ATP-3-09-24 The Field Artillery Brigade Download
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Operations and Integrating Processes 30 March 2022 ATP 3-09.24 3-13 3-67. SEAD operations must be synchronized with elements of the FS system and with members of the joint and combined arms team to produce maximum combat power. Unity of effort is essential in this endeavor. Synchronization of FS resources requires detailed planning and coordination and precise timing. INITIATING THE SUPPRESSION OF ENEMY AIR DEFENSES PROCESS 3-68. The SEAD process starts with the Army or Air Force unit that requests air operations. First consideration is given to those suppression means organic to or available to the requesting unit. When SEAD requirements exceed the availability or capability of those means, the theater air control system or Army air- ground system structure is used to request or coordinate joint support. 3-69. SEAD is an integral part of air or aviation mission planning. SEAD requests are processed through the appropriate Army FSE channels. The FSE at each echelon is configured to plan, coordinate, and execute responsibilities inherent in SEAD operations. Requests from subordinate Army echelons are consolidated, reviewed, prioritized, and scheduled for execution by available Army assets. Targets exceeding Army capabilities are nominated and forwarded through channels to the air component commander. For example, requests to the U.S. Air Force are sent through the supporting air support operations center. Once approved, the schedule and other pertinent information are returned through the same channels to the requesting Army echelon. 3-70. The Army also responds to Air Force-generated requests for Army SEAD to support air missions in accordance with established guidelines and priorities. As with Army-initiated SEAD requests, air component requests are processed through appropriate Army channels to the supporting units. The FSO and FSE at each echelon coordinates the mission and directs the SEAD effort. The FSO and FSE also assess the effectiveness of Army SEAD to ensure that results are forwarded to the requesting command. SUPPRESSION OF ENEMY AIR DEFENSES PLANNING AND EXECUTION 3-71. The S-3 and FSO direct SEAD operations through the FAB FSE. SEAD operations require the coordination of all FS means, as well as EW capabilities. The S-2, in conjunction with the FAB's intelligence cell, gives the S-3, FSO, and FSE information on the projected enemy defense threat. The FSE integrates this data, plus airspace use information, into the SEAD plan. 3-72. SEAD is supported by the coordinated use of air and ground based acquisition platforms, which include rotary-wing and fixed-wing assets. The FAB should plan disruptive efforts to complement destructive efforts and include the full array of joint and Army EW capabilities. FAB planners must also use EW systems to degrade jammable threats and to neutralize enemy systems when destruction is not feasible. To prevent fratricide of friendly AMD radars, the FAB must provide friendly emitter and location information for inclusion in the airspace control order. 3-73. The higher or supported HQ plan and conduct localized suppression to protect aircraft that are required to penetrate the forward line of own troops. This entails the SEAD systems along the routes to (ingress) and from (egress) the attack objective as well as systems surrounding the objective when they are within range of Army attack means. A corridor may have to be established to protect helicopters participating in air assault operations. SUPPRESSION OF ENEMY AIR DEFENSES TARGETING 3-74. Targeting for SEAD is the same as for any other target set. The targeting of enemy air defense weapons is conducted within the framework of the Army targeting methodology and battle management. The product of targeting (that is, the successful conduct of SEAD) must accomplish one or all of the following: Support air or aviation assets engaged in contact with the enemy air defense threat. Fulfill some aspect of the commander's plan. Be synchronized with the air operation. Be capable of sustaining its effort.