal supplies and equipment for nonsignal units.
(4) The frequency NCO--
- Allocates frequencies, based on evaluation of propagation and other data, to units in the brigades and battalions.
- Coordinates frequency requirements.
- Maintains records and prepares reports.
- Handles correspondence to theater headquarters on all frequency matters.
(5) The operations sergeant--
- Assists the operations/plans officer.
- Serves as the signal officer's principal enlisted assistant.
- Manages the signal office.
- Supervises and inspects all work of enlisted personnel in the section.
- Assists the signal staff in the technical appraisal of signal operations and training.
- Assists in the collection, preparation, and distribution of material and data pertaining to signal operations and training.
- Assists in preparation of signal plans and orders.
(6) The digital officer--
- Is responsible for all automation within the AADCOM.
- Exercises staff supervision over telephone and wire digital operations throughout the AADCOM.
- Prepares command telephone directory designation and circuit numbering schemes.
- Assists the signal plans officer on matters pertaining to automation and modernization.
- Prepares portions of signal plans and orders.
(7) The cryptographic materiel specialists assist the telecommunications center and cryptographic technician.
(8) The COMSEC officer serves as a cryptographic staff officer and advises the signal officer on cryptographic matters.
The staff operates under command and staff principles established in FM 101-5. All the elements of the ADA SIGOP battalion work together to support the SIGOP battalion provided communications requirements of an AADCOM. An FM voice radio net, CSPE, plus direct telephone and teletypewriter circuits, are available to engineer and control the communications mission of the battalion.
a. The battalion commander--
- Exercises C2 through his staff by issuing orders to the operating sections of the HHC and to subordinate unit commanders.
- Controls the technical operations of the mission communications systems through the XO and the S2/S3.
- Ensures effective transfer of information throughout the network.
- Makes maximum use of battalion and company SOPs.
b. The executive officer--
- Assists the commander.
- Assumes command of the battalion during the commander's absence.
- Serves as the principal action officer for electronic warfare matters.
c. The S1 officer performs battalion administrative functions and serves as the battalion's information officer.
d. The S2/S3--
- Serves as both the battalion's intelligence and operations officer.
- Advises the commander on matters involving security for the battalion headquarters and units organic to the battalion.
- Supervises the preparation of security plans.
- Ensures that security plans are properly implemented.
- Is responsible for short-term operational planning.
- Prepares operation orders, training directives, technical operation instructions, and SOPs.
- Implements AADCOM signal plans.
- Keeps the battalion commander informed of the signal situation.
- Operates the CSCE facility for control of all communications systems installed and operated by the battalion.
e. The S4 officer has staff responsibility for the battalion's logistical functions.
f. The maintenance officer--
- Has staff responsibility over all battalion equipment.
- Supervises a staff of specialized maintenance assistants.
- Keeps the battalion commander informed of equipment maintenance status.
g. The battalion motor officer--
- Serves as a staff officer under the battalion maintenance officer.
- Ensures that all elements of the battalion have the automotive and generator repair parts and petroleum supplies they need.
- Maintains staff supervision over the operations of the motor maintenance facility in each company.
h. The signal maintenance sections--
Operate under the staff supervision of the battalion maintenance officer.
- Provide DS level communications.
- Provide COMSEC equipment maintenance capabilities for organic equipment of individual companies.
- Designate personnel to man mobile repair teams based on the particular maintenance mission.
i. The chaplain--
- Serves as a special staff officer.
- Assists the battalion commander in making sure that all personnel of the battalion, wherever located, have the opportunity to participate in religious services and activities.
- Assists the battalion S3 in the implementation of character guidance instructions in the training program.
j. The command sergeant major--
- Serves as the senior enlisted representative of the battalion.
- Performs duties as directed by the commander.
- Advises the commander and staff on matters relative to troop welfare in terms of promotions, discipline, and privileges.
- Serves as an experienced communicator.
- Assists in the planning, operations, and maintenance of the communications systems established by the battalion.
4-7. Signal Battalion Operations Section
The operations section consists of the communications engineering branch, systems control branch, and the plans and training branch. This section provides all TCMS functions for the signal battalion.
a. The communications engineering branch is the CSPE for the battalion. The CSPE conducts detailed systems engineering studies and develops plans for establishing communications systems. This branch performs some specific functions such as--
- Determining the technical characteristics of circuits.
- Determining equipment suitability, adaptability, and compatibility with existing military and host nation communications systems.
- Determining the capabilities and limitations of equipment.
- Determining the types of installations and employment required to provide quality transmission over installed circuits and systems.
- Handling frequency requests and associated records for the battalion units.
Traffic status reports are analyzed continually to perfect system capabilities for handling traffic while avoiding communications traffic congestion. The results of these analyses determine the addition or deletion of circuits and facilities. The branch also maintains direct coordination with the systems control branch, keeping it informed of current and future needs for rerouting or reconstituting circuits and facilities through the command and area communications systems.
b. The systems control branch is under the operational control of the S3 which provides effective operational management and responsive system control. The main objective of the CSCE is to perfect the performance of a deployed network in the face of a constantly changing network configuration. It performs near real-time management and control of the communications network and subordinate unit's CSCEs. A data base is established and maintained to assist in near real-time control. of communications systems and to assist the CSPE in systems planning and engineering. Branch responsibilities include--
- Allocating circuits based on established priorities.
- Ensuring availability of circuit routes and alternate routes by maintaining centralized control of circuits.
- Ensuring efficient service by directing the subsystem control sections of the organic units to reroute.
- Rearranging circuits to relieve traffic congestion in both the area and the command communications systems.
- Preparing and distributing priority lists.
- Preparing and distributing detailed emergency schedules.
- Coordinating restoration of circuits in the event of the disruption of communications or damage to any part of the system.
- Preparing and maintaining a systems diagram, a signal subscriber list by geographical locations, a traffic backlog status, a circuit routing diagram, accumulative circuit outage records, a priority designator list, the current status of communications systems, and a journal of daily activities.
(1) The systems engineering officer--
- Serves as the systems control branch chief.
- Operates under the control of the battalion S3.
- Analyzes all traffic status reports and studies to perfect system capabilities.
- Determines the technical characteristics of circuits.
- Determines equipment suitability, adaptability, and compatibility with existing military and indigenous communications systems.
- Determines equipment capabilities and limitations.
- Determines the overall quality of transmission facilities.
(2) The radio systems officer--
- Exercises staff supervision over radio communications activities.
- Prepares SOI (formerly CEOI) items pertaining to radio communications.
- Coordinates continually with the radio frequency officer.
- Prepares signal plans and orders.
- Analyzes map data.
- Determines and establishes site locations for the LOS multichannel radio terminals and relays to ensure good paths are used.
(3) The circuit control sergeant, tactical microwave supervisor, and telecommunications center supervisor--
- Provide technical and field expertise to the engineering officer.
- Coordinate with all battalion CSCEs.
- Ensure quality, adequacy, and availability of circuits.
- Perform day-to-day, shift-to-shift CSCE functions.
- Coordinate, direct, and set up circuits in the area and command communications systems.
(4) The operations sergeant--
- Assists the branch chief and other officers.
- Ensures the CSCE is properly staffed with enlisted personnel.
- Supervises the clerk typist and draftsman.
(5) The chief signal NCO--
- Assists the branch chief and other officers.
- Coordinates the efforts of the enlisted technical specialists.
- Supervises the draftsmen, SOI specialists, and clerical personnel.
c. The plans and training branch is responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising the training and plans requirements of the battalion.
- (1) The plans and training NCO assists in planning, in coordinating, and in staff supervision of the master plans, requirements, and training programs of the battalion.
(2) The signal operations NCO--
- Assists the plans and training officers.
- Coordinates the work of the enlisted technical specialists.
- Supervises the draftsman and clerical personnel assigned to the branch.
(3) The chemical NCO assists, the S3 officer in continuous appraisal of chemical operations and training situations.
(4) The intelligence NCO--
- Assists the S2 officer in all intelligence requirements within the brigade.
- Provides technical assistance in preparing intelligence annexes.
The SIGOP battalion is prepared to deploy signal communication assets to support a variety of air defense operations. The SIGOP battalion deploys three signal nodes in support of each of the four ADA brigades and the AADCOM. Establishing multiple nodes as the standard operation method--
- Increases survivability--no one critical node.
- Eases displacement of ADA units from one node to another.
- Gives greater displacement choice for ADA units.
- Allows multichannel systems to reconnect to adjacent nodes.
- Increases availability of multirouting possibilities for traffic.
- Facilitates rerouting with a circuit drop and insert capability at each node.
- Enables ADA missile maintenance units to tie in via wire and cable at the nodes and to set up reliable communications with the ADA units they support.
- Allows the ADA battalions to have greater geographical freedom in selecting tactical sites.
- Enhances alternate routing.
The movement of the brigade headquarters or several battalions connected to a node basically establishes the need for the SIGOP battalion to reconfigure or displace its node. The TOE provides no extra equipment for a separate jump capability. The brigade CP is jumped by the redeployment of communications assets at the nodes supporting the brigade. In preparation for the move, the brigade designates one of its battalions as the master battalion. Its role is to assume brigade functions, primarily fire control, during the time the displacement is in progress. This causes the SIGOP battalion to reconfigure the affected multichannel links to home in on other nodes. Circuits are rerouted depending on the system configuration in use at the time displacement occurs. When the master battalion has the communications necessary for its mission, the brigade closes down, moves, and reestablishes at another or a new node. (In this case, the SIGOP battalion is required to phase out a node by rehoming its users into an existing adjacent node or nodes.) After communications have been reestablished at the new location, the brigade takes control from the master battalion and the remaining affected circuits are rerouted as necessary.
Signal units are required to furnish communications support 24 hours a day. Under certain conditions, dispersion of these units may require their efforts to be diverted from communications to provide necessary physical security for their installations. To ensure maximum use of communications, security for the units should be assumed by the troops that provide the security forces.
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