ADP-3-19 FIRES Warfighting Function Download
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Integrate Army, Multinational, and Joint Fires 31 July 2019 ADP 3-19 3-13 maneuver echelons (corps and division), though maneuver formations are generally defended by SHORAD systems. The shorter range systems positioned in division and below formations provide defense against lower altitude, shorter range air threats, to include cruise missiles, since these are the primary and most likely aerial threats to these formations. Once units are deployed, they conduct rehearsals of AMD actions (such as crew drills) focused on their AO and defense of their designated assets. These actions, in general, have been ongoing as continuous training events prior to deployment and mission assignment, but now are conducted in coordination with the supported unit or site and other AMD elements in the area for defense of a specific asset. For example, ADA commanders and staffs may participate in maneuver units’ staff exercises and ADA crews may concentrate their training on the expected aerial threats and firing doctrine to be employed in given situations in coordination with other supported or supporting AMD forces. Rehearsing actions is a continuous process that is conducted throughout the deployment. EXECUTING AMD command and control actions are executed by Army and joint commanders. Command of ADA units is exercised by Army commanders. Control of AMD fires is exercised in accordance with the JFC’s directives or by delegated authorities. JFC directives will stipulate positive and procedural measures of control. Positive control relies on positive identification, tracking, and detection of aerial objects conducted with electronic means and is executed through specific fire control orders, such as “engage” or “hold fire”. Procedural control relies upon agreed and published orders and procedures. These include air defense warnings, ROE, published identification criteria, and weapons control status. The directives will also identify levels of control – which commander at which echelon can authorize engagements of what type threats (different levels of control may, for instance, be established for ballistic missiles and manned aircraft) – and modes of control – generally centralized at higher echelons or decentralized to lower echelons, such as ADA firing units, in accordance with the aerial situation. The JFC is the designated engagement authority in theater, though engagement authorization is typically delegated to a subordinate commander. The subordinate commander, the area air defense commander, may in turn further delegate the authority to execute engagements; further delegation is based on mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available, time available, and civil considerations. The kill chain is the successive linkages of commanders who can authorize engagements of air and missile threats. The kill chain begins with a joint authority, such as the area air defense commander, and may include ADA commanders down to battery level. The kill chain is involved in all engagement decisions whether centralized or decentralized. Engagements of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and fixed-wing aircraft are generally directed by, and under the positive control of, a joint engagement authority in the kill chain. AMD information and engagement directions are transmitted to ADA firing units by ADA fire control officers positioned with that joint authority. Engagements of shorter range, lower altitude threats, such as UAS, rotary-wing aircraft, and rockets, artillery, and mortars, are conducted procedurally, using the established ROE. Engagements of these threats are often time sensitive; there is insufficient time for further direction from higher HQ in the kill chain. Thus, engagement authority for UAS and rotary-wing aircraft generally resides with the ADA platoon leader. The base commander or ADA platoon leader authorizes engagements of rockets, artillery, and mortars through the operation center while on a base or other fixed/semi-fixed installation. ASSESSING The assessment process continuously collects and evaluates all available information on friendly and enemy forces to support decisions made by the commander. Assessments are embedded in all planning, preparing, and executing activities to ensure timely and appropriate actions consistent with current or evolving situations. ADA commanders and staffs evaluate plans and operations, modifying them as necessary; new priorities designated for defense or different levels of protection specified for assets, for example, may dictate the movement of ADA resources. Branches and sequels to evolving plans are also