This chapter discusses the function of ADA sensor platoon personnel during movement. Movement includes selection of the site on which the section will be positioned, preparation of the site and establishing communications, and local security. Movement is frequently done to support the sensor plan, because of a change in mission, or for survivability.
The ADA sensor platoon leader and section chiefs must remain informed of current and anticipated operations in preparing for a movement. Position area, route, and critical time information is generated by the mission of the supported unit and the battery commander when in a DS role or the battalion S3 when in a GS role. Movement activities fall into the following sequence:
- Receive the movement warning order.
- Make a map reconnaissance.
- Plan the movement.
- Deploy, occupy, and improve the position.
The movement warning order to the ADA sensor section is issued by the ADA sensor platoon leader or ADA battalion S3. The movement warning order is normally verbal. It may be passed in person or over tactical communications equipment. The warning order must include the following:
- The new mission.
- The coordinates of the new positions.
- Time of release for march order, crossing the start point (SP), and assuming operational status at the new position.
- Authentication, if passed by radio.
MAKE A MAP RECONNAISSANCE
It is the responsibility of the sensor platoon leader and section chiefs to analyze the terrain over which they must travel and transmit radio traffic. If time permits, creating a banded relief map of the area of operations assists in performing this task. This function will show possible observation points, steering points for navigation, and if and where FM retransmission sites are required. It will show areas of radar masking and where aircraft may use nap-of-the-earth (NOE) flight. The relief map also will indicate the slope of the terrain, and possible hiding places for vehicles will be observation and listening posts (OPs and LPs). Refer to the Banded-Relief Overlay illustration on page 3-2, for an example. Map reconnaissance includes--
- Ensuring that the route and location of the ADA sensor section meet tactical and technical requirements.
- Identifying possible ambush locations.
- Avoiding built-up areas, when possible.
- Identifying access and exit routes.
- Noting vegetation and drainage.
- Finding march routes, start points (SPs), release points (RPs), and checkpoints.
- Identifying areas of masking where FM radio will not have line of sight.
- Identifying and marking passage points, linkup points, and lanes for traversing friendly minefields. If aerial photographs are available for your area of operations, use them and report any changes to higher headquarters. Plan your work and work your plan.
The ADA sensor section must plan for movement. These plans should include the following:
- The time the ADA sensor section must be in operation at the new site.
- Routes, primary and alternate, for movement to selected area.
- Travel time from the old site to the new site.
- Communications during the displacement.
- Convoy procedures and site security during the move and occupation. Anything on the modern battlefield that moves can be detected. The night offers maximum concealment, so the ADA sensor section should generally move at night. The platoon leader or the section chief must balance these factors when determining the type of movement to use. See the Movement Techniques illustration.
The listening aspect of intelligence gathering
must not be overlooked. It indicates activity to either
avoid or investigate. While moving in a vehicle, it is a
good idea periodically to turn off the vehicle engine
and listen for short intervals. Refer to Appendix B for
information on listening techniques.
Record the conditions and types of bridges,
tunnels, roads, and warning signs encountered during
movement to the position. Units on the offensive may
need to take or avoid your route due to the size and
weight of their weapon systems and support vehicles.
Once the plan is formed, orders are issued. The
extent of preparation a section can make before
movement depends on time, personnel, equipment,
and material availability. Preparations should include
marking the site for each adjacent ADA sensor section
and supporting ADA fire unit on the section chief's
map.
Before travel, the ADA sensor section members ensure that all preparations for travel are completed. Because of the inherent mobility of the supported forces, ADA sensor sections could travel less than 30 to 50 kilometers for a short march or over 50 kilometers for a sustained march. The distance traveled would be according to the TSOP.
ADA sensor sections should be positioned to effectively observe the NAI. The section should be within 100 meters of their primary position. Otherwise, surveillance coverage may be degraded. ADA sensor section personnel should look for positions that offer the following:
- Good access and exit routes to and from the position.
- Cover and concealment available to enhance survivability.
- Maximum surveillance coverage of assigned search sectors.
- Overlapping surveillance coverage.
- Immediate occupancy.
- Defensibility against ground attack.
- Excellent lines of communications.
The ADA sensor section must be positioned to have line of sight (LOS) along the expected air avenues of approach and the designated NAI. A view of 15 kilometers is desirable. The section chief also must consider factors affecting communications when selecting a site. The mission of the ADA sensor section is not only to detect aircraft, but more importantly, to broadcast alerting and EW information. If EW or radio contact with higher, lower, and supported unit cannot be achieved, the site should not be considered for selection.
In selecting positions for the section, the ADA sensor section chief must consider movement to other positions for survivability. The ADA sensor section's ability to accomplish rapid emplacement and march order enhances its survivability. The primary position should be the best position available for the ADA sensor section to accomplish the tactical mission. The alternate position should meet the requirements of the primary position. It is used when the primary position becomes indefensible or unsuitable for accomplishing the tactical mission. Although this position is generally close to the primary position (200 to 500 meters), it should not be so near that it is also subjected to the same conditions that rendered the primary position indefensible or unsuitable.
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