AIR
DEFENSE BOS
(Trends
are numbered sequentially for cross-reference and are not
in
any priority order.)
Needs
Emphasis
TREND
1
SUBJECT:
Air Defense States of Readiness
OBSERVATION
(Air Defense): Air defense platoons are not applying states of readiness (SOR)
into their SOPs.
DISCUSSION:
1.
Although many ADA battalions list states of readiness in their TACSOPs, platoons
are not correlating SORs to air defense warnings/local air defense warnings
(ADW/LADW). This results in unclear actions and expectations of ADA teams based
upon the level of air threat. This also impacts on the ability of the platoon
to successfully provide air defense of a TF tactical assembly area and conduct
internal pre-combat checks/pre-combat inspections (PCC/PCIs) in preparation
for future combat. 2.
Some platoons ignore their role of protecting the force on a "prep" day and
spend all their time in a platoon perimeter conducting PCC/PCIs. Other platoons
immediately deploy all their teams out at beginning morning nautical twilight
(BMNT) to overwatch positions and do not conduct necessary pre-battle preparations,
such as maintenance, orders process, and sleep plan. TECHNIQUES
AND PROCEDURES:
1.
FM
44-44, Avenger
Platoon, Section, and Squad Operations,
defines states of readiness as "the
degree of readiness of ADA fire units. The decision to select SOR is based
on intelligence, EW, and air defense warnings. Additionally, SOR are used to
ready the force in a logical way for action against the enemy while retaining
the ability to stand down units for rest or maintenance".
2.
The ADA platoon leader can apply states of readiness while the TF is in a tactical
assembly area (TAA) prepping for combat using the following TTPs:
a. The evening prior the platoon leader issues a FRAGO to send
his teams to overwatch positions (with primary target lines [PTLs] and sectors
of fire), which effectively provide air defense coverage of the TAA.
b. Prior to BMNT, all teams deploy to their selected positions,
conduct reconnaissance, selection, and occupation of position (RSOP) of their
primary and alternate firing positions, and observe their PTL. Teams should
rehearse and time their movement into position.
c. Based on air defense warnings and enemy situation, the battery
commander or platoon leader will designate an SOR (see diagram below). As the
threat of an enemy air attack increases or decreases, so does the SOR. Teams
in the platoon perimeter are always on alert, ready to deploy to their assigned
positions if necessary.
| ADW | Actions
of ADA Teams | SOR |
| "Snowman" | All
teams return to platoon perimeter in TAA | 4 |
| "Lookout" | 50%
of teams remain in position
50%
of teams return to platoon perimeter | 2
4 |
| "Dynamite" | All
teams remain in position | 1 |
d. Rotate teams every six hours or so from their overwatch
positions back to the platoon perimeter so those teams have the opportunity
to conduct PCC/PCIs, maintenance, stand down, etc. This allows all teams in
a given 12-hour period to conduct all their necessary pre-combat preparations
including incorporating a sleep plan while still maintaining continuous ADA
coverage of the TF TAA.
(TA.3.1
Process Air Targets)
TREND
2
SUBJECT:
Air Defense Coordination for a Forward Passage of Lines (FPOL)
OBSERVATION
(Air Defense): The ADA platoon leader supporting the light task force rarely
conducts necessary coordination with his counterpart supporting the heavy task
force prior to or during the FPOL.
DISCUSSION:
Often
a light infantry battalion task force (TF) is given the mission to seize and
secure a pass or choke point in order to allow a heavy force (armor, mechanized,
or cavalry unit) to pass through unimpeded by enemy and continue the attack
to a follow-on objective. Essentially, the heavy force will conduct a forward
passage of lines through the light TF. When the ADA platoon leader supporting
the light TF does not conduct necessary coordination with his counterpart supporting
the heavy TF, the two air defense platoons passing through each other have
no combined or coordinated air defense plan. TECHNIQUES
AND PROCEDURES:
1.
Refer to FM
17-95, Cavalry
Operations,
chapter 8. This chapter discusses battle handover and passage of lines but
does not provide any details or a checklist of what coordination should take
place for the air defense BOS. A technique is for the "light" air defense platoon
leader to conduct a face-to-face linkup with the "heavy" air defense platoon
leader. This can be done at a battery OPORD or at a rehearsal that all platoon
leaders usually attend. The two platoon leaders should exchange planned ADA
locations and PTLs as well as frequencies and call signs. 2.
The ADA battle handover line must be clearly established. This can be defined
as a phase line recognizable on the ground, forward of the stationary (light)
force. It is drawn where elements of the passing (heavy) unit can be effectively
overwatched by ADA fires of the stationary unit. Beyond that line the air defense
platoon in support of the heavy forces assumes coverage. 3.
Battle handover should begin with the "heavy" platoon leader establishing communications
with the "light" platoon leader who will provide updates on both friendly ADA
and enemy air situations. At a minimum, communications between the two air
defense elements should be maintained until the passing force with all ADA
attachments have cleared the battle handover line and have assumed control
of air defense coverage forward. Platoons should be prepared to assist each
other with emergency missile resupply if necessary. (TA.3.3
Integrate Air Defense Fires)
TA.2
Fire Support BOS Narrative
TA.6
Mobility/Survivability BOS Narrative
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