AATP-3-91-1 Joint Air Ground Integration Center Download
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Chapter 2 2-6 ATP 3-91.1/AFTTP 3-2.86 17 April 2019 integrate the CAS mission into division-controlled airspace. The ASOC airspace manager works with Army fires, Army airspace, and Army intelligence personnel to determine the best routing for CAS aircraft to transit to the target area. The JAGIC establishes ACMs, if required. Once CAS routing is determined, ASOC procedural controllers contact aircraft and provide a situational update and transit instructions on how to enter division-controlled airspace and transit to the target. They also provide frequencies and routing information to establish contact with the controlling JTAC. At the BCT level, the TACP works with Army fires cell and the brigade aviation element (BAE) to deconflict and integrate the CAS mission with other BCT airspace operations. BCT TACPs coordinate with the BCT ADAM/BAE to enable JAGIC implementation of airspace coordination areas. An airspace coordination area is a three-dimensional block of airspace in a target area, established by the appropriate commander, in which friendly aircraft area reasonably safe from friendly surface fires (JP 3-52). Once the controlling JTAC has established contact with the CAS aircraft, it provides final instructions and directs aircraft onto the target for execution. Once the mission is complete, the pilot provides the JTAC with physical damage assessments as time and conditions permit. The JTAC forwards this information to ASOC and division TACP personnel in JAGIC, and they forward it to the division operations and intelligence sections. As described in chapter 1, the JTAC can also hand off control of the CAS aircraft to procedural controller 2 in the ASOC. PREPLANNED AIR SUPPORT REQUESTS 2-11. The ATOM notifies the JAGIC chief of upcoming preplanned scheduled and preplanned on-call air missions tasked to support division operations. Scheduled and on-call air missions such as CAS, AI, and SCAR on the ATO are the result of approved and sourced division preplanned air support requests, the Army submitted to the BCD and which the JAOC has tasked aircraft on the ATO. IMMEDIATE AIR SUPPORT REQUESTS 2-12. The JAGIC can receive immediate air support requests from subordinate units (FSEs or TACPs). The initial step inside the JAGIC upon receiving an immediate air support request is for the targeting officer or other commander’s designated representative to approve or deny the immediate air support request and perform initial target analysis. During target analysis, ASOC personnel provide information such as current assets available (scheduled, enroute, on station, or on call), aircraft munitions, approximate on-station time, and other pertinent information that will assist in the rapid decision making process. If no air assets are currently available, ASOC personnel estimate the expected time air assets are available. The JAGIC chief determines whether to approve the use of a CAS or other air asset, or engage the target by other means, for example, surface-to-surface fires. RISK MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS FOR CLOSE AIR SUPPORT REQUESTS 2-13. To seize, retain, and exploit the initiative during large-scale combat operations, commanders will have to manage risks to security. Ground forces should expect to seize terrain in preparation for subsequent maneuvers without the resources required for persistent security against enemy forces. For these reasons, CAS is as important to large-scale combat operations as it was for security and stability. The division fight will include AI employed short of or beyond a coordinated fire line (CFL) or the FSCL. In addition to the risk management considerations listed for the fires function, below are some considerations for the JAGIC’s processing of air support requests: Combat identification. Most air support requests for CAS do not involve a preplanned target already staffed and approved during the division’s targeting cycle. To avoid risks both to friendly forces and to escalation, JAGIC members rely on the on-scene ground commander and JTAC combat identification. Receiving the commander’s intent concerning acceptable losses for unmanned systems to support responsive fires and requests for CAS or AI saves time. Synchronization. Before approving air support requests, the JAGIC must determine if adequate synchronization between the host nation, multinational forces, and ground forces was completed. Synchronization is required to managing risks related to air support. Impact on current surface-to- surface fires must also be assessed. The fidelity of the COP and reliable communications are essential.