Identification and Reporting
This chapter describes how identification and reporting are done in the ADA sensor platoon and section. The identification and reporting of enemy activities is extremely important to the gathering of information and intelligence. These actions are accomplished in various ways.
In the absence of radar and identification, friend or foe (IFF) devices, the ADA sensor section must be proficient in visual aircraft recognition (VACR) skills. VACR skills are outlined in FM 44-80 and the ground observer aircraft recognition (GOAR) kit. Other aids in VACR include graphic training aids (GTAs), such as GTAs 44-2-5,44-2-6,44-2-7, and 44-2-8. Additional sources include current slide photos and updated GTAs as provided by the training and audiovisual support center (TASC) office for your organization. The ADA battalion S2 maintains files for aircraft used in specific regions of the world. These files and training aids will help focus the training effort of the ADA sensor sections prior to deployment. Each ADA unit is responsible for conducting VACR training to standard. The ADA sensor section member must observe and report the types and number of aircraft found in the NAI he is assigned. This includes both friendly and enemy aircraft. His reports must be accurate so ADA fire units do not engage friendly aircraft. He must not only report the number and type of aircraft, but also the actions taken by the aircraft. For example, the sensor section will report, "Dynamite, Dynamite, three, vicinity TANGO Two (NAI), heading east, strafing and smoke" to describe three enemy aircraft at NAI TANGO Two.
Hostile criteria are those conditions under which an aircraft or vehicle may be identified as hostile for purposes of engagement. Hostile criteria consist of, but are not limited to, the following:
- Aircraft attacking friendly elements (strafing, bombing, or firing rockets).
- Aircraft discharging smoke or spray.
- Aircraft discharging parachutists in excess of the normal crew.
- Aircraft engaging in mine-laying operations.
- Aircraft making unauthorized entry into restricted areas.
- Aircraft operating at prohibited speed, altitude, or direction.
- Aircraft bearing military markings or configurations of known enemies.
- Aircraft replying with improper IFF response (possible hostile).
The following illustrations show known profiles for fixed- and rotary-wing formations and delivery methods for conventional and smart munitions. These illustrations help the sensor section member determine the action that an aircraft is conducting.
The ADA sensor section acts as the eyes and ears of the ADA S2, leaders, and fire units. The ADA sensor section has the responsibility of reporting items out of the ordinary on the ground and in the air. When reporting on troop or vehicular movements, use the standard SALUTE report. When reporting unknown aircraft, use the WEFT methods and fin flash descriptions. If new ordnance is sighted, try to provide as much detail as possible without exaggeration. Such items as the size and depth of the crater are helpful, as well as the type of launcher or platform used. Under the fully automated FAAD C3I system, tracks will be automatically sent to the A2C2 and ABMOC from the AWACS. That information is then sent to the sensor C2 nodes who in turn send it out to their customers, that is, ADA batteries in support of their respective maneuver brigades. When resorting to manual EW using MSCS, the ABMOC receives EW information from the sensor sections and the nearest HIMAD source; they correlate it then send it to the respective ADA batteries in support of the maneuver brigades. This information is broadcasted over the DEW net and command nets. The communications used are the AM and FM radios. The AM is the ADA sensor net; it is used to send EW, NAI, TAI, and AAA information to the ABMOC. The FM is the command net. This net can also be used to send directed early warning according to the established SOP and METT-T.
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